Peru - Lima And Coastal Birds

Just passing through - A Chilean flamingo.

Inspired by "Turn Right at Machu Picchu" by Mark Adams, we embarked on an adventure trip to Peru. From exploring ancient ruins and trekking in the Andes to visiting the Sacred Valley, bird watching, and experiencing the vibrant culture, Peru offers a wealth of adventures.

After deciding to explore Machu Picchu and indulge in bird watching, our next task was to find a bird guide who could also show us the cultural sites. Our search led us to Habitats Peru Travel (https://habitatsperu.com/) Doris Valencia, one of the owners. With years of experience, Doris is one of the best bird guides in Peru. She designed and set up our entire trip, tailoring it to our interests.

Join us as we navigate diverse terrains, meet incredible locals, find amazing birds, and uncover the hidden gems that make Peru an unforgettable destination.

Let's start in Lima.

Lima, the vibrant capital of Peru, is known as the "City of Kings". Lima's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning colonial architecture and beautiful churches. 

The Larco Museum was the first place to visit in Lima. We didn't want to miss its impressive pre-Columbian art collection.

We also wanted to eat at the Larco Museum restaurant to sample famous Peruvian dishes. We ordered all starters thinking it would be a delicious sampler of dishes such as causa, ceviche, choclo, leche de tigre, and tequenos con queso, and it was delicious but we were so stuffed we had trouble finishing.

Lima's diverse districts each have their own charm: Miraflores with ocean views, Barranco's bohemian vibe, and San Isidro's upscale ambiance. 

In San Isidro, there is the Parque el Olivar, where olive trees planted by a Dominican monk in the 17th century still grow. Walking among the olive trees and watching local families enjoy the space makes for an easy afternoon.

In Barranco, the scene is much more lively and colorful.

Barranco Church and Plaza

Miraflores hosts one of the best bakeries we visited. There was an amazing assortment of sourdough breads and pastries with a great cup of coffee it was the best place to go early morning.

Along the coast, there was paragliding over the ocean and a top view of the many surfers that were in the waves below.

Lima enjoys a mild, temperate climate all year long, rarely experiencing rain. The temperatures are kept cool by the refreshing ocean breeze, making it a comfortable destination for visitors.

For food enthusiasts, Lima is a paradise. Its culinary scene is a delightful fusion of indigenous ingredients, Spanish influences, and flavors brought by Chinese and Japanese immigrants. From top-notch restaurants to bustling markets, Lima's vibrant food culture is a feast for the senses.

Ceviche was served in many different styles. This plate was from a coastal restaurant and used some maize on the side others pile the marinated fish on top of Causa which is similar to a thick mashed potato.

Raw fish is served in many creative ways. It is always delicious.

In Miraflores, we found the often-overlooked Pre-Inca Huaca Pucllana ruins, dating from 200-700 AD. These large ruins, intriguingly situated in a residential area, were primarily religious, containing temples and burial sites. After years of being used as a playground, the area is now protected, and ongoing excavations reveal more of its history.

Another reason for our visit to Peru was the chance to see its diverse bird fauna. After deciding to explore Machu Picchu and indulge in bird watching, our next task was to find a bird guide who could also show us the cultural sites. Our search led us to Habitats Peru Travel (https://habitatsperu.com/) Doris Valencia, one of the owners. With years of experience, Doris is one of the best bird guides in Peru. She designed and set up our entire trip, tailoring it to our interests.

We hiked into Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate, took a three-day Inca Trail hike, and enjoyed bird watching from the Andes to the Amazon. The trip was perfect.

Coastal Birds

Lima's coastal shores are teeming with diverse birdlife, making it a haven for bird watchers. One of the most iconic residents is the Peruvian Pelican, often seen gliding gracefully along the coastline or perched on piers. 

Another fascinating species is the Inca Tern, recognizable by its distinctive white mustache-like feathers.

Humbolt Penguins are scarce and declining in numbers. We saw a small group of five individuals.

Red-legged Cormorant is another uncommon bird along the shoreline.

The Surf Cinclodes is an endemic bird found foraging among the rocks. 

Blackish Oystercatchers are found along the coasts of Argentina, Chile, the Falkland Islands, and Peru.

The rich marine environment of Lima's shores provides ample feeding grounds for many birds, as well as mammals such as Sea Lions, offering visitors a spectacular display of avian life against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

On to the coastal wetlands where we found the Many-colored Rush Tyrant.

The Plumbeous Rail

On a sandy beach, we found the "not amused" Peruvian Thick Knee.

On to Cusco and the Sacred Valley: Go to my next blog on the main page.