Abra Malaga Bird Photography Tour 2d/1n

Abra Málaga, a high-altitude pass in the Peruvian Andes, is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature photographers. Home to rare and endemic species such as the Royal Cinclodes, White-browed Tit-Spinetail, and Parodi’s Hemispingus, this tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture some of the most elusive Andean birds.
📍 Location: Abra Málaga, Cusco, Peru
📅 Duration: 2 Days
🎯 Target Species: Endemic and high-altitude birds of the Andean cloud forest and Polylepis woodlands
📸 Best for: Bird photographers, nature enthusiasts, and ornithologists

Day by day itinerary

Day 1: Abra Málaga – Polylepis Forest & High-Altitude Endemics

Morning Focus: Rare species, Andean endemics, and intimate forest photography
Altitude: ~4,200 m (13,780 ft)
Location: Eastern slope of Abra Málaga Pass
Welcome to your first day in the Andes—where the morning light breaks over the Abra Málaga Pass, revealing a windswept highland world teeming with birdlife found nowhere else on Earth.
We start early to catch the soft golden light, perfect for photographing birds at their most active. Our main target? The rare and elusive species that call the Polylepis forest home. This ancient, gnarled woodland is one of the last strongholds for some of Peru’s most iconic high-altitude birds.
Top Bird Photography Targets:

Royal Cinclodes (Critically Endangered) – A true trophy shot in the Polylepis undergrowth.
White-browed Tit-Spinetail – Quick and curious, often posing on mossy branches.
Titicaca Grebe (in nearby lakes, if time allows) – Another beautiful and unique endemic.
Andean Hillstar – Often seen feeding on mountain flowers, a great hummingbird capture.
Ash-breasted Tit-Tyrant – Photogenic and often perched in great light.

Photography Tips for the Day:

Use fast shutter speeds for quick flits through the branches.
A telephoto lens (400mm+) will give you tight, crisp portraits without disturbing the birds.
Keep your ISO flexible – the forest can be dim, but soft light creates beautiful mood.
Capture habitat context too—Polylepis bark and mosses add incredible texture and atmosphere.

Bonus Landscape Moments:Between bird sightings, don’t forget to take in the sweeping views of snow-capped Veronica Mountain, winding trails, and dramatic sky layers—ideal for environmental wide shots that tell the story of high-Andean birding.

Day 2: Cloud Forest & Lower Elevations – Morning in Tunkimayo

Photography Focus: Cloud forest birdlife, misty jungle ambiance, fast-action bird photography
Wake up early to the soft sounds of the Tunkimayo Valley, one of the richest birding hotspots in the cloud forests of southern Peru. As the first light filters through the canopy, we begin our morning bird photography session—a golden window when the forest is alive with movement, color, and sound.
This area is home to mixed-species flocks that dart through the moss-draped trees—perfect for capturing vibrant, action-packed frames. Keep your telephoto lens ready for stunning species like:

Andean Cock-of-the-Rock – bold and iconic, with striking orange plumage
Golden-headed Quetzal – brilliant greens and reds in a dramatic setting
Versicolored Barbet and Crimson-mantled Woodpecker – cloud forest gems
Tanagers, flycatchers, and hummingbirds flitting through dappled light

Pro Tip: Use fast shutter speeds and burst mode to freeze wingbeats or catch mid-flight moments. The interplay of soft mist and filtered light adds depth and mood to every frame.
As the sun rises, warm beams of light pierce the forest, creating natural spotlights on perched birds. Capture backlit silhouettes, intimate portraits, or wide environmental shots to tell a complete photo story of this biodiverse paradise.
We’ll take our time here, blending patience with instinct, waiting for just the right moment. Whether you're chasing movement or composing for mood, Tunkimayo delivers.
Book Your Bird Photography Tour Now!

Price per person:2025

1.- Traveller $850.00
2.- travellers $700.00
4.- travellers $650.00
6.- travellers $600.00
8+.- travellers $550.00