MÁLAGA HIGH PASS BIRDWATCHING TOUR – ENDEMIC BIRDS OF CUSCO, PERU – 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS

In the world of birdwatching, most birders travel with one main objective: to observe the endemic birds of the country they visit. Peru is internationally recognized as one of the richest countries for endemic birds, and several locations concentrate a high diversity of these restricted species. One of the most important of these sites for birdwatching in Peru is Málaga High Pass, a classic destination for Andean birding tours. Málaga High Pass birding is famous for hosting a remarkable number of Peruvian endemic birds, many of them restricted to very small geographic ranges. Some of these species are also endangered or threatened, sharing fragile high-Andean ecosystems. During this endemic birding tour in Peru, we target species such as Rusty-fronted Canastero (endemic), White-tufted Sunbeam (endemic), Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch (endemic), Creamy-crested Spinetail (endemic), and Bearded Mountaineer (endemic). On this first day of Andean birdwatching, we also search for the legendary Royal Cinclodes, one of the most range-restricted birds in South America. The route to observe the Royal Cinclodes involves a challenging high-altitude trek, reaching elevations above 4,000 meters (13,123 ft). This makes Málaga Pass one of the most exciting sites for high-altitude birding in Peru. Bird species here are closely associated with the slopes of the snow-capped Verónica Mountain, where specialized birds survive only at extreme elevations. This area is also well known for Polylepis forest birding, an essential habitat for several Andean endemic birds, including the White-browed Tit-Spinetail (endemic). Along the route, we can also observe typical high-Andean bird species such as Ash-breasted Tit-Tyrant, Tawny Tit-Spinetail, Giant Conebill, Páramo Pipit, Andean Hillstar, Blue-mantled Thornbill, Peruvian Sierra-Finch, Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch, Plumbeous Sierra-Finch, and the elusive Puna Tapaculo. After completing our high-Andean birdwatching at Málaga Pass, we continue our Peru birding tour toward Quillabamba, making strategic birding stops along the route. By late afternoon, we arrive at IPAL Ecolodge, where we spend the night, surrounded by nature and preparing for the next stage of our endemic birding adventure in Peru.

IPAL Ecolodge is an excellent destination for birdwatching in Peru, particularly for cloud forest birding along the eastern Andean slopes. The trails and circuits around the lodge pass through well-preserved montane cloud forest, offering outstanding opportunities to observe mixed-species flocks, a characteristic feature of tropical bird communities where different species forage together to increase feeding success and reduce predation risk. During our full-day birding at IPAL Ecolodge, we can encounter a rich variety of cloud forest birds, including Barred Becard, Black-and-white Becard, Streaked Xenops, Flame-faced Tanager, Blue-and-black Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Sclater’s Tyrannulet, Golden-collared Honeycreeper, Slaty-capped Tyrannulet, Chivi Vireo, and many others commonly found in these productive mixed flocks. Hummingbirds are a major highlight of birdwatching at IPAL Ecolodge. Species regularly recorded include Long-tailed Sylph, Speckled Hummingbird, Bronzy Inca, and Rufous-booted Racket-tail. One of the most sought-after species in this area is the spectacular Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, which has a very restricted distribution in Peru, making this site especially important for endemic and range-restricted birding tours. Around the lodge and in nearby clearings, we often observe more common but colorful species such as Blue Dacnis, Blue-tailed Emerald, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Speckled Chachalaca, Blue-necked Tanager, and Palm Tanager, adding further diversity to the day. Today is dedicated to intensive birding in the cloud forest, focusing on range-restricted species, active mixed flocks, and remaining alert for rare or unexpected sightings that make birding in Peru so rewarding.

After an early breakfast at IPAL Ecolodge, we begin our return to Cusco, traveling along the eastern flank of the Vilcanota Mountain Range, an excellent area for cloud forest birding in Peru. This route allows us to add many new species to our list while enjoying productive birding in humid montane forest. This region is well known for its mixed-species flocks, a characteristic feature of tropical bird communities, where different bird species move together through the forest in search of food as an effective survival strategy. Along the way, we may encounter several endemic birds of Peru, including Inca Wren (endemic), Marcapata Spinetail (endemic), Unstreaked Tit-Tyrant (endemic), Parodi’s Hemispingus (endemic), and Cusco Brushfinch, as well as species such as Mountain Wren. The canopy and mid-level vegetation of the cloud forest at Málaga High Pass are especially rich in Andean tanagers, many of which are strongly associated with mixed flocks. Common species in this habitat include Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Blue-and-black Tanager, Rust-and-yellow Tanager, and other colorful representatives of this group. In lower, denser vegetation, especially along stream edges and bamboo thickets, we search for antpittas, among the most challenging and rewarding birds to observe during birdwatching tours in Peru. Target species in this habitat include the Red-and-white Antpitta (endemic) and the Urubamba Antpitta. Hummingbirds are another major highlight of the day. One of the most conspicuous species along this route is the remarkable Sword-billed Hummingbird, instantly recognizable by its extremely long bill. Other hummingbirds we may encounter include Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Sapphire-vented Puffleg, and Amethyst-throated Sunangel. Additional species of interest include Citrine Warbler, Black-throated Tody-Tyrant, and several raptors such as White-rumped Hawk, Double-toothed Kite, White-throated Hawk, the rare Sharp-shinned Hawk, and Variable Hawk. Along this route, there is also a possibility of observing the Spectacled Redstart, adding further interest to this diverse day of cloud forest and high-Andean birding in Peru. By late afternoon, we arrive back in Cusco, concluding another rewarding day of our Peru birding tour.