Wayqecha Cloud Forest Birding Lodge

At Wayqecha, six freshly renovated cabins offer the perfect view to watch the clouds roll across the Andes. Each cabin features comfortable beds (your choice of single or double), a table and chair, a luggage and clothes rack, and its own private bathroom with hot showers. A brand new dining room, lounge and bar welcome you for meals and provide comfortable seating for reviewing your lists at the end of the day.

Max occupancy 18 (3 per cabin), minimum stay 1 night. Children must be accompanied by their parent(s) but are welcome throughout Wayqecha. Children under age 13 are eligible for a discounted stay.

Limited internet is available in the dining hall during evening hours. Smoking is prohibited indoors.

Wayqecha is not handicap accessible; paths include steps fashioned from a variety of materials including loose gravel, cement, or dirt. Physical limitations should be considered when contemplating hikes or other excursions.

Meals include local, fresh Peruvian cooking, with some ingredients grown on site in the kitchen garden. If you have special meal requirements (vegetarian, gluten free, etc.) please inform the reservation staff prior to your arrival to the station. Given the location of stations, it may be difficult to accommodate all dietary preferences and the variety of food may be limited.

2018 Prices:  Cabin with private bathroom: $150 per person, double occupancy;  $210 single occupancy. Prices include three meals a day, access to trails, and taxes.

All in-country transportation will be arranged, including flights, shuttles/other vehicles, and river transport by boat, as necessary. A 25% administrative fee will be charged for these or other logistical services performed in service of your trip. Our staff in Peru will meet you at the airport or dock to ensure a smooth next leg of your trip.

Guests must pay the full balance for their reservation no less than 30 days prior to their arrival. Refunds may be issued according to the following:
3 months prior to arrival – 100%
2 months prior to arrival – 50%
1 month prior to arrival – 0%

Wayqecha is located approximately 3.5 hours by road from Cusco. The road is paved for the first two hours of the journey, and the remainder is a winding dirt road. The picturesque drive passes through grasslands, several Andean communities, cultural sites, and the town of Paucartambo where you can buy fresh-made bread and fruits from area farmers.

We can arrange for a private vehicle with an experienced driver. If you are prone to motion sickness, you might consider taking medication such as Dramamine.

The elevation at Wayqecha is 9,880 feet, lower than the 11,500 feet in Cusco, but still high enough where you will feel easily winded when climbing trails and stairs. Keeping hydrated is important, as is rest and eating lightly. Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a recommended preventative medicine. Oxygen is available if needed.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit our three lodges is May through November. At Wayqecha, the mean annual temperature is 54° F, with the daytime temperature generally in the 50s, with alternating sun, mist and rain throughout the day.  The rainy season is roughly December through March. During the rainy season, the dirt/gravel road to Wayqecha can experience flooding causing significant delays that may necessitate shifting travel plans. However, the peak time for the blooming orchids is January through March.

LOCAL GUIDES

We highly recommend that a guide accompany you throughout your trip. Please let us know at the time of your reservation if we can arrange one for you.

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS

Visiting Wayqecha should be done at your own risk. You should schedule an appointment with a travel clinic at least four to six weeks prior to travel. We encourage talking with your doctor to decide what is most appropriate for you given your health history.  Please see more information on our Traveler’s Health Info sheet.

PACKING LIST

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