The Inca Trail wildlife is one of the hidden treasures of the hike to Machu Picchu. In 4 days, the trail crosses dry Andean valleys, high grasslands, cloud forest and subtropical forest, all inside the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, a protected area for both its Inca heritage and its nature. Hundreds of bird species, spectacled bears, pumas, deer, hummingbirds and countless orchids live here. This guide covers the animals you may see on the Inca Trail, where and when to look for them, and tips for wildlife watching.
Inca Trail wildlife at a glance
| Habitat | Where on the trail | Wildlife to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Dry valleys and woodland | Km 82, Huayllabamba (day 1) | Giant hummingbird, chiguanco thrush, Andean fox |
| High grasslands (puna) | Dead Woman’s Pass, Runkuraqay (days 2–3) | Mountain caracara, condor, shining sunbeam, tinamous, taruka deer |
| Cloud forest | Sayacmarca to Phuyupatamarca (day 3) | Mountain toucan, Andean guan, flowerpiercers, orchids |
| Subtropical forest | Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate (days 3–4) | Parakeets, coatis, spectacled bear (rare), Andean lancehead |
Why the Inca Trail is rich in wildlife
The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu covers more than 32,000 hectares between about 1,700 and 6,000 m of altitude, where the Andes meet the Amazon. This big range of altitudes and climates creates many habitats in a small area, and the sanctuary has been protected since 1981. Researchers have recorded hundreds of bird species, hundreds of orchid species and many mammals, including some found only in this part of the Andes.
Mammals on the Inca Trail
Spectacled bear
The spectacled bear, or Andean bear, is South America’s only bear and the star of the Inca Trail wildlife. It has been seen near Sayacmarca and the Sun Gate, but it is shy and avoids people, so sightings are rare. It eats mainly bromeliads, fruits and roots, and it poses no real danger to hikers.
Puma
The puma is the second-largest cat in South America after the jaguar. It is active mostly at night and is almost never seen by hikers, although camera traps have photographed pumas inside the sanctuary. It hunts deer and smaller mammals such as vizcachas.
Deer
Several deer live in the sanctuary, including the white-tailed deer, the taruka or Andean deer, and small brocket deer of the forest. With luck, you may see them near Runkuraqay in the early morning or late afternoon.
Andean fox
Clever and quick, the Andean fox is rarely seen by day, but at night you may hear its call near the first campsites around Huayllabamba. It eats rodents, insects and fruit.
South American coati
Coatis, with their long noses and ringed tails, are often seen near Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate, usually in family groups in the morning or afternoon. They eat fruit, insects, small rodents and lizards.
Vizcachas and llamas
Vizcachas, rabbit-like rodents of the chinchilla family, sun themselves on the rocks, and at the end of the trail you will meet the famous llamas that graze on the terraces of Machu Picchu.
Birds of the Inca Trail
Andean condor
The king of the Andes has a wingspan of up to about 3.3 m and feeds on carrion. It nests on high cliffs, and while it is not common on the Inca Trail, you may see one soaring above the high passes. For the best condor watching in Peru, read about the condors at Colca Canyon.
Mountain caracara
A striking bird of prey with a black back, white belly and bright orange-red face, often seen walking or flying over the grasslands near Dead Woman’s Pass and Runkuraqay.
Hummingbirds
- Giant hummingbird: the largest hummingbird in the world, seen on the drier slopes near Patallacta and the Pacaymayo valley.
- Shining sunbeam: a copper-colored hummingbird of the high grasslands, near Dead Woman’s Pass and Pacaymayo.
- Many smaller hummingbirds visit the flowers of the cloud forest on day 3.
Grey-breasted mountain toucan
A colorful toucan of the cloud forest, between about 2,000 and 3,400 m. You may hear its nasal calls between Phuyupatamarca and the Sun Gate.
Andean guan
A large, turkey-like bird of the humid forest, usually heard at dawn or dusk.
Mitred parakeet
Noisy flocks of these green parakeets roost in the trees around Wiñay Wayna and feed on fruits and seeds.
Moustached flowerpiercer
A dark bird with a white “moustache” that steals nectar by piercing the base of flowers, common between about 2,000 and 3,000 m.
Chiguanco thrush
Probably the bird you will see most: dark brown to black with a yellow bill and legs, hopping in the grassy areas of Km 82, Huayllabamba and Sayacmarca.
Taczanowski’s tinamou
A shy, ground-dwelling bird found only in the Peruvian Andes. It lives on rocky, grassy slopes near Runkuraqay and Chaquicocha, and on cloudy days you may hear its repeated call from the bushes.
Andean cock-of-the-rock
Peru’s national bird, with its bright red-orange plumage, lives in the forest near the Urubamba River below Machu Picchu and around Aguas Calientes.
Reptiles, insects and plants
- Andean lancehead: a venomous pit viper of the humid forest, especially from Phuyupatamarca to Machu Picchu. It is rarely seen; watch your step and never touch snakes.
- Butterflies: many species fly in the warmer sections on days 3 and 4.
- Orchids: the sanctuary has hundreds of orchid species, many blooming along the trail, especially in the rainy months.
- Polylepis forests and bromeliads: the native queuña trees and the bromeliads that feed the spectacled bear.
Tips for watching Inca Trail wildlife
- Bring binoculars: small, light binoculars make a huge difference for birds.
- Look early and late: most animals are active at dawn and dusk.
- Walk quietly at the back or front of the group, and stop to listen.
- Ask your guide: our guides know the calls and the best spots.
- Do not feed or touch animals, and stay on the trail.
- Choose the season: the dry season, April to October, is better for views and birds of the high grasslands; the rainy months bring more flowers and orchids.
Hike the Inca Trail with Machu Picchu Team
- Inca Trail 4 Days (from USD 740): all the habitats, from Km 82 to Machu Picchu.
- Inca Trail 2 Days (from USD 510): the cloud forest and subtropical section, with Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate.
See all options on our Inca Trail page, and read about Inca Trail logistics. For even more wildlife, add the Amazon: read our Manu National Park guide. For official information on the sanctuary, see UNESCO’s page on the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Frequently asked questions about Inca Trail wildlife
What animals can you see on the Inca Trail?
Mostly birds, such as hummingbirds, thrushes, caracaras, parakeets and toucans, plus coatis, vizcachas and, with luck, deer. Spectacled bears and pumas live there but are very rarely seen.
Are there dangerous animals on the Inca Trail?
Very few. The Andean lancehead snake is venomous but rarely seen; bears and pumas avoid people. Stay on the trail and follow your guide.
Can you see spectacled bears on the Inca Trail?
It is possible but rare. They have been seen near Sayacmarca and the Sun Gate, usually early in the morning.
Are there mosquitoes on the Inca Trail?
Not in the high sections, but there are small biting sandflies in the lower forest near Machu Picchu. Bring insect repellent.
