Machu Picchu re-opened and Yaku cyclone has passed.

Published: Tue, 03/21/23

I just returned to Peru from Japan and wanted to update you with this short newsletter.

In my last newsletter, I reported about the civil unrest in the southern part of Peru and that the world-famous archaeological site Machu Picchu had to close indefinitely.

On top of that, cyclone Yaku recently hit Peru very hard. Flooded areas in NW Peru, and several bridges were destroyed because rivers overflowed. Even in Lima, we had some problems with landslides along the Central Highway.

Fortunately, things are much better now. Yaku has subsided. We have a small group in Northern Peru as I write this.

All is calm in the Cuzco area, and Machu Picchu has re-opened. Yet, tourists are still lacking. It will take time to regain confidence among tourists in general. This is something that intelligent travelers should cash in on.

For example, if you want to visit Machu Picchu without hoards of people, now is the best time. The Cuzco area also gives you superb birding.

Birding Peru in April

There are a number of short trips confirmed in April to North Peru, Lima and Manu road. See the calendar for details. We could easily fill the days in between the confirmed sections with more birding in Lima and Cuzco, as well as a visit to Machu Picchu.
If the dates don't fit you, we can set up other dates for your party.

Spain - Andalucia April 20-26

Last year, we made our pilot trip to Southern Spain. It was a great success with Iberian Lynx, Lammergeier, Cinereous Vulture, Great and Little Bustard, Bee-eater, and Hoopoe, as well as mind-blowing visits to Alhambra and Cordoba. Lots of good food and tapas, too,

Join me the end of April again. We can organize extensions if you wish to spend more time in Spain.

Last year we started and ended in Madrid rather than Malaga. It is quite possible we'd do the same this year. Let me know your preference if you want to join me on this trip. Click the link to see the program.

Here is the video that I took of the Iberian Lynx last year with my cellphone.

Iberian Lynx 7 Wonders Birding tour May 2022 to Andujar, Andalucia in southern Spain.

Help! Boston Lodging.

As I mentioned earlier in these newsletters, I will be running the Boston Marathon on April 17. However, with the current situation with very few clients in the first couple of months, I couldn't justify the cost of pAs I mentioned earlier in these newsletters, I am supposed to be running Boston Marathon on April 17. With the current situation with very few clients in the first couple of months of this year, I couldn't really justify the cost of participating

Fortunately, I managed to pay for the flight with frequent flying miles. The next problem to overcome is finding somewhere to stay. Unfortunately, no Airbnb or hotels with budget rates are available - not even in the suburbs.

So I am looking for a friendly person to put me up between April 15-18 (3 nights). If there is interest, I gladly do a presentation about Birding Peru or the 7 New Wonders for friends or a local bird club. Do you know anyone in Eastern Mass who could help me?

I am still dreaming of a Sub 3h Marathon. So here is my mental picture.

It is, however, quite sure that I shall not break 3 hours this time. I ran Boston Marathon in 2015 and did quite well with 3:17, despite cold weather and rain. However, once reaching the finish line, I was shivering.

I hope to be able to run sub 3:20 this time, although training has not been optimal this year.

When is Gunnar guiding next in Peru?

With all my international travel, I am doing less guiding in Peru. Most often, I outsource to our other guides.

But occasionally, I do also guide. I have done several day tours from Lima already this year. New day tours that I am guiding are coming up this week,

I have a trip coming up to Manu road from May 8-12 that I will be guiding. I'd love to see you on this trip, if you still have not birded the

Saludos

Gunnar

When is Gunnar guiding next in Peru?

Saludos

Gunnar

PS. Have a look at 7 Wonders Birding's calendar, if you are interested in Uganda, Tanzania or Madagascar later this year? I will be sending out updates and deposit requests by next week. Be prepared to sign up.

Gunnar Engblom is a Swedish birder who lives in Peru since 1998, where he operates birdwatching and nature tours for Kolibri Expeditions. He is a popular guide both for hard core birding groups, as well as for groups who combine photography, nature and/or culture.

He is also a keen runner training to run a marathon in less than 3 hours. Best time so far when 21 years of age in 3:00:32. Second best at 56 years old in 2016 in 3:04:14. For 2023, and turning 63 years old he is aiming for a sub 3 hour marathon. Perhaps at Boston Marathon on April 17.

Gunnar also write and sings Swedish punk/eco-rock songs with humor and ironic twist. In 2016 he put his old band Guran Guran back together.
The song Rinkeby och Tensta has over 352 000 views on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/NJ0Nr3OxCVI

If you like fewer messages and have more interest in the shorter trips around the world with 7 Wonders Birding, just let me know replying to this email, and I will change your subscription.

Connect with Gunnar on social Media as @Kolibrix on Twitter and @BirdingPeru on Instagram. Whatsapp: +51 988 555 938

Kolibri Expeditions
Arias Schreiber 192 of 300
Miraflores Lima 15048
PERU

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