Manu Road & Cusco Birding Tour (7 Days / 6 Nights)

Starts/Finish in Cusco City.
Minimun 04 people.
Maximun 08 people.
Rate USD 1500.00 per person.
Available on 2026: May 17^th, Jul 19^th, Aug 9^th, Sep 13^th, Sep 27^th, Oct 4^th.

Experience the ultimate birdwatching adventure in southern Peru with this 7-day expedition that blends the best of the Andes, the cloud forest, and the Amazon lowlands. Designed for passionate birders and nature lovers, this itinerary combines the legendary Manu Road, one of the richest birding routes on the planet, with the cultural and scenic highlights of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu.

From high Andean peaks at 3,600 meters to the lush rainforests at 500 meters above sea level, every hour reveals new habitats and bird species. Add to this the magic of Cusco’s Inca heritage, the majesty of Machu Picchu, and the charm of traditional Andean villages, and you have a perfect balance of nature, birds, and culture.

If you’re short on time or traveling on a budget, this 3-day Birding Manu Road tour is the perfect option. Designed for birders eager to add new species to their life list, it offers constant changes in altitude and ecosystems — meaning every hour brings the opportunity to encounter new birds.

Expect to spot more than 200 bird species, including Andean endemics and Amazon icons such as the Cock-of-the-rock, Hoatzin, and Horned Screamer — while enjoying comfortable accommodations and expert local guides who bring every landscape and species to life.

ITINERARY:

Day 1: From Cusco to Pillcopata – Crossing the Andes to the Amazon

We begin our adventure early in the morning, departing Cusco at 4:30 a.m. toward the famous Manu Road, one of the world’s premier birding routes. Our first stop will be the picturesque town of Paucartambo, where we’ll enjoy a brief break to buy snacks and water before continuing toward the Acjanaco checkpoint, marking the entrance to Manu National Park.

Throughout the day, we’ll descend from 3,600 m (11,800 ft) in the Andes through elfin and cloud forests, making multiple birding stops along the way. Each change in elevation brings new birdlife, from high Andean species to colorful tanagers, toucans, and trogons as we approach the lush lowlands.

Throughout the day, we’ll explore changing ecosystems and altitudes, from high Andean peaks at 3,600 meters (12,000 ft) down to lush tropical forests at 500 meters (1,640 ft), arriving in Pillcopata, where we’ll spend the night.

By afternoon, we’ll reach Pillcopata, a small town surrounded by tropical forest, where we’ll spend the night.

Overnight in Pillcopata town.

Day 2: Machuwasi Lagoon & Hummingbird Gardens.

At 6:00 a.m., we’ll explore Machuwasi Lagoon, a quiet Amazonian wetland and lagoon where two of the region’s most iconic species, the Hoatzin and Horned Screamer, are often seen.

We’ll then visit the Pico de Hoz Hummingbird Garden, where different ecosystems attract a dazzling variety of hummingbirds. Later, we’ll enjoy a delicious local lunch at Inkamazonia Hummingbird Garden, combining birdwatching with authentic Amazonian flavors.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue to the bamboo patches, an ideal habitat for several special Peruvian species that thrive in these ecosystems.

Overnight in Pillcopata town.

Day 3: Return to Cusco.

After breakfast, we begin our scenic drive back to Cusco. We’ll make some short birding stops along the way to enjoy the views and spot new species missed on the way down. After a stop for lunch on route, we’ll arrive in Cusco around 6:00 p.m.

Overnight in Cusco.

Day 4: Endemic Birds, Short Cooking Class & Temple of the Sun.

Our Cusco birdwatching adventure begins with an early pickup (6:00–6:30 a.m.) from your hotel. We’ll head in a private vehicle to El Balcón del Diablo, a spectacular birding site located just 20 minutes from the city, near the Sacsayhuamán archaeological complex.

Here, we’ll walk roughly two kilometers, exploring and searching for Cusco’s endemic birds and other Andean species that thrive in this highland ecosystem.

Around midday, we’ll enjoy a short Peruvian cooking class, learning the secrets behind Peru’s most beloved dishes. In the afternoon, our tour continues with a City Tour of Cusco, discovering the charming San Blas neighborhood, the Stone of the Twelve Angles, and the magnificent Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha).

Overnight in Cusco City.

Day 5: Laguna Piuray, Ensifera Camp & Sacred Valley Birding.

Our Cusco Birdwatching Tour continues with a 7:00 a.m. hotel pickup to drive toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas. On the way, we’ll make short stops to look for Andean and valley bird species in strategic viewpoints.

Next, we’ll visit Laguna Piuray, a stunning high Andean lagoon that shelters a remarkable diversity of Peruvian waterbirds and migratory species. We’ll explore its reed-fringed shores — habitat of colorful and elusive species like the Many-colored Rush Tyrant, Wren-like Rushbird, and Yellow-winged Blackbird.

At the appropriate time, we’ll continue toward one of the region’s finest restaurants, where we’ll enjoy a Peruvian buffet lunch guided by a local chef.

After lunch, we’ll visit the Ensifera Camp Hummingbird Garden, a favorite among birders, where native plants attract dazzling Andean hummingbirds, including several endemic species.

Finally, we’ll head to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll board the train bound for Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes).

Overnight in Machupicchu town.

Day 6: Ruinas Bridge & Machu Picchu Birds.

Our Machu Picchu Birdwatching Tour begins early, around 5:30 a.m., with a quiet walk to the Ruinas Bridge. Here, we’ll look for some of the most fascinating Machu Picchu birds, including tanagers, flycatchers, and woodpeckers

Among the highlights are endemic species such as the Masked Fruiteater, Green-and-White Hummingbird, and Inca Flycatcher, along with iconic Peruvian birds like the Andean Motmot, Green Jay, and Cock of the Rock.

If time permits, we’ll continue toward the Mandor Cascades, a flat trail surrounded by lush vegetation offering even more birding opportunities.

After an early lunch in Aguas Calientes (not included), we’ll take the bus up to the majestic Machu Picchu Citadel for a guided tour. Keep your eyes open for the Inca Wren, often seen among bamboo patches inside the site.

After exploring, we’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll spend the night.

Overnight in Ollantaytambo town.

Day 7: Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site & Traditional Textile Workshop.

After breakfast, we’ll have the opportunity to visit the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site (entrance fee not included). On our way back to Cusco, we’ll stop by a traditional Andean textile workshop, where local artisans keep alive the ancient weaving traditions of the Andes.

Upon arrival in Cusco, we’ll transfer to your hotel (night not included), a local restaurant, or the airport — marking the end of this unforgettable 7-day Manu & Cusco Birdwatching Tour.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT:

Explore the entire altitudinal gradient from the Andes to the Amazon.
Spot over 200 bird species, including many endemics and Amazonian iconic birds.
More than 30 species of Hummingbirds.
Andes and Rainforest endemic Peruvian birds.
Visit Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu (Peru’s cultural jewels)
Enjoy authentic Peruvian cuisine and local experiences.
Ideal for birders seeking a complete Peru birdwatching experience in just one week.