The Cordillera Blanca (White Mountains) are an impressive range of snow-capped and glacier-riddled mountains some 200km north of Lima, a veritable Andean Switzerland. Popular amongst the adventure sports fraternity for the area’s excellent granite rock faces, we will remain rather more tethered to the ground. The surrounding peaks contain Nevado Huascarán, Peru’s highest peak at 6 768m (22 200 ft). Aside from the spectacular scenery, several range restricted species occur here, including the likes of White-cheeked Cotinga, Ancash Tapaculo, Giant Conebill, Great and Rufous-backed Inca Finches and Stripe-headed Antpitta endemic. We complement our extension by birding the coastal deserts for a host of endemics before returning to Lima.

Top Birds

Tawny-throated Dotterel; Peruvian Thick-knee; Black-necked Woodpecker; Mountain Parakeet; Stripe-headed Antpitta; Giant, Oasis, Amazilia & Spot-throated Hummingbirds; Peruvian Sheartail; Black Metaltail; White-browed & Giant Conebills; White-cheeked Cotinga; Coastal, Thick-billed & Greyish Miners; Ancash (Pale-tailed) & Canyon Canasteros; Striated & Plain-breasted Earthcreepers; Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail; Ancash Tapaculo; D’Orbigny’s & Piura Chat-Tyrants; Rufous-webbed Tyrant; Tit-like Dacnis; Great & Rufous-backed Inca Finches; Rufous-eared Brushfinch; Rufous-breasted & Plain-tailed Warbling Finches; Raimondi’s Yellow Finch; Peruvian Seaside Cincoldes; Red-legged & Guanay Cormorants; Humboldt Penguin; Peruvian Booby; Grey & Belcher’s Gulls; Inca Tern.

Top Mammals

Taruca; South American Sea Lion; South American Fur Seal; Marine Otter

Habitats Covered

Polylepis forests, cactus-studded scrubland, agricultural lands, mountains, lakes, coastal

Expected Climate

warm to hot on the coastal plain and inter-montane valleys, cold to very cold at high altitude

Max Group Size

8 with 1 Rockjumper leader

Tour Pace & Walking

moderate to relaxed

Accommodation

comfortable

Ease of Birding

comfortable, some high altitude areas

Other Attractions

exceptional scenery including Nevado Huascarán (Peru’s highest mountain at 6,768m (22,200 ft) and the world’s highest tropical peak).

Photographic Opportunities

good

What our clients say about us

Lev Frid
GM, Peru 2023

This tour and the extension tour were exceptional. Of course the birds were a real pleasure to view, scenery was unbelievable, food and lodging were excellent. The main highlight were the people. A wonderful, fun group to be with. Hope I see everyone on another trip. The driver not only carried us many miles safely, he did so many other things for us, making certain getting out of bus safely, setting up for meals, and on and on. The local guide got us onto so many birds with his x-ray vision (seemed that way) and was helpful in so many ways. He and the driver were simply put, very nice people. I addition to his obvious bird locating and identification skills, Lev has exceptional people skills with his attentiveness and humor. I had a problem with the altitude one day. I wa., to put it simply.. very slow..lots of breaks. Lev was with the whole way and made certain I was OK. I am very appreciative for that. Thanks again. Its things like that, to me, that makes a guide exceptional. Lev is an exceptional guide. Now to the office team. Wow. Tia and Sarah were so helpful to me with all the questions I had. Not only do they have the answers. the answers come quickly. And I thank them for their patience. As usual, a wonderful job. Thanks again. Lastly, to the Peruvian people, the tour group, the guides, drivers, cooks, office staff and to many others. Thank you. Take care everyone.

Robert Williams
MK, Peru 2022

Successful and enjoyable. Rob proved his already high reputation. Special thanks to our driver Miguel - always helpful, always smiling.

Robert Williams
PM, Peru

Rob Williams is the best guide I have ever birded with - wonderful birding and people skills.

Robert Williams
SB - Peru

It is terrific to have a bilingual guide in any country and one who knows the history and culture of the country is even better, thanks Rob! As always, terrific eyes, ears and birding skills.

Forrest Rowland
JB & KB, Peru 2018

This was an excellent tour! We saw so many great birds, and had many delicious meals from pizza to ceviche. The time spent birding and touring Kuelap was a highlight. To top everything off, Forrest Rowland is an awesome leader. In addition to hearing, seeing and getting everyone on the birds, he told wonderful stories and kept everyone laughing. All in all, we had a terrific time.

Peru - Southern: Lima & Ancash Extension 2025

18 May 2025 - 24 May 2025 (7 days)

USD3,495 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Adam Walleyn

Tour price (Per person): USD3,495 * GBP2,772 * EUR3,229 * AUD5,265

Single Supplement: USD200 * GBP159 * EUR185 * AUD301

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