Take a 2-day Manu National Park tour from Cusco and discover one of the most biodiverse regions of the Peruvian Amazon. This short Amazon rainforest tour is ideal for travelers looking for a genuine jungle experience with wildlife viewing and guided activities.
The route crosses the cloud forest, one of the best areas in Peru for birdwatching and nature observation. Visitors may spot the Andean cock-of-the-rock, colorful orchids, giant ferns, and occasionally the Andean bear in its natural habitat.
In the Amazon lowlands, the tour includes a visit to Machuwasi Lake, a quiet jungle lagoon perfect for wildlife watching. A calm raft excursion allows travelers to see species such as the hoatzin, herons, monkeys, and other animals native to the Amazon rainforest.
Throughout the tour, experienced local guides lead daytime jungle walks and optional night walks to explore the rainforest after dark. Manu National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recognized for its exceptional biodiversity.
This 2-day Amazon tour is ideal for travelers with limited time who want to visit Manu National Park without missing the essence of the jungle. Comfortable accommodation, all meals, and full organization are included.
Discover the Peruvian Amazon with this unforgettable Manu National Park jungle tour from Cusco.
Group Tour
Up to 12 People
2 Days / 1 Night
English, Spanish
The adventure begins at approximately 5:30 a.m. with hotel pickup in Cusco by our bilingual guide. We then start the journey toward Manu National Park, one of the most protected and biodiverse natural areas in Peru.
After around one and a half hours of travel, we stop at Ninamarca, a pre-Inca archaeological site known for its chullpas, or ancient funerary towers, located on a mountain ridge. The guide provides a brief explanation of their historical significance before continuing the journey.
After approximately 30 more minutes, we arrive in the traditional town of Paucartambo, famous for its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. Here, we enjoy a typical breakfast and take a short walk through the historic center.
We continue along a scenic road until reaching Ajanaco, located at approximately 3,600 meters above sea level. This point marks the official entrance to Manu National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. From here, a short walk of about 7 minutes leads to a natural viewpoint overlooking the cloud forest, the Tres Cruces mountains, and the beginning of the Amazon rainforest.
From Ajanaco, we descend into the cloud forest, a unique ecosystem ideal for wildlife observation. During the walk, it is possible to spot bird species such as the blue-banded toucanet, quetzals, and, with some luck, the elusive Andean bear. Around mid-morning, we arrive at the San Pedro area, where we enjoy an outdoor lunch surrounded by nature.
In the afternoon, we visit a special area to observe the Andean cock-of-the-rock, Peru’s national bird, as well as monkeys, wild orchids, and a variety of tropical birds.
At approximately 5:00 p.m., we arrive at Bamboo Lodge, a jungle lodge surrounded by rainforest. In the evening, there is an optional night walk to explore the jungle after dark and observe nocturnal wildlife such as frogs, tarantulas, snakes, and night monkeys.
After a night surrounded by the sounds of the jungle, the second day begins with an early breakfast at the lodge. This day combines easy hikes, river navigation, and wildlife observation, allowing you to fully experience the biodiversity of Manu National Park.
In the morning, we explore the Amazonian trails, accompanied by the calls of parrots, macaws, and toucans. We visit Pico de Hoz and Picaflores Viewpoints, where you may spot toucans, hummingbirds, and other local wildlife. The guide shares insights about medicinal plants, including coca leaves, used traditionally by local communities. With some luck, squirrel monkeys and titi monkeys may also be seen in the treetops.
Later, we reach the tranquil Cocha Machuwasi, a lagoon surrounded by tropical vegetation. Here, we board a handcrafted wooden canoe, ideal for slow navigation and birdwatching. You may see the prehistoric hoatzin, herons, kingfishers, and cormorants. This activity offers an authentic experience in one of Manu’s richest ecosystems.
After the canoe ride, enjoy an outdoor lunch in the heart of the jungle. If weather permits, you can take a refreshing swim in the river before starting the return journey.
Around mid-afternoon, we head back to Cusco, passing through cloud forests and the Andes, with arrival expected in the evening and transfer to your hotel.
Enjoy a complete experience in the Peruvian Amazon with all the services needed for a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable adventure in Manu National Park.
These are the services or items not included, so you can plan your adventure clearly and comfortably.
For your 2-day adventure in the Amazon rainforest, we recommend bringing these essential items to stay comfortable, safe, and ready for all activities.
Find answers to the most common questions before your 2-day adventure in the Amazon rainforest at Manu National Park.
The tour starts at approximately 5:30 a.m. with hotel pickup in Cusco and returns around 8:30 p.m. on the second day.
The tour includes comfortable and safe jungle lodges surrounded by nature, offering basic amenities for a pleasant stay.
The tour is of moderate difficulty, including hikes on Amazonian trails and cloud forest areas, suitable for most travelers in good physical condition.
Includes private transportation from Cusco, professional guide with telescope and binoculars, professional cook, all meals (vegetarian options available), drinking water, entrance fees to the park and other sites, lodge accommodation, rubber boots, and first aid kit.
Not included are additional drinks like soft drinks or beer, and binocular rental (available at our offices for $5 USD/day).
Recommended items include mosquito repellent, original passport, small backpack, cotton clothing, walking shoes, sandals, rain gear, sweater, swimsuit, binoculars, camera, plastic bags, hat, toiletries, sunscreen, flashlight, and cash.
Yes, during hikes and canoe trips on Cocha Machuwasi and the cloud forest, you can see birds like the cock-of-the-rock, hoatzin, toucans, hummingbirds, squirrel monkeys, titi monkeys, and other jungle animals.