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Birds of the Inca Trail | Aves del Camino Inca

Birds of the Inca Trail: A Day-by-Day Guide to Birdwatching on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Birds of the Inca Trail is a fascinating topic that attracts numerous adventure enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy hiking iconic routes like the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Beyond its renown and the campsites that connect KM 82 to the majestic citadel, the Inca Trail offers a unique experience enriched by the presence of an astounding variety of birds that accompany travelers on their journey.

For those who have the privilege of observing them or simply perceive their presence along the way, the Inca Trail becomes much more than just a trek to Machu Picchu; it is also an opportunity for passionate bird watchers who inevitably wonder: What bird species can I find on the Inca Trail?

Birds on the Classic Inca Trail

Birds of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Day 1: Inter-Andean Valleys and Riverbank

The first day of the Inca Trail begins with a hike from Kilometer 82, located near the town of Piscacucho. The starting point is situated between inter-Andean valleys, a geographically significant region within the Peruvian Andes. These valleys, characterized by moderate altitude, between 2,600 and 3,000 meters above sea level, present a varied ecosystem that combines highland flora with the influence of proximity to the Urubamba River. The river that accompanies hikers during the first hours of the trek, known as the “sacred river of the Incas,” flows from east to west, carving deep canyons and valleys along its path, and is a key element in shaping the surrounding landscape.
During the hike, you will pass through areas of dense vegetation, including native shrubs, dry forests, and traditional crop plantations such as corn and potatoes. This mosaic of landscapes allows for a great diversity of bird species adapted to different altitudes and types of vegetation.

Featured Species:

The Urubamba River, flowing along the route, is a vital habitat for various aquatic and semi-aquatic species adapted to the fast currents and rocky characteristics of the river.

Birds of the Inca Trail | Aves del Camino Inca

Stopping at the bridge to observe the Torrent Duck is a good option.

Endemic Birds:

Birds of the Inca Trail | Aves del Camino Inca

Endemic birds you can observe on the first day.

Other bird species easily observed on the first day include: Band-tailed Seedeaters, Eared Doves, Giant Hummingbirds, Spot-winged Pigeons, Cinereous Conebills, and the beautiful and friendly Rufous-collared Sparrow.

Practical Tip:

Bring your binoculars from the start, as some of the best bird-watching opportunities are near the starting point. Take advantage of the time while the porters and guides prepare for the hike, as this is when you can observe many of the mentioned birds, especially in the early morning hours when bird activity is at its peak.
This day is not very demanding, and you won’t reach altitudes above 3,000 meters (9,842 feet), so the flora doesn’t change much. However, the habitats you will encounter are special and won’t be seen again at any other point along the trail. Before reaching the first camp, always look at the sky because you might spot a bird of prey like a Variable Hawk or an American Kestrel perched on a cable or soaring overhead in search of prey.

Birds of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Day 2: Ascent to the Puna

The second day of the Inca Trail is one of the most challenging due to the significant ascent to 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level, reaching the highest point of the route, known as the Warmiwañusca Pass. During this stretch, you will enter a puna ecosystem, a type of high Andean landscape characterized by low and sparse vegetation, mainly composed of Ichu (a type of Andean grass), mosses, and lichens. This ecosystem, though seemingly inhospitable, is home to several species adapted to the harsh conditions of altitude, where temperatures can drop significantly, and oxygen is scarcer.
You will have opportunities to observe interesting birds. Upon waking up, you might see a Shining Sunbeam or a Long-tailed Sylph or Green-tailed Sylph visiting the bushes or flowers near the tents. As you ascend, you’ll notice the tree cover diminishing, with Queuña and Unca trees being the last to appear before the landscape fully transforms into the domain of Ichu. The birdlife in this region is equally resilient, adapted to survive in these extreme conditions. You’ll notice that Ichu and some short shrubs are predominant, giving you the chance to find the Grass Wren, Paramo Pipits, and the impressive Andean Hillstar.

Featured Species:

Birds of the Inca Trail | Aves del Camino Inca

Hummingbirds along the route.

The Great Sighting: Andean Condor

Upon reaching the summit of Warmiwañusca Pass, you will be greeted by one of the most spectacular views of the Inca Trail: the vast Andean landscape stretching in all directions. Here, if you’re lucky, you might observe the majestic flight of the Andean Condor, the largest non-marine flying bird in the world, with a wingspan that can exceed 3 meters (10 feet). These sky giants take advantage of ascending thermal currents to glide at great heights, offering an unforgettable spectacle.

Birds of the Inca Trail | Aves del Camino Inca

Tree-line forest habitat. Ichu is predominant along with small shrubs.

Descent into a New Ecosystem:

After crossing the highest point, the landscape begins to descend and changes noticeably. As you descend towards the second camp, the vegetation becomes denser again, with larger shrubs and a gradual return of trees like Queuña and Chachacomo. This change in ecosystem brings with it a new variety of birds:

At Dusk:

Upon arriving at the second camp, you will be surrounded by the tranquility of the Andes at dusk. Pay attention to the song of the Rufous-bellied Nighthawk, a nocturnal bird whose sound is characteristic at these altitudes. Although tourists don’t often seek it out, its song is a melody that accompanies the nights in this remote place, offering a perfect ending to the second day on the Inca Trail.

Birds of the Inca Trail | Aves del Camino Inca

Two species of Nighthawks present along the Inca Trail.

Birds of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Day 3: Diversity in the Cloud Forest

On the third day of the Inca Trail, you will pass through a diverse Andean cloud forest, where many plant species coexist. Although the Chusquea bamboo is prominent in the understory, this ecosystem is rich in trees such as Queuña, tree ferns, orchids, bromeliads, mosses, lichens, and other epiphytes. This plant diversity creates a unique environment, full of life and special adaptations to the high humidity and constant presence of mist, providing a crucial habitat for numerous bird species.

Featured Species:

Something that highlights the importance and uniqueness of this day is definitely the presence of Chusquea bamboo and the cloud forest ecosystem that provides shelter and food for some of the most elusive birds:

In the afternoons, as the mist begins to clear slightly, it is common to see mixed flocks of birds moving through the forest in search of food. These flocks include a variety of species such as tanagers, woodcreepers, and flycatchers that move in groups through the canopy, foraging at different levels of the forest. This collective foraging behavior not only increases the chances of finding food but also offers protection against predators.

Nocturnal Species at Dusk:

Upon arriving at the third camp, you will be surrounded by the tranquility of the cloud forest at dusk. Two nocturnal species are particularly notable in this environment:

Birds of the Inca Trail | Aves del Camino Inca

Birds of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Day 4: Premontane Forest and Machu Picchu

The fourth day of the Inca Trail is undoubtedly the most rewarding for bird watching. As you approach Machu Picchu, the altitude decreases, and you enter a premontane forest, a transition ecosystem between the Andes and the Amazon. This type of forest, located below 2,600 meters (8,530 feet) above sea level, is characterized by lush vegetation, rich in diversity and color. The trees are tall and dense, covered in mosses, bromeliads, and orchids, and the environment is warm and humid, offering ideal conditions for a wide variety of bird species.

This environment, with its dense vegetation and proximity to the famous citadel of Machu Picchu, creates a perfect setting to observe some of the most spectacular and emblematic birds of the region. The hike is more relaxed, allowing you to fully enjoy the natural richness that surrounds you.

Featured Species:

The Tanager Family:

The fourth day of the Inca Trail offers the best opportunities to observe the most colorful bird family on the planet: the tanagers. These birds, with their bright and varied plumages, move in mixed flocks, feeding on fruits and insects in the treetops and middle branches of the forest. Some of the most notable species you can find include:

All these species often group together in search of fruits and insects. These species gather in mixed flocks, creating a colorful spectacle that delights bird watchers. As you move closer to Machu Picchu, these flocks can be seen moving together along the trail, offering a final opportunity to enjoy the rich birdlife that the Inca Trail has to offer.

Birds of the Inca Trail | Aves del Camino Inca

Observing the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock and Quetzals on the route may even be more memorable than the hike itself.

If you already know when to visit the Inca Trail but haven’t found a good trekking company yet, we recommend visiting these two links: Inkayni Peru Tours and Waman Adventures.

The birds of the Inca Trail are diverse, colorful, and important, but often go unnoticed and underappreciated. However, the problem may not lie with the tourist, as many companies operating the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu employ guides who are not trained in all aspects. Thousands of tour guides know everything about history and culture, but it’s the natural aspects like birds that are not of interest to many of them. I recommend always choosing a good company, and if you have doubts and are interested in birds, I am sure that a good company will be able to offer you a leader who will make you enjoy the Inca Trail in a different way.

Written by: AdminGustavo

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