Hi Graham, Peru is an easy place to bird as Tom says,I spent a month there a few years ago.If your staying at Agua Calentes below Machu Pichu then bird the old railway line,it was superb,we saw Inca Wren here,plus lots of Tanager flocks etc.There's an hotel here(which I've forgot the name of,ask around when you get there)that has bird feeders,and gets regular Cock of the Rock sightings,a bird not to be missed.Also Condors are sometimes seen from Machu Pichu,keep your eyes peeled whilst checking out the ruins!The hardest thing about Peru is getting your head around all the new families if you've not been to South America before.Another problem is because of the number of Yanks that go there prices are geared up to them,its always worth bartering,it usual saves you a good few dollars. Good birding Pete Berry ps probably got a load of gen somewhere around the house,get in touch if you want to borrow it. pps try the Pisco Sour,its magic,chill you out no end
I went in 2006 to Cusco, Machu Picchu, Manu, Arequipa and Ballestas. You can read my trip report here:
http://www.skills-bills.co.uk/peru.htm
Everything was really easy compared to other countries we've birded in. Take your Swaros with you, there's just too much good birding to be without them. Just outside Cusco there is the Huacarpay wetlands and you might even want a scope for this.
As for fieldguide, well when we went there was just the Clements & Shany guide which is pretty poor, but now you have the new Helm guide which is supposedly brilliant though I haven't seen it yet.
When you go to Ballestas (brilliant place) just do the morning boat trip and not the afternoon trip to the Paracas peninsula - it's pretty boring. Pisco is a dump so you're much better staying in Paracas town by the beach which is a really nice place and has some great birding in the harbour area, and there are also Amazilia Hummingbirds in the roadside scrub and trees.
Hi all Looking for advice on a family trip i'm taking to Peru. I will be touring around the south for 2 weeks I.E. Islas Balestas, Nazca, Cusco and Machu pichu, Then back to for a weeks rest in the north at Trujillo. I'm the only birder but thats not going to stop me so can anybody help me with some advice.
Binoculars:- My pride and joy Swarovski 8.5x 42 EL. do i take them or buy a cheaper and lighter pair? If i do take mine do i need insurance?
Field Guide :- Can anybody recommend a good light weight one?
