Wayqecha Cloud Forest Birding Lodge
Just 3.5 hours northeast of Cusco—via a spectacular drive through the snow-capped Andes—Wayqecha Cloud Forest Biological Station is one of the world’s best sites to explore the lush cloud forest ecosystem bordering Manu National Park. Situated where the eastern slopes of the Andes meet the Amazon lowlands, the cloud forest absorbs moisture from passing clouds and is often blanketed in mist and fog. The constant supply of moisture allows a remarkable diversity of plants to grow here, which in turn supports thriving populations of birds, amphibians, and mammals.
The 1,400-acre property serves as a protective buffer for Manu National Park, located immediately across the road. At Wayqecha, explore over ten miles of trails and see where the Andean grasslands transition into lush cloud forests and montane forests below. Winding through elfin forest, you can have close encounters with tanager flocks, maybe sighting a Grass Green or Golden-collared. Listen for the endemic but fairly common Red-and-white Antpitta, or a Marcapata Spinetail. Maybe catch sight of the Orange-breasted Falcon.
At Wayqecha, six cabins offer the perfect view to watch the clouds roll across the Andes. Each cabin features comfortable beds (your choice of single or double), a table and chair, a luggage and clothes rack, and its own private bathroom with hot showers. A brand new dining room, lounge and bar welcome you for meals and provide comfortable seating for reviewing your lists at the end of the day.
Max occupancy 12 (2 per cabin), minimum stay 1 night. Children must be accompanied by their parent(s) but are welcome throughout Wayqecha. Children under age 13 are eligible for a discounted stay.
Limited internet is available in the dining hall during evening hours. Smoking is prohibited indoors.
Wayqecha is not handicap accessible; paths include steps fashioned from a variety of materials including loose gravel, cement, or dirt. Physical limitations should be considered when contemplating hikes or other excursions.
Meals include local, fresh Peruvian cooking, with some ingredients grown on site in the kitchen garden. If you have special meal requirements (vegetarian, gluten free, etc.) please inform the reservation staff prior to your arrival to the station. Given the location of stations, it may be difficult to accommodate all dietary preferences and the variety of food may be limited.
Prices: Cabin with private bathroom: $155 per person, double occupancy; $210 single occupancy. Prices include three meals a day, access to trails, and taxes.
Our staff in Peru will meet you at the airport or dock to ensure a smooth next leg of your trip.
TO PROCEED WITH ANY BOOKING
1) To assure your space we require the payment 45 days before departure date.
2) To continue with your reservation, please send your full information: Name, passport number, nationality and dietary restriccions.
POLICY BOOKING
1) If there is any service included in the tour that you are not going to take or you want to cancel the reservation, it will not be possible to refund unless you tell us 30 days prior to the services. We will apply the administrative fee services over your refund.
2) Office hours are Monday to Friday 8:00- 13:00 p.m. and 15:00- 18:00 p.m. If you have any emergency and it is a weekend YOU MUST MAKE A PHONE CALL to our EMERGENCY CELL/MOBILE PHONE (+51) 984 765547.
Wayqecha is located approximately 3.5 hours by road from Cusco. The road is paved for the first two hours of the journey, and the remainder is a winding dirt road. The picturesque drive passes through grasslands, several Andean communities, cultural sites, and the town of Paucartambo where you can buy fresh-made bread and fruits from area farmers.
We can arrange for a private vehicle with an experienced driver. If you are prone to motion sickness, you might consider taking medication such as Dramamine.
The elevation at Wayqecha is 9,880 feet, lower than the 11,500 feet in Cusco, but still high enough where you will feel easily winded when climbing trails and stairs. Keeping hydrated is important, as is rest and eating lightly. Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a recommended preventative medicine.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit our three lodges is May through November. At Wayqecha, the mean annual temperature is 54° F, with a daytime temperature generally in the 50s but that can reach 77°F, with alternating sun, mist and rain throughout the day. The rainy season is roughly December through March. During the rainy season, the dirt/gravel road to Wayqecha can experience flooding causing significant delays that may necessitate shifting travel plans. However, the peak time for the blooming orchids is January through March.
LOCAL GUIDES
We highly recommend that a guide accompany you throughout your trip. Please let us know at the time of your reservation if we can arrange one for you.
HEALTH PRECAUTIONS
Visiting Wayqecha should be done at your own risk. You should schedule an appointment with a travel clinic at least four to six weeks prior to travel. We encourage talking with your doctor to decide what is most appropriate for you given your health history. Please see more information on our Traveler’s Health Info sheet.
PACKING LIST
Highlights of a stay at Wayqecha
- Over 200 birds listed
- Over 200 orchid species
- Hot Showers/Private Baths
- 24-hr Internet access (Subject to weather conditions)
- Friendly Staff
- Local, fresh Peruvian cooking
- Canopy walkway
Sounds of Wayqecha
What Travelers Say
Everything from the birds to, the views to the room, food, and staff was excellent. I will never forget my time here, and the amazing trails with an abundance of various species of plants (bromeliads, orchids, ferns and more) and animals. I am eternally grateful for the experience that I had here at Wayqecha.