Bearded Mountaineer Lodge
That pink beard is one of the Bearded Mountaineer’s most distinctive features.
Everything you need to know to see the Bearded Mountaineer hummingbird!
The Bearded Mountaineer is one of Peru’s most spectacular endemic birds.
The best place to see the Bearded Mountaineer is at the Sacred Garden, part of the Bearded Mountaineer Lodge near Pisac.
What is the Sacred Garden?
The Sacred Garden was established in 2022 and the owner, Uriel Caballero, has planted lots of native flowers and trees that attract birds. His family used to plant corn, potatoes and kiwicha (like quinoa) but they decided to convert the land back to native plants for conservation. They work with local schools to teach children about conservation and appreciating wildlife.
Why go to the Sacred Garden?
It’s the best place to see the Bearded Mountaineer. This is a beautiful and peaceful garden with lots of birds, just outside the village of San Salvador. San Salvador is not on the tourist trail, which runs west from Pisac to Ollantaytambo. It is east of Pisac, so you can see what the Sacred Valley was like before it got touristy.
Which birds can you see at the Sacred Garden?
There are easily 40-50 species you can see. In the first half-hour I saw 11 species just sitting in the bird blind: Bearded Mountaineer (endemic), Green-and-white hummingbird (endemic), Black-tailed Trainbearer, Giant Hummingbird, Chestnut-breasted Mountain-finch, Blue-and-yellow Tanager, Black-backed Grosbeak, Black-throated Flowerpiercer, Eared Dove, Great Thrush and Rufous-collared Sparrow.
From this wooden sign on the road, walk up the path to the Bearded Mountaineer Lodge.
What is there besides birds?
Hike uphill from the gardens 15 minutes and you’ll find a canyon wall with Inca tombs, which were unfortunately looted, but are still interesting to see. Hike up another hour and you’ll find waterfalls and a small lake.
How to get to the Sacred Garden?
From Calle Puputi in Cusco, take a van or taxi to Pisac and get off at the bridge. The driver will let you off before crossing the bridge. From there, vans go upriver to San Salvador. When you get to San Salvador, ask for a moto-taxi (like a tuktuk) to the gardens. Moto-taxi drivers are unlikely to speak English, so you can ask for “jardín de colibríes” or “el jardín de Uriel.” When you see the wooden sign above, walk up the path to the lodge and gardens.
If you request breakfast with your reservation, it will be served in this kiosk surrounded by flowers.
How much does the Sacred Garden cost?
The entrance fee is s/30 soles with an extra fee for professional photographers. A van from Calle Puputi to Pisac costs s/5 soles and the van from Pisac to San Salvador costs s/3 soles. A moto taxi costs s/6 soles. So, round trip from Cusco that’s only s/28 soles.
The Bearded Mountaineer Lodge is almost finished and will open in early 2026.
Where to stay for the Sacred Garden?
The Bearded Mountaineer Lodge will open in early 2026 but you can camp there before it opens. For now, I recommend staying in Pisac or Cusco.
Are there tours to the Sacred Garden?
Birding tours will likely take you to several places for a full day tour. Most start at Huacarpay, a Ramsar wetland, then go to the Sacred Garden, followed by Ensifera gardens and ending the evening at Huaypo Lake before going back to Cusco. Contact Uriel by WhatsApp +51 966 830 248 or email sacredgardensansalvador@gmail.com and follow them on Instagram @BeardedMountaineerLodge
Uriel can also arrange transportation to pick you up at any hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
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