Ensifera Ensifera Hummingbird Garden is the best place in the Sacred Valley to see hummingbirds.

The place is named after the Sword-billed Hummingbird, whose scientific name is, you guessed it, Ensifera ensifera.

There are a lot of things to like about these gardens. One is how many natural branches and places to hide the hummingbirds have, while still being close to the blind where visitors sit. I loved being able to get photos relatively close. (I shoot with a Sony a7iii and had a 240 lens on that day).

Another is that you can enjoy breakfast or order drinks throughout the day. I went for breakfast with a friend and we had a great time watching birds while we ate.

Sometimes I wonder what birds are saying to each other.

The Giant Hummingbird Patagona Gigas, is the largest hummingbird in the world and can measure up to 21cm/8.25in. While it’s not as colorful as most hummingbirds, I think it’s just as beautiful.

I was thrilled with how many close photos I got of hummingbirds that day! (Scroll right or click on the thumbnail).

As much as I love taking photos without hummingbird feeders, they’re sometimes helpful.

One great thing about hummingbird feeders is that you often get to see different species interact. I especially liked seeing how small the Woodstar and Trainbearer are compared to the larger Sparkling Violetear, Shining Sunbeam and Swordbill.

Feeders are great for interactions and for scale.

The Sunbeams were much more social than the other species. I never saw two of any of the other hummingbirds together, much less three. I like how the Trainbearer’s tail and Swordbill’s beak look even more disproportionate when they’re at the feeder.

I loved seeing the Woodstars with bees, because it highlighted just how small these hummingbirds are.

The gardens are owned by a local family who has found a wonderful way to move their family’s land from being agricultural to an eco-tourism haven. Visiting is a great way to support independent environmental initiatives.