Here you’ll find our guide to the top destinations for birdwatching in Peru. Read on to learn more about the amazing natural areas and unique bird species you can discover in this beautiful country.
Peru is home to the second-highest number of bird species of any nation in the world, trailing only its neighbor Colombia. The country’s topography varies from dry coastal desert to high altitude mountain ranges and dense lowland jungle, hosting every possible climate zone and allowing an extraordinary level of biodiversity to develop within its borders. Peru is a true paradise for bird watchers, with abundant opportunities to be had in every region. You’re certain to find the perfect place to visit, regardless of your unique area of interest. Discover the top destinations for birdwatching in Peru below:
Birdwatching at Manu National Park
This conservation area in southern Peru is one of the largest and most well-protected areas of pristine rainforest in the entire Amazon River basin. The park is home to extraordinary levels of biodiversity, including over 1,000 different recorded species of birds, a figure which represents 10% of all bird types found on Earth. Manu National Park is a true paradise for nature lovers of all types, and birdwatchers in particular will find endless opportunities here.
Bird species you can spot: Red and Green Macaws, Cocks-of-the-Rock, Crimson-mantled Woodpeckers, Inca Flycatchers, Black-billed Treehunters, Golden-headed Quetzals, Amazonian Umbrellabirds, Deep-blue Flower-piercers, and many, many more.
Birdwatching at Abra Malaga
The high mountain pass of Abra Malaga is the perfect spot to observe native Andean wildlife, including many unique species of birds. Its proximity to the jungle and nearby river valleys also makes it easy to spot species from several varied climate zones. Located in the Cusco region near the living Inca village of Ollantaytambo, a birdwatching expedition here is easily combined with tours of the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu, making Abra Malaga an ideal destination for those looking to pack a lot of destinations into their trip.
Bird species you can spot: Inca wrens, Cuzco Brush Finches, Bearded Mountaineers, White Tufted Sunbeams, Creamy Crested Spinetails, Chestnut Breasted Mountain Finches, Puna Ground-Tyrants, Marcapata Spinetails and many, many more.
Birdwatching at Paracas National Reserve
The Paracas National Reserve along with the nearby Ballestas Islands are home to some of the largest colonies of migratory birds on the continent. The coastal desert landscapes of the Paracas Peninsula provide a beautiful backdrop for your birdwatching expedition. Here you’ll find be able to easily spot numerous marine species in their natural habitat, while enjoying the sunny and warm climate just a few hours south of Lima.
Bird species you can spot: Chilean flamingos, Peruvian Boobies, Peruvian Pelicans, Burrowing Owls, Western Sandpipers, Inca Terns, Guanay Cormorants, American Oystercatchers, Peruvian Seaside Cinclodes, Sanderlings, and many, many more.
Birdwatching at Tambopata National Reserve
Tambopata National Reserve is an area of pristine rainforest in southern Peru near the Bolivian border. This conservation area is home to a number of excellent jungle lodges that can offer ideal bases for birding expeditions. Trips into Tambopata typically start in the nearby city of Puerto Maldonado, a growing jungle frontier town that is easily reached by airplane from Lima and Cusco, or via a long but scenic overland route. Its convenience, affordability, and high natural diversity make Tambopata a worthy alternative to the more well-known Manu National Park.
Bird species you can spot: Amazonian Streaked Antwrens, White-cheeked Tody Tyrants, Dusky-tailed flatbills, Brown-rumped Foliage Gleaners, Pale-eyed Blackbirds, Pheasant Cuckoos, Cinnamon-throated Woodcreepers, Piratic Flycatchers, Spot-breasted Woodpeckers, and many, many more.
Birdwatching at Colca Valley
Colca Canyon and the adjacent Colca Valley provide many excellent places for birdwatching and spotting other Andean wildlife. The chief attraction here is the Andean Condor, a Peruvian national symbol which played an important part in Inca mythology. This majestic beast can regularly be seen soaring past the steep walls of this second-deepest canyon in the world. The city of Arequipa is the main base for tours in this area. In addition to being Peru’s second-largest population center, Arequipa is also well-known as a cultural and culinary mecca, and is well worth a visit on its own.
Bird species you can spot: Andean Condors, American Kestrels, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagles, Mountain Caracaras, Andean Lapwings, Andean Swallows, and many more.
As you can see, Peru is home to an incredible number of beautiful bird species, many of which are unique to the region and some which are rare or endangered. Whether you’re already an avid birdwatcher or a new hobbyist just starting out, Peru offers the perfect opportunity to observe avian wildlife amidst gorgeous natural settings. You can plan a tour specifically centered around birdwatching or include a couple stops on your voyage to Machu Picchu or one of Peru’s other world-famous attractions–it’s up to you. Start planning your trip today!
Header Image: Modified from Flickr / Roberto
1st Blog Image: Modified from Flickr / Tony (tickspics)
2nd Blog Image: Modified from Flickr / Cory Gregory
3rd Blog Image: Modified from Flickr / Alessandro Gambaro
4th Blog Image: Modified from Flickr / George Lamson
5th Blog Image: Modified from Flickr / Thomas Tassy
