Cuzco Birding Tour
Cuzco Birding Tours: Piuray Lagoon
A half-day at Cusco's high-Andean wetland — grebes, teal, ibis and reed-dwellers, back in the city by early afternoon.
Duration
Half day
Departure
Early morning from Cusco
Elevation
~3,700 m
Group size
1–4
Overview
Piuray Lagoon
Begin the morning with Wild Andes Tours as we depart Cusco early, making the most of the best light and peak bird activity. A scenic one-hour drive across the Chinchero plateau brings us to the tranquil Piuray Lagoon, an important high-Andean wetland at roughly 3,700 metres that supports a remarkable diversity of waterfowl and grassland species.
On the open water our expert naturalist guide will get you onto Silvery Grebe, Puna Teal, Yellow-billed and Andean Teal, Slate-colored Coot, Common Gallinule and Andean Gull, while the shoreline and reedbeds hide Plumbeous Rail and the jewel-like Many-colored Rush-Tyrant. The surrounding fields add Puna and Black-faced Ibis, Spot-winged Pigeon, Brown-bellied Swallow, Greenish Yellow-Finch and the charismatic Burrowing Owl.
With the morning's birding done we return to Cusco, arriving by early afternoon — a perfect half-day for travellers short on time, for a first taste of high-Andean birding, or as an easy add-on around your Sacred Valley plans.
Highlights
- ✦Rafts of Silvery Grebe, Puna Teal and Slate-colored Coot on the open water
- ✦Plumbeous Rail and Many-colored Rush-Tyrant in the reedbeds
- ✦Puna and Black-faced Ibis feeding in the lakeside fields
- ✦Burrowing Owls on the grassland margins
- ✦High-Andean wetland birding at ~3,700 m, one hour from Cusco
- ✦Back in Cusco by early afternoon — ideal for tight itineraries
Pricing
Per person by group size
- 1 traveller$495per person
- 2 travellers$275per person
- 3 travellers$245per person
- 4 travellers$220per person
- 5+ pax$210per person
Prices in USD. Custom & private departures available.
Day by Day
Itinerary
Early morning
Depart Cusco at first light for the scenic one-hour drive across the Chinchero plateau to Piuray Lagoon.
Open water
Scan the lake for Silvery Grebe, Puna Teal, Yellow-billed and Andean Teal, Slate-colored Coot, Common Gallinule and Andean Gull.
Reedbeds & shoreline
Work the reeds for Plumbeous Rail and the Many-colored Rush-Tyrant, with Brown-bellied Swallows hawking overhead.
Fields & margins
Check the surrounding grasslands for Puna Ibis, Black-faced Ibis, Spot-winged Pigeon, Greenish Yellow-Finch and Burrowing Owl.
Midday
Return drive to Cusco, arriving by early afternoon.
What's included
- ✓Private transportation from Cusco
- ✓Expert bilingual birding guide
Not included
- –Meals
- –Personal expenses and tips
What You'll See
Target species
- Silvery Grebe
- Puna Teal
- Yellow-billed Teal
- Andean Teal
- Slate-colored Coot
- Common Gallinule
- Andean Gull
- Plumbeous Rail
- Many-colored Rush-Tyrant
- Puna Ibis
- Black-faced Ibis
- Spot-winged Pigeon
- Burrowing Owl
- Brown-bellied Swallow
- Greenish Yellow-Finch
Gallery
From the field
Good to Know
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Piuray Lagoon tour?
Half day.
Where and when does the tour depart?
Early morning from Cusco.
How big are the groups?
1–4. Small groups keep the experience unhurried and photography-friendly.
How much does the Piuray Lagoon tour cost?
Prices start at $210 per person and depend on group size — see the pricing table for details.
What is included in the price?
Private transportation from Cusco, Expert bilingual birding guide.
Which species can I expect to see?
Key targets include Silvery Grebe, Puna Teal, Yellow-billed Teal, Andean Teal, Slate-colored Coot, among others.
Is Piuray Lagoon suitable if I've just arrived in Cusco?
Yes — the lagoon sits at about 3,700 m, some 300 m above Cusco, but the birding is easy walking on flat ground and the half-day format keeps it comfortable. Drink plenty of water, bring sun protection, and tell your guide if you feel the altitude.
How do I book this tour?
Reserve directly on this page with the Reserve Now form — we accept PayPal. A 50% deposit secures your tour date, and the remaining balance is payable up to two weeks before departure. See our Terms & Conditions for the full policy.
Have a different question? Get in touch — we answer quickly.
Reserve Now
Book your Piuray Lagoon tour
Choose your date and group size — the price updates automatically (and you can adjust it). Pay securely with PayPal to confirm.
Calculated from your group size and trip. Adjust if you've agreed a custom price with us.
Fill in your name, date, travellers and a price to enable payment.
