Molino Viejo: Purple-backed Sunbeam - 3 Days
Hummingbirds are truly fascinating creatures found exclusively in the Americas, and Peru is home to 127 species, including several remarkable Peruvian endemics. Among them are the Giant Hummingbird, the largest of its kind, the spectacular and uniquely adorned Marvelous Spatuletail, and the rare, range-restricted Purple-backed Sunbeam. We are the only tour company offering the opportunity to visit its natural habitat in Molino Viejo, a remote and isolated area where not only the Purple-backed Sunbeam can be observed, but also a variety of Peruvian endemic species, such as the Rufous-eared Brushfinch, Baron’s Spinetail, Plain-tailed Warbling-Finch, Unicolored Tapaculo, Striated Earthcreeper, White-cheeked Cotinga, and Ancash Tapaculo. Fortunately, our standard tour includes this unique location, and for those seeking an extended experience, our Spectacular Northern Peru Birding Tour conveniently ends in Trujillo, making it the perfect gateway to this extraordinary birding adventure.
Day 1: Trujillo – Sinsicap – Huamachuco
Departing from Trujillo, we embark on a scenic drive to Sinsicap, where we will spend the morning birding along the western slopes of the Andes. This area is home to several Peruvian endemic species, including the Rusty-bellied Spinetail, Piura Chat-Tyrant, Black-necked Woodpecker, and Unicolored Tapaculo. After a picnic lunch, we continue our journey with a long drive towards Huamachuco, where we will spend the night.
Overnight: Huamachuco (B:L:D)
Day 2: Molino Viejo – The Search for the Purple-backed Sunbeam
This is the most anticipated day of our tour! We leave early in the morning for Molino Viejo, an isolated region in the upper Marañón Valley known as the primary habitat of the rare and endemic Purple-backed Sunbeam. We will spend most of the day birding, searching for numerous Peruvian endemic species, including the Rufous-eared Brushfinch, Baron’s Spinetail, Plain-tailed Warbling-Finch, Unicolored Tapaculo, Striated Earthcreeper, White-cheeked Cotinga, Ancash Tapaculo, Black-crested Warbler, Green-headed Hillstar, Red-crested Cotinga, Many-striped Canastero, Slender-billed Miner, and many others. Depending on road conditions and timing, we will either return to Huamachuco or stay overnight near Molino Viejo.
Overnight: Huamachuco (B:L:D)
Day 3: Return to Trujillo – Andean & Coastal Birding
We begin our journey back to Trujillo, crossing the high Andean landscapes, where we have the chance to spot Variable Hawk, Aplomado Falcon, Black Siskin, Streak-throated Canastero, Andean Negrito, Cream-winged Cinclodes, Bright-rumped Yellow-Finch, Puna Ibis, Yellow-billed Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, Cinnamon Teal, Puna Teal, and Silvery Grebe. If time permits and depending on our domestic flight schedule to Lima, we will also explore areas near the coast in search of additional Peruvian endemics, such as the Cactus Canastero, Coastal Miner, Cinereous Finch, and Great Inca-Finch. The tour concludes at Trujillo Airport.
(B:L:D)
- Luggage Allowance: For domestic flights, the checked baggage limit is 23 kg (50.7 lbs.), and the carry-on allowance is 8 kg (17.6 lbs.). Any additional baggage costs will be your responsibility.
- Day 2 Essentials: Please pack all necessary items for Day 2 in your carry-on backpack to ensure convenience during the trip.
- Clothing: Lightweight, comfortable clothing is recommended, including field pants and breathable shirts. A light jacket will be sufficient for colder areas.
- Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, a hat, or a cap to protect yourself from sun exposure.
- Rain Protection: Weather conditions can change unexpectedly, so we recommend bringing a rain poncho or a small umbrella.
- Camouflage Clothing: Wearing camouflaged attire is acceptable, but please avoid military-style clothing.
- Footwear: Shower thongs or rubber flip-flops will be useful, especially in wet areas.
Recommendation:
- Binoculars.
- Extra Batteries.
- Camera.
General:
- Birding Terrain & Difficulty: Birding will take place primarily along roads and some trails, with a difficulty level ranging from easy to moderate.
- Altitude Range: We will be traveling between 0 – 3,500 meters above sea level (0 – 11,482 ft.), with most of the birding occurring around 2,400 meters (7,874 ft.).
- Weather Conditions: Expect a variety of weather conditions throughout the trip; however, no specialized clothing is required.
- Electricity & Power Supply: All accommodations provide 220V power outlets in each room, ensuring access to electricity at all times.
- Internet Access: Wi-Fi service is available in your hotel for your convenience.
Medical and Health Information:
- Trujillo is at sea level. If you haven’t been to Cusco yet, the highest point on this tour is 3,500m (11,482 ft.), which is usually not high enough to cause serious problems.
- Adjusting to altitude varies by person—some feel no effects, while others may experience shortness of breath, nausea, headaches, or fatigue.
- Your body will acclimatize by producing more red blood cells; stay well-hydrated and avoid overexertion (our travel at high altitude is mostly by car).
- Coca tea is helpful. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and overeating on the first day.
- Your safety is our priority. We will monitor everyone’s well-being and can visit a hospital or pharmacy if needed.
- Altitude sickness medication is available—check with your doctor. For headaches, use Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve as needed.
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 tour (Trujillo/Trujillo).
- Accommodation for the duration of the tour.
- Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch/picnic/box lunch depending on location, and dinner), plus snacks and unlimited drinking water.
- Expert birding guide specialized in the region.
- Refillable water bottle provided.
- Personalized bird checklist for each participant.
- Entrance fees to all designated birding locations.
- Comprehensive full-board service in a private tour setting.
Not included:
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, medical costs, hospitalization, excess baggage fees, or travel insurance.
- Domestic flights (not included, but we can assist with booking if needed).
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.
