The geographical, climatic, and evolutionary factors make Peru the best place for bird watching. It has 1,830 species of birds (according to the official list of SACC/CRAP) and is considered the second most megadiverse country, concentrating 70% of the planet’s biological diversity. According to the Holdridge classification, it has 84 of the 117 life zones registered on Earth.
Our country has the highest number of endemic species in the world (more than 120). In the last three decades, an average of two new species per year has been discovered. The largest flying bird in the world (Andean Condor – Vultur griphus) is found in Peru, as well as the second smallest bird on the planet (Estrellita de Cola Corta – Myrmia micrura).
There is great potential for continued scientific discoveries at the species and subspecies level, as their isolation could offer new records. Three main bird-watching routes have been developed, covering a large number of life zones, crossing the country from west to east, with variations in birdlife that allow for extensive species lists on each trip.
This activity is easy and perfect for those passionate about bird watching. Special attention is required to fully enjoy the beauty of these birds. We include this activity in our Manu National Park tours because our guides are passionate specialists in birds, and we provide the best equipment for this experience.
The world record for the greatest diversity of bird species found in a single day in the same location is held by the Manu River, with 331 species recorded. To reach this river, travelers must follow the route to Manu to the port of Atalaya, then continue along the Alto Madre de Dios River for at least five hours before entering the tributary.
From the smallest hummingbirds to large birds such as the jungle condor and the harpy eagle, the Manu region offers sightings of birds of all types, sizes, shapes, and colors.
An ideal place for birding in Manu National Park is the clay licks on the riverbanks, where various species of macaws and smaller parrots feed on clay at dawn. It is speculated that this behavior helps counteract toxins from certain leaves and fruits they consume.
Descending from Cusco to the cloud forest of Manu during Manu National Park tours is also an ideal opportunity to see the cock-of-the-rock, the national bird of Peru. The dance performed by the males to court the females is an extraordinary ritual that every bird lover should witness.
The size of the group is 9 people per guide; if we have more than 10 to 14 people, we send a second guide (not an assistant). If there are more than 14 people, we divide into 2 totally independent groups, each with their own cars, boats, guides, and cooks.
There are not many walks in the sense of going far. All walks are done slowly. This is because most of the vegetation in the forest allows you to see the animals, giving enough time to observe the surroundings and also hear them.
We cannot assure you that you will see the Macaws in the clay licks, but if you travel in the correct season, you have more opportunities to see them. The dry season is a good time to see these birds because, during some seasons, birds migrate to areas with fruit production or feed only on seasonal seeds.
The seeds are generally toxic to prevent birds from eating them; however, if the macaws eat them, they accumulate toxins in their stomachs. To neutralize the acids and poisons, they consume nutritious clay. In the rainy season, there are many fruits until the beginning of the dry season (May). During this period, macaws eat fewer seeds and less toxic fruits, reducing their need to consume clay. This means fewer macaws are present. At the peak of the dry season, there could be 100 to 150 macaws in a morning, compared to only 10 to 50 at the end of the rainy season.
On the trip to the jungle of Manu, you will spend a good amount of time on the bus and in the boat. The hikes do not exceed 3 to 4 hours per outing. Due to heat and humidity, some people may feel exhausted or tired. We usually have a “SIESTA” at noon and also the possibility of staying in the hostel if you do not want to participate in the walks.
A trip to the rainforest is not always comfortable, but if you bring the right clothes, you will have an incomparable experience.
We request that hikers bring their own water on the first day since the containers with water will be accessible at dinner time. For the rest of the trip, we will provide bottled and purified mineral water that we bring from Cusco.
The risk of contracting malaria is low in the area we visit. However, the area is close to a gold mining area, and miners can travel in the same river that we use. There is a possibility that mosquitoes, which do not yet have malaria, could bite an infected miner and then bite you, transmitting the disease. This possibility is very rare, and until now, no tourists traveling to Manu have contracted malaria.
An incredible experience for bird lovers. From sunrise, the jungle comes alive with spectacular songs and colors. Seeing macaws at the clay licks, the majestic Andean condor, and the impressive cock-of-the-rock in their courtship dance was unforgettable.
The guides were passionate and knowledgeable, making each sighting even more special. With the best equipment and surrounded by pure nature, this tour exceeded my expectations. If you love bird watching, Manu is the perfect destination. Totally recommended!
An incredible experience for bird lovers. From sunrise, the jungle comes alive with spectacular songs and colors. Seeing macaws at the clay licks, the majestic Andean condor, and the impressive cock-of-the-rock in their courtship dance was unforgettable.
The guides were passionate and knowledgeable, making each sighting even more special. With the best equipment and surrounded by pure nature, this tour exceeded my expectations. If you love bird watching, Manu is the perfect destination. Totally recommended!
