Mike in the Wild

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. Sacsayhuamán archaeological site above Cusco. ...