It has been amazing seeing this coati (Nasua nasua) accompany us at Reception during 3 months. Its feedings, its curiosity, but most of all his antics, have been keeping us all entertained and on the look out for the coati. Sometimes it would be roaming around, moving from tree to tree while we welcomed guests, and other times it would appear during check-out time as if to say goodbye. It’s really been a pleasure having the little coati hanging around all this time. Hope it comes back during the rainy season!

Date: June, July – August 2021
Location:  Reception Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

It had been a while since we’ve seen one of these colorful birds but they always manage to surprise us and appear out of nowhere when you least expect it. This beautiful versicolored barbet (Eubucco versicolor) awaited for us at the Orchid Trail located in our Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo gardens. If it weren’t fot its singning we would have probably missed it. Fortunately we caught a glimps of it just in time while it ate a small worm, and we even managed to take a picture for all of you to enjoy. Next time we will be waiting for the barbet!

Date: December 5th, 2021
Time: 10:30 am
Location:  Orchid Trail

November 27^th: Inkaterra Explorer Guides Carmen, Wilfredo and Neysa were at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel’s Ecocenter when they suddenly noticed the presence of a bird perched on a tree next to the office. They realized it was a Rufous-banded owl (Ciccaba albitarsis) and were very surprised as this species is regularly spotted between 1900-3500masl, especially on the Inca trail in Wiñay Wayna. The bird was perched for an average of 4 minutes, allowing guides to photograph it.

December 4^th: In this occasion the Rufous-banded owl was sighted by the gardening team. The specimen was perched on a branch of Nectandra discolor, right below an Erythrina falcata tree on the property’s first orchid trail. Apparently the owl found this place as a resting spot, as it stayed there for a couple of hours.

The Rufous-banded owl is a lesser known bird found in humid mountain forests. It is usually a nocturnal bird, although it is found active at sunset and sunrise. Its length is 30-36 cm and feeds on insects and small mammals.

Sighted by: Carmen Rosa Solís, Wilfredo Quispe, Neysa Zúñiga

Date: November 27^th and December 04^th, 2017
Time: Between 17:30 and 18:30
Location: Ecocenter and Orchid Trail

Carmen Rosa Solís, Wilfredo Quispe, Neysa Zúñiga | Inkaterra Explorer Guides | Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

During the Nature Walk excursion, Inkaterra Explorer Guide Miguel and a small group of travelers were able to spot near the organic tea plantation, over a tree, a white-eared opossum. Everyone was surprised by the fact that it was a baby opossum. This marsupial is very hard to find, as it is a nocturnal animal.

This species has an average size, similar to a domestic cat. Males have a longitude from 45 to 70cm, while females are 41 to 60cm, with a large tail measuring up to 65cm. It is an omnivore–it hunts birds, small mammals, lizards and insects, but also feeds from fruits and eggs.

Date: October 13^th, 2017
Time: 10:30 am
Location: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

After departing at 6am from Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel towards Machu Picchu’s hydroelectric plant, three Inkaterra Explorer Guides observed various bird species during their birding excursion. It was a pleasant surprise to find the day’s first lifer–the Buff-Throated Saltator (Saltator maximus).

When returning next to the railroad tracks, they went through the Mandor gardens. The explorer guides heard a strange, very loud call, from a bird they couldn’t manage to recognize. When looking around the trees, they found a perched Wattled guan (Aburria aburri). A very peculiar call, as they were not aware of this bird’s presence in the area. This species inhabits the Andean cloud forests, from 600 to 2.500masl, from Venezuela to Peru. It reaches an average longitude of 71cm. Its plumage is shiny black, while its beak is cobalt blue with a black end. It has a red mark beneath its throat.

Date: September 26^th, 2017
Time: 06:00 am – 01:00 pm
Location: Hydroelectric

¡BEARS! On a quite morning, the explorer guides Miguel Angel and Liter Rios with a group of travelers took the route of the railway which is in front of the river to go to the semi-freedom area of the spectacled bears and by km. 109 Liter R. observed that on an Nectandra tree (Nectandra discolor) there was a mother bear eating bromeliads and immediately he showed it to the travelers, who were delighted to see a spectacled bear in their natural environment.

After a couple of minutes, they realized that there were two other cubs (Tremarctos ornatus) next to the mother. Everybody observed them around 20 minutes, some of the travelers took photos, while others recorded a video. Later, the spectacled bears got down from the tree and disappeared into the forest. We share a picture of the sighting so you can also appreciate it.

Date: April 05^th, 2017
Time: 09:30 am
Location: Riverside

Nay Ruth León, Miguel Lozano and Paulo Racua (Exchange Explorer Guide from Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge) were heading to the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel heliport in search of bird nests. Suddenly they heard a strange sound, like a growl or squeal, coming from the river. Upon hearing this the Guides ran to find out what it could be thinking that it was a bird. It was Nay Ruth who realized that it was an otter (Lontra longicaudis) fishing in the Urubamba River. The 3 Guides monitored the otter for a while until they were surprised by another otter; a couple! The otters stayed in place for about half an hour giving the Guides the opportunity to take photos to record the sighting. We take the opportunity to share the photos of that day!

Saturday morning, Carmen our Explorer Guide, walked close to the storage, and suddenly heard a bird call. The curiosity prompted Carmen to find out where the sound came from. Unexpectedly she could observe it; it was a female masked trogon (Trogon personatus), a quite rare species to sight at the property surroundings. The trogon was perching on branches of an Erythrina falcate for a couple of minutes and then moved towards a Nectandra discolor to feed on fruit.

Date: January 7^th, 2017
Time: 11:58 am
Location: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel Explorer Guides (Joseph, Miguel Ángel, Jose Luis, Denis and Daniel) took advantage of the clear afternoon for a Machu Picchu Citadel excursion in order to update and enrich their knowledge on the fauna of the place, specially about birds that inhabit on the Inti Punku route. They decided to take a walk to La Puerta del Sol. After 20 minutes, they were surprised by and spectacled bear of approximately 1 – 2 years of age who crossed the road timidly. The guides were excited, as for many it was the first time they saw a wild bear.

Known also as Andean bear and “ukuku” in quechua, and main inspiration for Paddington Bear, who traveled to England from “the darkest Peru”. It is the only bear in South America and endemic to the tropical Andes. Usually, they are black and characterized by white spots surrounding their eyes. They are omnivorous mammals, mostly solitary and diurnal habits. They are an important part of the Andean worldview considered as mediators between the world of the living and the world of the dead; as well as in the Amazonian worldview, where the Matsiguenga consider them the creator of life. The Andean bear is constantly threatened due to changes in the use of its territory, which has fragmented its original habitat, as well as by the hunt made by humans who conflict with it, or use parts of its body for traditional medicine and rituals. Thus, there are several organizations and projects for its conservation; Inkaterra Association (ITA) along the Protected Natural Areas National Service (SERNANP) direct one of these projects at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, an effort designed to recover bears that have been negatively affected by human impact, and reintroduce them into their natural habitat.

Date: October 23th 2019
Time: 4:00pm
Location: Machu Picchu Citadel

Inkaterra Asociación’s Ecology department along with the Gardening team (Victoriano, Juan Carlos and Ermitaño) were conducting an inspection around the hotel grounds, when suddenly they saw an albino coati (Nasua nasua albina) passing them by. It was a great surprise as it was the first time that this mammal is spotted. As far as we know, it is also the first register for Machu Picchu. Without a doubt, a very peculiar sighting, which is being monitored in the forest close to the property.

The albino coati is a mammal that identified by its long snout, bear claws and long tail. Of arboreal habits, it has great movement skills, moving through the branches using its tail as a monkey. Hence, it is also known in Quechua as “Sacha Monkey”, which means “Almost Monkey”.

Date: May 15th, 2019
Time: 10:30 am
Location:  Gardening House

During a training walk with the Ecotourism department, over the Rocotal waterfall´s trail, percussive sounds were heard on a tree (Nectandra discolor). A couple of Versicolored barbets (Eubucco versicolor) were identified by Inkaterra Explorer Guides through their binoculars. They noticed that the male was weaving a nest, while the female inspected work from a tree branch one meter away. The team was very surprised to learn that the male is the one in charge of this duty.

Date: October 25^th, 2016
Time: 05:00 pm
Location: Trail system

During a specialized birding excursion led by Inkaterra Explorer Guide, Carmen Solis, a couple of Golden-headed Quetzals (Pharomachrus auriceps) were sighted in front of the tea plantation. Carmen heard the distinctive call of Quetzals and went in search of them. After a few minutes, she and a group of travelers were able to see the bird flying from one side of the plantation to the other, until resting over a branch of the Inga adenophylla tree. Everyone was able to observe this species for some minutes. With good luck and some patience, they were also able to see how a female flew to join its couple.

Date: October 29^th, 2016
Time: 07:30 am
Area: Tea Plantation

Santos and Dennis were near the Tea House, finishing a bird excursion accompanied by Inkaterra travelers. They took advantage of the proximity to the river to look for a torrent duck; as the banks of the Urubamba River are their habitat. It was at that moment that Dennis warned the group about a strange movement across the river. After a few seconds it was determined that it was an otter (Lontra longicaudis) moving over the stones at the river bank. Fortunately Santos, Dennis, and the travelers, were able to see the otter and even managed, with luck, to photograph it.

After a few minutes the otter went into the water probably in the search for food. Once the otter begun swimming in the river its movements where very fast. It was a matter of seconds before they all lost sight of the animal.

Date: June 7^th, 2016
Time: 07:50 am
Location: Near the Tea House

While on the Bird excursion a group of travelers and I arrived at one of viewpoint in the hotel, where we stopped to see if we could get lucky with a rare bird species near the river.  Surprised we were when I spotted an otter (Lontra longicaudis) rather than a bird sitting on a rock eating a fish. We were happy to see it up close while the otter fed without fear. Fortunately it gave us enough time to take some photographs and film it. All travelers were very satisfied having woken up very early mentioning all the time it was worth having made the effort.

Date: October 9^th, 2015
Time: 07:30 am
Location: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

During the bird excursion, our explorer guide Carmen Solis and a couple of travelers were headed in search of a good view of the river so they can spot more birds. Suddenly Carmen observed an unusual movement of trees on the other side of the river.

Using her binoculars, Carmen was able to observe that this was a spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) feeding on bromeliads and immediately showed them to travelers, who were delighted to see a spectacled bear in their natural environment.

At the beginning, it was difficult to see the whole body of the animal, since it was camouflaged by the tree’s foliage but finally it exposed a little more and were able  to see its face. The bear looked very healthy while it moved from branch to branch looking for feed on bromeliads.

We share some pictures of the sighting so you can also appreciate it.

Date: December 19^th, 2015
Time: 07:40 am
Location: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel grounds

On a Specialized Bird excursion Braulio and 3 travelers, took the route to the hotel helipad to appreciate and look for bird species. For more than one hour they managed to see some species including the Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruviana) which the 3 travelers were looking for.

At about 100 meters from the helipad they stopped to look across the river in search of more birds. Imagine their surprise when they saw a bear (Tremarctos ornatus) sitting on a tree feeding on bromeliads. Between emotion and disbelief, the first thing Braulio managed to tell travelers was “Bear, bear!!!”. At first they had a hard time pin point where the bear was because it was well camouflaged among nature, but after a few it exposed itself in an area free of vegetation and gave them the opportunity to not only see it but photograph and film it, a gift from nature.

We include some pictures of the sighting with the desire to share the excitement and surprise of the moment.

* Additional comments: The specimen was very large; it easily reached 2 meters, and appeared to be in good health since its fur coat looked great. This seems to be a bear that has been seen in previous years when younger as it presented the same mark pattern on its face.

Date: October 13^th, 2015
Time: 07:50 am
Location: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel grounds

This morning when members of Public Areas were cleaning the trails of the hotel, one of the co-workers of the hotel was found with a snake. It was the most feared snake of Machu Picchu, an Andean Fer-de-lance (Bothrops andianus). Due to security measures, we had to relocate it close to the area of ecology.  We share some pictures of the sighting.

Date: December 21^st, 2014
Time: 11:30 am
Location: Hotel trails

At around 6:00 am, we left for a specialized birding excursion. At the start of the outing we had very good sightings around the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel heated plunge pool. We were thrilled to see the migratory Sawinson’s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus) as well as several tanagers.

We also got to hear and see the White Eared Solitaire (Entomodestes leucotis) – which apparently are in their mating season because it was heard more than once during the excursion. At 10:40 am we headed to the helipad, and we saw a movement near the heliport sign. Using binoculars we could see its details and take pictures, it was the Little Ground Tyrant (Muscisaxicola fluviatilis). After this sighting we walked a little further where we spotted another migratory surprise, a Streaked Flycatcher (Myiodynastes maculatus), a species we had last seen in 2013 around the same area.

Date: October 28^th, 2014
Time: 06:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: Hotel trails

While waiting for one of travelers, we saw a small bird in front the Eco center in one of the trunks near to the casitas. At first glance it looked like a woodpecker, the group and the explorer guides observed the details of the birds through their binoculars. The bird moved from tree to tree, climbing the trunk to get to the forks of the branches as it went away. Thanks to photographic evidence, we could identified the species as a Montane woodcreeper  (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger).

Date: August 12^th, 2014
Time: 03:49 pm
Location: In front of the Ecocenter

Heading back to the Ecocenter from a visit to the Andean Bear Rescue Center, and Inkaterra employee from the Ecology Department told me he had seen an Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) very exposed across our river bank. It was then that I decided to head back with the guests. Arriving at the heliport we saw a bear cub coming down the rocks on the mountain as it headed near the river. After a few minutes it disappeared into the vegetation. The guests, just like me, were fascinated to see this species in the wild.

Date: March 31^st, 2014
Time: 09:40 am
Location: Vilcanota River

It was a rather cold morning in the cloud forest of Machu Picchu; looking for birds with some travelers but we didn’t have much luck. When the excursion was about to end we approached the bird feeders to observe the hummingbirds. Suddenly  I saw a very rare bird. It was a Fawn-breasted Brilliant (Heliodoxa rubinoides). This was the second time I had seen this hummingbird in Machu Picchu ; it was a new register for the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. We observed the bird throughout the day with other Inkaterra Explorer Guide as well as our resident biologist. Hope you enjoy the picture!!!

Date: February 22^nd, 2014
Time: 07:45 am
Location: Bird Feeders

Our exploration trek began at 5:00am towards the Alccamayo river searching for particular bird species such as the Golden Head Quetzal (Pharomachrus auriceps). At the beginning, the outing was not very good. On route we couldn’t see much because it was still dark but we could hear many signs of birds awaking. We decided to keep climbing and at around 8:00am we had our first big sighting. A Quetzal (easily recognizable due to the color of its feathers) flew in front of us. Lucky for us, the bird decided to rest on a branch very close to us. Suddenly the sighting became even more interesting when another quetzal perched alongside the first one. For a few minutes we got to see them both until they flew into the vegetation. Suddenly, when we were heading back to the hotel, a Blue-banded Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus coeruleicinctis) appeared and surprised us ;when we finally began to descend we noticed that there was a white-breasted bird of prey far away on a dry tree branch. We took the telescope trying to identify this bird . We could not believe it, we realized it was a Semicollared Hawk (Accipiter collaris) resting in front of us. It was a very good day!

Date: January 19^th, 2014
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Alccamayo River

During the last day of the “Birding Rally Challenge” with the Sunbird Team from UK, decided to walk to Mandor Valley at 4:00am since we were only one species from the first place of the contest . After one hour walking in the rain, Gavin Bieber saw a dark silhouette on the train tracks, we knew it was a bird but it flew away. We kept waking and a few meters from where we saw the unidentified bird twe noticed movement on the trees, we pointed our torches an   saw a Band-bellied Owl (Pulsatrix melanota) a “lifer” (bird species seen for the first time). It was the first Owl that I had ever seen in Machu Picchu. During the ceremony the judges told us that it was a new register for the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. It was worth the walk in the rain, enjoy the picture!!!

Date: December 9^th, 2013
Time: 05:02 am
Location: Railroad Track

Stuart Elsom, Steve Howell, Gavin Bieber | Sunbird Team (UK)

During a bird training outing, getting ready for the Birding Rally Challenge, the Ecotourism team decided to take the Orchid trail. Minutes before they spotted 2 migratory bird species on the trail, a Swainson’s Thrush (Catharus Thrushes) and a red Tanager (Piranga rubra) that left the team fascinated, they thought they could get lucky again. They were not mistaken. Suddenly one of the Explorer Guides mentioned that he saw a brown bird that looked like a dove. They all began to try to identify the bird with the help of the telescope and reviewing the book “ Birds of Peru” by Thomas Schulenberg.

After a couple minutes they could clearly identified the bird as Ruddy Quail Dove (Geotrygon montana), a “lifer” (bird species seen for the first time) for many of the Guides. Since it’s a species that is not registered in the area everyone was very excited. It was worth the hours of searching, enjoy the picture!

Date: November 29^th, 2013
Time: 05:50 pm
Location: Orchid Trail

Jose Lavilla, William Polo, Fermín Reyes, Braulio Puma
Inkaterra Explorer Guides
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

During a specialized birding excursion, along with two travelers, we decided to rest after 4 hours of sighting various bird species. While enjoying our snacks before starting the journey back to the hotel, one of the travelers pointed out a bird that flew close to us and went into the jungle. At first glance I thought it was an Andean Guan (Penelope montagnii) but a few seconds later I saw the bird perched in front of us, I could not identify it, since it was the first time I saw it. As I grabbed my book I asked one of the travelers to take a picture of the bird so we could identify it afterwards. To our surprise it was a sunbittern (Eurypyga helias). We were all very excited because it was a very rare sighting. I want to take this opportunity to share the picture our guest took while I tried to identify the bird for us.

Date: September 26^th, 2013
Time: 09:40 am
Location: Railroad Km 109

At 12:30m Inkaterra staff working near the Vilcanota River reported the sighting of a spectacled bear within the hotel grounds, also known as Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus), walking on the left bank of the Vilcanota River in front of Café Inkaterra restaurant. Fortunately the bear was in sight for more than 30 minutes which allowed staff members and travelers to observe and take pictures of this interesting species. During that time the bear went down to the river, drank water, took a bath, and then climbed a tree to feed on bromeliads. Quite a show. Let’s hope he visits us again!

Date: September 22^nd, 2013
Time: 12:30 pm
Location: Vilcanota River

It was a cloudy day, Fredy Apaza, storage personnel, was returning to Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel from the train station with guest luggage. He was entering the hotel when he saw the top of the branches moving on the other side of the river in front of Café Inkaterra. Much was his surprise when he could recognize a family of Spectacle Bears (Tremarctos ornatus), a mother with two small cubs. He reported the sighting by radio to the Ecotourism staff and hotel personnel, along passing guests, witnessed this unique sighting.

Date: June 2^nd, 2013
Time: 10:30 am
Location: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Carmen Soto | Inkaterra Asociacion, ITA Coordinator | Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Angel Layme and Percy Jauregui were at the Ecocenter when the Public Areas Supervisor, Julio Huaylla, came to inform that he had found a green snake near the NGO ITA office (Inkaterra Association). Since snakes can be very dangerous they took the snake catching  equipment to be able to relocate it.  When they arrived they realized that it was a Dichrours drymoluber snake (or commonly known as “Chicotillo”). They were able to capture the snake and release it without any problems in a remote area.

Here we share a picture for you to enjoy our, and the snakes, adventure.

Date: June 2^nd, 2013
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Angel Layme | Inkaterra Explorer Guide | Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

As we gathered in front of the Ecocentre to begin our excursion to the Andean Bear Rescue Centre one of the travelers observed a big bird flying near the top of the mountains. Using our binoculars we could identify that it was the same bird that we saw a couple days ago; the Black and Chesnut Eagle (Oroacetus isidori).The eagle once again, was flying with the help of warm air drafts looking for food. Fortunately I was able to take another picture for your enjoyment.

Date: May 23rd, 2013
Time: 08:30 am
Location: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

A group of guests and I were walking towards Inkaterra’s Tea House when, across the Urubamba River, I realized that there was a Road Side Hawk (Buteo magnirostris) sitting on a Cecropia sp. Tree. As we watched the hawk we noticed that the birds were very active.

Suddenly one of the guests pointed out a big bird flying near the mountain in front of the Tea House. When I used my binoculars I could see that it was a Black and Chesnut Eagle (Oroacetus isidori) flying around the mountain probably looking for food. Then I realized that the birds were so active because of the presence of an eagle flying using the hot air currents. This gave me the chance to take some pictures that I now share with you. Hope you enjoy them!

Date: May 20^th, 2013
Time: 08:30 am
Location: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

The day was sunny and clear, Daniel Aucayllo, Andrés Quispe and Braulio Supa, staff from the ecology team, were working on the Andean bear facilities. Daniel saw something moving on a rock nearby and went to take a look, much was his surprise when he observed a bird rarely seen during the day, a Nightjar resting on top of the lithophytic vegetation (Columnea lophophora). After making the photographic record, that same day in the ecology cabinet the bird was identified as a Band-winged Nightjar (Caprimulgus longirostris) confirmed by Dr. Daniel F. Lane, co-author of the book “Aves de Perú). This specie is more active at night and during the day spends most of the time resting on branches and fallen leaves, and thanks to its feathers it appears unnoticed.

On a rainy Saturday morning at 8:20 am. near the gardening  house and orchid trail II, gardeners reported by radio to our ecology personnel the sighting, of what seemed to be a toucanet, but when reaching the site this bird flew off to the top of the mountain. Later that day at 12:45 pm. we heard a rather strange and strong tweet coming from the maintenance warehouse, we went running with our binoculars and cameras, and surprise!, there it was, resting on a “pacaemono” tree branch (Inga adenophylla) chirping loudly, a Blue-banded Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus coeruleicinctis). This bird is very rarely observed in the area, the staff passing by could not believe that there were toucanets in Machu Picchu.

It was a foggy day when the Explorer Guide Hendrik Torres was going to the Eco-Center Office and saw on a lamp post, next to rooms 48 and 49, a very big bird of approximately 45 centimeter-height, with the characteristics of a hawk. The Explorer Guide ran to the Eco-Center to bring his camera and take some pictures. Together with Yashira Bejar, an Explorer Guide, they sighted the bird that stayed 15 minutes on the lamp post posing to the camera. They also observed different birds that were nervously singing and trying to frighten away the big bird. Since the Explorer Guides were confused about the characteristics of this bird, they decided to send an e-mail to Renzo Zepilli who answered right away and identified the bird. It was a young broad-winged hawk (Buteo platypterus) from North America, relatively common in this time of the year at the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

– Hendrik Torres y Yashira Bejar / Interpreters Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel – Close

A very quiet morning, around 11:30 a.m., on our way to an excursion with travelers, we were walking towards the Sungate trail. The walk was very pleasant and the weather was sweet.

We were talking about the beauty of the landscape and the experience. Every once in a while we made stops to rest. Suddenly, one of the travelers heard the plants shaking in the bottom of the path. All of us turned to look at that very spot, and between the plants a bear cub appeared eating and exploring the vegetation.

It was surprising because he showed no fear and got close to us. One of the travelers even mentioned that he looked like a pet we could feed. It was a unique experience for all of us.

Andean Spectacled Bear (Tremactus ornatos) Carnivorous mammal that inhabits South America. Nowadays the Andean spectacled bear is an endangered species.

It was a cloudy afternoon, around 3:30 p.m., when the ecotourism group decided to go to the heliport accompanied by Braulio Puma (Leader Explorer Guide) with the only purpose of birdwatching. We started our search of bird species and were able to spot many of them; nevertheless the most remarkable was the Canada Warbler (Wilsonia canadensis) of 13 cm.

This species is a common boreal migrant from September to April, to east slope of the Andes at 650-1700 meters above-sea-level. This bird is one of the few you can also see in the Amazonian rainforests, usually with mixed flocks. Canada Warblers have a colorful and notorious yellow plumage around their belly and a dark necklace, less distinct in females and juveniles.

Due to the weather conditions we could not continue with the activity. Fortunately we had the chance to shoot some pictures we would like to share with you.

Walking around the hotel it’s always nice when you are greeted not only by the wonderful staff but by an Andean Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruviana)!

This morning, around 7:00 a.m., I was ready to go on a bird watching excursion with travelers from casitas 4 and 74. Ready for the walk, we headed to the pool side where usually you can see various tanagers. I explained about these birds and then continued the excursion leading along the River Urubamba where it is possible to observe various species of flycatchers. Perched on an electrical cable, very close to us, we saw an Andean Mot Mot.

That was lovely to see. The travelers and I were really enjoying the sight. In order to look for more species, I followed with my binoculars the river side. Suddenly, I looked on the rocks right in front of the Inkaterra restaurant, an animal with a tail, which I eventually identified as a Neo-tropical Otter (lontra longicaudis).

I was excited because it was the first time I saw one. I showed the animal to the travelers who were fascinated. We were able to follow the otter while swimming in the river. It was amazing to see him keeping balance in the turbulent waters and then resting on the rocks, until he went into the forest and got out of sight.

Neotropical Otter (Lontra longicaudis) Coming from the Lutrinae mustelid subfamily, this species is found in Central and South America, from southern Mexico to Uruguay and Central Argentina. It measures from 50 to 130 cm in length and weights between 5 and 12 kg. Males are smaller than females. Nowadays it is an endangered species.

It was a cloudy day when the explorer guide Hendrik Torres was returning to Ecocenter and suddenly spotted, perched on a utility pole next to the rooms 48 and 49, a very large bird (about 45cm in height) with the characteristics of a hawk. Hendrik went to the Ecocenter as quickly as possible to bring his camera and take some pictures with the help of another explore guide, Yashira Bejar.

Fortunately the bird was still in the same place. The hawk stayed for about 15 minutes “posing” on the pole. While both explore guide took photos they also noticed that different species of birds began to sing in a nervous matter (constantly) and approached the hawk trying to scare it away.

At the neginning the hawk could not be identified by Hendrik o Yashira, so they sent an email to Renzo Zepilli (an Inkaterra bird trainer) who immediately responded saying that it was a juvenil Broad-Winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) a boreal migrant (North Amercia) relatively common to the area in this time of year.

It was a cloudy day when the interpreter Hendrik Torres was returning to Ecocentro and suddenly spotted, perched on a utility pole next to the rooms 48 and 49, a very large bird (about 45cm in height) with the characteristics of a hawk.

Hendrik went to the Ecocentro as quickly as possible to bring his camera and take some pictures with the help of another interpreter, Yashira Bejar. Fortunately the bird was still in the same place. The hawk stayed for about 15 minutes “posing” on the pole.

While both interpreters took photos they also noticed that different species of birds began to sing in a nervous matter (constantly) and approached the hawk trying to scare it away.

At the neginning the hawk could not be identified by Hendrik o Yashira, so they sent an email to Renzo Zepilli (an Inkaterra bird trainer) who immediately responded saying that it was a juvenil Broad-Winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) a boreal migrant (North Amercia) relatively common to the area in this time of year.

It was a cloudy afternoon, around 3:30 p.m., when the ecotourism group decided to go to the heliport accompanied by Braulio Puma (Leader Explorer Guide) with the only purpose of birdwatching.

We started our search of bird species and were able to spot many of them; nevertheless the most remarkable was the Canada Warbler (Wilsonia canadensis) of 13 cm. This species is a common boreal migrant from September to April, to east slope of the Andes at 650-1700 meters above-sea-level.

This bird is one of the few you can also see in the Amazonian rainforests, usually with mixed flocks. Canada Warblers have a colorful and notorious yellow plumage around their belly and a dark necklace, less distinct in females and juveniles.

Due to the weather conditions we could not continue with the activity. Fortunately we had the chance to shoot some pictures we would like to share with you.

 On September 2nd, 2011, between 14h05 and 14h45, the Chilean couple, Mr. Williams Alex Muñoz Vargas and Mrs.

Paula Martínez Godoy were having lunch at the main dining room when they observed something was shaking the branches of a tree right in front of the Chaskapata mountain.

After a while they witnessed an amazing scenario, a female Andean bear were climbing up to the top of a tree looking for her favorite meal, bromelias.

On September 3rd, 2011, at 06h30, the Explorer Guides María del Carmen Camasa and Yanet Estrada were in the middle of the excursion “Birdwatching” when they sighted the same female Andean Bear from the day before and at the same spot.

They were impressed to see how the female bear was climbing up and down the soaring and rocky mountain very skillfully in the search of food. In this opportunity the guests enjoyed sighting the bear for 20 minutes.

At the end the female bear vanished in the rainforest’s vegetation

It was a sunny afternoon, the second day of our bird identification training with ornithologist Zepilli Renzo. The plan was to go on a birding excursion near the hotel. Therefore at 3:45 pm we began the outing at the Ecocentro.

As we watched the trees supplied with bananas to attract different bird species, we noticed the arrival of a Blue-neck tanager, and a Palm Tanager (both common to the area).

While taking a good look at them, a different colored bird that we initially had mistaken for a female Blue and yellow tanager, appeared. Renzo identified it as a Buff throated saltator! This was the first time anyone had seen the saltator at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel hotel grounds, Renzo and all of us, Inkaterra Explorer Guides, took time to observe the bird details for future identification.

Finally, once at the office we added the Buff throated saltator as a new bird specie for the hotel. Renzo later explained, using the Birds of Peru Field Guide, that this particular bird is usually found above 1750msnm on the canopy of fruit trees, as well as secondary forests. One more bird for Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel bird list!!!

– Cecilia Cabrera, Maria del Carmen Camasa y Renzo Zeppilli / Environmental Interpreter Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel – Close