Without a doubt, this Manu tour from Cusco is designed for lovers of nature, birds, animals, and jungle. Manu National Park and Tambopata today is acknowledged as one of the best protected areas of mega biodiversity on the planet. For this reason, we created this comprehensive program from Cusco to Manu’s Park, with the goal of exploring more intimate parts of the Amazon jungle and its diverse inhabitants.
NOTE: The program involves several trips by bus and boat, and given the uncontrollable forces of nature, the program may be subject to change at any time without notice.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
05:30 AM
This tour is aimed for travelers without much time that desire to have an experience in the cultural area of Manu National Park.
The cultural zone is one of the three zones of the Manu National Park, which includes high mountains, cloud forests and the actual rain forest. In this zone you can still find a few small, original communities who sustain themselves with agriculture and small forestry. Farming and lumbering is closely controlled by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Authorities of the Manu National Park (SERNANP).
The cultural zone encompasses the cloud forest of the mountains, which offers a pristine natural environment for abundantly, wild growing plants. More than 8.000 species of flora, 400 species of birds and 10 different mammals have been registered in the cloud forests of Manu. The zone offers a trip to the lagoon of Machuwasi which can be crossed on rafts made of balsa wood from a local tree, which the ancient inhabitants already used to drive up the Madre de Dios river. You can also enjoy a stroll through the forest of giant Ceiba trees and appreciate parrots.
Very early in the morning, we will embark from the city of Cusco in a private bus. Our journey will take us through the beautiful valleys of the Andes and the picturesque countryside communities.
We will explore intriguing sites like the Chullpas of Ninamarca (a pre-Inca cemetery) and Paucartambo, a traditional colonial town, where a visit to a museum will provide insights into the local culture.
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. Along the way, we’ll encounter fascinating plant species, including orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and more. In the afternoon, we will reach Pilcopata, where we will spend the night in our lodge.
In the early morning, we will have breakfast and commence our hike in the forest, where we’ll have the opportunity to observe the diverse fauna, including monkeys and birds. Following the hike, we’ll visit a coca plantation and an animal rescue center.
Subsequently, our journey will continue by bus to Port Atalaya, situated along the riverbank of the Alto Madre de Dios River at 500 meters above sea level. We will initiate our descent by boat, observing the vast diversity of bird species such as herons, vultures, and cormorants. A stop will be made to relax in hot springs, surrounded by the beautiful jungle. After lunch, we’ll resume our journey until we reach Boca Manu, where we will spend the night in our lodge.
We will depart very early to witness the parrot lick, conveniently located ten minutes downstream from the lodge. After a brief stop at the Limonal security checkpoint, our journey will persist into the heart of the Reserved Zone for about 4 hours, leading us to Casa Machiguenga, where we will spend the next two nights.
Throughout this expedition, we will marvel at an array of bird species, including macaws, vultures, eagles, toucans, and herons. Additionally, we may encounter various animals such as capybaras, caimans, river turtles, monkeys, and, with a stroke of luck, a jaguar either sunbathing on the beach or feasting in the trees. The afternoon will be dedicated to a forest walk, allowing us to seek out wildlife in this pristine jungle. Our overnight stay will be at the rustic Casa Matsiguenka, featuring shared bathrooms and showers.
The resonant cry of the howler monkey is likely to rouse us from our slumber. In the early morning, following breakfast, we will embark on a hike, taking advantage of the agreeable temperature at this hour when animals are often active.
Our exploration will lead us to the impressive Lake Salvador, where we will seek out the endangered giant river otters (Pteronura brasiliensis).
We will also be on the lookout for black caimans, the various monkey species inhabiting Manu (13 in total), the prehistoric bird Hoatzin, Kingfishers, and numerous other magnificent species.
After returning for lunch, the afternoon will feature a 3-hour hike to appreciate the diversity of flora and fauna. For those interested, there is also the option of a night walk to observe species of frogs, snakes, and insects.
Today, we will once again rise very early to enjoy breakfast and embark on walks around our lodge and Lake Otorongo. Positioned 15 meters from the lake, there is an observation tower designed to allow us to appreciate the landscape of the surrounding primary forest and enhance our chances of spotting the family of otters residing in the lake.
Our observations will also extend to the birds inhabiting the forest canopy, with the likelihood of encountering surprising species like giant Ceiba trees, colorful butterflies, and various monkey species.
Following our explorations, we will board our boat for a downstream journey, continuing our quest to spot animals such as caimans, turtles, and birds. Upon reaching Limonal, we will embark on a walk to a platform renowned for its excellent views of flora and fauna. Subsequently, we will travel to Boca Manu, where we will spend the night.
Today, we will embark on our boat journey along the Alto Madre de Dios River, navigating against the current.
Along the way, we will marvel at the beautiful landscape of the Amazon Jungle and witness the enormous diversity of bird species.
There will be an option to make a stop at the hot springs, and in the afternoon, we will proceed to reach Amazon Manu Lodge.
Here, we will enjoy comfortable accommodations, spending our final night surrounded by the magical sounds of the jungle. An optional night walk is available for those interested.
Early in the morning, we will commence the return journey towards Port Atalaya. Upon reaching there, our awaiting car will transport us back to Cusco, with an expected arrival in the evening.
Important Notes: Please be aware that the program may undergo slight variations to optimize wildlife sightings, contingent upon the reports from our researchers and experienced naturalist guides stationed at the lodge.
Q: How long is the journey from Complete Manu Tour from Cusco 7 Days?
A: Our tour, which is conducted by minivan, starts in Cusco and takes us to our first destination, Pilcopata. This journey takes about 8 to 9 hours, including stops in Paucartambo and at the Acjanaco viewpoint.
Q: What type of accommodation is offered during the Complete Manu Tour from Cusco 7 Days?
A: During the tour, you’ll stay in rustic but comfortable lodges located in the middle of the cloud forest. These lodges allow you to enjoy a natural environment that immerses you in the Peruvian Amazon.
Q: What can be seen on the journey to Pilcopata on the first day of the Complete Manu Tour from Cusco 7 Days?
A: On the first day, you’ll witness impressive landscapes and the rich biodiversity of the cloud forest. The flora and fauna include mosses, orchids, and species like the Andean cock-of-the-rock, trogons, and various monkey species such as the Capuchin monkey and the Woolly monkey.
Q: What activities are included in the visit to the Animal Rescue Center?
A: During this visit, you’ll meet protected animals such as spider monkeys, titi monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and the tapir. The volunteers working there provide additional information about each of these animals.
Q: What is the experience like navigating Machuwasi Lake?
A: The experience is calm and relaxing as you navigate on simple rafts. You’ll be able to observe prehistoric birds like the hoatzin, caimans, capybaras, and other forms of life that Machuwasi Lake offers.
Q: What is the Parrot Clay Lick and why is it so special?
A: The Parrot Clay Lick is a natural site where various species of parrots and macaws gather to consume clay rich in minerals. This phenomenon helps the birds neutralize toxins in their diet, offering a colorful and unique spectacle.
Q: What is the weather like during the Complete Manu Tour from Cusco 7 Days?
A: The weather is highly variable. In the cloud forest region, you’ll encounter cooler and more humid conditions, while in the lower areas closer to the jungle, temperatures tend to be warm and humid. We recommend bringing appropriate clothing for various weather conditions.
Q: Is the Manu National Park Tour 3 Days suitable for all ages?
A: The Manu National Park tour is accessible to people of all ages with a reasonable level of physical fitness. Activities include moderate hikes, visits to natural points of interest, and simple raft navigation, making it ideal for families and adventurous individuals.
Q: What type of meals are offered during the Complete Manu Tour from Cusco 7 Days?
A: Meals during the tour include breakfast, lunch (sometimes in the form of a box lunch), and dinner, focusing on local cuisine and fresh ingredients. The options are typically nutritious and suitable for maintaining energy during daily activities.
