Explore the rich tapestry of Peru's natural and cultural heritage on this immersive birding and archaeology tour. Over 11 days, you'll journey through diverse landscapes, from coastal marshes to ancient ruins, uncovering the secrets of Peru's past while observing its vibrant birdlife. This itinerary offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature, with each day bringing new discoveries—from the sacred grounds of Pachacamac to the wildlife-rich Paracas National Reserve, and from the ancient pyramids of Trujillo to the lush forests of Chaparri. Whether you're an avid birder, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking an adventure, this tour promises an unforgettable experience in one of South America's most fascinating countries.

Tour Highlights

• Visit fascinating archeological sites including Pachacamac Oracle, the Nazca Lines, World Heritage Chan Chan, and more
• Visit museums at Pachacamac, Huaca del Sol and Luna, Huaca Rajada, and more
• Take in a stunning array of birds, including plentiful species of hummingbirds, sea and shorebirds, and more—Peru is home to over 1800 species
• See special endemics including Seaside Cinclodes, Russet-bellied Spinetail, Purple-backed Sunbeam, Peruvian Plantcutter, and Rufous Flycatcher
• Cruise out into the Humboldt Current to see active seabird and marine mammals
• Enjoy easier travel days with internal flights (included)
• Opt to extend your stay and explore Machu Picchu

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Fri., July 11      Arrivals in Lima | Welcome Dinner

Welcome to Lima! This bustling airport has a wonderful hotel just across from it, you simply walk across the street once you exit the airport. A representative of our company in Peru meets flights and assists you, but expect it to be easy to get to your hotel and settle in. They have a restaurant and bar if you arrive early.

Our travelers all arrive at different times today. Those in by 6:30 PM can enjoy dinner together in the hotel dining room, with your guide. We do recommend not coming in too late, it’s an early start to beat the Lima traffic and be on our way tomorrow.
Accommodations at Costa del Sol Lima Airport (D)

Sat., July 12    Archeology at Pachacamac Oracle | Pucusana| Paracas

After an early breakfast at the hotel, we drive south of Lima towards Pachacamac Oracle, a fascinating archeology site. We stop at a few viewing sites to look out on the ocean where we may see boobies, terns, and other seabirds. As we retrace our steps to come back, we have multiple chances to bird this route. Today we want to have time at this large archeological site, which dates back approximately 1,800 years and was built by various cultures including the Lima, Wari, and Ychsma, as well as the Inca.

The Pachacamac complex includes temples, plazas, palaces, and pyramids and thrived for around 1,300 years until the Spanish invaded. The ceremonial complex is known as the ‘place where God speaks’ and housed the oracle of Pachacamac. After exploring the site and museum, we continue south and stop in the picturesque fishing village of Pucusana for a delicious local lunch.

Pucusana is located on the shores of a calm bay teeming with seabirds. Enjoy a boat trip around Pucusana Bay to observe the various marine bird species associated with the cold Humboldt Current—nesting Guanay and Red-legged Cormorants, loafing Peruvian Booby and Inca Tern, and maybe even a Humboldt Penguin (not to mention the endemic Seaside Cinclodes). Many of our past groups to Peru have visited this area—it’s a great place to start our trip!

After a few hours at Pucusana, we head further south to Paracas, famous for its prehistoric culture and artwork in the period 800-200 BC. Ancient textiles show use of natural dyes and intricate irrigation technology on the landscape has been found.
Accommodations at Paracas (B,L,D)

Sun., July 13    Flight Over the Nazca Lines | Paracas National Reserve

We head to the town of Pisco (yes, same name as the famous liquor that is made in the coastal valleys of Peru) after breakfast. Our route follows the coast and we make several birding stops.

Later in the morning, and dependent on whether conditions, we fly in small planes over the Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest enigmas known to archeology. Constructed over 2,000 years ago, the Nazca Lines are groups of geoglyphs that cover an area of around 190 square miles. They were created by humans making depressions in the desert floor and many depict animals and plants. The lines have been interpreted in various ways since their discovery a century ago, but the significance remains a mystery. They are best seen from the air and this is an incredible opportunity, weather permitting.

Enjoy a delicious lunch back in our beach hotel and in mid-afternoon we drive to the Paracas National Reserve, which covers over 1,200 square miles and is rich in biodiversity with over 200 birds and nearly 48 mammals. We may find Whimbrel, Willet, Greater Yellowlegs, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, a variety of sandpipers, Black Skimmer, Elegant Tern, Little Blue Heron, Coastal Miner, Grayish Miner, roosting Tschudi's Nightjar, Lesser Nighthawk, Dark-faced Ground-Tyrant, and Chilean Flamingo.
Accommodations at Paracas (B,L,D)

Mon., July 14      Ballestas Islands | Pantanos de Villa Marshes | Lima

This morning, we have a short drive to Paracas Harbor for a two-hour boat trip to the Ballestas Islands. This is a great area for wildlife viewing as the cold Humboldt current draws water from the floor of the ocean, which brings colder temperatures and nutrients to the surface creating ideal feeding conditions for fish. The Ballestas are like visiting a mini-Galapagos in one short voyage. We hope to see South American Sea Lion, Humboldt Penguin, Inca Tern, South American Tern, Kelp Gull, Belcher’s Gull, Grey Gull, Peruvian Booby, Blue-footed Booby, American Oystercatcher, Blackish Oystercatcher, Peruvian Pelican, cormorants including Guanay, Red-legged and Neotropic, and Surf Cinclodes. 

We return to the hotel to check out and begin our journey back to Lima, stopping in Cañete for lunch. Afterward lunch, we enjoy a nice walk on boardwalk trails at the Pantanos de Villa Marshes on the outskirts of Lima. This wetland refuge is a coastal oasis surrounded by desert, harboring elegant Great Grebe, the bizarre Peruvian Thick-knee, Peruvian MeadowLark, Yellow-hooded Blackbird, stunning Many-colored Rush Tyrant so loved by photographers, and many other species.

We return to our comfortable airport hotel in Lima to prepare for our early morning flight to Trujillo. If you want to travel light for the upcoming section of the trip, you are welcome to store your luggage at this hotel.
Accommodations at the Costa del Sol Lima Airport (B,L,D)

Tues., July 15     Flight to Trujillo | Huaca del Sol & Luna | Huaca Arco Iris

This morning, we walk back across the street to the airport to catch our flight to Trujillo. The flight is scenic and just over an hour but saves us a lot of driving. Arriving around 10:00 AM, we spend the rest of the morning touring an archeological gem: Huaca del Sol and Luna, which translates to Temple of the Sun and Moon. Constructed between 100 and 800 AD, during the Moche period, it is believed that Huaca del Sol (the largest single pre-Columbian structure in Peru) was the religious and ceremonial center and Huaca del Luna was the administrative center of the capital. The site was looted during the 17th Century Spanish occupation, but many interesting artifacts and ceramics are housed in the museum on site.

After visiting the fascinating archeology sites and museum, we enjoy a Peruvian lunch in Trujillo. After lunch we have an opportunity to watch a Paso horse demonstration. The Peruvian Paso horse, a breed native to Peru and famous for its smooth gait, is culturally important here. We learn about the significance and history, while watching this captivating demonstration. 

In the afternoon, we tour the colonial city of Trujillo, the third largest city in Peru. Considered the ‘Capital of Marinera’, a traditional Peruvian dance, Trujillo has an incredibly rich history dating back thousands of years to the pre-historic Moche and Chimu cultures. We also visit Huaca Arco Iris, also known as Huaca del Dragón. Constructed of adobe, it was used as a religious and ceremonial site and dates back to the 12th cCentury. At day’s end, enjoy dinner and prepare for our birding the following day.
Accommodations at Trujillo (B,L,D)

Wed., July 16      Sinsicap | Chan Chan

We have an early start this morning to visit Sinsicap Forest and Chan Chan. Sinsicap is a two hour drive from Trujillo and located around 6,000 feet. It is a small city in Peru towards the Andes, not larger than 175 square miles with a population of about 8,000 people, encompassing a valley with arid montane scrub habitat where some special endemic Peruvian birds can be seen. We look for Piura Chat Tyrant,  Russet-bellied Spinetail, Purple-backed Sunbeam, Great Spinetail, Giant Hummingbird, Aplomado Falcon, Speckled Hummingbird, Smoky-brown Woodpecker, Scarlet-fronted Parakeet, Unicolored Tapaculo, Rusty-crowned Tit-spinetail, Rufescent Flycatcher, Jelski's Chat-tyrant, White-capped Dipper, Bay-crowned Brushfinch, Black-eared Hemispingus, Fawn-breasted Tanager, and Band-tailed Sierra Finch.

After a picnic lunch in this montane landscape, we head to the impressive archeological site of Chan Chan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chan Chan was the capital of the Chimu Kingdom and the largest city in pre-Columbian America before it was conquered by the Incas in the late 1400s. This site was likely constructed around 850 AD and was home to around 50,000 people. Experts consider Chan Chan’s architecture and technology advanced for the time, especially for their underground aqueducts that provided the arid city with drinking water and irrigation for gardens. We spend time here marveling over the architecture and intricate designs created many centuries ago.

We head back to Trujillo in the late afternoon and enjoy a delicious dinner, then tally up our sightings for the day before getting some well-deserved rest.
Accommodations at Trujillo (B,L,D)

Thurs., July 17     Huaca del Cao | Huaca Rajada | Chaparri Reserve

Today is mostly a travel day with stops to visit interesting cultural sites and some birding along the way. Common birds we see in travel include Vermilion Flycatcher, Long-tailed Mockingbird, Smooth-billed Ani, Scrub Blackbird, Shinning Cowbird, both Black and Turkey Vultures, Harris's Hawk, Pacific Parrotlet, West Peruvian Dove, Croaking Ground-Dove, Eared Dove, Bananaquit, Blue-and-gray Tanager, Blue-and-white Swallow, Cinerous Conebill, Chiguanco Thrush, Burrowing Owl, Blue-black Grassquit, Southern Beardless Tyrannulet, Amazilia Hummingbird, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Saffron Finch, Band-tailed Seedeater, and Hooded Siskin.

Our first stop is Huaca del Cao, which dates to the Moche period. This stepped pyramid site was likely used for religious ceremonies. We spend time here to explore the site and museum. In 2006, they discovered a well-preserved mummy buried with magnificent objects and two ceremonial war clubs in Cao, a town on the northern coast of Peru. A warrior queen, the Señora de Cao, is considered the first female ruler of pre-Hispanic Peru and is believed to have reigned 1,700 years ago.

Before reaching Huaca Rajada we search for Peruvian Plantcutter and Rufous Flycatcher, a couple of Peruvian endemics narrowly restricted to this special Algarrobo Forest. We can also see Collared Warbling Finch, Tumbes Hummingbird, Yellow-tailed Oriole, Purple-collared Woodstar, Golden-olive Woodpecker, Pacific Hornero, Scarlet-backed Woodpecker, Short-tailed Field Tyrant, and White-browed Gnatcatcher.

We then continue north to Huaca Rajada, about three hours away. Huaca Rajada is a pyramid site from the Moche period that is famous for housing the tomb of the Lord of Sipán. The site was excavated by Peruvian archeologists recently, between 1987 and 1990. Although it had been looted, many important artifacts remained. Today, the site has an exact replica of the tomb and many of the discovered artifacts are located in the Royal Tombs Museum, which we visit later in the tour. We also enjoy a lovely picnic lunch in the forest here and perhaps some time to look for birds in this area.

Continuing our journey, we drive an hour and a half to reach the Chaparri Reserve, arriving at our nearby accommodations in time for dinner and our optional checklist tally.
Accommodations at Chaparri (B,L,D)

Fri., July 18     Chaparri Reserve

We have the full day to explore the Chaparri Reserve, a 133-square mile private conservation area that was established in 2001. The reserve, mainly comprised of coastal dry forest, is managed by the local community and is renowned for its biodiversity that includes nearly 250 bird species and 23 mammal species, including Spectacled Bear, Sechuran Fox, White-tailed Deer, and Collared Peccary. 

Some of the birds we hope to see include White-winged Guan, Andean Condor, King Vulture, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Peruvian Sheartail, Short-tailed Woodstar, Tumbes Hummingbird, Purple-collared Woodstar, Red-masked Parakeet, Guayaquil Woodpecker,  Striped Owl, Peruvian Screech-Owl, Collared Antshrike, Elegant Crescentchest, Tumbes Tyrannulet, Fulvous-faced Scrub-Tyrant, Gray-and-white Tyrannulet, Tumbes Chat-Tyrant, Baird’s Flycatcher, White-tailed Jay, Tumbes Swallow, Tumbes Sparrow, White-edged Oriole, Parrot-billed Seedeater, and more of the Tumbesian endemics.
Accommodations at Chaparri (B,L,D)

Sat., July 19    Reservoir Birding | Archeology at the Museo Tumbas Reales | Tucume

This morning we start with birding on a visit to the Tinajones reservoir en route to the museum. Highlights here can include Great Grebe, Black-faced Ibis, Puna Ibis, Yellow-billed Pintail, Comb Duck, Cinnamon Teal, and Chilean Flamingo, as well as waders and other waterbirds.

We spend the rest of the morning visiting the Museo Tumbas Reales, which translates to the Royal Tombs Museum. This fascinating museum contains many of the nearly 600 artifacts discovered at Huaca Rajada, which we visited a few days ago. Some of the artifacts include the many jewels owned by the Lord of Sipán, copper banners, gold rattles, headdresses with feather ornaments, and a gold crown with royal symbols. The museum itself is designed to look like the ancient tombs of Moche.

In the afternoon, we visit the Tucume Pyramids, a site that was constructed by the Lambayeque in the 10th Century. The entire settlement, built from mud-brick, was conquered by the Chimu in the 14th Century and then the Inca a century later. Surrounded by forests of carob trees, we explore the remains of the pyramids that were once the ceremonial and religious centers of this culture.
Accommodations at Los Horcones or Casa Andina Chiclayo (B,L,D)

Sun., July 20    Bosque de Pómac | Sicán Culture and Brüning Museum

This morning, we head to Bosque de Pómac, an interesting site for both natural and cultural resources. This dry forest, dominated by dense carob trees, is home to around 100 species of birds. The site is also important culturally, as it is made up of approximately 30 adobe pyramids that were once the kingdom of the Lord of Sicán. We spend the morning learning about this site and birding.

Possible birds here site include Cordilleran Parakeet, Peruvian Plantcutter, Line-cheeked Spinetail, Collared Antshrike, Rufous-winged Tyrannulet, Pacific Elaenia, Rufous Flycatcher, Chestnut-collared Swallow, Superciliated Wren, Plumbeous-backed Thrush, Black-capped Sparrow, White-winged Brushfinch, Black-lored Yellowthroat, Collared Warbling Finch, and Crimson-breasted Finch.

After a morning exploring the birds and history of the Bosque de Pómac, we head 45 minutes away to Ferreñafe to visit the Sicán Museum to learn more about this intriguing civilization. We also visit the popular Brüning Museum, which is considered the premier museum in northern Peru that specializes in pre-Hispanic cultures. This four-story museum has many incredible artifacts including ceramics, mummies, and jewelry, some of which are over 5,000 years old.

We relax back at our hotel after learning and experiencing so much today! We have much to celebrate and at a special dinner we share highlights and favorite birds and moments of the journey.
Accommodations at Los Horcones or Casa Andina Chiclayo (B,L,D)

Mon., July 21     Marsh Birding | Lima | Departures

All too quickly our journey must come to an end. But, we still might add some species! We spend some time this morning birding the wetlands and coast. At our scenic stops we may find Andean Duck, Roseate Spoonbill, Killdeer, Coastal Miner, Yellow-billed Pintail, Burrowing Owl, Blue-winged Teal, White-cheeked Pintail, Slate-colored Coot, Peruvian Pipit, and Grassland Yellow-Finch. 

After lunch we head to the airport, where we have an afternoon flight back to Lima in time for international connections after 8:00 PM. Many flights leave for the US around midnight, so this should time well, but if you need to overnight to catch a next morning flight, we can help you with those reservations. If you wish to add a day to explore Lima and its cultural wonders, we can assist your plans with that too. (B,L)

Machu Picchu Post-Tour Extension

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Mon., July 21 : Arrival in Cusco | Exploring the World Heritage City | Sacsayhuaman National Park & Sun Temple

Say goodbye to fellow travelers who must depart today, and overnight at the airport.
Accommodations at Costa del Sol Lima Airport (D)

Tues., July 22 : Cusco | Sacred Valley | Ollantaytambo

This morning we board our scenic flight over the Andes to Cusco.

We drive the scenic Sacred Valley of the Incas, making stops at small lakes and a hummingbird station, and see major archaeological sites including Chinchero.

Our hotel tonight is replete with gardens and birds attracted by the profusion of flowers. Enjoy a lovely evening with some great local food and prepare for your train ride tomorrow from this location.
Accommodations at Pakaritampu Hotel (B,L,D)

Wed., July 23 : Full Day at Machu Picchu

We take the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu this morning and spend the full day exploring. A local guide shares expertise about the site. We have our lunch at the Sanctuary hotel so we are not rushed. After the guided walk you can enjoy some birding (must find Inca Wren!) or walk among the ruins. Shuttle buses run often to the town of Aquas Calientes, so you can come down at the time you wish. Some like to do a bit of shopping or have a coffee or ice cream while walking through town.

Our final celebratory dinner is at the hotel—a perfect setting for tallying up our species and looking back over the last few days.
Accommodations at Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel (B,L,D)

Thurs., July 24 : Morning Birding | Train to Cusco via Ollantaytambo

Our hotel offers terrific birding and we explore the grounds this morningThe Urubamba River runs through the property—watch for White-capped Dipper and Torrent Duck!

This afternoon we board the train back to Cusco, stopping en route to explore the ruins at Ollantaytambo.
Accommodations at Novotel Hotel (B,L,D)

Fri., July 25 : Cusco | Lima | Departures

This morning we enjoy a Cusco city tour to learn about this special city’s history and take in the fascinating architecture. We, of course, watch for birds in the parks and while we enjoy our lunch. We have late afternoon flights back to Lima. Most flights from Lima depart around midnight, but if yours is a morning flight, we can arrange a hotel for you this evening (additional cost). (B,L)

Cost of the Journey

The cost of the main tour is per person based on occupancy: $5890 DBL / $6540 SGL, from Lima, Peru. This cost includes all accommodations, meals as specified in the itinerary, professional guide services, other park and program entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses. Cost of the Machu Picchu extension is per person, based on occupancy: $2990 DBL / $3360 SGL. Internal flights are included in the cost of both the main tour and the extension.

The tour cost does not include round-trip transportation from your home city to Lima, optional activities, or items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone charges, maid gratuities, or beverages from the bar.

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival and Departure Airport: Jorge Chavez International (LIM) in Lima

Arrival Details: Please plan flights to arrive July 11, 2025, no later than 5:00 PM if you wish to join the group for dinner. 

Departure Details: Please plan flights to depart July 21, 2025, after 8:00 PM

Post-tour Extension Airport: Jorge Chavez International (LIM) in Lima

Post-tour Extension Details: Please plan flights to depart July 25, 2025, after 8:00 PM

Travel Tips: If you arrive early to rest up from your travels or to explore Lima, we can book you a room at the Costa del Sol, which is our first night tour hotel. 

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

• Stephen Grace
  

  Stephen is an award-winning author, natural history educator and conservationist. He has also contributed to documentary films, and his nature photography has been widely published. Over the past two decades, he has introduced groups of travelers to nature and culture in destinations as varied as Uganda, New Zealand and Alaska.
  
  After moving from Colorado to the Oregon coast, Stephen was captivated by the sight of a Tufted Puffin carrying fish back to its burrow, and the first time he heard a Swainson’s Thrush sing, he knew his life would never be the same. He has been studying birds and sharing their beauty with people ever since.
  
  Formative experiences during Stephen’s journey as a naturalist have included tagging along as a teenager with his grandparents in Madera Canyon, where he absorbed their love of Arizona’s sky islands; helping people with different ability levels experience the Yellowstone ecosystem when he lived in Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and sailing aboard a historic schooner to share the wonders of the Salish Sea with students.
  
  Now based in Port Townsend, Washington, Stephen explores the Pacific Northwest by backpacking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, biking, trail running, and skiing. His wide-ranging natural history pursuits include coring trees to count their growth rings, identifying bats by analyzing their biosonar signals, hunting mammoth tusks in Pleistocene bluffs, searching for the elusive Rubber Boa, preserving native prairie, raising awareness about plankton, and leading sea slug safaris.

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