Birding Manu & Machu Picchu – Manu Birding Lodge

Day 0: Arrival

• Depending on arrival time in Lima, transfer to the hotel in Lima or connect to Cusco.

Day 1: Lima – Cusco – Aguas Calientes Town – Machupicchu

• Morning flight to Cusco or direct departure to Huacarpay Lakes for birding if arriving later.
• Transfer to Ollantaytambo town, evening train to Aguas Calientes.
• Birding at Huacarpay Lakes for Andean waterfowl and highland passerines.
• Night in Aguas Calientes.

Day 2: Machupicchu to Cusco

• Early morning birding and visit to Machu Picchu, exploring forest patches along the river valley.
• Afternoon birding at the botanic garden.
• Species include Inca Wren, Mitred Parakeet, White-tipped Swift, and various tanagers.
• Return to Cusco in the late afternoon.

Day 3: Cusco to Wayqecha Biological Station (2950m)

• Early departure for intermontane valleys, targeting Creamy-crested Spinetail and Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch.
• Altitudinal transect birding with species like Mountain Caracara, Shining Sunbeam, and Bar-winged Cinclodes.
• Night at Wayqecha Biological Station.

Day 4: Wayqecha Biological Station to Cock-of-the-rock Lodge

• Birding for Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Blue-banded Toucanet, and various hummingbirds.
• Targeting Montane Woodcreeper, Marcapata Spinetail, and other mixed flock species.
• Night at Cock-of-the-rock Lodge.

Day 5: Cock of the Rock Lodge (Lower Manu cloud forest 1400m)

• Visit the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek and explore subtropical and lower temperate life zones.
• Species include Golden-headed Quetzal, Violet-fronted Brilliant, and many tanagers.
• Night at Cock-of-the-rock Lodge.

Day 6: Lower Manu road to Amazonia Lodge

• Descend further down the Manu road, targeting Crimson-mantled Woodpecker and Blue-banded Toucanet.
• Search for Andean Guan, Speckle-faced and Scaly-naped Parrots.
• Night at Amazonia Lodge.

Day 7: Amazonia Lodge 500m (1,750 feet)

• Birding in varied habitats, searching for Blue-headed Macaw, Rufous-crested Coquette, and others.
• Explore the lodge surroundings with the possibility of observing Giant Otters.
• Night at Amazonia Lodge.

Day 8: Parrot Clay Lick to Hummingbird Lodge

• Early visit to the Parrot Clay Lick for Red-and-green Macaws and Orange-cheeked Parrot.
• Travel downstream to Hummingbird Lodge, birding for riverside species.
• Night at Hummingbird Lodge.

Day 9: Hummingbird Lodge to Amazon Wildlife Center

• Final birding at Hummingbird Lodge.
• Drive downstream and board a boat to Amazon Wildlife Center.
• Night at Amazon Wildlife Center.

Day 10: Macaw Clay Lick & AWC Trails

• Morning visit to the Macaw Clay Lick for a spectacular display of parrots and macaws.
• Birding along the lodge’s trail systems, targeting Rufous-fronted Antthrush and other forest species.
• Night at Amazon Wildlife Center.

Day 11: Blanco Oxbow Lake & Tapir Clay Lick

• Explore Blanco Oxbow Lake for lakeside birds and possible Giant Otters.
• Visit the Tapir Clay Lick for mammal and bird species.
• Night at Amazon Wildlife Center.

Day 12: Amazon Wildlife Center & Manakin Leks

• Bird the extensive trail systems, searching for diverse forest species.
• Look for endemic species like Bartlett’s Tinamou and Ochre-bellied Flycatcher.
• Optional visit to the large mammal Clay Lick.
• Night birding for owls and nightjars.
• Night at Amazon Wildlife Center.

Day 13: Canopy Tower to Puerto Maldonado City

• Early visit to the canopy tower for canopy species.
• Travel down the Madre de Dios River, birding for riverside and raptor species.
• Bus ride to Puerto Maldonado, birding along the way.
• Night in Puerto Maldonado.

Day 14: Puerto Maldonado to Lima

• Morning birding near the airport and road to Cusco for additional species.
• Midday flight via Cusco to Lima.
• End of the tour in Lima.

Day 15: Flight home

• Departure from Lima.

Trip Considerations

1. Weather Considerations:
   • Be prepared for the possibility of the “Friaje,” a strong cold front bringing cool weather and rain, especially in the jungle areas.
2. Difficulty:
   • Moderate difficulty level with some long journeys and early starts.
   • Walking is generally easy, but there may be optional hikes, and the walk up to Polylepis is optional.
3. Accommodation:
   • Jungle lodges are comfortable but simple, some without full-time electricity.
   • Hotels in Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, and Puerto Maldonado are of Amazon Birding Standard.
   • Accommodation in Lima varies based on flight schedules.
4. Bird Photography:
   • Opportunities for bird photography are worthwhile.
   • Bring necessary equipment, including binoculars and photo gear.
5. Linkable Amazon Birding:
   • The trip includes birding in both Central and Northern Peru.
6. What to Bring:
   • Essentials:
     • Binoculars and photo equipment.
     • Spotting scope (if available).
     • Flashlight for night birding.
     • Sunscreen and insect repellent.
   • Clothing:
     • T-shirts and a long-sleeved shirt.
     • Comfortable pants (jeans or quick-drying nylon).
     • Cotton socks.
     • Sweater, jacket, or fleece for night birding.
     • Light jacket, water-resistant, or poncho.
     • Hiking boots or sturdy shoes.
     • Sandals for after hours.
     • Hat and sunglasses.
   • Additional Items:
     • Plastic bags for camera, clothes, etc.
     • Personal toiletries (shampoo, towel, etc).
     • In the rainy season, umbrella and rubber boots are provided for rainy days.

Note: The list provided is comprehensive and covers various needs during the trip. Adjustments can be made based on personal preferences and specific travel dates.