This beautiful lake has an outstanding number of over 60 resident birds species as well as being a very important resting grounds for migratory birds. Huacarpay Wetlands is a RAMSAR site of international importance surrounded by both inca and pre-inca sites amongst which we will be birding. The area offers great chances for andean waterfowl, wetland birds and a good selection of high-andean passerines.
Highlights
Enjoy beautiful scenery in the Cusco intermontane Valley
Delight with great vistas of the pre-inca city of Pikillaqta
Enrich your knowledge about high elevation bird species
Admire pre-inca engineering while you look for birds
Observe locals working on their fields, herding their animals or simply soaking in andean life
Add various exciting new species to your life list
Full Day
Early morning departure from your hotel, it takes around 40 minutes drive to reach the wetland in the souther part of the Cusco Valley. The area offers various specialties and endemics such as the gracile Rusty fronted Canastero, found on the ground or crawling over some twigs, the spectacular Bearded Mountaineer, hovering over blushes of yellow of the beautiful tobacco bushes (nicotiana sp). Depending on time of year migrant boreal species (waders) may be present. We will be on the look specially for Wren-like Rush-bird, the striking Many-colored Rush-tyrant, Yellow-winged Black-bird, Andean Lapwing and Andean Negrito. Some of the commonly seen birds includes the very attractive Sparkling Violetear seen very aboundly in the lake´s area, the elusive Plumbeous Rail, without counting the several species of teals, flycatchers and members of the fringillidae family. Various species of raptors can be seen soaring once it warms up over the cristal color water of the lake. At the end of this productive morning drive back to Cusco and transfer to your hotel.
Included
Private transport
Professional birding guide
Field guide, library of sounds and scope for better spotting
