The extraordinary altitudinal range of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary means that more than 400 species of birds, an estimated 200 species of orchids and over 100 species of butterflies exist within its boundaries.
Day 1
:
Train to Machu Picchu. Visit ruins. Lunch at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. Walk down to Aguas Calientes, spotting butterflies along the way. Species include: Pyrrhopyge sergius, Jemadia hewitsonii, Corticea mendic, Phoebis sennae, Junonia genoveva, Podotricha Corticea mendica, Phoebis sennae, Junonia genoveva, Podotricha telesiphe. Along the railway track we may see other species of butterflies, such as Dalla cypselus, Dalla ticidas, Heraclides paeon, Actinote pellenea, Agraullis vanillae.
Overnight at Machu Picchu
Day 2
:
Before we take the train back to Cusco we will make a butterfly tour of the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. In this walk we will have the opportunity to observe the most commonly seen butterflies of the area, such as: Hypanartia bella, Dyone glicera, Danaus plexippus Morpho lympharis, Zerene cesonia inca (Southern Dogface), Dryas julia, Battus madies, Agraunis vanillae and Heraclides paeon.
On arrival in Cusco we transfer to hotel.
Recommended publication:
"The Butterflies of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary":
Author: Gerardo Lamas (translated by Stephen Light).
(Published by Programa Machu Picchu/PROFONANPE, 2003).
Season: From July to November. Guide: Biologist guide, butterfly expert.
Includes:
All transfers.
Train Cusco-Machu Picchu-Cusco (Autovagon).
Bus to Machu Picchu.
Entrance to ruins.
One night accommodation at Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (Double room basis).
Meals: Lunch at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, Dinner and buffet breakfast at Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.
