All you need to do is wake up early to enjoy a wonderful birdwatching tour at Huacarpay Lagoon, one of the most important wetlands in Cusco and southern Peru. Thanks to its biological richness and diversity, this natural haven was added to the Ramsar List in 2006.
A habitat for endemic birds and a temporary home for many migratory species, Huacarpay (3050 m a.s.l.) is one of the top birdwatching destinations in the Cusco region. If you’re looking to connect with nature in a different way, join us for this early morning excursion that truly “takes flight” at dawn.
HIGHLIGHTS
Meeting point
Birdwatching means getting up early! That’s why we’ll collect you at 04:30 of the morning from your hotel in the Historic Centre of Cusco (3400 m a.s.l.). From there, we’ll head by private transport to Huacarpay Lagoon.
The journey takes about 45 minutes along a safe, paved road. The lagoon is located in the district of Lucre, province of Quispicanchi.
For more information, see the Details and Notes tab.
Birdwatching in Huacarpay
Before you put on your binoculars to spot some of the 108 local, occasional, migratory and endemic bird species recorded in Huacarpay, it’s worth learning about the origin of one of the most important wetlands in southern Peru.
Around 24 million years ago, the Cusco region was home to the vast Morkill Lake. Over time, changes in the planet’s geography caused it to dry up. But it didn’t disappear completely—traces of it remain to this day. One of these remnants is Huacarpay Lagoon.
Yes, the shimmering body of water you’ll arrive at around 05:15 hours for birdwatching is a vestige of that ancient lake. This unique setting, with its rich, fertile soil surrounding the lagoon, has been inhabited since time immemorial.
On the northern side of Huacarpay, the Wari civilisation—an empire that preceded the Incas—built the city of Pikillaqta, meaning “village of fleas” or “small village” in Spanish. This demonstrates the importance of the lagoon since pre-Hispanic times.
Today, Huacarpay is both a cultural and birdwatching destination. That’s why you’re here at the break of dawn, accompanied by a specialised guide who’ll help you spot the species that thrive in this Ramsar-listed wetland (since 2006).
The lagoon’s connection to birdlife runs so deep that its name comes from the Quechua word “waqar”, which refers to the great white egret (Ardea alba)—one of the species you’re likely to see during the tour.
On your bird checklist, you’ll probably tick off sightings like the giant hummingbird (Patagona gigas)—a species endemic to Peru—along with the bearded mountaineer hummingbird (Oreonympha nobilis), the blue-chested warbling finch (Poospiza caesar), and the rusty-fronted canastero (Asthenes ottonis).
Among the migratory species observed at the lagoon are the blue-winged teal (Anas discors), crested duck (Anas specularoides), upland sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda), and striated heron (Butorides striatus).
Other notable sightings include the pectoral sandpiper (Calidris melanotus), puna plover (Charadrius alticola), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), and American golden plover (Pluvialis dominica), among many others.
Breakfast in Huacarpay
After finishing your birdwatching session at the lagoon, your guide will take you to enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant. Breakfast is scheduled for 07:00 hours
The breakfast spot might change if your guide thinks it’s best. In that case, they may choose a restaurant in the nearby towns of Lucre or Oropesa.
End point
Once breakfast is over, you’ll head back to Cusco in private transport. You should arrive at your hotel in the Historic Centre around 09:00 hours.
PRICE
The prices shown in the table are:
- Per person in US dollars ($).
- Pple. = people.
| Pple. | Private guided Tour |
|---|---|
| 1 | $190 |
| 2 | $95 |
| 3 | $85 |
| 4 | $80 |
| 5 | $75 |
DETAILS
Tour Type: 100% private excursion.
Schedule: Every day from 04:30 to 09:00 hours
Language: Spanish and English
Accessibility: This tour is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Included:
- Pickup from your hotel.
- Professional guide.
- Professional driver.
- Tour vehicle.
- Personalized service.
- Drop-off at your hotel.
Not included:
- Tips (optional).
- Local breakfast.
- Expenses not mentioned.
What to bring?
- Sweaters or jackets.
- Anti-slip shoes.
- Raincoats.
- Caps or hats.
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- A bottle of water.
- Local currency for your tickets.
- Binoculars.
WhatsApp:
NOTES
Pickups and schedules
- Pickups are punctual.
- Pickups apply to the entire city of Cusco.
- We will arrange all pickups one day before your tour.
- The tour end time is still approximate; however, we will do our best to complete the tour as scheduled.
Vehicle type and seats
Vehicles:
- Authorized by the Peruvian Ministry of Transportation.
- Clean and modern vehicles.
- Sedans, 4x4s, H1s, vans, Renaults, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles (depending on group size).
Seating – private tours:
- During your reservation, you are free to choose the seat you want.
Entrance tickets
Admision is free
Operability and itinerary
This tour is subject to change without notice due to weather conditions, strikes, or any other event that prevents the tour from operating normally. Please also see our terms and conditions.
CANCELLATIONS
Tour cancellation is free as long as you notify us at least 48 hours in advance. Otherwise, we will charge you 100% of the tour price. Please also see our terms.
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