About the birding nature of our trips

Q: How would you rate your bird exclusiveness?
A: It’s hard to say because it depends a lot on the participants. But, we consider this first of all birding trips. For fixed departures, the trips are designed to see as many birds as possible in a comfortable way. We will not walk up a slope for one hour to see a particular bird, but we will stop and try to see each bird that is new to our trip list. What we would like you to have at the end is a long bird list (if you keep a list), with lots of additional experiences about the countrie’s other attractions (culture, orchids, other animals, etc). When appropriate we will spend time at seeing birds very well. For example at the macaws clay-lick or at the blind by the Cock-of-the Rock.

Q: What if I am an avid birder and my other half or friend isn’t?
A: You can go of course, we assume your other half or friend knows what it is like to be with birders. He/she will have plenty of opportunities to leave the group and go by his/her own for a while (with a local nature guide). Accompanying birders is a lot of fun and they also see more wildlife and rare things that the usual tourist.

Q: What if we come as a complete group?
A: Than we will adequate our trip to your needs. We might do crazy ticking-trips, or relaxed nature trips with some birdwatching. It depends on your request.

Q: What if I am by my own and not so much into birding but enjoy watching some of the  more interesting birds?
A: We recommend you look into Inkanatura’s excellent nature trips (www.inkanatura.com). Those trips take advantage of all the jungles highlights, and make efforts to watch macaws, Cock-of.the rocks, eagles, etc.

Q: What if I am a fanatic ticker?
A: As long as your anxiousness does not upset the rest of the participants it’s fine and we welcome it very much. You will be glad to have come with us and you will definitely have your hands full, particularly if it is your first time in the area.

Q: Are your trips cheap?
A: They are cheap compared to equivalent high-standard foreign companies. Our services are all of high standard. Most of the areas we visit are in remote corners, where nature has been left alone. Transportation is always done with a backup. Even though our cars and boats are very carefully maintained, if it should fail at one point it will immediately be replaced by another one. Special attention is given to healthy and clean food. If you follow our instructions it is very unlikely you get an upset stomach during our trips.

Q: What kind of hotels do you normally use?
A: Most are 3 stars hotels, some 4 star. All rooms have private baths with hot showers. At lodges there are no stars but our lodges (Manu, Tambopata and Heath) all have private baths and hot showers. Without loosing their rustic charm, these are all 3 star standards.

Q: What if I find cheaper options somewhere else?
A: You might be able to find cheaper operators, but the service will not be equivalent for sure. For people with good traveling experience and low budget we would probably recommend one of those. The birds are the same. We only recommend to make sure the guide is good and the service is adequate for you.
There are also possibilities for backpacking in Peru. Many people do it. Just make sure you know what you are doing. Peru is fun for birdwatching no matter what your approach. Our guides will enjoy helping out people that go by themselves with information about the birds.
Of course, as everywhere else in the world you have to be careful with fake companies…

Q: How many birds will we see on a trip?
A: It really depends on how much effort you put into just birding. Some people are not so much into numbers, others are. A typical number for the Megadiversity trip is over 450 species (of about 1000 possible), and for the rest of trips over 300 species (of about 550 possible). 

Q: What's the number of people on a trip?
A: All our trips have a maximum of 7 birders, exceptionally 8 are accepted. Above that we consider it uncofortable to bird with one guide. Lots of birding is done on trails on these trips so people at the end of the line start having problems seeing what people at the front see.

Q: Do you provide transportation from Lima Airport to our hotel? If so, how will I be met?
A: Yes, the pick-up from the airport is always included. Someone from our company will pick you up from the airport. We will know in which flight you arrive and he will be holding a sign with your name or an agreed message (GranPeru logo). We will give you more details about the person in charge of this, before your departure so that you can also lookout for him. The Lima airport has only one exit door for international flights so you cannot miss us. You will also be given a cell phone number you could call from a payphone at your arrival gate.

Q: Do you arrange for the internal (for example Lima – Cuzco) flights, or should I do it before I leave my country?
A: The price for internal commercial flights is not included, but we actually prefer if we can handle this for you so that all the participants on a group use the same flight and no time is wasted getting people together upon arrival. We normally do it when the full price is paid and we can book for the flight. We don’t include this in the total price because those prices can change.

Q How many "rain hours" can we expect approximately in the dry season (June-September)?
A I would saysomething like 1 hour every second day. But a whole day of rain is also possible, as well as no rain at all during the whole visit.


Q: How do I pay it?
A: All payments can be done through major credit cards.

Q: How much deposit is required to book a trip?
A: The deposit is 25% of the price.

Q: When is full payment required?
A: Full payment is required 45 days before the trip.