This morning, around 7:00 a.m., I was ready to go on a bird watching excursion with travelers from casitas 4 and 74. Ready for the walk, we headed to the pool side where usually you can see various tanagers. I explained about these birds and then continued the excursion leading along the River Urubamba where it is possible to observe various species of flycatchers. Perched on an electrical cable, very close to us, we saw an Andean Mot Mot.

That was lovely to see. The travelers and I were really enjoying the sight. In order to look for more species, I followed with my binoculars the river side. Suddenly, I looked on the rocks right in front of the Inkaterra restaurant, an animal with a tail, which I eventually identified as a Neo-tropical Otter (lontra longicaudis).

I was excited because it was the first time I saw one. I showed the animal to the travelers who were fascinated. We were able to follow the otter while swimming in the river. It was amazing to see him keeping balance in the turbulent waters and then resting on the rocks, until he went into the forest and got out of sight.

Neotropical Otter (Lontra longicaudis) Coming from the Lutrinae mustelid subfamily, this species is found in Central and South America, from southern Mexico to Uruguay and Central Argentina. It measures from 50 to 130 cm in length and weights between 5 and 12 kg. Males are smaller than females. Nowadays it is an endangered species.

Cecilia Cabrera | Inkaterra Explore Guide | Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel