DAY 1: Cusco-Cloud Forest

Leaving Cusco early in the morning, we begin an 8-hour journey over the Andes by bus, stopping for breakfast at the beautiful colonial village of Paucartambo. Continuing, we climb to the highpoint of the Manu Biosphere Reserve at about 4000 m before descending to the cloud forest. In these mysterious surroundings we take a hike to the lek of the incredible Cock-of-the-Rock, to see the ‘performance’ of the males right under our eyes. We spend our first night in the rustic lodge Posada San Pedro (appr. 1,600 m).

DAY 2: Cloud Forest-Atalaya-Pantiacolla Lodge

At daybreak we continue by bus to tropical lowland rainforest. Here at the small village
Atalaya at 650 m, we change into a motorized canoe to navigate some 3 hours down the turbulent Alto Madre de Dios River. From here we get great views of the Andes. At Pantiacolla Lodge, we join the people doing the 9-day tour. In the afternoon and evening we walk some of the many trails around the lodge, right at the foot of the Pantiacolla Mountain Range. You spend the night at Pantiacolla Lodge. 

DAY 3 & 4: Lake Salvador and Lake Otorongo

Early in the morning we boat down the Alto Madre de Dios River to then turn up the Manu River for an 8-hour ride into the heart of Manu's Reserved Zone. From this vantage point we will have great views of riverside birds, sunbathing caiman, and the enormous aquatic guinea pig, the capybara. We reach our Camping Huts deep inside Manu in the afternoon. This will be our base for this and the next day. During this time, we will walk through virgin forest and explore one of the most beautiful lakes of the Manu basin, Lake Salvador, by catamaran. There is a chance to see a huge variety of colourful birds, numerous species of monkey and with luck, a family of giant otters. We also visit another, somewhat smaller lake, Cocha Otorongo, which has a 20 meter-high observation platform overlooking the lake.  At night we can explore the forest by torchlight or go moonlight caiman-spotting on the lake.

DAY 5: Lake Salvador-Macaw Lick

We return back down the Manu River early in the morning, which gives us a good chance to see one or more of Manu's rarer mammals. It could be a tapir or anteater or maybe one of the big cats, crossing the river or resting on its shores. Joining the Madre de Dios River, we arrive at Blanquillo, near the clay lick for macaws. We  spend the following two nights in the jungle lodge Tambo Blanquillo.

DAY 6: Macaw Lick

At first light we head to the macaw lick to watch the dazzling spectacle of hundreds of parakeets, parrots and big macaws eating clay. In the afternoon we visit a 42-meter high canopy tower, giving us the opportunity to look at the forest from above. We spend the night again in the jungle lodge Tambo Blanquillo.

DAY 7: Blanquillo-Boca Colorado-Cusco

Back on the boat early in the morning, we head downstream to the small mining village Boca Colorado. Here and in Mazuco later on, you can see the negative effects of certain human activities on the delicate ecological balance of the rainforest. We take local transportation until crossing the Inambari River. On the other side, our bus is waiting to take you over a newly paved road, through beautiful cloud and elfin forest. Near Cusco, you have stunning views of the Ausangate Mountain. Cusco is reached in the early evening.

Important notes:

  • Bearing in mind the uncontrollable forces of nature, the program could be subject to changes at any time
  • Manu is a rainforest that has remained intact because of its hidden location. This means the program involves much travelling by bus and boat. However, it also means youare in a part of the Amazon rainforest that has no comparison, with its flora and fauna untouched!

 

INFORMATION TOUR TO MANU 

PRICES
Due to global cost fluctuations that affect Peru as it does many other countries, we are adjusting our prices on a regular basis. Please, ask for our current prices by e-mail or phone.

INCLUDED:

  • Naturalist guide in English and Spanish
  • Transportation Cusco/Atalaya & Mazuco/Cusco by private bus
  • Transportation by private boat: Atalaya/ Lake Salvador/Tambo Blanquillo/Boca Colorado
  • Overnights in lodges and camping huts
  • Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
  • Water at any time and warm drinks or lemonades with meals
  • Guide book for rainforest of Manu – Talking About Manu
  • Entrance fee reserved zone

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Soft drinks and beer
  • Personal expenses

FIXED DEPARTURE DATES 7-DAYS 2024 (LEAVING ON FRIDAYS):

FIXED DEPARTURE DATES 2024

January 05 - 12 - 19 - 26
February 02 - 09 - 16 - 23
March 01 - 08 - 15 - 22 - 29
April 05 - 12 - 19 - 26
May 03 - 10 - 17 - 24 - 31
June 07 - 14 - 21 - 28
July 05 - 12 - 19 - 26
August 02 - 09 - 16 - 23 - 30
September 06- 13 - 20 - 27
October 04 - 11 - 18 - 25
November 01 - 08 - 15 - 22 - 29
December 06 - 13 - 20 - 27