The Sol y Luna gardens – 25 acres of lawns and an abundance of native flowers, trees and shrubs, all connected by winding stone pathways – play host to a wide variety of birdlife, not to mention insects and butterflies.

This is perhaps unsurprising, considering that Peru has one of the highest variety of bird species worldwide.

Unsung Pleasures

Visitors to Peru, and the Sacred Valley in particular, may find themselves so overwhelmed by the richness of the country’s many attractions that they don’t make time for one of its simplest pleasures.

When rushing between Incan sites, colonial villages, stunning natural landscapes and Andean markets, be sure to take some time out of the morning or the afternoon to step out into the garden and look around; you might catch a glimpse of something very special.

An hour sitting in the sun might ignite a lifelong passion – twitching, as birdwatching is often known, can be known to become an enduring hobby. In the most extreme cases, it can also be expensive – some twitchers even charter aircraft at short notice to reach far-flung destinations in the hope of crossing a species off their list! 

Parklife

With approximately 1,880 identified varieties, only Colombia comes close when it comes to the number of identified bird species; a poor comparison to the US, with just over a thousand, and a lowly 560 for the United Kingdom, to name but a few.

The Sol y Luna gardens are the perfect spot to partake in some twitching, with a host of charming birds that call it home, from the nippy Black-throated Flowerpiercer to the preening Scarlet-fronted Parakeet.

We offer guests a birding checklist to keep track of the many birds you might spot from the comfort of your terrace

Birdlife at Sol y Luna

Sol y Luna is home to a plethora of bird species, many of which are endemic to Peru. Among the vibrant flora, guests can spot some of the country’s most remarkable birds. Here are some highlights:

Sparkling Violetear (Colibri coruscans)

Perhaps the most common and widespread hummingbird of the Peruvian Andes, the Sparkling Violetear is known for its vibrant iridescent feathers. This territorial and aggressive bird feeds on nectar from a wide variety of flowers and also hunts insects.

Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas)

The world’s largest hummingbird, the Giant Hummingbird has long and narrow wings that make it resemble a swift in flight. This impressive bird can be found in open, arid habitats with low bushes and some trees throughout the year.

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)

Known for its small size and vivid coloration, the American Kestrel is often seen perched conspicuously on wires, posts, or rocks. Its diet mainly consists of insects, and it is a common sight in open areas and agricultural fields.

Eared Dove (Zenaida auriculata)

The Eared Dove inhabits semi-arid open land and agricultural areas, often roosting and nesting communally in trees. It feeds on the ground and is a gregarious species, frequently seen in flocks.

Red-backed Hawk (Buteo polyosoma)

Commonly found on open hill-slopes with some brush and bracken, the Red-backed Hawk primarily preys on rodents. This raptor can be seen year-round and is known for its distinctive red back and impressive wingspan.

Scarlet-fronted Parakeet (Aratinga wagleri)

This sociable parakeet inhabits light forest and semi-arid to arid areas, often raiding crops and cacti. With a bright scarlet forehead and sociable nature, they are often seen in large flocks, especially when flying from feeding areas to their roosts.

Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis)

The Rufous-collared Sparrow is a familiar sight in open and semi-open areas, including villages and towns. Known for its distinctive rufous collar, this tame and trusting bird often hops along the ground, on low walls, and in shrubs, searching for seeds and insects.

Birdwatching tours at Sol y Luna

Each of our 43 casitas comes with a guide to the birds you can see on the property, with a checklist for budding ornithologists to keep track.

Wandering the hotel grounds, or merely keeping an eye open whilst enjoying an alfresco meal, is a great way to spot the birdlife.

However, for guests looking for a more formal twitching experience, guided birdwatching tours are available, led by knowledgeable local guides who can help identify and locate the various species that inhabit the area.

Once budding twitchers have had their fill, we have a wonderful range of excursions to keep even the most active visitors busy, from horse shows and theatrical performances, to cookery classes, cocktail making lessons and relaxing trips to the spa.

And of course for guests looking to venture further afield, Machu Picchu and a host of iconic Inca sites beckon – all reachable from Hotel Sol y Luna.

Our birdwatching tours provide an immersive experience, combining the natural beauty of the Sacred Valley with the thrill of spotting rare and exotic birds.

If you would like to experience Sol y Luna, admire the birdlife and explore everything the Sacred Valley has to offer, please feel free to contact the team and we would be happy to arrange your stay.