Birdwatching at Huacarpay Wetland in Cusco
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Birdwatching at Huacarpay Wetland in Cusco worth booking?
Birdwatching at Huacarpay Wetland in Cusco is a 4-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $120 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 52 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (6)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $120 per person
We will pick you up from your Cusco hotel at 06:00 am and head to the beautiful Huacarpay Wetlands, one of the most important birdwatching sites near the city. Surrounded by peaceful landscapes, this area is home to a ri
What you get
- Guide Service
- Private transportation
About this experience
We will pick you up from your Cusco hotel at 06:00 am and head to the beautiful Huacarpay Wetlands, one of the most important birdwatching sites near the city. Surrounded by peaceful landscapes, this area is home to a rich variety of resident birds, including herons, colorful tanagers, hummingbirds, and seedeaters. Depending on the season, migratory species may also be present, adding even more diversity to the experience. Over approximately three hours, our expert local guides will take you to prime birding spots within the wetlands, maximizing opportunities to observe and identify Cusco’s birdlife. Special attention is given to endemic species such as the Rusty-fronted Canastero and the impressive Bearded Mountaineer, making this tour especially rewarding for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. At the end of the tour, we return to Cusco, leaving you inspired by an unforgettable morning surrounded by nature and wildlife.
What's included
Included
- Guide Service
- Private transportation
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Huarcapay
Many species of Cusco birds reside in the area, depending on the time of the year we can also find migratory birds. Cusco endemic birds as Rusty-Fronted Canastero (Asthenes ottonis) and Bearded Mountaineer (Oreonimpha nobilis) and more
240 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cusco
Ruinas Street, at the entrance of the JW Marriott Hotel "El Convento" - Cusco
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Ruinas Street, at the entrance of the JW Marriott Hotel "El Convento" - Cusco
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Peru Unique Destination
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Birdwatching at Huacarpay Wetland in Cusco. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great time Birding the Wetlands
My wife and I took this tour with Jose Antonio and had a fabulous experience. Jose was early to pick us up from our Cusco Hotel and off we drove to the Wetlands. His English is excellent and his knowledge of the area and Birds was exceptional. He knows the birds by sight and sounds. Additionally, his excitement for the birds was very notable and enjoyable. I highly recommend this tour and Jose Antonio. Additionally, setting up and coordinating the tour with the company was very easy. We did extensive research on the area and after seeing all the YouTube videos this company does under the name of AvistandoPeru made it an easy choice to select them and this tour.
Response from the operator: Dear Jeff Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We also appreciate your mention of our Avistando Perú videos — it means a lot to know that our efforts to share Peru’s birdlife and promote conservation inspired your choice. Wishing you many more beautiful birding adventures, and we hope to welcome you back to Peru again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Incredible Experience
What an incredible tour, my friend and I couldn't stop talking about it for the rest of our visit to Peru. We booked a last-minute tour of Huacarpay Wetlands. We both enjoy birding back at home, and wanted the opportunity to see the nature and wildlife that Peru has to offer. And of course, add a few more birds to our life lists -- though we're also happy just to see birds doing bird things. Jose was prompt in picking us up from our hotel. Even from our conversation on the drive to the wetlands, his passion for the birds and other wildlife of Peru was apparent. He was knowledgeable about the area, and skilled at locating and identifying the local bird species. We saw about 36 species, and enjoyed learning about their behaviors and ecological importance. In addition to the tour itself, we were intrigued to learn about Jose's project where he and his team create videos to increase awareness and interest in nature and conservation among Peruvians. We really had a wonderful time and can't recommend this tour and company enough to anyone with an interest in the birds and nature of Peru.
via Tripadvisor
Best way to experience Peru!
I had a great time birding with Jose. His companies main focus is in education and conservation. This company has tours and experiences to fit anyone , a great way to spend time in Peru!
via Tripadvisor
Reliable company
Jose does a great birding tour! His English is very good . On my birding trip I logged about 50 birds on ebird. His company does all kinds of trips even cooking classes!!
via Viator
Trip was cancelled, so I went by myself anyway
I purchased this outing on TripAdvisor, and got a message that my trip was booked, but then several days I received a pro forma email informing me that the outing could not be confirmed and that my payment would be refunded. What a disappointment. So undeterred, I decided to go anyways, and took the collectivo from Cusco to Huacarpay. From Huacarpay walked myself around the wetlands, visiting the observation towers. Even though the footpath is not very clear, it was still an easy walk around the lake, and I was able to meet nearly 30 different species of birds. I finished my walk at the pueblo of Lucre, which has some lovely restaurants. And then I caught a taxi from Lucre back to Huacarpay, and a collective from Huacarpay back to Cusco. Overall, I saved myself a lot of money. The trip that I got refunded was priced at US$120. I ended up spending less than 20 soles on the collectivos and taxi, and my lunch cost me 40 soles. No doubt, with a professional birdwatching guide I would have learned a lot more about the wetlands and the birds. But I still had a good experience with my DIY tour.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 10+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 52
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Birdwatching at Huacarpay Wetland in Cusco: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Birdwatching at Huacarpay Wetland in Cusco cost?
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Prices start at $120 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Birdwatching at Huacarpay Wetland in Cusco take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.
Is Birdwatching at Huacarpay Wetland in Cusco worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Birdwatching at Huacarpay Wetland in Cusco?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Birdwatching at Huacarpay Wetland in Cusco suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 10. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 4-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Birdwatching at Huacarpay Wetland in Cusco?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Birdwatching at Huacarpay Wetland in Cusco start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cusco?
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On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco, Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cusco?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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