Birdwatching in Peru is a paradise for bird watchers. After Colombia, the country ranks second in the world with more amount of bird species. Its many different climate and geographical features makes it possible that more than 18% of these species happen to be in Peru. Due to weather conditions there is also a constant flow of migratory birds coming from north and south. There are 106 endemic species in the country. All these factors make Peru a a great destination for bird lovers.

When thousands of birders around the world celebrated both Global Big Days in 2015 and 2016, bird watchers in Peru obtained the first place in the world.

TOP 3 DESTINATIONS FOR BIRDWATCHING IN PERU

Peru is roughly divided in three main regions: Rainforest, highlands and coast. These three offer a rich variety of spots. We have chosen here one great destination in each of them.

1. Manu National Park

Among all the protected sites in the world Manu has the highest biodiversity. It is located in the south eastern jungle of Peru. This huge national park occupies more than a million and half square hectares (abt 5 million acres) Running between heights of 1000 ft to more than 12000 ft it creates different habitats for wildlife. About 10 % of the world´s bird species can be spotted here. Hummingbirds which are only found in the Americas exist in a great diversity. The most outstanding bird at Manu is the Andean Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruvianus), the National Bird of Peru.

2. Colca Canyon

The Colca Canyon, located in Southern Peru highlands is the second deepest in the world. This is a place to observe the Giant Hummingbird, the largest member of the hummingbird family. However the biggest attraction is the flight of the Condor (Vultur gryphus), a bird included in the family of the New World Vultures. Its flight is an unforgettable sight with its wingspans reaching up to 10.17 ft (310 cm). Nowadays it is considered an endangered specie. In 2015 it was announced that less than 2500 condors are left in Peru.

3. Paracas National Reserve

This is a protected area, four hours in the desert south of Lima and in front of the sea. It is home for many species of sea birds and a good spot for watching migratory birds. The Inca Tern (Larosterna inca) the only member of the genus Laroterna can be spotted here. This bird is only restricted to the waters of the Humbold current. One hour and a half by boat from the bay you can reach the Ballestas Islands. Most representative birds in Ballestas are the Humboldt Penguins (Pelecanus thagus) and the Guanay Cormorant (Leucocarbo bougainvillii).