Day 1: From Samaipata, La Pajcha (spectacular waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation) can be reached by 4WD vehicle in 1½ hs. On our way there we will stop to appreciate the most visible birds of the valleys and the surrounding mountain ranges. However, today’s main destination is the waterfall at the end of the road with an attractive pool and beach, where some will want to swim and sunbathe. Others will follow the guide and explore various forest remnants: some with giant ferns, mountain native pinetrees and huge aromatic myrtles, others with endemic palm trees. Among the birds we usually get to see are the Torrent Duck, White-capped Dipper, White-collared Swifts and Mitred Parakeets, who nest and sleep here. There are also lizzards running on vertical cliffs, vizcachas on windswept ledges or suction padded frogs in crystal-clear springs. Snack and lunchbox on the beach. Evening meal and camp in the nearby forest. At dusk we try to spot Andean Guan and after nightfall, using recordings, we call Tropical Screech Owls and Scissor-tailed Nightjars, and then try to spot them with a spotlight.

Day 2: Before breakfast the enthusiastic go for a walk, listening to the birds’ morning concert. Later we head for the cliff which is constantly being used by Andean Condor in pairs or groups, young and adults of either sex, either in order to rest and to digest the carrion found or to bathe in a hidden pool of this extaordinary cliff. We will also see other birds of prey: American Kestrel on a exposed branch, Aplomado Falcon in swift flight, Variable Hawk suspended in flight somewhere near the summit, Roadside Hawk screaming while circling above, White-tailed Kite or Swallow-tailed Kites in huge migratory flocks and near the cliff smaller carrion eaters, Turkey Vultur with its narrow wings, Black Vultur with its short tail. On the way we may encounter Scaly-headed Parrot flying in groups, Blue-fronted Parrot in pairs and parakeets like Green-cheeked, Mitred and Blue-crowned. Also the tiny Ocellated Piculet, the big hooded Crimson-crested and Cream-backed Woodpeckers; spectacular Red-tailed Comet and White-bellied Hummigbird, White-vented Violet-ear, Glittering-bellied Emerald. We will hear the elusive Giant Antshrike, the still Spot-backed Puffbird, the mimetic Masked Trogon and the Huayco Tinamou of the pastures. The experience of observing with scope each feather and behaviour details is matched by the chance of taking sharp close-up photos.