How to Involve Your Family in Birdwatching in Peru
Birdwatching is much more than a hobby; for many of us, it becomes a way of life. Over the years, I have traveled across Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Uruguay, Panama, Costa Rica, and even different states in the United States in search of birds. But perhaps the most valuable part of this journey has not been only the species I’ve added to my life list—it’s the people I’ve met along the way.
Some birdwatchers go out alone, others always in groups, and sometimes I’ve seen couples or even entire families birding together.
In my own case, I’ve experienced birdwatching in many different ways: alone, with fellow birders, and often with my family. My daughter, for example, started birding with me as soon as she could walk safely in the field. Today, at just ten years old, she already knows the scientific names of some species, recognizes others in English, identifies bird calls, and even whistles and imitates certain species. It is incredible to see how this passion has naturally become part of her life.
But involving my wife was not as simple. At first, I made the classic mistake: I took her birding for more than six hours, filled with my excitement, and unfortunately overwhelmed her. She got tired, confused by so many species, and I think she even dreamed about birds that night! I realized then that birdwatching is part of me, but it had to become her experience too, not just mine.
The second time, I changed the strategy. I took Cristina to a place with many birds, but I focused her attention only 2 hours on just 20 species: the most colorful ones, the ones with peculiar behavior and of course, the favorites of every birdwatcher—hummingbirds. Instead of spending the entire day, we wrapped up in about an hour and a half, followed by a relaxed breakfast. I explained each bird calmly, without rushing to see “more and more.” That day wasn’t my birding—it was Cristina’s birding.
The result? She wanted more. Instead of being frustrated or overwhelmed, she left with clear images and beautiful memories. Since then, we’ve shared “light birding trips” together, where she enjoys observing some species without pressure, and I make sure it stays fun and balanced.
This experience taught me something very important: to involve your family in birdwatching, you must think beyond yourself. It’s about creating balance, mixing birdwatching with local culture, gastronomy, and relaxation. That way, your family won’t feel excluded or overloaded—they’ll feel part of the adventure.
Peru is one of the best countries in the world to live this balance. With more than 1,900 bird species (including 120 endemics and over 120 species of hummingbirds), plus world-class destinations like Lake Titicaca, the Nazca Lines, and Machu Picchu, Peru offers the perfect mix for birders traveling with family. Here, you can enjoy birdwatching tours in Cusco or the Sacred Valley in the morning, and then share cultural visits, food experiences, or simply quality time with your loved ones in the afternoon.
In fact, combining gastronomy with birdwatching is something that connects deeply with me. Besides being a professional birding guide, I also studied culinary arts and 14 years ago I created Marcelo Batata Cooking Class in Cusco—the most reputable cooking class in all Peru for international travelers. This dual background allows me to design unique itineraries that combine birdwatching, gastronomy, and cultural experiences. Imagine a day where you observe hummingbirds in the morning, taste local cuisine during a hands-on cooking class at noon, and explore the streets of Cusco in the afternoon with your family.
And if you are wondering where to start, one of the best Cusco Birdwatching tours to introduce or connect your family with birdwatching is our Sacred Valley Birdwatching Tour. This experience is light, not overwhelming, and perfect for travelers of all ages. Everyone loves hummingbirds, and the Sacred Valley offers the chance to see these fascinating birds in their natural habitat while surrounded by stunning landscapes and Inca history. It’s the perfect balance of nature, culture, and fun—an unforgettable way to begin a family journey into the world of birdwatching in Peru.
Check a little about this paradise in this episode: