To see over 1,800 bird species, you have to start somewhere

With three classic birding routes in Peru, there’s options for every kind of birding enthusiast to make their own footprint. The southern route, in particular, includes Paracas National Reserve along the coast, Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca in the High Andes region, Machupicchu in the eastern Andes, and Madre de Dios in the Amazon lowlands.

As you explore the area in pursuit of your own bucket list birds, you may experience altitudes ranging from zero meters to over 4,000 meters and terrains varying from coastal deserts to grasslands and lowland forests. Best of all, along this route is the opportunity to see nearly 1,000 species of birds, including 22 endemic species. Make it a journey to remember by keeping an eye out for golden-naped tanagers, harpy eagles, Inca wrens, and hoatzins.

There are many different routes you can explore while birding in southern Peru. To start, Manu Road is a well-known birding route beginning in Cusco all the way to Manu National Park. To get there, you’d travel by air to Cusco and then go by private car to Paucartambo and take the detour to Pillcopata. In terms of accommodations, there are various lodges along the route perfect for nature tourists like birders. The Lodge at Wayqecha Biological Station, Cock of the Rock Lodge, Manu Paradise Lodge, Bamboo Manu Ecolodge, and Manu Biological Station are among the most common options. The best time to visit is during the dry season between May and November. During the rainy season, road access may be compromised, or roads may be closed altogether.

This route goes through striking Andean towns as you make your way to Abra Acjanaco. You’ll encounter everything from grasslands and cloud forests to rainforests and lowland jungles. This route in particular is considered one of the world’s most biodiverse. Over the span of just a week, it’s possible to observe up to 500 species of birds, as well as a range of reptiles and amphibians. The trip to Manu Road begins at Laguna Huacarpay, where you’re likely to spot the Rusty-fronted Canastero, Many-colored Rush Tyrant, Andean Gull, Andean Coot, Band-tailed Seedeater and multiple hummingbirds—from the Giant Hummingbird to the Black-tailed Trainbearer.

You’ll see many of these same hummingbirds along the Huambutio Bridge. At the trails’ highest altitudes, it’s possible to see the Mountain Caracara and Andean Flicker. The mountain pass at Abra Acjanaco signals a change in ecosystem, and introduces hummingbird species including the Tyrian Metaltail, Scaled Metaltail, Collared Inca, and Violet-throated Starfrontlet. At distances around 43km to 72km, it’s possible to observe Versicolored Barbet, the Andean Motmot, the Golden-headed Quetzal, and the Cerulean-capped Manakin.

When you visit southern Peru to make your own footprint along these well-traveled paths, you should expect to be amazed!