The central Andes of Peru harbour one of the most spectacular concentrations of endemic birds in South America. This 15-day itinerary has been specially designed for birdwatchers eager to explore the region’s biodiversity hotspots and seek out some of the continent’s rarest and most sought-after species.
From the arid western valleys descending towards the Pacific coast to the cloud forests, high Andean grasslands and montane forests of the eastern Andean slopes, we will explore an extraordinary variety of habitats that support an impressive wealth of birdlife found nowhere else but Peru and the Central Andes.
Our adventure begins in the famous Santa Eulalia Valley, one of the country's premier locations for observing Peruvian endemics. We will continue to the Polylepis woodlands and the high elevations of Marcapomacocha and Junín, where highly specialized species survive in some of the most extreme environments of the Andes. We will explore the legendary Lake Junín and the montane forests of Huánuco, including the world-renowned birding sites of Carpish and Unchog, widely regarded as among the finest destinations for endemic birdwatching in South America.
The journey then continues through the mountains of Huaytapallana and the Parihuanca Valley before descending into the humid forests of Satipo, Villa Rica and Oxapampa, a region of exceptional biological diversity where Andean and Amazonian ecosystems converge. We will visit important conservation areas such as the Sho’llet Forest Conservation Area and Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park, home to numerous rare, localized and threatened species.
Throughout the tour, we will have the opportunity to observe an incredible list of endemic and near-endemic birds of the Central Andes, together with an outstanding variety of hummingbirds, ovenbirds, tapaculos, tanagers and many other jewels of Peru’s avifauna. All this will be complemented by spectacular scenery, rich Andean culture and the unique experience of travelling one of the most rewarding birding routes in the country, accompanied by one of Peru’s finest bird guides, Alex Durand, together with our experienced Spanish tour leader, Ferran López.
Download the PDF from our website to view the full detailed itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival at Lima Airport and transfer to Santa Eulalia
Day 2 – Santa Eulalia Valley and surrounding areas
Day 3 – Santa Eulalia Valley, Polylepis Forest, Marcapomacocha and transfer to Junín
Day 4 – Boat excursion on Lake Junín and transfer to Huánuco
Day 5 – Unchog Forest
Day 6 – Paty Trail, Carpish Tunnel and return to Huánuco
Day 7 – Monte Potrero Reserve and transfer to Junín
Day 8 – Lake Junín and transfer to Concepción
Day 9 – Huaytapallana, Parihuanca Valley and return to Concepción
Day 10 – Transfer to Satipo
Day 11 – Carrizales Bridge, Apaya and return to Satipo
Day 12 – Satipo Grasslands and transfer to Villa Rica
Day 13 – Sho’llet Forest Conservation Area and transfer to Oxapampa
Day 14 – Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park and return to Oxapampa
Day 15 – La Merced, Tarma and arrival in Lima
Accommodation in hotels and lodges throughout the tour in double occupancy rooms (single room supplement: €370)
All ground transportation
All daily meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Entrance fees to private reserves and natural areas
Peruvian bird guide: Alex Durand, together with Icaro Birding Experience tour leader: Ferran López
Local guides
Personal travel insurance
Peru bird checklist
Shared eBird trip list
International flights
Minibar expenses and additional beverages
Personal expenses and telephone calls
Trip cancellation insurance
Anything not expressly specified in the “What’s Included?” section
Other Important Information to Consider During the Tour
Daily departures will generally begin at around 5:00 am or 5:30 am in order to make the most of each day.
Transfers between the different birding areas will not be particularly long and, whenever a longer journey is required, we will make short stops for restroom breaks, stretching our legs and, whenever possible, observing additional bird species along the way.
We will travel throughout the tour in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles with ample luggage capacity.
Our walks will generally be easy, including those in the mountain areas. Almost all birding activities will take place along dirt roads and trails, where we will often be walking downhill.
The tour will take place during the dry season, which begins in April, although occasional rain can still occur in the higher mountain regions.
All hotels and lodges provide electricity, private bathrooms and hot water, particularly in the higher-elevation areas.
Wi-Fi internet access is generally available at all hotels, although in some cases it may only be accessible in public areas and connection speeds can be slow.
Meals will usually be taken at restaurants, hotels or lodges, although some lunches may be enjoyed in the field.
On some evenings, we will conduct short nocturnal outings in search of owls and other night birds.
Luggage and Recommended Equipment
We recommend that each participant brings a backpack for optical equipment (binoculars, cameras, etc.) and a suitcase for clothing and personal belongings.
We strongly advise against checking optical equipment in airline hold baggage. Carrying binoculars, cameras and other valuable equipment as hand luggage helps prevent unnecessary loss or damage.
Do not forget to bring warm clothing for the few days spent at higher elevations, including gloves and a woollen hat. At the same time, lightweight clothing suitable for warm temperatures will be necessary for most of the tour.
A waterproof jacket is also essential and should be carried at all times in case of rain. Proper walking footwear suitable for dirt roads and trails is highly recommended.
Peruvian electrical outlets are generally Type A, featuring two flat pins. Therefore, participants should bring appropriate adapters to charge mobile phones, camera batteries and other electronic devices.
If you have any questions regarding electrical adapters or equipment, please contact us at info@birdingicaro.com.
Currency and Exchange
The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). The current exchange rate is approximately €1 = 3.9 PEN.
Currency exchange can be arranged upon arrival at Lima Airport, either through exchange offices or by withdrawing local currency from ATMs using international bank cards.
There is no requirement to declare foreign currency amounts below the equivalent of US$10,000 when entering Peru.
Documentation
No visa is required for most visitors prior to travel.
It is essential to carry a valid passport with at least six months' validity remaining from the date of entry into Peru.
Reservations and Cancellations
To reserve a place on the tour, participants must first complete the pre-registration form available on our website following the indicated steps.
Once confirmation has been received by email, participants will be required to provide their full name, date of birth and passport number in order to arrange personal travel insurance. A first payment of €600 must then be made by bank transfer to the account details provided in the confirmation email. The transfer should be made to Icaro Birding Experience SL and must include the participant's full name as the payment reference.
Only after receipt of this initial payment will the reservation be fully confirmed.
The remaining balance of €4,125, or €4,495 for participants requesting a single room (including the €370 single supplement), must be paid by bank transfer to the same account prior to the departure of the tour, when instructed by the tour organisers.
Any cancellation must always be communicated in writing, either by email or by any other verifiable written means.
For further details, please consult the Cancellation Policy available in the website Regulations and Terms section.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING FLIGHTS
As soon as the minimum number of participants required to operate the tour has been reached, we will notify all participants so that they can proceed with booking their flights.
If a participant purchases flights before receiving our confirmation, Icaro Birding Experience SL will not be responsible for the cost of those airline tickets in the event of tour cancellation.
The tour will begin at the New Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima and will conclude at the same Lima International Airport.
Nuevo Aeropuerto Internacional de Lima Jorge Chávez
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