Year-round (Peak migratory birding: September to April)
Meals Included
Gourmet field breakfast & artisan picnic lunch (vegetarian and vegan catered)
Physical Level
Easy
Jungle Lodge
Day tour returning to your Cusco hotel
Altitude / Zone
3,050 m / 10,000 ft
Expedition Summary
Located just 30 kilometers southeast of Cusco in the historic South Valley, the Lucre-Huacarpay Wetland is a protected Ramsar site encompassing 1,979 hectares of permanent lagoons, seasonal marshes, and totora reedbeds. This ecosystem provides a critical sanctuary for more than 108 recorded bird species, including high-priority Peruvian endemics, resident waterfowl, and seasonal Austral and Boreal migrants.
Designed for avid ornithologists and nature photographers seeking maximum species yield within a focused day outing, this private expedition combines early-morning lake scanning with targeted trail walks around dry Andean scrub slopes beneath the ancient Wari ruins of Pikillacta.
Key Target Endemics:
Bearded Mountaineer (Oreonympha nobilis) – A magnificent, large hummingbird feeding in flowering Nicotiana shrubs along arid canyon slopes.
Rusty-fronted Canastero (Asthenes ottonis) – Specialized furnariid thriving in native spiny shrubs and cactus stands.
Discover what makes this Amazon rainforest expedition unique
Why You'll Love This Tour
Prime Target Birding: High probability of recording the rare endemic Bearded Mountaineer and Rusty-fronted Canastero in their natural habitats.
Over 60+ Species in One Morning: Dense concentrations of Andean ducks, rails, grebes, herons, and raptors in compact, easily walkable terrain.
Top-Tier Field Equipment: Shared use of high-definition spotting scopes (Swarovski/Vortex) to guarantee clear identification and digiscoping opportunities.
Low Physical Demand: Flat, accessible terrain at 3,050m elevation—ideal for acclimatizing smoothly upon arrival in Cusco.
Flexible Schedule: Return to Cusco by early afternoon with plenty of time left to explore the historic city center or relax.
A morning at Huacarpay Lake reveals an entirely different dimension of Cusco’s natural heritage. While most travelers remain focused on stone architecture, birders here find an exceptionally productive altitudinal wetland flanked by sheer Andean peaks and pre-Inca terraces.
By departing Cusco before dawn, we reach the lakeshore exactly as morning light strikes the reedbeds. Waterfowl become instantly active, hummingbirds establish feeding territories along tobacco flowers, and mixed flocks begin foraging through the lakeshore woodland.
Your journey is led by a specialized, English-speaking Peruvian birding leader equipped with high-performance spotting scopes and extensive local playback recordings, ensuring you spend less time searching and more time observing species you cannot find anywhere else in South America.
Expedition Highlights
Starting Point: Hotel pickup in Cusco at 05:00 AM
Ending Point: Hotel drop-off in Cusco by 01:30 PM
Distance: 30 km / 18 miles drive each way on paved highway
Walking Distance: 3 to 4 km of flat trail walking at an easy birding pace
Meals Included: Field breakfast with fresh ground Peruvian coffee; complete packed lunch
Target Species List: Available upon booking for trip preparation
Wildlife & Scenery Summary
05:00 AM: Hotel pickup in Cusco and scenic drive toward the Southern Valley.
05:45 AM: Arrival at Huacarpay Lake; dawn wetland scanning and breakfast along the reedbeds.
07:30 AM: Dry scrub walk targeting Bearded Mountaineer, Rusty-fronted Canastero, and Mountain Finches.
10:30 AM: Exploration of the upper viewpoint beneath Pikillacta ruins; raptor and swallow observation.
12:30 PM: Picnic lunch and bird checklist review.
01:30 PM: Return transfer to Cusco hotel.
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
A step-by-step breakdown of your journey through the Peruvian Amazon
Our expedition begins with an early pickup from your Cusco accommodation at 05:00 AM. A quiet 35-minute private drive brings us to the Lucre-Huacarpay wetland basin just as morning sunlight breaks over the Vilcanota Range.
We start birding along the primary lake perimeter where calm water surfaces allow crisp scope views of water specialists. Key resident species include Plumbeous Rail, White-tufted Grebe, Puna Ibis, Yellow-billed Pintail, Cinnamon Teal, Ruddy Duck, and the strikingly agile Many-colored Rush Tyrant darting through totora reeds (Typha angustifolia).
Mid-morning, we transition onto the adjoining dry scrub slopes near the base of the Pikillacta ruins. Here, endemic target species thrive among flowering Nicotiana bushes and native cacti. We dedicate ample time to securing unobstructed views of the spectacular Bearded Mountaineer, the localized Rusty-fronted Canastero, Streak-fronted Thornbird, and Black-throated Flowerpiercer.
Above the valley, raptors frequently utilize rising thermals: look for Mountain Caracara, Cinereous Harrier, and Variable Hawk. After completing our field tally and enjoying a relaxed picnic lunch, we return to Cusco, delivering you to your hotel door by 01:30 PM.
What's Included & Excluded
Transparency is our core commitment. No hidden fees or surprises.
— Included in Price
Professional Ornithologist Guide: Certified English-speaking Peruvian birding specialist equipped with field guide books and bird calls.
High-Performance Optics: Shared high-definition field spotting scope (Swarovski or Vortex) with tripod.
Private Transportation: Clean, comfortable van with professional driver for all transfers.
Sanctuary Admission: Full entrance fees for the Huacarpay Lake conservation reserve.
Field Meals: Early field breakfast with hot brewed coffee, tea, fruit, plus artisan packed lunch.
Hydration: Purified drinking water replenishment.
Official Bird Checklist: Printed checklist of the birds of Huacarpay Lake.
— Not Included
Personal binoculars (8×42 or 10×42 recommended; rentals available upon prior request).
Discretionary gratuities for guide and driver.
Travel and medical insurance.
Personal snacks or sodas outside provided meals.
Pricing, Tiers & Policies
Per person rates based on group size and cabin options
Transparent Private & Small-Group Rates (USD per person):
1 Birder (Private): $190 USD
2 – 3 Birders: $110 USD per person
4 – 8 Birders: $85 USD per person
Customized full-day extensions with the Pikillacta Archaeological Site or Tipón Hydraulic Sanctuary are available upon request.
Booking & Acclimatization Advice: Because Huacarpay Lake sits at 3,050 meters (slightly lower than downtown Cusco at 3,400m), this excursion serves as an ideal first-day or second-day outing for newly arrived travelers adapting to the Andean altitude.
Traveler Guide & FAQs
Important advice on vaccines, currency, flights, and weather
Location & Geography: Huacarpay Lake is situated in the Lucre district, Quispicanchi province, 30 km southeast of Cusco. The wetland is framed by ancient sandstone hills and the monumental Wari settlement of Pikillacta.
Climate: Mornings start crisp and dry (8°C – 12°C) with brisk winds. By 10:00 AM, intense high-altitude sunlight elevates temperatures to 20°C – 24°C. Rain is rare between May and September.
Conservation Status: Recognized as a wetland of international significance under the Ramsar Convention in 2006, protecting vital stopover habitat for regional waterfowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need prior birdwatching experience? A: Not at all. The open lake landscape and accessible trails make spotting birds straightforward for beginners, while the high concentration of endemic species satisfies experienced life-listers.
Q: What are our chances of seeing the Bearded Mountaineer? A: Consistently high between April and November, when wild tobacco bushes along the trail bloom actively. Our guides monitor known feeding territories year-round.
Q: Can I rent binoculars if I did not bring my own? A: Yes. High-quality 8×42 binoculars are available for rent at $10 USD per day with advance notice.
What to Bring into the Amazon
Recommended gear, clothing, and repellent to make your trip comfortable
Optics: Personal binoculars (8×42 or 10×42 recommended) and camera with telephoto lens (300mm+ recommended).
Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or light trail runners suitable for packed dirt and gravel.
Layered Clothing: Warm fleece or light jacket for crisp early morning temperatures (8°C to 12°C), shedding to light long-sleeve shirt as midday warms (20°C to 24°C).
Sun Protection: Wide-brim hat, polarized UV sunglasses, and high-SPF biodegradable sunscreen.
Hydration & Health: Refillable water bottle (minimum 1 liter), lip balm, personal medication.
Documentation: Original passport or ID copy.
Reserve Your Spot
Direct operator booking • Instant confirmation assistance
Rescheduling of tours is possible, as long as they are requested well in advance, except for specific third-party attractions or services which have specific policies.
Failure of the passenger to show up at the indicated place and time will result in the total loss of the service, with no right to reimbursement.
Cancellations or withdrawals of contracted services are not refundable.
INKAMAZONIA TOUR OPERATOR E.I.R.L. reserves the right to modify or change these policies according to Peruvian tourism law and safety standards.
Weather & Remote Location Conditions
Weather conditions and remote locations are combined physical factors that can make this activity a bit more challenging than it normally would be. On certain days, we will have to do our walks with tropical rain.
Be prepared to face large rivers in small motorboats and taste unique traditional food from the Amazonian region.
Usually, you do not need to be a tourist with extensive hiking experience, as the attraction elevation is approximately 500 meters above sea level and the terrain is not very steep.
Wildlife Sightings & Natural Habitat
The probability of seeing wildlife is varied since there are days when we have more opportunities than others.
Remember that this expedition enters a completely wild place where animals are not confined and are not always in the same location.
The best recommendation is to have plenty of patience and maintain teamwork with your route guide and boat crew.
Travel Advice & Insurance
All passengers are advised to purchase travel insurance covering remote Amazon areas, emergency medical assistance, delays, and evacuation.
Original passport is mandatory for control checkpoints at National Parks and Biosphere Reserves.
Please report any dietary requirements, allergies, or physical restrictions to your trip coordinator prior to departure.
Have specific questions regarding dates or flexible booking policies? We are available 24/7.
Important Reservation Notes: Prices are in US Dollars per person based on shared double/twin room accommodation. A deposit of 30% is required to guarantee your departure date. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from entry to Peru.
Verified Travelers
TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews
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Excursion au Parc National de Manu J'ai fait une excursion de 3 jours au parc national de Manu avec Lincol et ses aides de camp, super expérience ! Nous avons pu voir plein d'oiseaux, colorés ou non, et même un capybara. La jungle est vraiment magnifique. Je recommande :)
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Relax e natura! Esperienza di relax e immersione nella natura! Il parco del Manu è una zona molto bella e poco frequentata dell’Amazzonia Peruviana che offre la possibilità di esplorare in tranquillità la flora e la fauna del posto. Lincol guida top!
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Clara J
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Inolvidable Desde el principio el viaje a la selva fue interesantísimo. Lincoln es un guía profesional que tiene un conocimiento abrumador de la naturaleza, siempre había alrededor algo nuevo que aprender. La observación de los animales en su hábitat es imprevisible y emocionante, tanto el guía como el resto del equipo están atentos para intentar no perder nada. Especial atención al gran conductor Percy y al excelente cocinero Wilfredo, que nos tenía comidas deliciosas preparadas cuando volvíamos de las observaciones. Los paisajes, la vida de la selva, los colores y los sonidos… inolvidable.
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Mar A
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Insuperable, la mejor experiencia Quiero recordar este viaje no solo por todo lo que vimos, sino por cómo nos hicieron vivirlo. El Manu es un lugar impresionante por sí solo, pero Lincoln consiguió que lo entendiéramos de otra manera: no se limitaba a señalar animales o plantas, sino que nos explicaba cómo encajaba todo, por qué era importante y qué historias había detrás. Su entusiasmo es de esos que se contagian. Percy, nuestro conductor, también hizo el viaje mucho más especial. Siempre estaba de buen humor, era muy amable y tenía una capacidad increíble para detectar aves a lo lejos antes que nadie. Y Wilfredo nos cuidó muchísimo con la comida: todo estaba buenísimo y agradecí especialmente que tuviera siempre en cuenta que soy vegetariana. Más allá de la organización y de todo lo que aprendimos, me quedo con la sensación de haber compartido unos días con personas que realmente aman ese lugar y disfrutan enseñándoselo a los demás. Nos trataron con una cercanía y una generosidad enormes. Volví con muchísimas imágenes en la cabeza, pero sobre todo con muchas más ganas de proteger y entender la naturaleza
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María F
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Una experiencia inolvidable!!! Nos adentramos al Manu en una excursión con Lincoln y se convirtió en una experiencia inolvidable. Observamos muchísimas aves, flora y otros animales como serpientes, tarántulas y monos. El paseo por el río y la caminata nocturna fueron increíbles. Nos quedamos con un recuerdo increíble del guía porque nos explicó todo con muchísimo detalle y amabilidad y nos permitió tener un acercamiento a la selva respetuoso y emocionante. También me gustaría dejar una mención especial a nuestro estupendo conductor, Persy, y cocinero, Wilfredo, que hicieron que la experiencia fuese todavía mejor. Muchísimas gracias a Lincol y a todo el equipo. Lo recomiendo al 100.
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Un viaje increíble al Manu Pasamos 4 días increíbles en el Manu. Las actividades estuvieron muy bien organizadas, la comida fue variada y deliciosa, y los lodges fueron cómodos. Todo el equipo fue muy amable e hizo que la experiencia fuera muy agradable. Disfrutamos muchísimo del viaje y sin duda volveríamos. ¡Muy recomendado!
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Teri A
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Amazing Inkamazonia 7-day Manu Bioreserve Tour! A friend and I recently enjoyed the 7-day tour of Manu Biosphere Reserve with Inkamazonia. Roger Huaman Guipia was our guide. What an extraordinary journey into the amazing diversity of life and native culture in Manu National Park. Inkamazonia delivers 100% on their promises. The tour was well organized by Lincol Huamantupa Chuquimaco with excellent transportation and accommodations. The meals, prepared by our chef/cook Alex were delicious, healthy, plentiful, and accommodated our food restrictions. Roger is a skilled and knowledgeable guide; excellent at spotting, identifying, and teaching us about the multitude of birds, monkeys, caimans, otters, tapirs, capybaras, trees, flowers and other species. He is a wealth of knowledge about the Manu ecosystem and native culture and is a true educator. Roger is also multilingual fluent in Spanish, English, and native languages. We saw and learned so much! The whole team of Roger, Alex, Juan and Remy (boat operators) were all excellent at spotting wildlife. Some highlights of the tour included Lincol’s family Inkamazonia Orchid and Hummingbird Ecological Center, two trips to see the Giant Otters at the oxbow lake, the beautiful grounds and trails at Hummingbird Lodge, and the last night stay at the Tapir lick platform - an amazing night in the rainforest, and we were lucky to see and hear tapirs as well as monkeys and birds. Jenny and her family provided very comfortable accommodations. I felt safe and comfortable the entire trip. I greatly appreciate Inkamazonia’s focus on traveling lightly on the earth, protecting the bioreserve, and supporting local native communities through responsible tourism. I highly recommend Inkamazonia!
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walburga23
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Una experiencia excellente! Estoy muy contenta y agradecida! Just amazing and highly recommended to who wants to immerse in the selva! The 7 day trip to Manu with Inkamazonia has been one of the best experiences ever. The organization of Lincol was perfect, our guide Roger was very knowledgable, attentive and caring, the cooking of Alex (with the support of the experienced boatsmen Juan and Remy) was undescribably good and adjusted to special needs. We saw a lot of wildlife, more than we expected! All the chosen lodges and the tapir observation platform were great places to spend the nights, especially as they supported the local people and economy. Thanks to the whole staff!!!
