Manu National Reserve (5 Days)

Type Tour

Nature Tours and Ecotourism Peru

Group Size

12 people

Duration

5 Days

Language

Español, English

This journey to the Manu National Reserve or Tambopata with Peru Jungle Trips commences in Cusco, the Inca capital, passing through agricultural fields where local farmers continue to cultivate and plow using traditional hand tools.

Our route leads us to the cultural hub of Paucartambo, and as we ascend further into the mountains, we eventually reach Acjanaco.

A couple of monkeys mobilize by swinging on some vines.

The descent begins, and the scenery undergoes a swift transformation, signaling our entry into the cloud forest of Manu. Here, the mountain streams support a diverse array of plants and flowers. Upon arrival, we are warmly greeted by the local host, particularly the majestic “Imperial Quetzal.” Although the dominant figure in this cloud forest is the Cock of the Rock, Peru’s national bird, whose captivating mating dance we can witness from the LEK viewing platform.

Day 1Paucartambo – Bambu Lodge

Very early in the morning, at 5:00 AM, our private transport will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to go to Manu National Park. Our trip will take us through the beautiful valleys of the Andes and the picturesque countryside communities.

We will explore the pre-Columbian funeral towers at the archaeological site of Ninamarca, also known as the Chullpas of Ninamarca (a pre-Inca burial tower) located in Paucartambo, a traditional colonial small town. A visit to a museum will provide insights into the local culture. We will have breakfast at a local house in that small town.

Funeral buildings on top of Ninamarca's hill.

As soon as we finish breakfast, we will continue to Ajanaco, approximately 40 minutes away. This is the highest point of the entire trip. We will stop for 15 minutes at the viewpoint and then continue on the Manu road, observing various changes in the ecosystems until we find a good place for our delicious lunch.

Lunch will be enjoyed along the route in the cloud forest.

Subsequently, our descent through the cloud forest, known for its rich endemic species like the spectacled bear and the cock of the rock (the Peruvian national bird), will continue. As we descend, we’ll encounter fascinating plant species, including orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and more.

In the afternoon, we will reach our first lodge, “Bambu Lodge,” where we will spend the night. An optional night walk will be available if the weather permits.

Day 2Bambu Lodge – Manu River – Palotoa Lodge

In the early morning, we will have breakfast and continue our trip to the Pico’s de Oz Birds Center, where we’ll have the opportunity to observe the diversity of hummingbirds and fauna, including monkeys and other exotic birds.

Following the hike, we’ll visit a coca plantation and a lagoon, and then continue to the Atalaya River dock.

A caiman seen by the riverside.

We will go by boat, and during the boat ride, you will spot distinct species of birds and animals along the shores of the Manu River. As soon as we arrive at our lodge, we will settle into our accommodation, followed by lunch at 1:30 PM.

A kingfisher bird.

At night, we will do a short night walk to search for nocturnal creatures.

Day 3Palotoa Lodge – Shyntuya Native Community

After our delicious breakfast, we will involve further exploration of the tropical Manu rainforest, with an emphasis on spotting monkeys and other types of mammals.

We’ll return for our lunch.

A capybara feeding itself from the many plants scattered in the Amazon's ground.

We’ll embark on a boat journey to reach the natural hot springs, located at Shyntuya Native Community, to enjoy a comfortable bath in the hot springs. We will stay for a few hours.

On our way back, we’ll have the chance to witness the breathtaking view of the best sunset along the riverbanks.

 

We’ll encounter the world’s largest rodent, the capybara (Hydrochoerus). An evening walk is planned for observing frogs, toads, insects, bats, and snakes.

Day 4Palotoa Lodge – Soga de Oro Lodge

After breakfast in the early morning, we’ll embark on a boat trip upstream to reach our last ecolodge, Soga de Oro, in 2 hours, always searching for creatures along the river. We will arrive for our lunch.

The hoatzin is a particular specie that is said to remain in the Amazon since prehistoric times.

After lunch, we will visit a small lake called Machu Huasi, where we will have chances to see beautiful landscapes and a lot of species of birds, including the most peculiar bird known as the hoatzin (the prehistoric bird).

A yellow butterfly found in Manu.

Later, we will return to our ecolodge, have a bonfire, and time for jungle history telling.”

Day 5Soga de Oro Lodge – Cusco

Early morning, we will go to witness the most spectacular show by parrots and macaws at the clay licks. Later, we will return for our breakfast, pack up our belongings, and take our boat to the Atalaya River dock.

Our car driver will be waiting here with the minivan for our drive back to Cusco City.

Along the way, we will stop in Ajanacu for our lunch. We will reach Cusco City later in the evening.

Lagothrix lagotricha, the brown woolly monkey, inhabits South American rainforests. Highly endangered species

  • Bilingual professional guide.
  • Transportation from Cusco to the Manu area and vice versa includes a minivan and boat, both with round-trip service.
  • Professional Cook.
  • Accommodation in a private lodge in double or triple rooms (each room has a private bathroom and mosquito nets for each bed).
  • Daily meals (vegetarian upon request).
  • Mineral water every day (bring an empty re-fillable bottle of 1 liter or more).
  • First Aid Kit
  • Admission fee to the Manu cultural zone.
  • Admission fee to Pico's de Oz Birds Center.
  • Admission fee to hot springs.
  • Rubber boots for jungle trekking.
  • Binocular
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Any Personal Expenses
  • Original passport
  • Travel insurance (and some copies)
  • Daypack to carry your things
  • Sunblock and sunglasses
  • Water bottle or canteen
  • Sun hat
  • Deet or mosquito repellent ( recommendable 30% deet)
  • Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)
  • Peruvian Soles in cash
Price From
$680
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