Peru's Sacred Valley lies along the Urumbamba River from Pisac to Machu Picchu and is a longtime agricultural heartland for the area. The Incas established their capital in the nearby city of Cusco, leaving a vast archaeological record marked by irrigated terraces and town sites. The area is a popular destination for tourists who want to see the ruins, culture and spectacular Andean scenery.
Whether hiking the original Incan trail or taking a break in a Spanish colonial plaza, wildlife enthusiasts are bound to encounter some beautiful bird species among the equally tantalizing cultural attractions. While all visitors are thrilled to see their first llamas and alpacas - domesticated versions of wild guanacos and vicuñas, respectively - birders will especially enjoy seeing the swallows, flickers, sparrows and hummingbirds that have called this corner of the Andes Mountains home longer than anyone.
Whether hiking the original Incan trail or taking a break in a Spanish colonial plaza, wildlife enthusiasts are bound to encounter some beautiful bird species among the equally tantalizing cultural attractions. While all visitors are thrilled to see their first llamas and alpacas - domesticated versions of wild guanacos and vicuñas, respectively - birders will especially enjoy seeing the swallows, flickers, sparrows and hummingbirds that have called this corner of the Andes Mountains home longer than anyone.
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| Sacsayhuamán archaeological site above Cusco. It was a pre-Columbian fortress. |
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| Andean flicker at Sacsayhuamán. |
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| Andean flicker at Sacsayhuamán. |
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| Incan agricultural terraces at Pisac (or Pisaq.) |
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| Sparkling violetear hummingbird at Pisaq. |
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| Ollantaytambo town and archaeological site. |
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| Green-and-white hummingbird in Ollantaytambo's Plaza. |
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| View of Machu Picchu's archaeological sight. Wayna Picchu is the tall peak behind the main complex. |
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| Type of tanager at the admission area to Machu Picchu. |
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| Blue-and-white swallow amid the ruins of Machu Picchu. |
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| Possible Andean guans in dense brush along the pathway that becomes the Inca Trail out of Machu Picchu. |
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| Rufous-collared swallow atop Wayna Picchu. |
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| Machu Picchu's Temple of the Condor with a carving of a condor's head and collar. The surrounding rocks are supposed to represent its spreading wings. The sacred condor was a symbol of the heavens to the Incans. Wildlife lovers visiting the area might hold the bird in just as high esteem. |
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