Harpy Eagle Expedition – 4D/3N Seasonal Activity.

Birding & Hummingbird Garden

Early morning departure from Cusco toward the Manu region. Our journey takes us through Paucartambo and the high-Andean landscapes, gradually descending toward the cloud forest. Along the way, we will make strategic stops for birding and photography.

Highlights:

• Scenic drive through the Andes
• Paucartambo area
• Cloud Forest
• Hummingbird Garden visit
• Birding for hummingbirds and other cloud-forest species
• Opportunities to observe the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock
• Arrival in Pilcopata in the afternoon

Overnight: Pilcopata.

4x4 / Truck Transfer & Amazon River Expedition

Early breakfast followed by departure from Pilcopata toward Atalaya in a specialized truck/4x4 vehicle.

Atalaya is an important access point to the Alto Madre de Dios River, from where river transportation continues into the Amazonian lowlands. 

From Atalaya, continue by 4x4 truck upstream toward Shintuya, with opportunities for wildlife observation along the river.

Birding opportunities:

• Riverbank birds
• Kingfishers
• Herons and egrets
• Raptors
• Macaws and parrots
• Other Amazonian species

Arrival in the Shintuya area and preparation for the following day’s Harpy Eagle expedition.

Overnight: Shintuya / Expedition lodge or camp.

Main Harpy Eagle Expedition

This is the highlight of the expedition.

Very early departure to take advantage of the best morning activity. We will travel upstream by boat toward the area where the Harpy Eagle nest has been located.

The expedition will focus on

• Locating and observing the Harpy Eagle
• Observation of the nest and surrounding territory
• Photography
• Canopy birding
• Searching for other large raptors and Amazonian wildlife
• Interpretation of the forest ecosystem and Harpy Eagle habitat

Depending on river conditions, wildlife activity, and the location of the nest, we will spend several hours in the area to maximize our chances of obtaining quality observations and photographs.

Late afternoon: Begin the return journey downstream toward the Pilcopata area.

Overnight: Pilcopata

Final Birding Experience & Return to Cusco

Early morning birding around Pilcopata, followed by a visit to a Hummingbird Garden for a final photography session.

This provides an opportunity to photograph several species of hummingbirds at close range before beginning the journey back to the Andes.

After breakfast, depart Pilcopata and begin the ascent through the cloud forest and Andean landscapes.

Possible birding stops along the way:

• Cloud Forest
• Cock-of-the-Rock habitat
• Scenic viewpoints
• Other strategic birding locations

Arrival in Cusco in the late afternoon/evening, concluding the 4-Day Harpy Eagle Expedition.