machu-picchu

We leave Cusco in our private vehicle, stopping first at the Huacarpay wetlands to observe specialized high-Andean waterfowl, Plumbeous Rails, and the endemic Bearded Mountaineer hummingbird. Crossing Cuyuni pass, we descend into the cloud forests, arriving at Kuporo Lodge for evening birding around hummingbird feeders and dinner.

Early morning excursion to an active lek of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruvianus), Peru's national bird. Afternoon hiking along the pristine moss-draped trails of Soqtapata Conservation Concession in search of Black Tinamou, Versicolored Barbet, and mixed canopy tanager flocks.

Birding along the mountain road corridors where bamboo thickets shelter rare hummingbirds, Torrent Ducks in fast-flowing streams, and highland toucanets. We continue our gradual descent down the Marcapata canyon towards the foothill rainforest of Huadyumbre.

Full day exploring riverine habitats along the Araza river. We look for Amazonian Kingfishers, Sunbitterns, Fasciated Tiger-Herons, and lowland tanagers. Evening nocturnal walk to spot tree frogs, tarantulas, and night monkeys.

We transfer from road to river travel at the Tambopata port, boarding our covered motorized canoe down the Tambopata River to Sachavacayoc Lodge. Check into private screened bungalows deep inside primary rainforest. Twilight riverboat safari to spot black caimans and capybaras.

Pre-dawn boat to Collpa Chuncho, watching hundreds of Red-and-Green, Scarlet, and Blue-and-Gold Macaws assemble on the mineral-rich clay cliffs at sunrise. In the afternoon, we paddle across Lake Tres Chimbadas on a silent catamaran to observe resident Giant River Otters and prehistoric Hoatzin birds.

Ascend the 30-meter canopy tower for eye-level views of toucans, cotingas, and canopy flocks in the morning light. Afternoon trek along the Condenado trail through ancient Brazil nut tree groves with medicinal plant insights.

Final morning bird chorus over breakfast. We take our riverboat back to Puerto Maldonado and transfer directly to the airport (PEM) for your flight to Lima or onward connection.