WACARPAY LAGOON BIRDING TOUR – HIGH ANDEAN WETLANDS NEAR HALF DAY

Wacarpay Lagoon, located at 3,020 m.a.s.l. and only a 40-minute drive from Cusco, is one of the best sites for birdwatching near Cusco and an excellent introduction to high-Andean birding in Peru. This wetland complex supports more than 65 bird species, including couple endemic birds of Peru and species restricted to the inter-Andean valleys. The lake system of Wacarpay consists of interconnected lagoons and marshes linked by underground water channels. Due to its importance for Andean waterbirds and migratory birds, the area is protected as a Ramsar Site, recognizing it as a wetland of international importance for bird conservation. Among the most sought-after species during this birding tour in the Cusco region are the Rusty-fronted Canastero and the Bearded Mountaineer, both emblematic Andean endemics found in high-elevation valleys. The extensive reed beds and marsh vegetation provide ideal habitat for wetland specialists such as the colorful Many-colored Rush-Tyrant and the vocal Wren-like Rushbird, two highlight species for Andean wetland birdwatching. Other regularly observed species include Yellow-winged Blackbird, Plumbeous Rail, Slate-colored Coot, and Common Gallinule. Wacarpay Lagoon is also an excellent site to observe high-Andean ducks, making it a key destination for waterfowl birding in Peru. Species commonly recorded include Puna Teal, Yellow-billed Teal, Andean Duck, Cinnamon Teal, and Yellow-billed Pintail. The lake is home to both the White-tufted Grebe (Rolland’s Grebe) and the South American Grebe. The surrounding grasslands, scrub, and Andean slopes add further diversity, with species such as the Sparkling Violetear, a striking and photogenic hummingbird, Giant Hummingbird, Black-throated Flowerpiercer, Blue-and-yellow Tanager, and the Streak-fronted Thornbird, a regional specialty of southern Peru and Bolivia. Additional species include Hooded Siskin, Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant, Golden-billed Saltator, Spot-billed Ground-Tyrant, and occasional sightings of Great Horned Owl. Wacarpay is also an important migration stopover and resting area for migratory birds in the Andes. Over time, the lagoon has produced records of unusual visitors such as Variegated Flycatcher, Upland Sandpiper, Social Flycatcher, Tropical Kingbird, and Stygian Owl, making each visit unique. Commonly observed migratory and resident shorebirds include Black-necked Stilt, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Wilson’s Phalarope, Pectoral Sandpiper, along with larger species such as Chilean Flamingo and Little Blue Heron. This half-day birding excursion near Cusco concludes with a return to the hotel around midday, making it an ideal option for travelers interested in birdwatching in Peru with limited time. End of our services