Sacred Valley Birding Experience – 2D/1N

Sacred Gardens, Andean Birding & Inca Heritage

Early morning: Departure from Cusco toward the Sacred Valley, following the Vilcanota River and gradually descending into the warmer landscapes of the valley.

San Salvador – Sacred Garden

Our first birding stop will be the San Salvador Sacred Garden, an excellent opportunity for morning birdwatching among native vegetation and agricultural landscapes.

We will explore the area looking for Andean and Sacred Valley bird species, with emphasis on photography and observation.

Possible species include:

• Andean Motmot
• Golden-billed Saltator
• Blue-and-yellow Tanager
• Great Thrush
• Sparkling Violetear
• Green-tailed Trainbearer
• Andean Flicker
• various hummingbirds and tanagers

After the birding session, continue toward Pisac.

Pisac Archaeological Site

Visit the impressive Pisac Inca archaeological complex, with its terraces, ceremonial structures, agricultural areas, and panoramic views over the Sacred Valley.

The archaeological visit will also provide opportunities for high-elevation and valley birding, particularly around the terraces and surrounding vegetation.

Lunch: Pisac or surrounding area.

Continue toward Urubamba, with additional birding opportunities along the valley.

Late afternoon: Arrival in Urubamba and check-in at the hotel.

Overnight: Urubamba

Hummingbird Photography & Inca Agricultural Engineering

Early Morning – Yanahuara Ensifera Camp

Very early departure for a specialized bird photography session at Yanahuara Ensifera Camp.

The morning session will focus particularly on hummingbirds, taking advantage of the first hours of daylight when bird activity is at its highest.

Photography targets may include:

• Sword-billed Hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera) 
• Sparkling Violetear
• Green-tailed Trainbearer
• Giant Hummingbird
• other hummingbird species depending on seasonal activity

The camp provides an excellent setting for observing hummingbirds at close range while learning about their behavior, feeding patterns, and adaptations to the Andean environment.

 Moray Inca Site

After the photography session, continue to Moray, one of the most remarkable agricultural sites developed by the Incas.

Explore the famous concentric agricultural terraces and learn about their possible role in agricultural experimentation, microclimates, and crop adaptation.

The surrounding highland landscape also offers opportunities for additional birding.

Lunch: Local restaurant in the Sacred Valley or Maras area.

Return to Cusco

After lunch, begin the journey back to Cusco, arriving in the afternoon.