Cusco Birdwatching at Balcón del Diablo (Halfday)
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Cusco Birdwatching at Balcón del Diablo (Halfday) worth booking?
Cusco Birdwatching at Balcón del Diablo (Halfday) is a 3.5-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $95 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (12)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $95 per person
This tour begins with an early 6:00 am pickup from your hotel, followed by a short drive to El Balcón del Diablo, one of the best birding spots near the city. Located next to the Sacsayhuamán archaeological site, this na
What you get
- Guide Service
- Private transportation
About this experience
This tour begins with an early 6:00 am pickup from your hotel, followed by a short drive to El Balcón del Diablo, one of the best birding spots near the city. Located next to the Sacsayhuamán archaeological site, this natural area is just 20 minutes from Cusco, making it ideal for a rewarding birdwatching experience in a short amount of time. Upon arrival, the exploration starts with an easy walk of approximately 2 kilometers, searching for local and endemic bird species. The route begins in a Polylepis forest, continues along an ancient Inca water channel, and then descends about 300 meters into a small canyon. Along the way, seasonal crops attract different seed-eating birds, adding to the diversity of species observed. Popular among local birdwatchers for its accessibility and rich birdlife, El Balcón del Diablo offers a unique opportunity to observe Cusco’s birds and endemic species without leaving the city. The tour ends around 9:30 am.
What's included
Included
- Guide Service
- Private transportation
What you'll see and do
Cusco
If you are looking for Cusco birds, at just 20 minutes from the city there is a place where you can find five Cusco endemic birds. This place was a sacred area for the Incas and today we can still find some shamans doing ceremonies to Mother Earth.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cusco
Ruinas Street, at the entrance gate of the Marriott Hotel.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Ruinas Street, at the entrance gate of the Marriott Hotel.
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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
12 verified traveler reviews for Cusco Birdwatching at Balcón del Diablo (Halfday). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great short birding trip from Cuzco.
Enjoyable concise expedition in a unique area with expert guide. Highly recommend.
via Tripadvisor
Cusco Birding
Daniel was an incredible guide. He was so knowledgeable and kind. We saw so many new species, including four endemic to Peru. This is the 2nd tour we did with this company, and I would definitely book again!
via Tripadvisor
Seeing the Condors!
The Flight of the Condor...it's taken a few days to process my experience with Andean Condors, now I think I'm willing to share. It was an experience itself to get to the small village of Comunidad de Chonte from Cusco involving a 2 hour paved road trip followed by another hour on single lane dirt switchback road. Once this point was reached it was another 3km, 1 hour hike high in the Andes, about 3 500m altitude. The hike was a narrow cattle path on the edge of the mountain, crossing several landslips... finally at the point we scan the valley below and the mountain peaks above! Sitting enjoying the sun on top of a peak a long way off we spot our first Condor who was content to chill in the sunshine. Ok time for our hydration and sandwich ( provide as part of the trip)to see if anymore will soar through. First bite, my eyes spy a big bird coming through the valley... sandwich dropped, camera ready. I needn't have rushed. For the next 30 mins we witnessed not 1 but 6 Condors flying and circling low above us, so close when my camera card filled my phone could take photos. My guide Jose who has done documentaries on the awe inspiring birds, was extremely excited too as this was the largest number in one visit he'd seen, not only that their pattern of flight above us he had not witnessed before either. For those that have stayed with the story God provided for Andrew too who was with me and really wanted to see a Condor in the wild, unfortunately he got sick on the trip up and had to rest with our driver at the car...but God provides...we saw both a Condor soaring and a hummingbird resting on a close wire( largest and smallest flighted birds) together near where we had to leave the car. We also got many endemic birds along the way in the morning. I felt quite safe with our driver along the roads. I know this was not the cheapest tour for Condors from Cusco, but when I had only one day, one chance so wanted to go with someone who knew the quiet, almost secret place of the Condor! We were the only ones out there experiencing them here, no tour buses or groups just the 3 of us and the birds! I'm pleased that money from our tour also goes to education of locals about the value of the environment and the birds they are blessed to have.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Bird watching experience!!
Definitely one of the best international bird watching experiences I've had. We ended up seeing about 25 species of birds over 2 hrs with some being endemic. My guide was super knowledgeable not only about the native birds but the general inca history of the region. The hike itself wasn't too strenuous, but at 12k altitude any uphill walking can be tricky especially if you're not fit. The entire experience of being picked up from my hotel, driven to the location and driven back to my hotel was first class. If I'm ever back in Peru I'll use their services for bird watching.
via Tripadvisor
Birding guide exceptional
My wife and I decided at the last minute to go on a nursing trip for our last day in Cusco. It’s important to mention that Peru is a true birding paradise with one of the largest number of species in Central/South America We connected with José who took us on a morning tour 30 minutes out of Cusco We had a wonderful time, José is extremely knowledgeable on not only birds but fauna, flora and historia. He’s a great spotter, I think we saw some 30 different species on the tour We highly recommend them
Response from the operator: Dear Serge Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was truly a pleasure to spend the morning birding with you both. I really enjoyed sharing the experience with someone who has such great patience and a clear passion for bird photography. I’m glad the tour made your last day in Cusco memorable, and I appreciate your kind words about the experience. Thank you again for your recommendation. Wishing you great light, amazing sightings, and many incredible photos on your future adventures!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 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
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Cusco Birdwatching at Balcón del Diablo (Halfday): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Cusco Birdwatching at Balcón del Diablo (Halfday) cost?
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Prices start at $95 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 Cusco Birdwatching at Balcón del Diablo (Halfday) take?
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Plan for about 3.5 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 Cusco Birdwatching at Balcón del Diablo (Halfday) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 12 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 Cusco Birdwatching at Balcón del Diablo (Halfday)?
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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 Cusco Birdwatching at Balcón del Diablo (Halfday) 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 3.5-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Cusco Birdwatching at Balcón del Diablo (Halfday)?
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Around 4 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 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Cusco Birdwatching at Balcón del Diablo (Halfday) 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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