Author: Manu Jungle Trips Travel Peru

The Birdwatching Peru Amazon

PERU AMAZON BIRDS: The Birdwatching Peru Amazon

We have discovered 16 new bird species in Birdwatching Peru over the past 10 years. These new additions to the region’s avifauna span a wide range of bird families and include the discovery of a raptor in the southern Peruvian Amazon.

In 2002, the cryptic forest falcon (Micrastur mintoni) was discovered in the Amazon. This Brazilian species has bright orange skin around its eyes.

The total population of this bird is assumed to be large due to its wide distribution, but overall, little is known about this new Amazon species.The Birdwatching Peru Amazon

In 2007, a new bird species was described in the Peruvian Amazon—Cnipodectes superrufus, the Rufous Twistwing. It exhibits a wide variation in reddish-brown plumage.

Despite extensive ornithological research in the southeastern Madre de Dios region, this species had not been detected, largely due to the inaccessibility of its natural habitat.

The species is restricted to spiny bamboo thickets (Guadua weberbaueri) that reach five meters in height—an understudied Amazonian habitat.

Initially, this bird had been observed only in a few sites in Madre de Dios and a nearby region.

Its known range, dominated by bamboo forests, spans about 3,400–89,000 km² across Madre de Dios (Peru),

Sandoval Lake, Pando (Bolivia), and Acre (Brazil)—Birdwatching Peru.

The known range was later extended to include Manu National Park.The Birdwatching Peru Amazon

According to scientists, the Rufous Twistwing is likely the least abundant of all bamboo specialist birds in the Amazon.

Its short-term extinction risk is low, but recent development projects, such as the paving of the Interoceanic

Highway, are increasing human settlement and habitat destruction in the region. Additionally, the socioeconomic

value of bamboo and the growing trend of harvesting it suggest the species’ suitable habitat may shrink in the future.

Another Amazonian bird, the Iquitos Gnatcatcher (Polioptila clementsi), discovered in 2005, is now considered

critically endangered. Also found in the Peruvian Amazon, this bird was discovered in the Allpahuayo Mishana

National Reserve, just west of Iquitos in the Loreto region—The Birdwatching Peru Amazon

Sightings are rare in the white-sand forests it inhabits. Surveys within the reserve have located only about fifteen

breeding pairs. Since its discovery, it has become increasingly difficult to locate the species each year.

It is at serious risk of extinction due to its extremely restricted distribution, very small population, and ongoing deforestation in the area.

Logging for agriculture—encouraged by government incentives promoting land colonization around Iquitos,

including forest clearing inside the national reserve for construction, firewood, and charcoal—continues to threaten available habitat.

The ancient, slow-growing varillales forests—prime habitat for Polioptila clementsi—grow on quartz-rich,

nutrient-poor soils and may never regenerate if destroyed.

Amazonian forests growing on white sands and other nutrient-poor soils hold many surprises. In 2001, another

new species, the Mishana Tyrannulet (Zimmerius villarejoi), was described from a white-sand beach near Iquitos

in Peru’s Loreto region.

Among the many Amazonian birds, parrots are often the most spectacular for their vivid colors. The Bald Parrot

(Pyrilia aurantiocephala, originally Pionopsitta aurantiocephala), a member of the true parrot family, made waves

when reported in 2002—Birdwatching Peru.

Mainly because it’s hard to believe that such a large, colorful bird could have gone unnoticed.

As its name suggests, the species has a striking bald, featherless head, but is otherwise brightly colored.

It displays an extraordinary palette: a vivid orange head, yellowish-green nape, green parrot-like body, wings

tinged with ultramarine blue, cyan, orange, emerald green, and scarlet, and orange-yellow legs.

This parrot has been observed in only a few locations along the lower Madeira and Tapajós Rivers in the Brazilian Amazon.

It is currently known from only two types of habitats and in a relatively small area.

Although the area where Pyrilia aurantiocephala specimens were collected is primarily dedicated to ecotourism,

nearby regions, especially around the headwaters of the Tapajós River and the southern Amazon belt, are under

constant threat from destructive logging operations in the Peruvian jungle.

The species is listed as “near threatened” due to its small and moderately declining population from habitat loss in

the Amazon birds region around Puerto Maldonado—Birdwatching Peru.

In 2005, a new parakeet species, Aratinga pintoi, was found in the Amazon basin.

Commonly known as the Sulphur-breasted Parakeet, it was found only in open areas with sandy soils in Monte Alegre, on the north bank of the lower Amazon River, in Pará State, Brazil.

Its plumage is splendid: a green crown, orange forehead, yellow back speckled with green dots, sulphur-colored

chest, and deep blue wingtips.

It was initially thought to be a juvenile form of another species or a hybrid, but surprisingly, scientists had been

collecting, examining, and misidentifying it since the early 20th century.

Currently, Aratinga pintoi is fairly common in Monte Alegre, easily spotted along main roads in groups of up to

ten individuals flying over the town.

However, as often happens with new parrot species, scientists now fear that farmers may soon begin capturing and trading these birds through illegal markets.The Birdwatching Peru Amazon

Some scientists are not only concerned about the preservation of recently described, endangered, and threatened Amazonian birds, but also about the so-called “forgotten taxa.”

Many species are desperately waiting for a dedicated ornithologist or a museum worker—often underfunded in South America—to formally describe them.

There is also a huge demand for ecological studies to better understand and define the threat status of many

species for which there is insufficient data.

In a race against time, ornithological research aimed at properly documenting the planet’s rich and complex avifauna is falling behind the pace of regional development, and many Amazonian bird species are already facing extinction.

PERUVIAN AMAZON:The Birdwatching Peru Amazon

The Peruvian Amazon is the largest rainforest on Earth. It is known for its unique biodiversity, with wildlife including jaguars, river dolphins, manatees, giant otters, capybaras, harpy eagles, anacondas, and piranhas.

The vast range of habitats unique to this region harbors many globally significant species, and scientists are discovering them at an incredible rate.

Between 1999 and 2009, at least 1,200 new species of plants and vertebrates were discovered in the Amazon biome.

These include 637 plants, 257 fish, 216 amphibians, 55 reptiles, 16 birds, and 39 mammals. Many new invertebrate species have also been found, though they are not covered in detail due to their overwhelming number.

The conservation of the Peruvian Amazon is essential for the future of humanity.

Multiple threats are increasing pressure on the natural resources and environmental services that millions of people depend on.

These threats are ultimately linked to international market forces and everyday practices that rely on the Amazon for goods and services.

The Peruvian Amazon affects weather patterns worldwide and helps stabilize the climate. Therefore, conserving the Amazon forest is critical to addressing global climate change.

All development in the Amazon must be managed in an integrated and sustainable way to maintain its key attributes and ecological functions.

Historically, each country in the region has only considered the portion of the Amazon within its national borders, focusing on benefits to its own citizens.

This has led to fragmented policymaking and uncontrolled exploitation of the Amazon’s goods and services, often ignoring the viability of the region as a whole.

Growth in key sectors such as agriculture, livestock, and energy has exacerbated the negative impacts of this approach. These economic sectors are expanding in response to global demand and rely on infrastructure development projects such as those under IIRSA.

These are the forces currently shaping the “integration” of the Amazon into national and global economies—Birdwatching Peru.

They are generating short-term income and improving national economic indicators. However, the environmental and social costs of such development must be central to planning.

Worldwide, marginalized or minority groups—such as Indigenous peoples and rural communities—suffer the most from the environmental and social impacts of unsustainable development.

The Amazon is no exception. Conservation of the Amazon is crucial, first and foremost, for the survival of the 2.7 million people from more than 320 Indigenous groups who have depended on its richness for centuries.

In this context, the fate of the Amazon ultimately depends on a significant shift in how the development of Amazonian countries is understood.

It is vital to sustainably manage the Amazon as one functional whole. The desire to protect the region’s ecological functionality for the common good must become the central task of Amazonian nations.

Responsible management of the Amazon—Machu Picchu Birdwatching.

Birds of the Peruvian Amazon

The Birds of the Peruvian Amazon is home to one of the most captivating nature experiences on Earth. Our journey begins in the highlands and follows an overland route through a remarkable variety of ecosystems found uniquely close together in Manu National Park. From high-altitude agricultural valleys and windswept puna grasslands to dwarf forests and lush, shifting cloud forests, we descend into tropical lowland valleys where farmers cultivate coca and an array of unusual fruits. These diverse habitats support countless bird species—including those that gather at the famous macaw clay licks.

We then travel by river into the heart of the lowland rainforest, passing remote jungle communities on our way to the Manu Wildlife Center. Located deep within Manu, the largest national park in the Upper Amazon Basin, this center offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities. At an isolated oxbow lake, we explore waters home to giant river otters, caimans, monkeys, and a dazzling variety of birds.

At the Manu Wildlife Center, guests enjoy the region’s premier site for tapir observation, particularly at night, when these shy animals visit a clay-rich mud wallow near the lodge. Mornings begin with visits to a nearby macaw clay lick, where fruit trees attract colorful flocks of macaws. A network of forest trails, a canopy observation tower, and two pristine lakes offer a complete Amazonian rainforest experience. After a short canoe ride, we return to Cusco. peru  amazon birding

Macaws and the Clay Licks of Blanquillo -Birds of the Peruvian Amazon

In the local Indigenous language, “macaw” translates to “the one who cries by the river.” These intelligent and social birds can live up to 50 or 60 years. Of the 16 macaw species known in the region, six are extinct and eight are currently endangered in the Peruvian Amazon. Fortunately, macaws that frequent the clay licks have shown high breeding success.

Parrots, a group that includes macaws and parakeets, are anatomically similar. They are more common in tropical

regions and parts of temperate Australia. Known for being vocal and social, they have strong, curved beaks and

zygodactyl feet (two toes forward, two backward), making them excellent climbers. Their diet is largely fruit-based,

and in the forest, they are often seen foraging in large, gregarious flocks.

Typical macaw clay licks in Manu are found in palm groves, especially among Scheelea butyracea palms, known

locally as “Shebonal.” These areas have nutrient-poor soils with high aluminum content and poor drainage,

especially during the rainy season when the clay becomes heavily saturated.

Birds of the Peruvian Amazon-   Bird Behavior at the Blanquillo Clay Lick

Despite documentation of clay consumption (a behavior known as geophagy), little has been known about the social

and behavioral patterns of these birds at the clay licks. Observations at the Machiguenga Clay Lick, located along the

Manu River, revealed a clear structure to bird activity across the day:

• Early Morning: Parrots and small macaws
• Mid-Morning: Large macaws
• Early Afternoon: Parakeets

The earliest visitors include the yellow-crowned parrot (Amazona ochrocephala) and the dusky-headed parakeet

(Aratinga weddellii), followed by the blue-headed parrot (Pionus sordidus), mealy parrot (Amazona farinosa),

orange-cheeked parrot (Pionopsitta barrabandi), and the chestnut-fronted macaw (Ara severa).

Blue-headed parrots tend to feed in large groups of over 50 individuals, while others gather in smaller flocks of fewer

than 20. Scarlet macaws (Ara macao) often join flocks of red-and-green macaws (Ara chloroptera), which can startle

smaller birds. In total, about 100 macaws and parrots gather at the lick in the early morning hours.

Feeding groups average around 40 macaws and over 70 parakeets.

Yellow-crowned parrots typically spend about 28 minutes at the clay lick, while tui parakeets may remain up to 47 minutes.

Among the early visitors, blue-headed parrots are the most aggressive, whereas orange-cheeked parrots are the least. Red-and-green macaws show more aggression than scarlet macaws, and parakeets are equally assertive.

Interestingly, all species are more aggressive toward members of their own species than toward others.

Tours  Guides Peru Travels

Tours  Guides Peru Travels : Cusco is located in the central and southeastern region of Peru. It occupies

much of the Vilcanota mountain range, which plays a key role in its unique geography. The region’s diversity and

sudden changes in landscapes and ecosystems are primarily linked to the Andes mountain range. Without these

mountains, Cusco and Peru in general would be tropical regions.

Area

72,104 km²

Topography Tours  Guides Peru Travels –

Cusco’s terrain is marked by the Eastern and Central Andes Mountain Ranges, which originate in the Vilcanota

knot.

The Central Andes are further divided into three sub-ranges: Vilcanota, Vilcabamba, and Paucartambo. The

Andean region features high-altitude landscapes such as plateaus, mesetas, and expansive pampas. These are

bordered by deep ravines and valleys carved by rivers like the Paucartambo, Urubamba, and Apurímac.

The High Jungle region offers a descent into diverse, lush vegetation with a warm, continental climate.

Climate  in the Tours  Guides Peru Travels .

Cusco experiences a varied climate due to its many different ecological zones.

In the lower altitudes (around 2,000 meters), the climate is generally warm.

In the Inter-Andean region, the climate is temperate.

Higher altitudes (above 3,700 meters) feature cooler temperatures.

Elevation

City of Cusco: 3,399 meters above sea level.

Lowest point: 532 meters above sea level (Pilcopata).

Highest point: 4,801 meters above sea level (Suyckutambo).

Boundaries in the Tours  Guides Peru Travels

North: Adjacent to the jungles of Junín and Ucayali.

West: Bordered by the jungles of Ayacucho and the Apurímac mountain range.

South: Connected to the highland regions of Arequipa and Puno.

East: Borders the vast Amazon plain of Madre de Dios.

Distances & Access the Tours  Guides Peru Travels

From Lima to Cusco: 1,153 km.

By road:

Lima-Arequipa-Cusco: 1,650 km (26 hours by car).

Lima-Nasca-Puquio-Abancay-Cusco: 1,131 km (20 hours by car).

Puno-Cusco: 389 km (7 hours by car).

By air: Regular flights from Lima (1 hour), Arequipa (30 minutes), and Puerto Maldonado (30 minutes) to Cusco.

By train: Regular service from Puno to Cusco: 384 km (10 hours).

CUSCO: MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS – Tours  Guides Peru Travels

Andahuaylillas

A picturesque village renowned for the Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, built in the early 17th century.

Inside, you’ll find gilded altars, paintings, and murals from the Cusco School of Art, along with silver jewelry. The

village square is beautifully enhanced by Pisonay trees. A few kilometers further, you’ll reach Huaro, a village

historically inhabited by the shamans during the Inca period.

San Blas Neighborhood

Famous for being home to some of the most important artists in the region. Visitors can enjoy an amazing folk fair,

artisan stores, charming plazas, and stroll through narrow streets showcasing colonial architecture, including the

Church of San Blas, the oldest in the city. Here, you’ll also have the chance to experience local customs and savor regional food.

  Tours  Guides Peru Travels  to the visit  Maras

  Tours  Guides Peru Travel :  This town boasts a magnificent church and grand houses adorned with the shields of

noble indigenous families, a reflection of its prosperous colonial era.

A must-see is the salt mines, which have been in operation since the Inca Empire.

Visitors can even participate in salt extraction, using techniques from ancient times. Additionally, the agricultural

terraces at Moray, an Inca agricultural laboratory, offer a blend of historical significance and stunning scenery.

From here, you can also visit the salt pans, a beautiful sight to behold.

Tours  Guides Peru Travels to  Ollantaytambo

Known as the “living Inca village,” Ollantaytambo retains much of its ancient mystique. Its intact Inca dwellings

and ecological diversity across multiple altitudinal zones take visitors back in time.

The Inca Bridge leading to Pachar and the grandiose stone terraces of the Ollantaytambo Fortress are impressive,

designed to protect the empire from a different angle.

Other nearby monuments, such as Mañaraucay, Incahuatana, and the Princess’s Baths, further enhance the area’s

historical charm.

The highlight of the town is its living tradition: the local people, dressed in traditional attire, share Inca myths,

legends, and customs, allowing visitors to connect with the ancient civilization. sacred valley  tour 

Tours  Guides Peru Travels  to  Paucartambo

Located along the alternative route to Pisac, between Huancarani and Huambutío, Paucartambo is a beautiful

example of colonial Peru with deep Andean roots.

Its narrow, cobblestone streets are lined with charming blue balconies, adding to the town’s colonial allure.

CUSCO: MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

6. Paucartambo

Every July, Paucartambo celebrates one of the most spectacular festivals in the region: the Fiesta de la Virgen del

Carmen.

This event offers a vibrant celebration where you can dance with mask-wearers to the rhythm of comparsas and

processions in honor of the town’s patroness. Afterward, enjoy a refreshing bath and head to the Mirador de las

Tres Cruces for one of the most unforgettable sunrises in the world.

7. Piquillacta

Known as the “City of the Fleas,” Piquillacta was one of the most important centers of the Wari culture. The site

consists of various constructions designed to defend the territory and store agricultural products. Nearby, you’ll

find Laguna Lucre or Huacarpay, a peaceful spot rich with wildlife, where you can enjoy the landscape and regional

cuisine at local restaurants.

8.  Tours  Guides Peru Travels  visit  Pisac

Pisac, the gateway to the Sacred Valley of the Urubamba, is a charming town with colonial and mestizo features.

Immerse yourself in local customs and explore the traditional market filled with regional crafts. The colonial

church in Pisac hosts Mass in Quechua, with the presence of the Varayocs (local authorities). Prepare for a

challenging hike to the Pisac Archaeological Site, an important Inca fortress that once protected the empire’s

capital. The site features spectacular agricultural terraces, such as Qanturaquay, Amaru, Punku, Intihuanta (the

Inca sun dial), and Tanqanamanka, the largest pre-Columbian cemetery in South America.

9. Plaza de Armas -Tours  Guides Peru Travels

Also known as Aucaypata (meaning “Plaza of the Warrior” in Quechua), the Plaza de Armas was one of the key

locations for Inca festivals like the Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun). The square’s beauty is accentuated by its stone

arches, a result of Spanish colonial architecture.

10. Puca Pucara

Puca Pucara, which means “Red Fort” in Quechua, is named for the red hue the rocks take on during twilight. This

site, which once served as an administrative center, invites visitors to explore its terraces, staircases, and passages

—areas once traveled by mythic figures of the Inca Empire.

11. Qenqo

The most striking feature of Qenqo is the large carved stone block, believed to have been used to store chicha (corn

beer), a drink consumed during Inca rituals. As you enter the network of tunnels and underground galleries

adorned with Inca deities, you’ll reach a circular patio with a prominent stone (or Wanka) that may represent a

deity.

12. Sacsayhuaman

Located just 2 kilometers from Cusco, Sacsayhuaman is a military fortress constructed from perfectly cut granite

stones.

This fortress, which took over seven decades and the labor of 20,000 workers to build, is renowned for the

incredible precision of its construction. Its layout represents the head of a puma, the animal that symbolized

Cusco.

Notable features include the Rodadero (a natural rock formation) and the Inca Throne.

13. Urubamba

Situated in the heart of the Urubamba Valley, this town is surrounded by beautiful landscapes that define Peru’s

highlands. Urubamba was once a pre-Hispanic agricultural center.

Visitors can enjoy typical regional dishes at the town’s famous picanterías (traditional eateries) and explore its

countryside, with views of the imposing Nevado Chicón.

14. Yucay

Nestled within lush green valleys, Yucay offers visitors stunning views and a glimpse into the past with its colonial

church and the Palace of Inca Sayri Tupac, a rebellious leader of Vilcabamba. The town also features a temple

made of stone and adobe with intricate decorations in high and low relief.

15. Tipón

Located 25 kilometers from Cusco, Tipón is said to be one of the royal gardens built by the Inca emperor

Wiracocha.

The site features twelve terraces, finely polished stone walls, large agricultural terraces, canals, and waterfalls that

create an awe-inspiring landscape.

16. Limatambo

As mentioned in Pedro Cieza de León’s chronicles, Limatambo is famous for being the site of the fierce battle

between Diego de Almagro and the indigenous peoples before the Spanish entered Cusco. Today, Limatambo is

home to the Tarawasi Archaeological Complex, a remnant of the flourishing Inca period. Limatambo was also one

of the Tampu (resting places) on the four main routes leading to the Inca capital, Cusco.

17. Machu Picchu

Hidden by the passage of time, entangled between the charm of the jungle and the mountain, Machu Picchu holds

the mystery of a legendary empire within its walls and the labyrinth of its passageways.

This archaeological wonder of Peru and the world is considered a UNESCO World  -Tours  Guides Peru Travels

Heritage Site and was recently chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Machu Picchu invites

visitors to explore its intricate and spectacular architecture, which remains one of the greatest mysteries of the

world.

Located on the left bank of the Vilcanota River, in the Kusichaca Valley, this spectacular structure sits atop Machu

Picchu Mountain, which means “Old Mountain” in Quechua. Facing it is the towering Huayna Picchu (Young

Mountain). Both mountains are surrounded by the rushing waters of the Urubamba River. The most remarkable

feature of this site is how harmoniously it blends with the surrounding natural environment, a rare effect seen in

few human-made works.

18. Choquequirao

Located in the Cusco Region, Choquequirao consists of nine distinct sectors, with notable features such as:

The religious center, with its system of fountains and aqueducts.

A group of covered structures.

The religious nature of this site is evident throughout the complex, which is arranged around a large open space or main plaza.

It is complemented by a well-preserved system of agricultural terraces (andenes).

The archaeological remains are scattered across the descending slopes of Choquequirao Mountain, grouped in

small districts separated by a considerable distance. The layout suggests a focus on social hierarchy and the fusion

of different cultural groups.

The residential sector is located on the lower slopes,

while the agricultural terraces are found along the mountain’s sides. Some of these terraces had irrigation channels

and were used year-round, while others appear to have been used seasonally.

The ceremonial sector is located in the main plaza area, while the upper sections of the site feature a series of

sophisticated buildings.

Discover the Peruvian Amazon: Unique Tours in the Heart of the Rainforest

Embark on a unique experience: Unforgettable Adventures in the Peruvian Amazon Are you ready to explore the

largest rainforest in the world? Tours through the Peruvian Amazon offer you the opportunity to experience a

unique connection with nature, while learning about biodiversity, local cultures, and the importance of conserving

this invaluable ecosystem.

Experience the Ese Eja Culture in Infierno: An Authentic Encounter with the Native Community Immerse yourself

in the traditions and customs of the Ese Eja community in Infierno. Discover their stories, rituals, and the deep

respect for the rainforest that defines their way of life. A unique cultural experience that will allow you to connect

with the ancestral richness of the Amazon.

Become a Citizen Scientist: Participate in Live Research Projects Join the cause of rainforest conservation as a true scientist.

Participate in biodiversity research, where you can collaborate on real projects that directly impact the

preservation of the Amazon ecosystem. Make history while learning and contributing to the future of the Amazon!

Capture the Magic of Nature: Photography Expeditions in the Amazon The Peruvian Amazon is a paradise for

photography lovers. Join our guided expeditions and enjoy walks through the rainforest, where you can capture

spectacular images of the flora and fauna that inhabit this unique ecosystem. Bring home visual memories that will

stay with you for a lifetime!

Adventures Without Limits: Cycling and Exploration in the Rainforest If you’re an adventurer at heart, don’t miss

our exciting cycling and jungle exploration activities. Enjoy the challenge of cycling through the rainforest while

facing a natural environment full of surprises. Awaken your explorer spirit!

Tropical Biology Studies and Workshops:

Discover the Secrets of the Amazon Join our study trips and interactive workshops. Learn from expert biologists

about the rich biodiversity of the Amazon and gain a deep understanding of the vital role this rainforest plays in

global ecological balance.

Family Adventure in the Jungle: Connecting Youngsters with Nature If you’re looking for a family experience, our

tours are designed for all ages. Foster a love for nature in the youngest members while exploring the secrets of the

Peruvian Amazon together. An educational and fun adventure for everyone