Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the vibrant Miraflores district. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the area, enjoy a quiet evening, and prepare for the adventure ahead — from the Pacific coast to the high Andes and deep into the Amazon rainforest.
Overnight at Tierra Viva Miraflores or similar (-/-/-).

Our journey begins along the dramatic Pacific coast. We’ll explore the fishing village of Pucusana and take a short boat ride to photograph Humboldt Penguins, Red-legged Cormorants, Peruvian Boobies, and the elegant Inca Tern. In the afternoon, we visit the Pantanos de Villa wetlands, a refuge for herons, stilts, and migratory shorebirds. This is the perfect introduction to Peru’s incredible diversity, from marine cliffs to coastal lagoons.
Overnight at Tierra Viva Miraflores or similar (B/L/D).

A short flight takes us from the Pacific coast to the Andean highlands. Upon arrival in Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, we take the day to rest and acclimatize to the altitude while exploring the city’s cobblestone streets, ancient Inca walls, and colorful markets.
Overnight at Hotel Sacha Centric or similar (B/L/D).

We visit the enchanting Ensifera Hummingbird Garden, a sanctuary dedicated to the region’s dazzling pollinators. Among the vibrant flowers, we’ll photograph the incredible Sword-billed Hummingbird — the only bird in the world with a bill longer than its body — as well as Green-and-white- Hummingbird, Great Sapphirewing, and other Andean species. Later, we continue through the Sacred Valley to the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo, one of the last living Inca settlements.
Overnight at Ollantaytambo Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado Hotel or similar  (B/L/D).

A highlight of the expedition awaits as we board the train to Aguas Calientes and ascend to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu. We spend the day exploring its temples, terraces, and viewpoints, discovering the fascinating history of the Inca civilization while enjoying magnificent photographic opportunities surrounded by cloud forest peaks. In the evening, we return to Cusco.
Overnight at Hotel Sacha Centric or similar (B/L/D).

We begin our descent toward one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, the Manu Biosphere Reserve. The day starts near Cusco with a visit to a small high-Andean reserve where we’ll search for the spectacular Bearded Mountaineer, one of Peru’s most desired endemics.

As we continue our journey, the landscape unfolds dramatically — from open puna grasslands dotted with llamas to deep valleys cloaked in mist. By afternoon, we arrive at Wayquecha Biological Station and Lodge, perched on the edge of the cloud forest at 2,900 meters. This area marks the transition between Andean and montane ecosystems, offering breathtaking mountain views and superb birding right from the trails.

At this elevation, we’ll explore forests filled with mosses, and orchids, looking for gems such as Golden-collared Tanager, Gould’s Inca, Deep-blue Flowerpiercer, Perled Treerunner, Urubamba Antpitta and many others. As night falls, the clouds drift through the treetops, creating an ethereal atmosphere unique to this part of the Andes.
Overnight at Wayquecha Lodge (B/L/D).

Today we continue descending along the legendary Manu Road, one of the most biodiverse routes on the planet. The scenery changes dramatically as we leave the high Andes behind and enter the lush cloud forest, where the air becomes warmer and filled with birdsong. Ferns, bromeliads, and orchids cover every branch, and waterfalls tumble down the steep slopes.

This stretch of forest is a paradise for photographers and birders alike. We’ll make frequent stops to explore the roadside and short trails in search of dazzling species such as Golden-headed Quetzal, Grass-green Tanager, and Versicolored Barbet. Mixed flocks of tanagers and flycatchers often move through the canopy, providing constant excitement and photographic opportunities.

The lodge’s gardens attract numerous hummingbirds, including Booted Racket-tail, Violet-fronted Brilliant, and Many-spotted Hummingbird. In the evening, we can enjoy the sounds of the forest,  the rhythmic chorus of frogs, insects, and distant waterfalls, while reflecting on a day immersed in one of the most vibrant ecosystems in South America.
Overnight at Cock of the Rock Lodge (B/L/D).

We start the morning birding through the last layers of cloud forest before continuing our descent toward the lush foothills of the Amazon. With every kilometer, the landscape shifts — misty moss-covered trees give way to tall tropical giants, and the crisp mountain air softens into the warm, vibrant breath of the rainforest. As we move downhill, we’ll scan for Chestnut-backed Antshrike, Two-banded and Golden-bellied Warblers, Ornate Flycatcher, and the charming Peruvian Piedtail, among other foothill specialties.

By mid-afternoon, we arrive at Manu Bio Lodge (formerly Villa Carmen), a beautiful property nestled between forested slopes and open bamboo stands — a perfect habitat for some of the most unique birds in the region. This area holds treasures such as Rufous-headed Woodpecker, Rufous-breasted Piculet, Bamboo Antshrike, Striated Antbird, Dusky-tailed Flatbill, and the stunning White-cheeked Tody-Flycatcher. We’ll also keep an eye out for rarities like the Blue-headed Macaw, as well as vibrant species including Scarlet-hooded Barbet, Round-tailed Manakin, and Fiery-capped Manakin.

Hummingbird and tanager feeders near the lodge burst with color and motion, offering close views of Koepcke’s Hermit, Buff-tailed Sicklebill, Blue-fronted Lancebill, Gould’s Jewelfront, Sapphire-spangled Emerald, and the exquisite Rufous-crested Coquette. As evening falls, the forest comes alive with a new soundtrack — frogs, cicadas, and distant nightjars — a true welcome to the Amazon.
Overnight at Manu Bio Lodge (B/L/D).

Today we spend the full day exploring the extraordinary variety of habitats surrounding Manu Bio Lodge, from dense lowland forest to open bamboo stands and quiet streams that wind through the property. This region, at the meeting point between Andean foothills and the Amazon basin, holds an astonishing diversity of birds and other wildlife.

We’ll set out early along forest trails, listening to the first calls of Screaming Pihas, Trogons, and Motmots echoing through the canopy. As the light filters through the towering trees, we’ll look for Gilded Barbet, Rufous-fronted Antthrush, Manu Antbird, Golden-collared Toucanet, and Chestnut-capped Puffbird, among dozens of other Amazonian treasures. The lodge’s bamboo areas may reveal more elusive species such as Rufous-headed Woodpecker, Rufous-breasted Piculet, and White-cheeked Tody-Flycatcher, while open clearings attract Scarlet-hooded Barbet, Fiery-capped Manakin, and Blue-crowned Trogon.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit nearby trails or observation platforms, perfect for photography and quiet observation. Flocks of parrots and macaws often pass overhead, and the occasional Mixed Tanager Flock can turn the forest canopy into a moving mosaic of color. The lodge’s feeders and gardens continue to draw a dazzling array of hummingbirds, including Koepcke’s Hermit, Gould’s Jewelfront, and the spectacular Rufous-crested Coquette.

As dusk approaches, we can relax and listen to the forest transform into its nocturnal rhythm — frogs, katydids, and the haunting call of Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl marking the start of another Amazonian night.
Overnight at Manu Bio Lodge (B/L/D).

After an early breakfast, we enjoy one final morning surrounded by the sounds and colors of the Amazon before beginning our journey back toward the Andes. As we ascend along the Manu Road, the scenery gradually shifts once more, from the lush lowlands through misty cloud forest and into the high mountain valleys that cradle the city of Cusco.

Upon arrival, you’ll connect with your evening flight to Lima, concluding this extraordinary expedition across Peru, from the Pacific coast to the heart of the Amazon.

For those who wish to travel at a more relaxed pace, it is possible to spend an extra night in Cusco and fly out the following day. Please let us know if you’d prefer this option so we can assist with arrangements and provide updated costs.

Alternatively, you may choose to extend your adventure to Northern Peru, a region filled with new habitats, rare species, and exceptional birding opportunities. This extension offers the chance to observe many endemics, including one of the continent’s most iconic hummingbirds — the Marvelous Spatuletail.

(B/L-)