Manu National Park from Cusco, Peru

Day 1: From Cusco to Manu National Park

Our first day starts early at 5:30 a.m., when our bilingual guide will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco to begin the journey to one of the most amazing and protected parks in South America: Manu National Park. You are about to experience a unique adventure, surrounded by nature, culture, and spectacular landscapes.

Stop at Ninamarca and Visit to Paucartambo

The journey will be fascinating. After about an hour and a half of travel, we reach Ninamarca, an ancient archaeological site where you will find pre-Inca funeral towers built at the top of a mountain. Here, your guide will tell you stories about how these structures were used in ancient times, while you enjoy the view and history that surround this magical place.

Next, we continue our journey for another 30 minutes to reach the charming town of Paucartambo, known for its cobblestone streets and traditional architecture. Here, we take some time to enjoy a typical breakfast and take a short walk through the historic center, where you can feel the local atmosphere and learn more about the customs of this town.

Entry to Manu National Park and Ajanaco Viewpoint

After leaving Paucartambo, we begin to ascend along a scenic road to reach Ajanaco, located at 3,600 meters above sea level. This is the entrance point to Manu National Park, a biodiversity and nature gem that has been recognized as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

Here, we will take a short 7-minute walk to reach a natural viewpoint. From this point, you will have one of the most impressive views of the journey: the Tres Cruces mountains, the vast Andean cloud forest, and the beginning of the Manu tropical rainforest. This is an ideal spot for taking photos and witnessing the landscape change as we get closer to the Amazon.

Exploring the Cloud Forest and Wildlife Watching

From Ajanaco, we will descend into the cloud forest, a unique ecosystem where the constant mist creates a mystical atmosphere. As we walk along the trail, we will look for exotic birds like the blue-banded toucanet, the majestic golden-headed quetzal, and the crestless quetzal. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the elusive spectacled bear, one of the rarest and most endangered species in the region.

By mid-morning, we arrive at San Pedro, where we will enjoy an outdoor lunch in a special spot, with the sounds of the jungle as background.

Viewing the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock and Arrival at the Lodge

After lunch, we head to an area of the forest where you can observe the Andean cock-of-the-rock, the national bird of Peru, known for its vibrant red plumage and fascinating courtship ritual. This is just one of the many spectacles that the nature of Manu has to offer.

Additionally, during the journey, you will see howler monkeys, wild orchids, and a wide variety of tropical birds that make this place a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.

At 5:00 p.m., we arrive at the Bambú Lodge, a cozy lodge surrounded by the jungle, where you can rest and enjoy the peaceful environment. If you’re up for it, you can join our optional night hike, where, with flashlights and rubber boots, we will explore the jungle at night. During this adventure, you might see fascinating creatures like tarantulas, poison dart frogs, snakes, armadillos, and nocturnal monkeys. The jungle comes to life in a completely different way once night falls.

Day 1 Statistics – Manu National Park, Peru

• Distance traveled: 150 km (93 miles)
• Maximum altitude: 3,600 meters (11,811 feet)
• Lowest altitude: 650 meters (2,133 feet)
• Difficulty level: Moderate

This first day marks the beginning of a unique experience in the Manu Biosphere Reserve, a place where every step connects you with nature in its purest form. A day filled with culture, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Day 2: Pico de Hoz Viewpoint, Cocha Machuwasi in Manu National Park, and Return to Cusco

After a night surrounded by the sounds of the jungle, we begin the second day with a delicious early breakfast at our lodge. This will be a day full of nature, adventure, and unique moments, where you will connect even more with Manu National Park through hikes, boating, and the observation of incredible wildlife.

Exploring the Amazon Trails and Wildlife Watching

The day starts with us venturing into the Amazon trails, where the sounds of birds like parrots, macaws, and toucanets will accompany us throughout the journey. During the hike, we will visit the Pico de Hoz Viewpoint and the Picaflor Viewpoint, from where you can observe animals such as the jungle condor, toucanets, hummingbirds, and other local wildlife species. Our guide will share valuable information about medicinal plants, such as coca leaves, which have been used by local communities for centuries. Stay alert, as it is common to find primate species like the squirrel monkeys and titi monkeys, known for their agility and curiosity.

Visit to Cocha Machuwasi on a Handmade Raft

Later, we will head to the peaceful Cocha Machuwasi, a lagoon surrounded by tropical vegetation. Here, we will board a handmade wooden raft, ideal for slowly navigating and enjoying the scenery. This is an excellent spot for birdwatching, and it is highly likely you will see the hoatzin, a prehistoric bird, along with herons, cormorants, and kingfishers that inhabit the area. Navigating the cocha will provide you with an authentic and unique experience in one of the richest ecosystems in Manu.

Lunch, Refreshing Bath, and Return to Cusco

After this fascinating activity, you will enjoy an outdoor lunch in the heart of nature, in a peaceful setting surrounded by the jungle. If you wish, you can take a refreshing bath in the river’s waters, a perfect way to relax before starting the return journey.

At 2:30 p.m., we begin the trip back to Cusco. On the way, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the last views of the cloud forest and the Andes mountains, before reaching the city around 8:30 p.m.. Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel, where you can rest after this incredible adventure.

Day 2 Statistics – Manu National Park, Peru

• Distance traveled: 150 km (93 miles)
• Maximum altitude: 3,600 meters (11,811 feet)
• Lowest altitude: 650 meters (2,133 feet)
• Difficulty level: Moderate

This second day concludes an unforgettable expedition through the Manu Biosphere, a place that will leave you with unforgettable memories of its biodiversity, vibrant landscapes, and the incredible encounters with the Amazon nature of Peru.