Transfer to Lima Airport for your onward flight.
This morning we have a very early flight from Lima to Cusco.
On arrival we will enjoy a short driving tour around Cusco’s main plaza with its cathedral, and if time permits, make a brief birding stop near the impressive Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman (meaning 'speckled falcon') on the northern outskirts, believed to have been both a military and ceremonial centre. This enormous Inca structure has massive walls of hewn stone and is strategically located on a hill overlooking the city. Here we may encounter Creamy-crested Spinetail, Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch, Peruvian Sierra-Finch, Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant, Chiguanco Thrush, Red-backed Hawk, Black-backed Grosbeak, Sparkling Violetear, and Golden-billed Saltator.
We will then continue travelling across the Chincheros plain, offering breathtaking views of the glaciers in the Vilcanota range to Ollantaytambo, where we will leave our main luggage at the hotel and take an overnight bag with sufficient clothes and toiletries to last until the following evening.
In the late morning we will board the train to Aguas Calientes. From the train, we will have the opportunity to spot Torrent Ducks, White-capped Dippers, and Torrent Tyrannulets in the stream running alongside the railroad tracks. These species are also commonly seen in Aguas Calientes, depending on the water levels. A packed lunch will be included on the train.
After checking in to our hotel, we will take the bus to the Machu Picchu citadel for an afternoon visit. This magnificent mountain top city, situated in a beautiful cloud forest, was abandoned and reclaimed by the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911. This legendary Lost City of the Incas is without a doubt one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites. Built on the summit of Machu Picchu (meaning "Old Peak"), on a natural saddle between steep forested mountains, it overlooks the deep canyon of the Urubamba River some 7,972 ft (2,430 m) above sea level. With its giant walls, terraces and ramps that appear to have been cut naturally out of the rock escarpments, Machu Picchu's history remains shrouded in mystery as the Incas did not leave any written records. Enjoy a guided tour of this 14th century citadel which contains a Main Plaza, Circular Tower, Sacred Sun Dial, Royal Quarters, Temple of the Three Windows and various burial grounds - although the actual sites you will see will depend on the circuit that you have been allocated.
Near the ruins, we can hope to find the endemic Inca Wren, White-winged Black-Tyrant, Dull-coloured Seedeater, Highland Elaenia, and occasionally Peregrine or Orange-breasted Falcon and Green-and-White Hummingbird.
Upon returning to our hotel in the evening, we can look for Lyre-tailed Nightjar nearby.