The Santa Eulalia route is the shortest way to access the impressive and biodiverse Andean ecosystems, and it is the most important birdwatching route in Lima.

Itinerary

This trip is designed to find the best birds and capture beautiful photographs of them while enjoying spectacular landscapes.
The tour starts in Lima, where, after a two-hour journey towards the Andes, we arrive at the lower part of Santa Eulalia Canyon, at an altitude of 2,000 meters. Here, we'll encounter the Great Inca-Finch (E=Endemic), Black-necked Woodpecker (E), Peruvian Pygmy Owl, and Pied-crested Tit-Tyrant.
As we ascend along the path, we will spot the endemic Black Metaltail (E), Bronze-tailed Comet (E), Rusty-bellied brush-finch (E), and we will search for the elusive Rufous-breasted Warbling-finch (E).
We will spend the night in a basic hotel (2,900 meters above sea level) in a picturesque and tranquil Andean village. In this place, we will also have dinner at the village's restaurant. The meal will include some local products such as native potatoes and cheese. We cannot miss the mate with wild herbs from the area, such as muña, which is a good digestive at high altitudes.
The next day, we headed to the highest part of the route, surrounded by spectacular landscapes. We will find the Giant Hummingbird, Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail, White-cheeked Cotinga, Junin Canastero, and Stripe-headed Antpitta in a Queuña forest (Polylepis sp).
At higher altitudes, in the Andean wetlands, we will find the Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, Olivaceous Thornbill, Black-breasted Hillstar (E), Glacier Finch, and the White-bellied Cinclodes (E and CR = Critically Endangered).
Optionally, we recommend continuing to Lake Junín, where we will find the Junín Rail (CR), Plumbeous Rail, Andean Flicker, Andean Negrito, Aplomado Falcon, Black-breasted Hillstar, as well as many other water birds on the shores of the second largest lake in the country. We will also take a motorboat excursion to reach the colony of the Junin Grebe (CR) and photograph it.

• Black-breasted Hillstar
• Rufous-breasted Warbling-Finch
• White-cheeked Cotinga
• Diademed Plover

Habitats

Peru is a neotropical country divided by the Andes mountains. This generates various climates that allow for a great biological diversity.
In this expedition, we will begin with the coast, which has a desert climate and seasonal vegetation influenced by the moisture from the Pacific Ocean.
Then, we will ascend to the Andes, crossing impressive landscapes. In this first part, we will encounter shrubland and a pleasant temperate climate.
The vegetation changes as we ascend, with small polylepis forests and shrubs appearing. Here, the climate becomes colder.
Next comes the Andean grassland, known as the Puna, similar to tundra, with grassy vegetation and a frigid climate. Here, there are small thaw ponds and areas of bog.

Details

This tour has a flexible start date. We will coordinate with you to determine a suitable date for the trip. Recommended group size: two to three photographers.
We have carefully chosen the route to go exactly where the birds are and we know the right time for photography.
The recommended duration for this trip is 2 to 4 days.
On the second day, after spending the night and getting acclimated in the village, there will be short hikes at an altitude of 4,000 meters.

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The route

Perubirds photo tour / Fundo Alto Nieva Km 374 + 200, Carretera Fernando Belaunde, entre Amazonas y San Martín Teléfono / wasap : (+51) 995 090 370 E-mail : pc_guia@yahoo.com