Manu National Park - Reserved Zone - 5 Days / 4 Nights
TOURS
Activity summary:
Explore the Manu Cloud Forest
5 days – round trip along the Manu road
Fixed departures. Groups of 2 to 8 people.
This tour takes you to the cloud forest, the foothills of the Andes, and the beginning of the Manu plains. 1 night at Bamboo Manu Eco Lodge, 2 nights at Casa Machiguenga and 1 night at Pantiacolla Lodge. Stunning landscapes and an ideal area for birdwatching! A short tour of Manu.
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.
Very early in the morning we departed for Atalaya, where we boarded a boat and had breakfast while navigating the Alto Madre de Dios River. During the trip, we had the opportunity to observe kingfishers, herons, skimmers, caimans, and capybaras along the riverbanks. We arrived at the Limonal checkpoint, where our entry permits to Manu National Park were checked.
From there, we continue up the Manu River, home to a great diversity of wildlife: the imposing howler monkey, white and black caimans, turtles, anacondas, and, with luck, the majestic jaguar. In the afternoon, we arrive at the Casa Matsiguenka Lodge, run by families from the Machiguenga community. Dinner and an optional night hike in search of insects, frogs, and other inhabitants of the forest.
After breakfast, we'll sail on a catamaran across Lake Cocha Salvador, where we'll have the opportunity to observe unique birds such as the hoatzin, heron, and osprey, as well as spider monkeys and capuchins feeding in the surrounding area. From the catamaran, we'll also be able to see impressive giant river otters hunting and feeding with their families.
After lunch we will have the opportunity to see a traditional demonstration of the use of the bow and arrows of the Matsigenka culture, as well as appreciate their handicrafts.
After enjoying the demonstration, we'll travel by boat to Lake Otorongo. Upon arrival, we'll hike to a 20-meter observation tower, which will allow us to observe the wildlife and, with luck, another family of giant otters. Along the way, we may see a variety of monkeys, reptiles, and birds.
We returned to the Casa Matsiguenka Hostel to enjoy our dinner.
Optional: Night walk.
Today we'll depart early in search of the elusive jaguar, an emblem of Amazonian wildlife. Along the Manu River, we may encounter tapirs, anteaters, anacondas, sloths, and a wide variety of birds. After four hours downstream, we'll reach the Limonal checkpoint, where we'll take a short walk to observe monkeys and, with luck, a variety of frogs. In the afternoon, we'll navigate upstream to Pantiacolla Lodge, where we can relax and, optionally, take a nighttime excursion in search of reptiles and amphibians.
On our last day, we'll travel upriver to Atalaya, where we'll take transport back to Cusco through the cloud forest, with the possibility of observing wildlife. Breakfast and lunch included.
Inclusions:
What does it include?
- Professional naturalist guide in English, with binoculars and telescope, who has conducted three months of conservation work in Manu Park.
- Tourist Transport.
- Tickets to the Cock of the Rocks Observatory.
- Alimentación, Cocinero profesional, toda la comida (con opción de comida típica de la zona y vegetarianas), agua mineral.
- 4 Noches de Alojamiento
- Entrada al Parque Nacional del Manu
- Snacks de media mañana
- First aid kit.
- Rubber boots.
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$ 1370
Price from: US$ 1370