Manu National Park Cultural Zone (5 Days)
Nature Tours and Ecotourism Peru
12 people
5 Days
This journey to the Manu National Reserve or Tambopata with Peru Jungle Trips commences in Cusco, the Inca capital, passing through agricultural fields where local farmers continue to cultivate and plow using traditional hand tools.
Our route leads us to the cultural hub of Paucartambo, and as we ascend further into the mountains, we eventually reach Acjanaco.
The descent begins, and the scenery undergoes a swift transformation, signaling our entry into the cloud forest of Manu. Here, the mountain streams support a diverse array of plants and flowers. Upon arrival, we are warmly greeted by the local host, particularly the majestic “Imperial Quetzal.” Although the dominant figure in this cloud forest is the Cock of the Rock, Peru’s national bird, whose captivating mating dance we can witness from the LEK viewing platform.
Itinerary
Day 1: Paucartambo – Bambu Lodge
Very early in the morning, at 5:00 AM, our private transport will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to go to Manu National Park. Our trip will take us through the beautiful valleys of the Andes and the picturesque countryside communities.
We will explore the pre-Columbian funeral towers at the archaeological site of Ninamarca, also known as the Chullpas of Ninamarca (a pre-Inca burial tower) located in Paucartambo, a traditional colonial small town. A visit to a museum will provide insights into the local culture. We will have breakfast at a local house in that small town.
As soon as we finish breakfast, we will continue to Ajanaco, approximately 40 minutes away. This is the highest point of the entire trip. We will stop for 15 minutes at the viewpoint and then continue on the Manu road, observing various changes in the ecosystems until we find a good place for our delicious lunch.
Lunch will be enjoyed along the route in the cloud forest.
Subsequently, our descent through the cloud forest, known for its rich endemic species like the spectacled bear and the cock of the rock (the Peruvian national bird), will continue. As we descend, we’ll encounter fascinating plant species, including orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and more.
In the afternoon, we will reach our first lodge, “Bambu Lodge,” where we will spend the night. An optional night walk will be available if the weather permits.
Day 2: Bambu Lodge – Manu River – Palotoa Lodge
In the early morning, we will have breakfast and continue our trip to the Pico’s de Oz Birds Center, where we’ll have the opportunity to observe the diversity of hummingbirds and fauna, including monkeys and other exotic birds.
Following the hike, we’ll visit a coca plantation and a lagoon, and then continue to the Atalaya River dock.
We will go by boat, and during the boat ride, you will spot distinct species of birds and animals along the shores of the Manu River. As soon as we arrive at our lodge, we will settle into our accommodation, followed by lunch at 1:30 PM.
At night, we will do a short night walk to search for nocturnal creatures.
Day 3: Palotoa Lodge – Shyntuya Native Community
After our delicious breakfast, we will involve further exploration of the tropical Manu rainforest, with an emphasis on spotting monkeys and other types of mammals.
We’ll return for our lunch.
We’ll embark on a boat journey to reach the natural hot springs, located at Shyntuya Native Community, to enjoy a comfortable bath in the hot springs. We will stay for a few hours.
On our way back, we’ll have the chance to witness the breathtaking view of the best sunset along the riverbanks.
We’ll encounter the world’s largest rodent, the capybara (Hydrochoerus). An evening walk is planned for observing frogs, toads, insects, bats, and snakes.
Day 4: Palotoa Lodge – Soga de Oro Lodge
After breakfast in the early morning, we’ll embark on a boat trip upstream to reach our last ecolodge, Soga de Oro, in 2 hours, always searching for creatures along the river. We will arrive for our lunch.
After lunch, we will visit a small lake called Machu Huasi, where we will have chances to see beautiful landscapes and a lot of species of birds, including the most peculiar bird known as the hoatzin (the prehistoric bird).
Later, we will return to our ecolodge, have a bonfire, and time for jungle history telling.”
Day 5: Soga de Oro Lodge – Cusco
Early morning, we will go to witness the most spectacular show by parrots and macaws at the clay licks. Later, we will return for our breakfast, pack up our belongings, and take our boat to the Atalaya River dock.
Our car driver will be waiting here with the minivan for our drive back to Cusco City.
Along the way, we will stop in Ajanacu for our lunch. We will reach Cusco City later in the evening.
Included
- Bilingual professional guide.
- Transportation from Cusco to the Manu area and vice versa includes a minivan and boat, both with round-trip service.
- Professional Cook.
- Accommodation in a private lodge in double or triple rooms (each room has a private bathroom and mosquito nets for each bed).
- Daily meals (vegetarian upon request).
- Mineral water every day (bring an empty re-fillable bottle of 1 liter or more).
- First Aid Kit
- Admission fee to the Manu cultural zone.
- Admission fee to Pico’s de Oz Birds Center.
- Admission fee to hot springs.
- Rubber boots for jungle trekking.
Not Included
- Binocular
- Alcoholic drinks
- Any Personal Expenses
Packing List
- Original passport
- Travel insurance (and some copies)
- Daypack to carry your things
- Sunblock and sunglasses
- Water bottle or canteen
- Sun hat
- Deet or mosquito repellent ( recommendable 30% deet)
- Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)
- Peruvian Soles in cash
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TripAdvisor Reviews
At Peru Jungle Trips, we work every day to exceed our travelers’ expectations. The reviews on TripAdvisor reflect the commitment, dedication, and quality we bring to every journey through Peru. Thanks to our clients’ trust, we continue creating unique experiences surrounded by nature and Andean culture.
Much of our enjoyment of the challenge was thanks to our guide, Dario. He not only accompanied us throughout the trek but also brought us closer to the culture and history of the Inca Trail in a way that made each stage much more meaningful.
We also want to give special thanks to Fredy, our second guide, who was always attentive and, along with Dario, ensured our safety and comfort at all times.
But above all, we want to say a few words to the 13 porters who made our expedition possible. Their effort, kindness, and dedication deeply impressed us. Without them, completing the Inca Trail would not have been possible. We have immense admiration and respect for the entire team that worked behind the scenes on this experience.
And we can't forget our amazing cook, who ensured we regained our strength each day by preparing delicious, hearty, and comforting meals. After each day's trek, finding a meal like that was a true reward.
All the equipment provided by the company was in excellent condition and perfectly suited to the challenge: spacious tents, comfortable sleeping mats, and cold-weather sleeping bags that kept us warm at night.
We returned home with incredible memories and, above all, with profound admiration for everyone who made this experience possible. Thank you to the entire team for accompanying us, taking care of us, and making this Inca Trail an experience we will never forget.
Eleftheria 😊
I was in Cusco and wanted to visit the jungle originally thinking Tambopata, overwhelmed with options. My desire was to visit the Amazon and be deep in the jungle with few people. I walked into the office and met Pedro who talked with me for over half an hour explaining different options. Ultimately, Pedro told me that Manu National Park is the place to be in the jungle with few people. Pedro helped me book a 6 day tour in Manu National Park 2 days later.
It is hard to describe how special Manu national park was. The trees, the wildlife, the river, seeing uncontacted Natives, and hearing all of the jungle sounds.
I would not have experienced Manu National Park without Pedro and Peru Jungle Trips.
I highly recommend this business!
Also thank you Celia for your kindness and the Poncho :)
Thanks to the entire team because it was a wonderful experience.
Don't miss the tour to the Ballestas Islands and the dunes in Ica. Carlos, the man who drove the buggy, was very nice and super friendly, taking our photos and everything!
Thank you, thank you.
In the reserve we could find many types of fauna and the guide gave information at all times and knew many species.
From the moment I arrived in Peru, Peru Jungle Trips made everything feel effortless and personal. Pedro, the owner, greeted me at the airport with a warm, open energy that immediately set the tone for the rest of the journey. He thoughtfully organized both parts of my trip, first to Cusco and Machu Picchu, then deep into the Amazon jungle, handling every detail with care, sincerity.
What made it even more special was the consistency throughout the experience. Every driver and guide I encountered shared the same heartfelt energy. They were easy to find, always on time, and carried a calm presence that helped everything feel aligned. It allowed me to move through the journey with ease and actually enjoy the experience without stressing over logistics.
Then there was Kevin, my guide in the jungle, who took the experience to another level. With a sacred presence and deep knowledge of the land, he didn’t just show me the jungle, he helped me connect with it. He was a kind and gentle spirit, who was fully present. His guidance felt personal and grounded.
Peru Jungle Trips is more than a travel service. It is an experience curated by people who genuinely care. I’m grateful to have found it, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for something meaningful and real❤️
