Manu Reserved Zone 7 Days

Very early in the morning, we will leave the city of Cusco on a private bus. We will travel through the beautiful valleys of the Andes and picturesque rural communities. We will visit interesting places such as the Chullpas of Ninamarca (a pre-Incan cemetery) and Paucartambo, a traditional colonial town, where we will visit a museum to learn about the culture of the place. We will have lunch along the route in the cloud forest. Then, we will continue our descent through the cloud forest, a region rich in endemic species, such as the spectacled bear and the cock-of-the-rock (the Peruvian national bird). Along the way, we will also see interesting plant species, such as orchids, bromeliads, ferns, etc. In the afternoon, we will arrive at Pilcopata, where we will spend the night at our lodge.

• Cusco: (3,300 meters above sea level)
• Cloud forest: (1,700 meters above sea level)
• Pilcopata Lodge: (600 meters above sea level).

Very early in the morning, we will have breakfast and then begin our hike in the forest, where we will be able to observe the forest fauna, such as monkeys and birds. Then we will visit a coca plantation and an animal rescue center. Afterwards, we will continue our trip by bus to Puerto Atalaya, located along the banks of the Alto Madre de Dios River at 500 m.a.s.l. We will begin our descent by boat, observing the enormous diversity of bird species, such as herons, vultures and cormorants. We will make a stop to relax in hot springs, surrounded by the beautiful jungle. Then we will have lunch and continue our trip until we reach Boca Manu, where we will spend the night in our lodge.

• Pilcopata – Aguas Calientes – Boca Manu (300 m.a.s.l.)

We will leave very early to visit the parrot clay lick, which is located ten minutes downriver from the lodge. We will then make a brief stop at the security checkpoint in Limonal. We will continue our journey into the heart of the Reserved Zone for approximately 4 hours, when we will arrive at Casa Machiguenga, where we will spend the next two nights. During this trip, we will be able to appreciate an infinity of bird species, such as macaws, vultures, eagles, toucans and herons, as well as other animals such as capybaras, caimans, river turtles, monkeys and, with luck, a jaguar sunbathing on the beach or eating in the trees. We will dedicate the afternoon to a walk through the forest to look for wildlife in this pristine jungle. We will spend the night at the rustic Casa Matsiguenka with shared bathrooms and showers.

• Boca Manu – Reserved Zone / Casa Machiguenga (395 m.a.s.l.)

The cry of the howler monkey will probably wake us up. Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will take a walk because the temperature is more pleasant at this time and it is common to see animals in search of good. We will explore the impressive Salvador Lake where we will look for giant river otters (Pteronura brasiliensis), an endangered species. We will also look for black caimans, the different species of monkeys that inhabit Manu (13 species), the prehistoric Hoatzin bird, kingfishers and many more magnificent species. We will return for lunch and then in the afternoon we will take a 3-hour walk to appreciate the diversity of flora and fauna. There is also the option of taking a night walk to look for species of frogs, snakes and insects.

• Reserved Zone / Cocha Salvador (395 m.a.s.l.)

Today we will wake up very early to have breakfast and take walks around our lodge and Lake Otorongo. There is an observation tower located 15 meters from the lake to allow us to appreciate the landscape of the surrounding primary forest and have better opportunities to see the family of otters that live in the lake. We will also observe the birds that live in the forest canopy. We will probably see surprising species, such as giant ceiba trees, colorful butterflies, and several species of monkeys. Afterwards, we will board our boat that will take us downriver while we continue to look for animals, such as caimans, turtles, and birds. Upon reaching the Limonal, we will take a walk to a platform that is excellent for observing flora and fauna. Then, we will travel to Boca Manu, where we will spend the night.

• Reserved Zone / Lake Otorongo (395 m.a.s.l.) – Boca Manu

Today we will board our boat on the Alto Madre de Dios River and sail against the current, observing the beautiful landscape of the Amazon rainforest and the enormous diversity of bird species. We will have the option to make a stop at the hot springs and, in the afternoon, continue until we reach the Amazon Manu Lodge. Here we will rest comfortably in our rooms and spend the last night surrounded by the magical sounds of the jungle. Optional night walk.

We will wake up early in the morning to continue our journey back towards Puerto Atalaya. Our vehicle will be waiting for us there to take us back to Cusco, where we will arrive in the afternoon.

Important notes:

Please note that the program may vary slightly to maximize your wildlife sightings, depending on reports from our experienced researchers and naturalist guides based at the lodge.