Birds Photo – Villa Wetlands & Pucusana Islands

THIS TOUR IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS A 2 DAYS TOUR OPTION ADDING THE VISIT OF BALLESTAS ISLANDS

🦜 VILLA WETLANDS & PUCUSANA COASTAL BIRDING AND PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR

A Coastal Expedition for Nature Lovers, Birdwatchers & Wildlife Photographers

Experience the untouched biodiversity of Lima’s coastline, from urban marshes to wild ocean cliffs. This full-day tour combines the Villa Wetlands Reserve—Lima’s only protected area within the city limits—with a private coastal boat trip in Pucusana, one of Peru’s best spots to photograph seabirds, marine mammals, and coastal life.

Whether you’re a seasoned birder, a passionate photographer, or simply a nature lover, this tour is designed to offer close encounters, incredible light, and expert guidance for an unforgettable day outside the city.

🌟 Tour Highlights

🪶 Villa Wetlands (Pantanos de Villa)

✔ Explore a complex of lagoons, marshes, and reed-filled ponds in Lima’s only urban wildlife refuge
✔ Spot up to 40+ bird species in a single visit, including Great Grebe, Cinnamon Teal, Pied-billed Grebe, White-cheeked Pintail, Andean Duck, and more
✔ Photograph specialty species like the Many-colored Rush-Tyrant, Wren-like Rushbird, and Plumbeous Rail
✔ Scan the coastline for seabirds like Peruvian Pelican, Guanay Cormorant, and Peruvian Diving-Petrels
✔ Optional stop to look for Peruvian Thick-knee in grassland areas

🛶 Pucusana Coastal Boat Ride

✔ Visit a traditional fishing village about 60 km south of Lima
✔ Private boat tour to photograph Humboldt current specialists, including:
• Humboldt Penguin
• Red-legged & Guanay Cormorants
• Inca Tern (a true star of Peruvian bird photography)
• Surf Cinclodes (Peruvian endemic)
• South American Sea Lions and potential Marine Otter sightings

🦜 Lurín River Valley Stop

✔ Post-lunch stop to observe land species including:
• Bran-colored Flycatcher (rufescens subspecies)
• Peruvian Sheartail, Purple-collared Woodstar
• Amazilia Hummingbird
• Harris’s Hawk, Croaking Ground-Dove, Scrub Blackbird, and Peruvian Meadowlark

🕒 Itinerary Overview

📍 Early Morning – Pick-up from your hotel or the airport in Lima
📍 Visit to Pantanos de Villa, with multiple birding and photography stops
📍 Transfer to Pucusana fishing village (~1.5 hours south)
📸 Private boat trip around the island and marine cliffs
📍 Lunch at a seaside restaurant in Pucusana (included)
📍 Birding at the Lurín River Valley on the return route
📍 Drop-off at your hotel or airport by late afternoon

📷 Recommended Photography Gear

📸 Mid-range zoom lens – For birds in marshes and riverbanks
📸 Telephoto lens (300mm or more) – Ideal for distant or in-flight seabirds
📸 Wide-angle lens – For dramatic ocean landscapes
📸 Tripod – Useful for the wetlands and steady long shots
📸 CPL or ND filters – Enhance reflections and reduce glare

🎒 What to Bring

✔ Comfortable walking shoes (no strenuous hiking, but soft terrain)
✔ Layered clothing – Cool mornings, warmer mid-day
✔ Rain jacket – Weather on the coast can shift quickly
✔ Sun protection – Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
✔ Extra batteries, SD cards, and binoculars if you have them

💰 Tour Pricing (All Ages)

💲 1 person – $540 USD
💲 2 people – $300 USD per person
💲 3+ people – $230 USD per person
📩 Larger group? Ask for a custom quote

✅ What’s Included

✔ Private transportation from your hotel or airport
✔ Professional birding and photography guide
✔ Entry tickets to Pantanos de Villa Reserve
✔ One-hour private boat trip at Pucusana
✔ Lunch at a seaside restaurant

❌ Not Included

✘ Alcoholic beverages at the restaurant
✘ Tips for guide and driver (optional, but appreciated)

📅 Book Your Coastal Birding & Photography Adventure Today

📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.andeanphotoexpeditions.com