Manu Cloud forest Tour  / 1 night at Amazonia Lodge

DAY 1: CUSCO – CLOUD FOREST – BAMBOO LODGE: Starting early from Cusco we begin our 8 hour journey by private minibus climbing up to the high mountain area at 3900 m (13,000 feet). After a short stop in Ninamarca, to see the pre-Inca cemetery, and the colonial village of Paucartambo, we descend the eastern slopes of the Andes through cloud forest with lush vegetation (ferns, orchids, bromeliads etc.) We enjoy spectacular views of the Andes and can see wildlife such as our national bird: the bright red Cock of the Rocks (Rupicola peruviana) showing his mating dance. Walking along the road brilliantly coloured Tanagers, Quetzals, Trogons, Tucanets and Hummingbirds as well as hawks can be seen and possibly the first monkeys, such as Woolly Monkeys. In the late afternoon we arrive at Bamboo Lodge (1000m), where we spend the night (double rooms & private bathroom). After dinner your guide will brief you about the activities of the following day.

DAY 2: BAMBOO LODGE TO AMAZONIA LODGE / VISIT MACHUWASI LAKE: After an early breakfast we continue with our minibus: we pass the village of Pilcopata and cross the river of the same name to get to the small port of Atalaya (600 m). On the way we stop for some walks to observe birds and to visit a local orchid garden. In Atalaya we embark on a 20 minute journey in a 15-meter motorized canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios River. We have the opportunity to see wildlife along the rocky banks of the river, such as Fasciated Tiger Herons, Purplish Jays, Skimmers and some of the monkey species that live in Manu. Around Amazonia Lodge we explore some of the trails to observe birds, insects and monkeys. In the afternoon we cross over to the other side of the river to explore some of the trails to see monkeys and visit Machuwasi Lake. We use a wooden raft to explore the lake and observe the birdlife. In the evening we can go caiman spotting at the river or go on a night walk. We spend the night at Amazonia Lodge (double or triple rooms).

DAY 3: PARROT CLAY LICK – ATALAYA – CUSCO: At dawn we travel downriver by boat to the parrot clay lick. This is a special place where parrots, parakeets and small macaws (Chestnut fronted Macaw and the rare Blue headed Macaw) go to eat minerals which they need for digestion. After the natural show we have breakfast and then take the boat back to Atalaya where our minibus is waiting. We start our return trip through the cloud forest, with some stops and opportunities to see birds and monkeys. Then we travel up to the Andes again, arriving in Cusco in the evening. Transfer to your hotel.

Please contact us for departure dates and prices – Maximum group size: 8 persons

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

• Professional, English speaking naturalist guide, with spotting scope
• Transport by private minibus and boat
• Entrance fees to Cock of the Rock observatory & Machuwasi Lake
• Cook, all food (vegetarian on request), drinks, drinking water
• Lodge accommodation
• First Aid Kit, extractor (for venom)
• Rubber boots

NOT INCLUDED:

• Room with private bath at Amazonia + 10 $ p.p.
• Binoculars
• Alcoholic drinks
• Personal expenses

Manu Amazonia Tour / 3 nights at Amazonia Lodge

DAY 1: CUSCO – CLOUD FOREST – BAMBOO LODGE : Starting early from Cusco we begin our 8 hour journey by private minibus climbing up to the high mountain area at 3900 m (13,000 feet). We make a stop in Ninamarca, to see the pre-Inca cemetery, and in the colonial village of Paucartambo. Then we cross Acjanaco pass at 3850 m and descend the eastern slopes of the Andes through cloud forest with lush vegetation (ferns, orchids, bromeliads etc.). We enjoy spectacular views of the Andes and can see wildlife such as our national bird: the bright red Cock of the Rocks (Rupicola peruviana) showing his mating dance. Walking along the road we can see brilliantly colored Tanagers, Quetzals, Trogons, Tucanets and Hummingbirds as well as Hawks and possibly the first monkeys (Woolly Monkeys). In the late afternoon we arrive at Bamboo Lodge (900m), where we have dinner and spend the night (double rooms with bathroom).

DAY 2: BAMBOO LODGE TO AMAZONIA LODGE : After an early breakfast we continue with our minibus: we pass the village of Pilcopata and cross the river to get to the small port of Atalaya (600 m). On the way we stop for some walks to observe birds and to visit a local orchid garden. Before reaching Atalaya we enjoy a great view of the river basin from a lookout point. At the port we embark on a 20 minute journey in a 15-meter motorized canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios River. Along the rocky banks of the river we have the opportunity to see wildlife such as Fasciated Tiger Herons, Kingfishers, Skimmers and some of Manu´s monkey species. In the afternoon we walk on the trails near Amazonia Lodge in search for monkeys and birds. We also visit a nearby lake. In the evening we can go caiman spotting or go on a night walk. We spend the night at Amazonia Lodge (double rooms).

DAY 3: PARROT CLAY LICK & TRAILS AROUND AMAZONIA LODGE : At dawn we travel downriver by boat to the parrot clay lick. This is a special place where parrots, parakeets and small macaws, including the Chestnut fronted Macaw and the rare Blue headed Macaw, come to eat minerals which they need for digestion. After the natural show we walk on the trails of Amazonia to see more animals and you have the opportunity to climb our 23 m observation tower for a spectacular view over the Alto Madre de Dios River. Later we can go fishing or have a bath in a creek near the lodge. Night at Amazonia Lodge (double rooms). Optional night walk to see insects, frogs, snakes etc.

DAY 4 : AMAZONIA TRAILS & MACHUWASI LAKE : Today we have a second option for the parrot clay lick or we can explore some of our trails and climb the observation tower. Returning back to the lodge we can observe the hummingbirds and then have lunch. In the afternoon we explore a trail that takes us to an impressive Ceiba tree; then we continue by boat to visit Machuwasi Lake, on the opposite side of the river. We use a wooden raft to explore the lake and observe the abundant birdlife. With some luck we can also see capybaras here. Later we return to Amazonia Lodge by boat and go for an evening walk. With some luck we may see the rare Night Monkey, which is frequently is spotted near the lodge.

DAY 5: AMAZONIA LODGE – CLOUD FOREST – CUSCO : After breakfast we take the boat back to Atalaya. Here our minibus is waiting for us for our return trip through the cloud forest and over the Andes. We stop whenever we spot animals. We arrive in Cusco around 6 pm, transfer to your hotel.

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

• Professional, English speaking naturalist guide, with spotting scope
• Transport by private minibus and private boat
• Entrance to Cock of the Rock observatory & Machuwasi Lake
• Cook, all food (vegetarian on request), drinking water
• Lodge accommodation
• First Aid Kit, extractor
• Rubber boots 

NOT INCLUDED:

• Room with private bath at Amazonia + 36 $ p.p.
• Binoculars
• Alcoholic drinks
• Personal expenses

MANU BIRDING TOUR – 6 days

DAY 1 : CUSCO – MANU ROAD – COCK OF THE ROCK LODGE.

Early departure from Cusco in a private van to travel over the Andes to the village of Paucartambo. On one of our stops you can see – among many others – the Andean Flicker and Green-tailed Trainbearer. By noon we arrive at Acjanaco Pass (3300 mts.) from where we begin the descent towards the lowlands of Manu. We spend the afternoon looking for birds like the Hooded Mountain-tanager, Grass-green Tanager, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-tanager, Masked Flowerpiercer, and several species of hummingbirds, such as Shining Sunbeam. After lunch we go down the road to San Pedro, we have good opportunities to photograph Golden-headed Quetzal, Scaled Metaltail, White-bellied Woodstar, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Barred Fruiteater, White-throated Tyrannulet, Ochraceous-breasted Flycatcher, Barred Becard, Black and Chestnut Eagle, Green Jay, White-collared Jay. Possibly we can also spot some monkeys, like Woolly Monkeys. We arrive to the San Pedro area in the late afternoon. Overnight at Cock of the Rock Lodge (dwb).

DAY 2 : CLOUD FOREST & COCK OF THE ROCK LODGE.

This day we see mid-altitude montane species such as Blue-banded Toucanet, Olive-backed Woodcreeper, Montane Woodcreeper, Montane Foliage-gleaner, Crested Quetzal, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Variable Antshrike, Paradise Tanager, Golden Tanager, Dusky-green Oropendola, and Versicolored Barbet. In this area you can also see two species of primates and other mammals such as squirrels and Tayra. In the gardens of the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge can see and photograph a variety of hummingbirds as Green-fronted Lancebill, Wedge-Billed Hummingbird, Violet-Fronted Brilliant, Booted Rackettail and Wire-Crested Thorntail, among others. In the afternoon, we go to the lek of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock to watch the males during their display. Overnight and meals at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge (dwb).

DAY 3 : COCK OF THE ROCK LODGE – AMAZONIA LODGE.

Today, very early, we resume our journey to the lower area of the forest. During the ride we can see Blue-Headed Macaw, Military Macaw, Golden-crowned Flycatcher, Dusky-green Oropendola, Golden-collared Honeycreeeper, White-winged Shrike-tanager, Fiery-capped Manakin and Speckled Chachalaca.

We have a good options for Bluish- fronted Jacamar, Chestnut-capped Puffbird, Fine-barred Piculet, Red-billed Scythebill, Dark-breasted Spinetail, Dusky-cheeked Foliage-gleaner, Bamboo Antshrike and Chestnut-backed Antshrike.

By noon we arrive at Atalaya to board our boat and travel downriver to Amazonia Lodge (30 min). After lunch we explore some of the trails near the lodge. Accommodation and meals at the lodge (dwb).

DAY 4 & 5. : AMAZONIA LODGE.

The terrain of this lodge includes different habitats, which allows us to observe a great variety of birds, such as Great Antshrike, Royal Flycatcher, Chestnut-eared Arassari, Spangled Cotinga, Ringed Woodpecker, Great Potoo, Amazon Kingfisher, Green Kingfisher and many others. In the gardens of the lodge we can see Golden-tailed Sapphire, Blue-tailed Emerald, Black-tailed Trogon, Lemon-throated Barbet, Scarlet-hooded Barbet, Ivory-billed Arassari, Rufous-Crested Coquette, Green Hermit, Violet-headed Hummingbird and Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Blue-crowned Motmot, and Lineated Woodpecker.

Visiting a nearby lake we can look closely at the strange Hoatzin, akin to the ancient Archaeopteryx. This species makes a digestion similar to ruminants, flies only short stretches and their chicks have a claw which they use to climb the branches. Species typical of this habitat are: Striated Heron, Cocoi Heron, Rufescent Tiger Heron, Sungrebe, Red-capped Cardinal and many more. Accommodation and meals at Amazonia Lodge (dwb).

DAY 6. : AMAZONIA LODGE – CUSCO.

We leave very early on our boat to Atalaya, from where we start our return to Cusco by private vehicle, with a few ornithological stops en route to add some species and to have lunch or stretch our legs. Arrival in Cusco and transfer to your hotel.

Please contact us for departure dates, prices and availability. 

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

• Professional, English speaking birding guide, with spotting scope
• Transport by private minibus and private boat
• Entrance fees to Cock of the Rock observatory & Machuwasi Lake
• Cook, all food (vegetarian on request), drinking water
• Lodge accommodation
• First Aid Kit, extractor (for venom)
• rubber boots

 
NOT INCLUDED:

• Room with private bath at Amazonia + 35 $ p.p.
• Binoculars (for rent at our office)
• Alcoholic drinks
• Personal expenses