Reserved Zone of Manu and Blanquillo Tour (7 Days)

Day 1: Cusco – Paucartambo – Cloud Forest – Bambu Lodge

Our adventure begins early, with pickup from your hotel around 5:00 a.m. in a comfortable private vehicle. From Cusco, we set off on a journey to one of the most biodiverse regions of southeastern Peru.

After 1 hour and 30 minutes of travel, we will visit the pre-Incan funerary towers of Ninamarca, located at 3,750 m.a.s.l. This ancient archaeological site offers a glimpse into the pre-Hispanic past of the Andes.

We continue for about 40 more minutes to reach Paucartambo, a charming colonial town famous for its architecture and folkloric traditions. Here, you will have breakfast and enjoy an approximate 30-minute explanation about the history and customs of the area.

We then ascend to Abra Acjanaco (4,000 m.a.s.l.), the entrance point to Manu National Park, where we register with our passports. From this point, we begin the descent through the cloud forest, a spectacular ecosystem full of giant ferns, orchids, heliconias, and vibrantly colored birds.

Along the way, we make stops and take short walks to observe birds such as quetzals, trogons, and toucans, and, with luck, the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), an endangered species.

Upon arrival at San Pedro, we will enjoy lunch surrounded by lush natural surroundings. Then we will walk a few more minutes to witness the courtship ritual of the Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruviana), the national bird of Peru. Monkeys can also be seen here.

In the afternoon, we arrive at Bambu Lodge (550 m.a.s.l.), where we have dinner and rest. The lodge offers electricity, internet, private bathrooms, showers, and beds with mosquito nets.

Day 2: Pilcopata – Atalaya – Navigation on the Madre de Dios River – Boca Manu – Dorado Lodge

After enjoying a nutritious breakfast at the lodge, we resume our journey by vehicle for approximately 45 minutes toward the port of Atalaya, the starting point of our river experience. Along the way, the landscape gradually changes, with views of coca plantations, fruit trees, palms, and wild orchids decorating the route.

Upon arrival at the port, we receive our rubber boots and board a motorized boat to navigate the calm waters of the Madre de Dios River. This navigation offers constant opportunities for wildlife spotting. You may observe birds such as herons, kingfishers, and various species of vultures, including the majestic king vulture (Sarcoramphus papa), easily recognizable by its vivid colors and imposing size.

Along the route, we make a stop at natural hot springs, where you can enjoy a relaxing bath surrounded by the jungle environment. We then savor a picnic-style lunch on the riverbank, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the tranquility.

If time permits, we will make a brief visit to the native community of Diamante, inhabited by the Yine ethnic group, where you will learn about their traditional houses and some of their most representative wild fruits.

In the afternoon, we continue downstream to reach the village of Boca Manu (280 m.a.s.l.). Around 5:00 p.m., we arrive at Dorado Lodge (280 m a.s.l.), where we will spend the night deep in the jungle. We will enjoy a comforting dinner and stay in rooms with private bathrooms. The lodge features solar power and internet access available between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m..

Day 3: Boca Manu – Entry into the Reserved Zone – Casa Matsiguenka – Night Walk

After a good breakfast at the lodge, we prepare for one of the most exciting parts of the trip: entry into the Reserved Zone of Manu National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.

Aboard our motorized boat, we navigate the Manu River and make a brief stop at the Limonal control post, where park rangers register our entry. From this point begins a stretch of pristine and protected rainforest, accessible only with special permits.

As we descend the river, we venture into an untouched ecosystem, home to an impressive variety of wildlife. We may observe animals such as turtles, capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), spectacled caimans (Caiman crocodilus), and, if we are fortunate, the elusive jaguar (Panthera onca), the great South American feline.

During the navigation, the specialized guide will interpret the sounds and movements of the jungle to aid in wildlife spotting, always with the utmost respect for the environment.

In the afternoon, around 4:00 p.m., we arrive at Casa Matsiguenka, an ecological lodge managed by members of the local indigenous community. Here, rooms are assigned, all equipped with beds and mosquito nets for a comfortable night in the heart of the jungle.

After settling in and resting a bit, we head out for a guided night walk, ideal for observing insects, amphibians, and some mammals active at night. The experience provides a different perspective on jungle life.

We end the day with a hearty dinner and deep rest under the sounds of nature.

Day 4: Casa Matsiguenka – Cocha Salvador – Walks and Cultural Encounter

We start the day with an early breakfast in the heart of the jungle, followed by a short 30-minute trip to Cocha Salvador, one of the most important lagoons in the Reserved Zone. This area, surrounded by primary forest, is ideal for observing wildlife in its natural state.

We first explore the trails on foot, guided by a local expert who teaches us how to interpret the sounds, tracks, and signs of the tropical forest. Then, we board an ecological catamaran, designed to navigate silently without disturbing the environment. From the water, we have excellent chances of observing giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis), as well as rare birds, caimans, and other animals that inhabit this protected area.

During the day, we may also spot up to nine species of monkeys, which move freely through the tree canopies. It is a unique opportunity to observe how they interact in their natural environment.

In the late morning, we pay a brief visit to Casa Matsiguenka, where we learn about their ancestral customs and relationship with the forest. In the afternoon, we meet with members of the Matsiguenka native community, who will share their traditions, craft techniques, forms of organization, and spiritual connection with nature.

This cultural experience allows us to understand the bond between humans and the jungle, enriching our journey even more.

Optionally, those who wish can participate in a night walk, ideal for observing amphibians, insects, nocturnal birds, and other animals that become active after sunset.

Day 5: Casa Matsiguenka – Navigation on the Madre de Dios River – Makisapayoc

After a final breakfast at Casa Matsiguenka, we say farewell to this ancestral area and continue our journey through the heart of Manu National Park. Aboard the boat, we navigate the calm waters of the Madre de Dios River, a privileged setting for observing wildlife in its purest state.

During the journey, the guide remains alert to help us spot various species along the riverbanks and margins: flocks of birds, playful monkeys, caimans basking in the sun, and even, with a bit of luck, the majestic jaguar (Panthera onca) moving through the vegetation.

After a few hours of navigation, we arrive at Makisapayoc lodge, surrounded by lush nature. After settling into our rooms, we enjoy a short rest and lunch.

In the afternoon, we head out on a guided walk to a capybara clay lick, where these large rodents gather to feed in groups. It is an excellent spot for photography, enjoying the silence of the forest, and observing the animals in their daily routines.

The trail we follow traverses a lowland jungle landscape, with giant trees and immersive sounds that make this walk an intimate experience with nature. In addition to the capybaras, we may also see riverine birds, small reptiles, or even tracks of larger animals.

Upon returning to the lodge, a hearty dinner awaits us, perfect for ending the day. We prepare for a peaceful night in the middle of the jungle, accompanied by the sounds of insects and frogs.

Day 6: Makisapayoc – Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick – Cocha Blanco – Blanquillo Lodge

We begin the day very early, just as the jungle starts to awaken. We head to a specially built observation platform in front of the Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick, where one of the most astonishing spectacles of the Amazon takes place: dozens of macaws, parrots, and parakeets arrive flying in to feed on the mineral-rich clay. While witnessing this festival of colors and sounds, we enjoy an outdoor breakfast, fully connected with nature.

After this unique experience, we continue our adventure toward Cocha Blanco, an isolated lagoon surrounded by primary forest. Here, we board a silent catamaran, allowing us to navigate without disturbing the wildlife. On its calm waters, we have excellent chances of spotting giant otters, turtles, monkeys in the treetops, and dwarf caimans camouflaged among the aquatic vegetation.

After exploring the lagoon, we stop on the riverbank to enjoy lunch, while a motorized cargo tricycle awaits us to transfer us to Blanquillo Lodge, where we will spend the night.

Once settled into this cozy accommodation, we prepare for an interpretative jungle walk, guided by an expert who will help us identify tracks, bird songs, and species hidden among the trees. We walk for about two hours, in search of endemic birds, small mammals, and exotic flora.

Upon returning to the lodge, our cook welcomes us with a delicious dinner, prepared with local ingredients. The day ends with a well-deserved rest, surrounded by the natural sounds of the forest.

Day 7: Blanquillo – Puerto Colorado – Puerto Maldonado

Today, we bid farewell to the Amazon jungle with our hearts full of unforgettable experiences. Very early, before breakfast, we head out to witness the sunrise over the jungle, a serene and magical moment. The golden light filters through the trees as we listen to the birdsong and the deep sounds of the awakening forest. It is a special opportunity to reflect and connect deeply with nature.

At 6:00 a.m., we enjoy a peaceful breakfast surrounded by the unique atmosphere of the Amazon, accompanied by the soft sounds of the wildlife that has been with us throughout the journey.

After breakfast, we begin a three-hour boat journey down the river towards Puerto Colorado. Along the way, we make strategic stops to observe birds, monkeys, and other animals that inhabit the riverbanks. The navigation is calm and allows us to continue enjoying the splendor of the Amazonian landscape.

Upon arrival at Puerto Colorado, we switch to road transport to continue our journey. The vehicle trip takes about three hours to reach Puerto Carlos.

Finally, we take the last leg of the journey towards Puerto Maldonado, where our team will drop you off at your hotel, or if you prefer, directly at the airport, depending on your flight schedule.

This final day is designed to conclude the experience calmly, in contact with nature, and with enough time for a comfortable transition to your next destination.