Manu National Park - Biosphere Zone - 7 Days / 6 Nights
TOURS
Activity summary:
Explore the Manu Cloud Forest
7 days 6 nights – round trip along the Manu road
Fixed departures. Groups of 2 to 8 people.
General Itinerary:
Departing early from Cusco, we begin our 8-hour journey by private minibus, climbing to the high mountain range at 3,900 m (13,000 ft). After a brief stop in Ninamarca to see the pre-Inca cemetery and the colonial village of Paucartambo, we descend the eastern slopes of the Andes through cloud forest with lush vegetation (ferns, orchids, bromeliads, etc.). We enjoy spectacular views of the Andes and may see wildlife such as our national bird, the brilliant red Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruviana), displaying its mating dance. Walking along the way, you may see tanagers, quetzals, trogons, toucanets, and brightly colored hummingbirds, as well as falcons and possibly your first monkeys, such as the woolly monkey. In the late afternoon, we arrive at Bamboo Lodge (900 m), where we spend the night.
After enjoying an early breakfast, we continued our journey by private transport towards the jungle. We passed through the picturesque town of Pilcopata and crossed the river of the same name until we reached the small port of Atalaya (550 m), the gateway to the Manu Biosphere Reserve.
During the tour we take short walks for bird watching, where we can appreciate colorful species native to the area.
From Atalaya, we embark on our river transport and navigate the Alto Madre de Dios River, enjoying the jungle landscapes and the possibility of observing wildlife such as capybaras, herons, purple jays, kingfishers and various species of monkeys from Manu.
We'll continue our adventure by visiting the majestic Amazonian ceiba tree, a sacred giant that represents the strength and grandeur of the rainforest. Afterward, we'll return to Buena Vista Manu, where a delicious and nutritious lunch awaits us, surrounded by pristine nature.
In the afternoon, we'll hike to Lake Machuwasi, a magical place ideal for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Along the way, we may see caimans, armadillos, hoatzins, parrots, and many other species. Upon arrival, we'll board a traditional wooden raft to explore the lake and enjoy the Amazonian landscape at sunset.
We will return to the lodge for a comforting dinner, and in the evening, conditions permitting, we can take a short night walk to listen to the sounds of the Amazon rainforest.
At dawn, we will board our motorized boat and sail downstream to the parrot clay lick, a unique place on the riverbank where parrots, parakeets and small macaws —including the chestnut-fronted macaw and the rare blue-headed macaw— gather every morning to feed on mineral-rich clay, essential for their digestion.
After enjoying this breathtaking natural spectacle, we'll have breakfast outdoors, surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest. Then, we'll continue navigating down the Upper Madre de Dios River, venturing into the Manu lowland rainforest.
During the tour, we will contemplate the changing landscape and have the opportunity to observe wildlife along the riverbanks: fasciate tiger herons, kingfishers, skimmers, vultures, caimans and some of the 15 species of monkeys that inhabit Manu National Park.
Upon arrival at the lodge, we'll enjoy a short rest before hiking to an observation platform, where we'll visit the Tapir Clay Lick, home to one of the largest mammals in the Amazon rainforest. With the help of our naturalist guide and his flashlight, we'll try to spot tapirs in their natural habitat.
Alternative option: If you prefer, you can return to the hostel to rest comfortably in your private room.
At dawn, we will board our motorized boat bound for the great Macaw Clay Lick, one of the most impressive natural spectacles in the Amazon. From a strategically located observation platform, we will enjoy a privileged view to admire the flocks of colorful macaws (Ara chloroptera, Ara macao), parrots and parakeets that arrive every morning to feed on the mineral-rich clay, essential for their digestion.
With the help of our telescope, we will be able to appreciate every detail of their feathers and behaviors, while enjoying a delicious breakfast in the observation hide.
Afterwards, we'll return by boat to Maquisapayoj Lodge, where a hearty lunch will be waiting for us. After a short rest, we'll set out to explore trails through the primary forest, hiking towards the mammal clay lick within the reserve.
To increase the chances of spotting wildlife, especially the Amazonian tapir.
Alternative option: If you prefer, you can return to the lodge to rest comfortably in your private room.
We'll have breakfast very early to make the most of the first hours of the day, the ideal time for wildlife viewing. Then, we'll travel downriver to Cocha Blanco (White Lake), a beautiful lake surrounded by virgin rainforest. After a short hike through the forest, we'll board a rustic catamaran to search for the family of giant river otters that inhabit this area.
While exploring the lake, we will enjoy the Amazonian landscape and look for red howler monkeys, caimans, and a wide variety of tropical birds.
After lunch, we will take a walk to the observation tower, where we will enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the forest and be able to observe different species of birds and monkeys high in the canopy.
At night, we took a short night hike along the trails of the reserve.
After enjoying breakfast, we will board our motorized boat bound for Aguas Calientes de Shintuya. During the journey, we will navigate the Alto Madre de Dios River, surrounded by lush Amazonian vegetation, and have the opportunity to observe wildlife, including colorful birds, monkeys, butterflies, and unique species of flora and fauna.
We'll enjoy lunch on board, accompanied by a captivating view of the landscape, as we cruise along the river. We'll arrive at the Shintuya hot springs, a natural haven surrounded by virgin rainforest, where we'll directly support a local family from the native community.
Here you can immerse yourself in its warm and crystal clear healing waters, perfect for relaxing the body, revitalizing the mind and renewing energy after days of adventure in the Amazon.
In the afternoon, we will continue sailing to Pantiacolla Lodge, a cozy accommodation in the middle of the jungle, ideal for relaxing.
Optional: After dinner, we can take a night walk in search of reptiles, amphibians and other nocturnal creatures that inhabit the rainforest.
We set off very early to enjoy our last experience in the jungle: observing the parrot clay lick. While enjoying breakfast outdoors, we admired the colorful spectacle of the parrots and parakeets that gather at the clay lick to feed on essential minerals for their digestion.
After this wonderful activity, we will continue our return journey by boat to the small port of Atalaya, where our private transportation will be waiting. From there, we will begin our return to Cusco, once again traversing the cloud forest—a route filled with breathtaking landscapes and opportunities to observe birds, monkeys, insects, and butterflies along the way.
We will arrive in Cusco in the late afternoon, concluding this unforgettable experience in the Manu rainforest. Finally, we will transfer you to your hotel for your rest.
Inclusions:
What does it include?
- Guía naturalista profesional en inglés, con binoculares y telescopio,
que ha realizado 3 meses de trabajo de conservación en el Parque Manu. - Transporte en autobús privado y barco privado.
- Tarifa de entrada al Observatorio de gallito de las rocas
- Ticket de entrada a la collpa de Guacamayos.
- Entradas a la collpa de tapires, lagos Blanco y Camungo y torre
- Cocinero y toda la comida (principalmente comida vegetariana nutritiva*), bebidas y agua potable.
- Pernocta en albergues y en la plataforma de observación de tapires.
- Botiquín de primeros auxilios, extractor (para veneno)
- Comunicación por radio
- botas de goma
What's not included?
- Binoculars.
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses.
- Tourist assistance card (traveler insurance).
What to bring
- Insect repellent with a minimum of 30% – 40% of DEET
- Good binoculars.
- extra batteries
- Flashlight
- Pocket money
- Backpack
- Canteen
- Sun hat
- Sandals
- Swimsuit and small towel.
- Extra toilet paper, shampoo and soap.
- thick socks
- long-sleeved t-shirt
- Dark-colored clothing
Price from: US$ 1650
Price from: US$ 1650