Hi ,

 

I just wanted to give you a fast thumbs-up about the confirmed birding available in Peru right now, as the COVID levels continue to be record low, and the normal tourist still haven't realized this. The whole country is open. 
Just look at this graph!

For more detailed information, especially how many new cases there are per million inhabitants, check out this link and compare with your own country. Peru does look good, doesn't it?

 

Bottom line, if you are vaccinated, the risk of contracting COVID in Peru is very low right now. There are also lots of COVID policies in place that adds to the protection. 
In spite of this, many countries such as the UK and the Netherlands, still have Peru on the red lists.  But if you live in a country where there are currently no restrictions apart from a COVID test (readily available in Peru) before flying back home, you have a chance of a lifetime right now to experience Peru before the crowds get here. 

We have a number of confirmed trips confirmed in September with only one or two people booked for the time  being, and which you can join for best price. We can also on short notice set you up for a private customized trip if you want to. 

Here are a the confirmed birding offered in September. 

Sep 4. Lima coast Lomas de Asia and Pucusana. Guide: Gunnar Engblom. 

Sep 8 or 9. Request for the time being. Lima coast, Pantanos de Villa, Lomas de Asia and Pucusana.

Sep 15-19. Marvelous Spatuletail, 40 hummingbirds and Long-whiskered Owlet.   Guide: Juan Julca ( it is possible to extend in the North if anyone wants to). 

Sep 20-21. Machu Picchu: Independant one day or two day trip - possibly with guiding. 
Sep 22-26. 5 day Manu Road Birding and Photography. Guide: Alex Durand. 
Sep 27-Oct 1. Lowland SE Peru specialties at Los Amigos Research Center. Guide: Alex Durand. 

 

Don't hesitate to ask for other programs. 

So where are you going to be, Gunnar? Why are you not guiding in Peru?

 

I'm so happy you asked. I am travelling to Europe in September for my mom's 80th birthday and to run Berlin Marathon. I am looking much forward to this. 
I should be close to run a sub-3h marathon by then, but probably not quite to break the barrier yet.
After posting this I have a long run scheduled.

While in Europe, I have also carved out some time to be able to guide in Southern Spain. Perhaps you want join me?

Spain must be one of Europe's best birding destinations. Sep 12-17, we shall run the short 7WB Iberian Lynx tour with lots of birding and culture. I will have five more days available, if anyone wants to do an extension while there. 

I was guiding extensively in southern Europe before I moved to Peru, so you could suggest almost anywhere in the Mediterranean area for an extension.  

Remember in the last newsletter I was telling you about all the great Africa destinations available without COVID quarantine. I am still working on getting everything on to the 7 Wonders Birding website. It will be about a week, I think. 

 

I hope we can run several of these tours in October. I am working with the best local guides and operators to extract the most effective short programs that gives anyone with limited time off from work an opportunity to have an exciting adventure and only take five days off from work. Those with more time can make combinations for a fantastic two week-three week trip, or a complete Africa odyssey for that matter spanning over 6 weeks.
To wet your appetite let me give you the schedule. 

 

Sep 26-Oct 2 Uganda - Chimps, Gorilla and Shoebill. 

Oct 3-6. Desert Bird Endemics of Namibia. Program forthcoming. 
Oct 7-11. Namibia. Okavango River. Mammals and birds. Program forthcoming. 

Oct 12-16. Namibia. Pangolin and Etosha NP. Program send in the last email, and forthcoming on the website. 

Oct 17- 24. Usambara Endemics, Tanzania. Program forthcoming.
Oct 24-30. Birding and Summiting Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. 

Oct 31-Nov 6. Classic Safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro with birding, too. Program forthcoming.

 

This is short notice, I know, but one needs to take the opportunity when given. These African destinations are open without quarantine. 

Let me know if any of them are of interest to you? We will be able to run also very small groups of only two-three passengers with only small surcharges. 

 

Saludos

 

Gunnar

P.S. There are also plenty of Peru birding scheduled for October-December. If interested, let me know by answer this email.