Central Peru Birding Tour

The Central Peru Birding Route: More Endemics Why to choose it

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This exemplary expedition, meticulously crafted by Birds of Peru Tours, transports you through the resplendent Central Andes of Peru, traversing a diverse array of habitats and ecosystems situated at varying elevations. These distinct environments are home to an unparalleled assortment of avian species, encompassing myriad country endemics exclusive to this region and, quite possibly, previously undocumented species awaiting your discovery. Embarking on this remarkable journey, we shall commence our exploration on Lima's coast, where the frigid waters of the Humboldt Current foster a vibrant marine ecosystem.

Progressing further, we shall investigate an assortment of habitats on the western slopes of the Andes, including freshwater lagoons, the arid Pacific desert, the rare Peruvian lomas (fog-watered vegetation pockets within the coastal desert), desiccated inter-Andean valleys, and the towering high-elevation mountains situated at the foothills of the awe-inspiring, snow-clad Central Andes.

Our expedition will also encompass a visit to the imperiled Polylepis forest, a sanctuary for numerous highly sought-after Andean species. Subsequently, we will descend the eastern slopes of the Andes, immersing ourselves in distinctive elfin forest-like páramos, along with the verdant cloud forests and the fecund upper Amazonian rainforests. This meticulously curated adventure promises to engage, educate, and inspire, offering an unparalleled experience for the discerning bird enthusiast. Despite its historical significance as one of the first birding routes in Peru, the Central Peru Birding Route, promoted by the esteemed Ted Parker in a three-part article for the American Birding Association's Birding Magazine in the early 1980s, remains a largely undiscovered gem among today's birding enthusiasts. Over three decades have passed since Parker's untimely demise in a tragic aircraft accident in Ecuador, and it is long overdue that the Central Peru Birding Route, with the expertise of Birds of Peru Tours, secures its rightful place on the avian enthusiast's map. Although the region has experienced deforestation since Parker's era, the infrastructure has significantly improved, and the majority of bird species continue to flourish.

The allure of Central Peru lies in the accessibility of its diverse birding hotspots, negating the necessity for air travel to reach them. Alternatively, one may opt to fly to Huanuco, and upon completion of the journey, return to Lima by air upon request.

Central Peru boasts four distinctive birding areas: 1) Santa Eulalia Canyon, Ticlio, and the Marcapomacocha road; 2) Chanchamayo, Oxapampa, Villa Rica, and the Satipo road; 3) Junin Lake, Carpish Tonell, Unchog, Tingo Maria; and 4) La Cordillera Blanca at Huaraz in the Ancash department.

Birds of Peru Tours expertly combines these regions in a comprehensive three-week excursion, such as the celebrated High Andes & Cloud Forest Endemics itinerary. However, guests are encouraged to inquire about customizing their birding tour to suit their preferences, with options ranging from an abridged yet captivating six-day adventure along the Satipo Road – Cloud Forest route, which spans Lima's highlands to the lowlands, offering unparalleled access to highland birds, paramo, and cloud forests. Spanning an invigorating three weeks or potentially less, this meticulously designed birding and overlanding expedition offers an opportunity to witness a plethora of extraordinary species (we encourage you to inquire for a tailored plan).

The journey encompasses the possibility of observing such remarkable species as the Peruvian Thick-Knee, Surf Cinclodes, Inca Tern, Humboldt Penguin, Peruvian Pipit, Thick-billed Miner, Andean Tinamou, Great Inca Finch, Bronze-tailed Comet, White-capped Dipper, Torrent Duck, Andean Condor, Least, Grey-breasted, and Rufous-bellied Seedsnipes. Additionally, you may encounter the White-bellied Cinclodes, Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, Andean Flicker, Junin Grebe, endemic subspecies Black Rail (often referred to as 'Junin Rail'), Andean Avocet, Puna Plover, Black-spectacled Brushfinch, Eye-ringed Thistletail, Fire-throated Metaltail, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Blue-banded Toucanet, Peruvian Wren, and Crimson-mantled Woodpecker. Our journey may also reveal sightings of the elusive Bay Antpitta, Masked Fruiteater, Chestnut-crested Cotinga, White-eared Solitaire, Cloudforest Screech Owl, Oilbird, Bay Antpitta, Stripe-headed Antpitta, Rufous Antpitta, Rufous-vented Tapaculo, the as-yet-undescribed "Jalca Tapaculo," White-cheeked Cotinga, Bay-vented Cotinga, Blue-headed Macaw, and an array of additional avian marvels.This extraordinary expedition offers a unique opportunity to observe a selection of exceptional tanagers, including several endemic species such as the resplendent Golden-backed Mountain Tanager, the striking Yellow-scarfed Tanager, the captivating Huallaga Tanager, and the enigmatic Brown-flanked Tanager. Additionally, our journey provides the chance to encounter a multitude of visually stunning species, encompassing the verdant Grass-green Tanager, the radiant Golden-collared Tanager, the vibrant Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, the elegant Yellow-throated Tanager, the vivid Flame-faced Tanager, the exquisite Paradise Tanager, the mesmerizing Orange-eared Tanager, and the majestic Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager.

Throughout our remarkable expedition, we endeavor to discover an array of astonishing high-elevation hummingbird species, encompassing the singularly endemic Black-breasted Hillstar, the graceful Olivaceous Thornbill, the resplendent Coppery Metaltail, the fiery Fire-throated Metaltail, the awe-inspiring Sword-billed Hummingbird, the formidable Giant Hummingbird, the enchanting Oasis Hummingbird, the delicate Peruvian Sheartail, and the splendid Blue-mantled Thornbill. We cordially invite you to accompany us as we traverse this extraordinary birding route in the breathtaking landscapes of Peru.

This extraordinary expedition is tailored for intrepid birding enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive collection of endemic and distinctive Andean species. Participants should possess the physical capability to traverse a minimum of three kilometers (approximately two miles) daily and be prepared to encounter high elevations reaching up to 4,600 meters (15,000 feet) above sea level throughout the majority of the journey. The experience is particularly suited for advanced birders with a passion for the great outdoors and overlanding adventures.

The awe-inspiring scenery that accompanies the tour offers ample opportunities for capturing stunning photographs and creating lasting memories.

The meticulously crafted tour focuses on uncovering the endemic and localized avian species of the Central Peruvian Andes. With Birds of Peru Tours, we strive to make elusive bird sightings easily accessible for our esteemed guests. While a few moderate hikes through steep cloud forest terrain at elevations between 2,700 and 3,600 meters are involved, the majority of birding is conveniently situated alongside the roads. To encompass diverse ecosystems and reach the endemic bird territories, this expedition necessitates extensive drives through the Andes almost daily, punctuated by occasional reprieves at select lodges for full-day explorations on foot. The accommodations span a range of quality and comfort levels.

Lima, Huánuco, and Carhuaz offer superior, comfortable hotels, while Santa Eulalia and the Satipo Road at Apaya Calabaza provide more basic lodging with warm showers and restrooms. In La Concepción, La Oroya, Tingo María, and Oxapampa, where facilities are scarce, we prioritize incorporating additional driving as needed to ensure the most suitable accommodations while maintaining the opportunity to observe all key avian species.