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Birdwatching Routes in Peru: Best Destinations for Birders

Birdwatching Routes in Peru

Peru bursts into life, it does so in all its forms. Many consider it one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet. Thanks to its abundant flora and fauna and bird species, which are not the exception. Peru counts more than 2,000 species of birds, including approximately 100 endemic birds on its territory. Ornithologists and visitors who enjoy seeing these species will find paradise within its outstanding area. 

Thanks to its diverse territory, Peru has different types of terrains, ecosystems, and microclimates due to its geographic and natural diversity today. It's the perfect place to go bird watching! There are various locations to perform this activity across the whole country. Here, we present three recommended itineraries for birding in Peru for any traveler interested in discovering more about its amazing biodiversity.

Northern Peru

Two coastal cities, Chiclayo and Trujillo are excellent places to see wildlife in arid forests. The Amotapes-Manglares Northwest Biosphere Reserve, which is located between Tumbes and Piura cities, includes locations of Manglares de Tumbes National Sanctuary, Cerros de Amotape National Park, Angolo Hunting Reserve, or Tumbes National Reserve.

Three attractions are seen in the latter: birds from dry forests, and both native and migratory mangrove birds in the first. In the San Martín region, there are tropical premontane forests, gloomy humid woods, flooded forests, tropical forest valleys, and dry forest valleys. This region has recognized approximately 615 different kinds of birds, making it Peru's second birdwatching destination. It includes the Tarapoto-Yurimaguas Bird Route, the Huallaga Seasonal Dry Forest Bird Route, and the Alto Mayo Bird Route.

Tambopata National Reserve

Near Puerto Maldonado lies the Tambopata Area, a 250,000-hectare rainforest. It contains approximately 630 bird species, 200 fish species, 200 types of amphibians and reptiles, 1,200 kinds of butterflies, and over 1,713 plant species. Thanks to Tambopata’s diversity, the “Biodiversity Capital of Peru” title has been granted to it. Although it may seem that we already know everything there is to know about it, new findings are made every year that contribute to this total.

Tambopata is the ideal place to visit in the Amazon for people who are daring, photographers, or just nature enthusiasts like us. It is one of the most visited national reserves in Peru because it is easy to reach, each year, it welcomes over 50,000 visitors who come to fully immerse themselves in the green Peruvian Amazon. The macaw is one of the birders' favorites, and is among the most well-liked bird species in the region, along with the Hoatzin, Harpy Eagle, and thirteen distinct tinamou species.

The Macaw, Tambopata’s bird-star

The Macaw’s distinctiveness extends beyond their attractiveness. Especially in the Tambopata region, you can find four species of large and four of small Macaws, the largest called “hyacinth macaws” can have a wingspan of up to one meter.  Everything macaws require to survive can be found in the Amazon, from enormous trees to an abundance of fruits, the rainforest provides for them. An essential part of their diet is feeding from the clay, which neutralizes toxins that can be found in their bodies.

Thanks to that, it is possible to see the amazing clay licks, famous in Tambopata, where they can find plenty of food and shelter here. It's instructive to see what macaws consume and where they live in the wild. They consume fruits, nuts, seeds, and even mud as food, remaining lively and vigorous on this diet. We can say that these beautiful birds also improve the health of the Amazon as they serve as vital distributors of seeds. 

Central Peru

In the heart of Perú, there are undoubtedly hundreds of native birds, if not more. You might travel to the nation's capital, Lima, or cities in central Perú. The birds live in the grasslands and marshes of Punta Alta, Junín Lake, and the cloud and tree forests of Huascarán National Park. They also live on the western slope of the Andes, however, the best place to birdwatch in Perú is the one we’ll tell you below.

Paracas National Reserve

One of Peru's first national parks was the Paracas National Reserve,  made to protect a significant portion of the country's coastal biodiversity. Thousands of travelers visit the Paracas region each year, it's the ideal place to escape Lima and for adventure sports, including windsurfing, dune buggy riding, and much more. 

Also, the famous  Ballestas Islands, known as the Peruvian Small Galapagos, is a set of small islands and rocks that house the area's largest sea lion colony, located in front of the Paracas National Reserve. This area has both natural and historical life preserved in its parts. It was once home to the Paracas hotels and the Topanga civilization, which left behind several archaeological sites that are now open to the public for tours.

Famous local explorer Julio C. Tello discovered items such as clothing and other everyday utensils used by these people hidden among the region's sands. At the moment, the Julio C. Tello Museum, which honors the researcher, has some of these results on display.

Humboldt Penguins and Guano Birds

Even if it isn't the most beautiful bird, the Guanay Guano is still a must-see in Peru because of its notable characteristics.  Although it prefers to live near rocky shorelines and sea waters, this bird is primarily found along the Pacific coasts of Peru. This bird is the main source of guano, an incredibly powerful fertilizer for plants that were essential in the nineteenth century. Today, guano is a preferred fertilizer for organic farmers around the world.

Humboldt penguins are smaller than other kinds, with a height of only 60–66 centimeters. Their legs are a blend of black and pink, and you can easily identify them by searching for the pink area around the base of their beaks. On the other hand, the hatchlings' bellies have pale yellow feathers and their chests have soft, thin grey feathers.

Because they dwell on rocky islands, these sociable penguins are outstanding swimmers and climbers. When searching in groups for squid, anchovies, or sardines, they can remain submerged for over two minutes. Don't come too close, though; despite their normally calm disposition, Humboldt penguins can become upset when an unfamiliar person approaches.

Southern Peru

One-tenth of all bird species worldwide, or over 1,000 species, can be found in the southern part of Peru! A combination of many geographical regions, including piedmont, temperate, subtropical, and particularly lowland Amazonian forests, may make this plausible.

There, among other incredible Peruvian wildlife, are some areas barely larger than 10 square kilometers that are home to over 540 different kinds of birds! Numerous hummingbird species, including toucans, jacamars, quetzals, the bearded mountaineer, and the well-known Andean cock-of-the-rock, can be seen here, along with manakins, cotingas, and the pale-winged trumpeter.

In higher areas, such as the Colca Canyon, it is possible to see the Andean Condor, one of the largest birds in Peru. In the Colca Canyon, you’ll find a viewpoint to see this majestic bird, as it’s one of the main reasons why travelers visit this huge canyon.

Manu National Park

UNESCO has recognized Manu National Park, a biodiversity and conservation wonderland in the Madre de Dios region, as a World Heritage Site and protected area. Manu offers a learning experience full of breathtaking scenery and exhilarating experiences, so prepare to unearth a priceless find in Peru.

The provinces of Manu and Paucartambo are home to the amazing 1,716,295 hectares that make up the Manu National Park. Its helpful location, situated between the Amazon rainforest and the Andes mountains, makes it a unique haven for a staggering array of flora and fauna. 

Gallito de las Rocas and the Condor

Also called the Andean cock-of-the-rock is currently recognized as the "National Bird of Peru", with its striking red plumage. This vibrant bird is spotted in the Amazon rainforest, on the route to Manu National Park, and along the Inca Trail that winds through forested mountains to reach Machu Picchu, a wonder of the world.

The male Cock-of-the-rock stands out with vibrant plumage, distinct from the females. The Peruvian government is an advocate for its protection because poaching has historically put it at risk. 

The Colca Canyon that we mentioned before is not the only location where you can observe the condor. You can also see it on the route to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) in the Ollantaytambo (Cusco) village of Qachicata. Given its high altitude, Inti Punku may serve as a home for this magnificent bird, yet sightings are rare and require a great deal of luck.

The condor is part of the "Andean Trilogy", a revered triptych that includes the serpent, the puma, and the condor in Andean culture. The earthly world, the celestial world, and the underworld are represented by these animals, respectively. We can say that the condor holds significant cultural importance.

Discover these places with Viagens Machu Picchu and see everything that Peru offers, let’s explore it together!



 

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