Classic Central Peru – 17 Days
Central Peru is a premier birding destination, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and endemic species. This region offers a remarkable variety of habitats, from the nutrient-rich Humboldt Current and the arid Atacama Desert along the Pacific Coast to the dry West Andean Slope, the high-altitude puna, and the lush humid forests transitioning into the Amazon lowlands. Birdwatchers can spot iconic species such as the Humboldt Penguin, Great Inca-Finch, White-cheeked Cotinga, Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, Junin Grebe, Golden-backed Mountain-Tanager, Yellow-scarfed Tanager, and Oilbird. The tour combines comfortable accommodations with well-maintained paved roads and occasional gravel routes in remote areas, ensuring a seamless blend of adventure and comfort while exploring one of the world’s most ecologically rich regions.
Classic Central Peru – 17 days
Central Peru is a premier birding destination, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and endemic species. This region offers a remarkable variety of habitats, from the nutrient-rich Humboldt Current and the arid Atacama Desert along the Pacific Coast to the dry West Andean Slope, the high-altitude puna, and the lush humid forests transitioning into the Amazon lowlands. Birdwatchers can spot iconic species such as the Humboldt Penguin, Great Inca-Finch, White-cheeked Cotinga, Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, Junin Grebe, Golden-backed Mountain-Tanager, Yellow-scarfed Tanager, and Oilbird. The tour combines comfortable accommodations with well-maintained paved roads and occasional gravel routes in remote areas, ensuring a seamless blend of adventure and comfort while exploring one of the world’s most ecologically rich regions.
Day 1: Lomas de Lachay
We begin our adventure by heading north to Lomas de Lachay, a unique and humid hillside ecosystem near the Pacific Ocean. This special habitat is home to several endemic species, including the Coastal Miner, Cactus Canastero, Raimondi’s Yellow-Finch, and Thick-billed Miner. We’ll also encounter widespread species such as the Least Seedsnipe, Grassland Yellow-Finch, Peruvian Meadowlark, and Andean Tinamou. Later, we’ll visit coastal marsh areas to spot the Peruvian Tern, Gray-hooded Gull, Many-colored Rush-Tyrant, and Wren-like Rushbird. If time permits, we’ll explore the base of the mountains for additional birding opportunities.
Overnight: Santa Eulalia (B:L:D)
Day 2: Santa Eulalia Valley
he breathtaking Santa Eulalia Valley sets the stage for tracking rare endemic birds. Our primary targets include the Rufous-breasted Warbling-Finch and Great Inca-Finch, alongside other gems like the Bronze-tailed Comet, Black Metaltail, Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail, and Black-necked Woodpecker. Common species such as Canyon Canastero, Giant Hummingbird, Peruvian Sheartail, White-capped Dipper, White-winged Cinclodes, and Torrent Duck may also appear. Keep an eye out for the majestic Andean Condor soaring overhead. As dusk falls, we’ll listen for the calls of the Peruvian Pygmy-Owl.
Overnight: Santa Eulalia (B:L:D)
Day 3: Milloc – Marcapomacochas
This is one of the most thrilling birding days in Peru, despite the high elevation limiting species diversity. We’ll start in a Polylepis forest searching for the rare White-cheeked Cotinga, alongside the Stripe-headed Antpitta and Striated Earthcreeper. Moving through the Milloc Valley, we’ll target Black Siskin, Bright-rumped Yellow-Finch, Black-breasted Hillstar, and various canasteros and ground-tyrants. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Marcapomacochas, hoping to spot the Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, White-bellied Cinclodes, and Olivaceous Thornbill. The day ends with a return to paved roads after an exhilarating day of birding.
Overnight: La Oroya (B:L:D)
Day 4: Junin Lake – Huanuco
Our morning focuses on finding the critically endangered Junin Grebe at Lake Junin, where we’ll take a motorboat for optimal viewing. Other highlights include Plumbeous Rail, Puna Plover, White-tufted Grebe, Yellow-billed Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, and Chilean Flamingo. In the afternoon, we’ll drive toward Huanuco, stopping for endemics like Black-crested Tit-Tyrant, Giant Conebill, Thick-billed Siskin, Brown-flanked Tanager, and Baron’s Spinetail.
Overnight: A beautiful lodge outside Huanuco (B:L:D)
Day 5-6: Bosque Unchog
We’ll spend two full days exploring Bosque Unchog, a key site for Peru’s most sought-after birds. The “Big Four” here—Golden-backed Mountain-Tanager, Rufous-browed Hemispingus, Bay-vented Cotinga, and Pardusco—are among the country’s rarest species. Other targets include Golden-collared Tanager, Coppery Metaltail, Tschudi’s Tapaculo, Large-footed Tapaculo, Line-fronted Canastero, Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant, Ochraceous-breasted Flycatcher, and the endemic Neblina Tapaculo.
Overnight: A beautiful lodge outside Huanuco (B:L:D)
Day 7: Paty Trail – Tingo Maria
We’ll spend the day at the Paty Trail, a renowned birding site despite habitat degradation. Targets include the Peruvian Tyrannulet, Rufous-vented Tapaculo, and Bay Antpitta, alongside mixed flocks of tanagers, flycatchers, and furnariids. In the afternoon, we’ll descend to Tingo Maria, with a chance to spot the Band-bellied Owl at dusk.
Overnight: Tingo Maria (B:L:D)
Day 8: Tingo Maria – Oilbird Cave
East of Tingo Maria, we’ll explore remnant forest patches for species like Rufous-crested Tanager, Orange-eared Tanager, Golden-naped Tanager, and the endemic Masked Fruiteater. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Tingo Maria National Park for the Black-bellied Tanager, Spot-winged Antbird, and Fiery-capped Manakin, followed by a visit to the spectacular Oilbird Cave.
Overnight: Tingo Maria (B:L:D)
Day 9: Carpish Tunnel
Returning to higher elevations, we’ll search for the Yellow-scarfed Tanager, Unstreaked Tit-Tyrant, Peruvian Wren, Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Barred Fruiteater, Rufous-headed Pygmy-Tyrant, and Chestnut Antpitta.
Overnight: Huanuco (B:L:D)
Day 10: Huanuco – Oxapampa
A travel day with birding stops for species like the Rufous-backed Inca-Finch. We’ll settle in Oxapampa, with a chance to spot the Cloud-forest Screech-Owl at night.
Overnight: Oxapampa (B:L:D)
Day 11: Oxapampa – Bosque Shollet
We’ll explore the area for endemics like Masked Fruiteater, Unstreaked Tit-Tyrant, Peruvian Wren, and Yellow-scarfed Tanager. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Bosque Shollet for Black-winged Parrot, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, and Bay Antpitta.
Overnight: Oxapampa (B:L:D)
Day 12: Villa Rica – Coffee Plantation
We’ll bird shade coffee plantations for Creamy-bellied Antwren, Foothill Elaenia, White-bellied Pygmy-Tyrant, and Versicolored Barbet, followed by marshland species like the Subtropical Doradito and Masked Duck.
Overnight: Villa Rica (B:L:D)
Day 13: Villa Rica – Satipo
We’ll bird our way to Satipo, targeting species like Masked Saltator and Andean Tyrant.
Overnight: Satipo (B:L:D)
Day 14: Satipo Road
This area, reminiscent of the Manu Road, offers species like Paradise Tanager, Golden Tanager, Ocellated Piculet, and Lanceolated Monklet. We’ll focus on higher elevations for Bay Antpitta and Eyering Thistletail.
Overnight: Apalla Calabaza (B:L:D)
Day 15: Satipo Road to Acobamba
We’ll search for Junin Tapaculo, Eyering Thistletail, and the undescribed Millpo Tapaculo, followed by a chance to spot the Mantaro Thornbird and Mantaro Spinetail.
Night: Acobamba. Meals: B:L:D
Day 16: Mantaro Valley – La Oroya
We’ll bird around Acobamba for the Black-goggled Brush-Finch and Mantaro Wren, followed by a drive to La Oroya.
Overnight: La Oroya (B:L:D)
Day 17: Return to Lima
We’ll drive back to Lima, with final birding stops for species like Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe and Black Metaltail. The trip concludes with a transfer to the airport or your hotel.
(B:L)
Luggage Recommendations:
This tour does not include domestic flights, but for your reference, domestic flights in Peru typically allow 23 kg (50.7 lbs) for checked luggage and 8 kg (17.6 lbs) for hand luggage. Please avoid overpacking, as any additional baggage fees will be your responsibility.
Clothing:
Lightweight and Comfortable Attire: Pack standard field pants and shirts suitable for outdoor activities. These will be ideal for most days.
Warm Layers: Bring a fleece or light jacket, gloves, and a warm hat for colder locations such as Marcapomacochas and Bosque Unchog. While no specialized clothing is required, those who feel the cold more easily may want to include extra layers.
Rain Gear: An umbrella and a rain poncho are essential, as weather conditions can vary.
Footwear: Rubber boots or gumboots are highly recommended, especially for Bosque Unchog, where trails can be muddy. Shower thongs or rubber flip-flops are also useful for convenience.
Additional Essentials
- Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunblock and a hat or cap to shield yourself from the sun during daytime excursions.
- Lighting: A small flashlight will be handy for owling activities. Your guide will provide a strong owling light, but having your own is always useful.
- Laundry Services: Laundry facilities are available in Huanuco and Oxapampa, allowing you to pack lighter if needed.
A Note on Camouflage Clothing
While camouflaged clothing is acceptable, we kindly ask that you avoid military-style attire to ensure a respectful and non-intrusive presence in natural habitats.
By packing smartly and following these recommendations, you’ll be well-prepared to fully enjoy the incredible birding experiences and breathtaking landscapes that Peru has to offer. Safe travels and happy birding!
Recommendation:
- Binoculars.
- Extra Batteries.
- Camera (Optional).
- Telescope (Optional).
General:
- Our birding excursions will primarily take place along forested roads and designated trails, with a difficulty level ranging from easy to moderate.
- Throughout the journey, we will travel between 0 and 4,700 meters above sea level (15,419.95 feet), with most activities occurring between 1,000 and 3,200 meters.
- Expect diverse weather conditions; however, no specialized clothing is required.
- All our accommodations provide electricity, with 220V power outlets available in every room.
- We recommend bringing extra batteries, as power outages may occasionally occur in remote locations such as Satipo and Oxapampa.
Medical and Health Information:
- Arrival in Lima: Since Lima is at sea level, there are no altitude concerns upon arrival. However, as we gradually ascend into the Andes, we will reach a maximum elevation of 4,700 meters (15,419 feet) during the tour. Most of our birding will take place along roadsides, requiring minimal physical exertion.
- Altitude Adjustment: The body’s response to high elevation varies from person to person. Some travelers may experience no symptoms at all, while others might feel mild discomfort, and a few may face greater difficulty. We will have oxygen available as a precaution.
- Common Altitude Effects: It’s normal to feel shortness of breath during the first two to three days. Other mild symptoms may include headaches, nausea, or fatigue. Your body will naturally acclimate by increasing red blood cell production, which is why staying well-hydrated is essential, as thicker blood requires more fluid intake.
Hydration & Nutrition Tips:
- Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, which can worsen altitude symptoms.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they contribute to dehydration.
- Refrain from overeating on the first day to help your body adjust more comfortably.
- Gradual Acclimatization: Our itinerary is designed to gradually adjust to different elevations as we move through diverse habitats. By the time we reach the high-altitude Puna region, most travelers should be acclimated.
- Safety First: Your health and well-being are our top priority. We will take a slow pace, allowing everyone to enjoy the experience without overexertion. I will conduct regular check-ins to ensure everyone is feeling well. If any participant experiences severe discomfort, our driver will be available to quickly transport them to a lower altitude.
- Altitude Sickness Medication: If you are concerned about altitude sickness, consult your doctor regarding preventive medication. For minor altitude-related headaches, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve) can be helpful.
Travel insurance
Our suggestion is that you use travel insurance service. The normal price of this tour not cover travel insurance.
Books:
- Birds of Peru is the best field Guide.
- If you consider you can bring some other field guide are welcome.
Prices Include:
- Private transportation throughout the entire journey.
- Comfortable accommodations for the duration of the tour (Lima to Lima).
- Three meals per day, including breakfast, lunch (picnic or boxed lunch depending on location), and dinner. Snacks and water will be available at all times.
- Expert birding guide specializing in local avifauna.
- Personalized bird checklist for each participant.
Entrance fees to all designated birding locations. - Convenient transfers within Lima.
- A fully inclusive, private tour designed for a seamless and immersive birding experience.
- Oxygen bottle available for high-altitude locations.
Not included:
- Laundry services, phone calls, medical expenses, hospitalization, or any other personal health-related costs.
- Excess baggage fees beyond the airline’s standard allowance.
- Travel insurance or any other personal coverage.
- Additional personal expenses not specified in the itinerary.
What I (guide) will have with me:
- Recording stuff Roland R-05/Microphone SENNHEISER ME66/K6.
- Two iPods- speakers.
- A Swarovski ATX 80 scope 20-60 zoom
- Green laser pointer
- Owling light.
- GPS.
- Personal Swarovski Binoculars.
- I will be carrying the new field guide Birds of Peru this can be found on www.amazon.com.
Should this itinerary not fully align with your preferences
Dates don’t work for you?
Prefer a shorter or longer trip?
Looking for a specific destination or species?
Inclusion of places you’d rather not visit again, or if it doesn’t feature a destination or species you’re particularly interested in,
No worries! We want your experience to be perfect for you. Let us know what adjustments you need, and we’ll design a 100% tailor-made itinerary just for you.
