Huacarpay Wetlands – Cusco, Perú
One of the best birdwatching experiences in Cusco
The lagoons and wetlands of Lucre and Huacarpay are a set of water mirrors nestled in the southern Peruvian Andes.
This Ramsar wetland is a resting place for many migratory birds, as well as home to Cusco resident birds and even Peru endemic birds, such as the Rusty-fronted Canastero and the Bearded Mountaineer Hummingbird, making it one of the best birdwatching experiences in Cusco.
The vast area of the Huacarpay Wetlands offers diverse habitats and environments that allow for the presence of over a hundred species of Peruvian birds, providing visitors with one of the best birdwatching experiences in Cusco.
From November to March, during the boreal migration, visitors to the Huacarpay Wetlands can see birds such as the Spotted Sandpiper, Baird’s Sandpiper, Wilson’s Phalarope, Solitary Sandpiper, and more. And from February to April, when everything is covered with flowers, the activity of Cusco hummingbirds is incredible, making this season one of the best birdwatching experiences in Cusco.
The accessibility and proximity of the Huacarpay Wetlands is another key feature, as these wetlands are located just 30 kilometers from the city of Cusco, on the route leading to Lake Titicaca.
Around three hours may be enough to visit the various areas of interest in this Cusco birdwatching destination, but without a doubt, it’s a place where you could spend the entire day. Beyond its significance for birdlife, this wetland area was also the residence of the pre-Inca Wari culture, whose incredible constructions still surround the Huacarpay Wetlands.
Remember that Peru is the best destination for birdwatching!
For those dreaming of exploring the Huacarpay Wetlands with a specialized guide, we offer details about our Cusco birdwatching tour, one of the best birdwatching experiences in Cusco, promising unforgettable moments in the company of these fascinating winged creatures: