Birding Tour 7 Days 6 Nights
The Andes: Highlands and the Pacific Slope
The complex topography of Peru's northern Andes enables
a stunningly high level of biodiversity, with nearly
1400 bird species found in the area between the Pacific
coast and the Amazon rain forest.
137 of the avian species found here are endemic to only
this area, including some of the most endangered and
range-localized birds in the tropical world.
Birding in northern Peru means encountering many
endemic, specialized species, as well as numerous
examples of exotic birds with a wider distribution, and
some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.
Northern Peru is well known for its archeological
tourism, so certain roads and accommodations along the
most traveled routes are quite well developed. Since
the region is a relatively new destination for birders,
some isolated areas apt for birding don't offer as high
a level of accommodation. Occasionally, birders on our
tours will spend the night in basic but comfortable
hostels or lodges, equipped with all the necessities.
The Birding country
The "Birding Country" is an exclusive birding program,
both for experienced and less experienced birdwatchers,
who have high expectations in terms of a great diversity
of birds, higher end hotels, quality and selection of
food, and comfortable vehicles.
Tour groups will spend their nights in the best hotels
or lodges available, from which daytime activities will
be organized.
The tour's pace is relatively slow, so participants can
take adequate time to enjoy the birds, and have ample
time for photography. This tour does not include any
long or strenuous hiking requirements, so it is suitable
for those who prefer a more leisurely approach or have
health restrictions.
Since Peru is justifiably well known for its historical
importance, this tour combines birding with history and
archeology, including visits to the most important
archeological sites and museums in northern Peru. Upon
request, we will be happy to contact the directors of
the various archeological complexes we'll be visiting to
personally guide our groups at their sites.
The "Birding Country" is available in two distinct
options, and customized versions are also available:
Early flight from Lima to Cajamarca. Transfer to your
hotel in Cajamarca. After breakfast we'll spend the
morning birdwatching near the hotel, followed by a city
tour of Cajamarca. This slow paced day will help you
acclimatize to Cajamarca's altitude (8,860 feet).
After lunch in a
tourist-class restaurant in Cajamarca, we'll travel an
hour and a half to San Marcos, a reliable place for
viewing the Great Spinetail, along with other species
adapted to xerophytic vegetation. Late afternoon return
to our hotel in Cajamarca. (B, L).
Day 02. OTUZCO
An early visit to the
Chonta River valley to look for the Grey-bellied Comet,
Andean Hillstar, White-winged Cinclodes, and 40 other
species, including 7 endemic to Peru. Breakfast on the
road. Lunch in the Hotel San Antonio, including a show
featuring Peruvian Stepping Horses and the
Spanish-inspired Marinera dance. In the afternoon we'll
visit the archeological site at Otuzco, only a few miles
from Cajamarca.
(B, L).
Day 03. CAJAMARCA
Morning departure
travelling along the road to Celendin. A full day spent
looking for Andean birds like the White-tailed
Shrike-Tyrant, Cajamarca Rufous Antpitta and
Stripe-backed Canastero. Another 60 species are
possible. Afternoon return to the hotel in Cajamarca.
(B, L).
Day 04. CHAPARRI LODGE
An early departure for the
trip to the Chaparri Lodge. This trip includes a descent
from almost 9,800 feet down to sea level. The steep
altitudinal gradient of this drop implies a great
diversity of habitat and thus birds, so we'll be birding
along the road during the entire trip. Night in Chaparri
Lodge. (B, L, D.)
Day 05. CHAPARRI LODGE
In and around the Chaparri
lodge, which is a private reserve managed by a local
community. This is the best place for endemics of the
Tumbes region such as the Tumbes Tyrant, White-winged
Guan, and 200 other species in total. Night in Chaparri
Lodge. (B, L, D.)
Day 06. CHICLAYO
Birding around the Chaparri lodge in the morning. After
lunch we'll depart for our hotel in Chiclayo, with
birding along the road.(B,
L.)
Day 07. CHICLAYO/LIMA
Chiclayo. A morning visit
to the Valley of the Pyramids in Tucume, an
archeological area near Chiclayo. Lunch in a
tourist-class restaurant in Chiclayo, followed by an
afternoon visit to the Royal Tumbs of Sipan Museum in
Lambayeque. Night flight to Lima. (B, L).
