Complete Manu National Park Tour

Please contact us for departure dates and prices, group size: 4 – 7 persons

* includes National Park entrance fee; optional: Macaw Clay Lick (+ 80 US $)

DAY 1: CUSCO – CLOUD FOREST – BAMBOO LODGE: Starting early from Cusco we begin our 8 hour journey by private minibus ascending to the high mountain area at 4000 m (13,000 ft). 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. Brilliantly coloured Tanagers, Quetzals, Trogons and Hummingbirds can be seen and possibly the first monkeys, such as Woolly Monkeys. In the afternoon we arrive at Bamboo Lodge (950m), 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 – ATALAYA – PANTIACOLLA LODGE OR HUMMINGBIRD LODGE: 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 at an animal rescue station and at a local orchid garden. We also go on a walk along the road to look for monkeys and birds. From Atalaya we navigate for about 5 hours in a 15-meter motorized canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios River. Today we enjoy the changing landscape and have the opportunity to see wildlife along the rocky banks of the river, such as Fasciated Tiger Herons, Kingfishers, Skimmers, Vultures, caimans and some of the 13 species of monkeys that live in Manu. In the afternoon we reach Pantiacolla Lodge or Hummingbird Lodge, where we spend the night (double rooms with private bath). Evening night walk to see insects, frogs, snakes etc.

DAY 3: PANTIACOLLA OR HUMMINGBIRD LODGE TO ALBERGUE CASA MATSIGUENKA/ MANU RIVER: Today we start early to continue our boat ride travelling into the Reserved Zone of Manu Park. We reach the mouth of the Manu River and after a stop at Limonal Park Station, where our permit is checked we travel upriver into the heart of Manu. During this boat trip the scenery and wildlife viewing along the banks of the Manu River is fabulous. White Caimans (Caiman crocodylus) sunning on the beaches, turtles, capybara and plenty of colourful birds may bee seen. And there is always the possibility of seeing larger animals such as Tapir and Jaguar. In the afternoon we arrive at Albergue Casa Matsiguenka, where we spend three nights in double rooms (shared bathrooms & showers).

DAY 4: EXPLORING COCHA SALVADOR AND OTORONGO / MANU PARK: Early in the morning we leave for a day excursion to explore trails through virgin forest of the Reserved Zone of Manu Park. As a highlight we visit the beautiful oxbow-lake Cocha Salvador by catamaran looking for Giant River Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) and to observe caimans, monkeys, hoatzins and other birds. In the afternoon we go for a walk on the trails of the opposite side of the river. We climb the 18 m observation tower overlooking Cocha Otorongo – an ideal place to observe birds. This area has lately been frequented by not-contacted indigenous tribes, such as the Mashco Piro Indians. After another walk through this biodiverse forest we return to Albergue Matsiguenka, where we spend the night and have the chance to meet the Machiguenga Indians. We go for a night walk again in the evening.

DAY 5 : EXPLORING PAKITZA PARK STATION & MANU RIVER / MANU PARK: At dawn we take the boat to travel further upriver to the remote Pakitza Park Station, located at the furthermost end of the Reserved Zone. Dawn and dusk are ideal to see wildlife on the river banks, so this is a good chance to spot a jaguar. We have breakfast at Pakitza and then we head off to explore some of the trails through primary forest to look for more wildlife. In the afternoon we return to the lodge. We can visit Cocha Salvador again to observe giant otters and explore some of the trails. Overnight at Casa Matsiguenka; optional night walk.

DAY 6 : CASA MATSIGUENKA TO MAQUISAPAYOJ LODGE & SALT LICK: At first light we start to travel about 6 hours down the Manu River. Capybaras, caimans, birds and with luck one of the big cats may be seen. We make a short stop at Boca Manu village, or Fitzcarrald, and then continue on the wider Madre de Dios River. Further downriver we reach Maquisapayoj Reserve (Place of the Black Spider Monkey”; double rooms with private bathroom), home to numerous monkey species, including the rare Tamarin Monkey and Monk Saki Monkey. After a short rest we go for a walk to the mammal salt lick, where we look for monkeys, deer and other animals who visit the lick. After returning to the lodge we have an evening night walk to see insects, frogs, snakes etc., optional night on the platform at the salt lick.

DAY 7: BIG MACAW CLAY LICK & MAQUISAPAYOJ TAPIR LICK: At daybreak we take the boat to the big Macaw Clay Lick in Blanquillo. From a platform we have an excellent view to observe flocks of colourful macaws (Ara chloroptera, – macao), parrots and parakeets congregating to eat the clay, which is essential for their digestion. Looking through the spotting scope we can see all the details of the birds. Breakfast at the blind. After the spectacle we walk on some of the trails and then travel upstream to return to Maquisapayoj. After a short break at the lodge we walk into primary rainforest for about 1 ½ hours to the Mammal Salt Lick, where we spend the night on an elevated platform (with mats and mosquito nets) to observe tapirs or other mammals during the night. Your guide will help spotting the tapir with a light. If you prefer you can stay in double rooms at the lodge close to the river.

DAY 8: TRAVELLING TO COLORADO AND BACK TO CUSCO: After an early breakfast at the lodge we travel downriver by boat (2 ½ hours) to Colorado, a small gold mining town. Together with the guide we take a car to Puerto Carlos (1 hour). We cross Rio Inambari to the small town of Santa Rosa, where our minibus is waiting for us to drive back to Cusco. We travel on the paved Transoceanica through grassland and cloud forest and up to the Andes, with a spectacular view of the Ausangate Mountain. We arrive in Cusco in the evening; transfer to your hotel.

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

• Professional, English speaking naturalist guide, with binoculars & spotting scope
• Transport by private minibus and private boat & car to Puerto Carlos
• Entrance fees to Cock of the Rock observatory & Tapir lick
• Entrance fees to Reserved Zone of Manu National Park, Salvador & Otorongo lakes
• Cook & all food (vegetarian on request), drinks, purified drinking water
• Overnight in Lodges (3 nights inside Manu Park!) and on the tapir observation platform
• First Aid Kit, extractor (for venom)
• Radio communication
• Rubber boots

NOT INCLUDED:

• Optional: entrance fee to the Macaw clay lick (90$ p.p.)
• Optional: room with private bathroom at Casa Matsiguenka (25 US$ per night)
• Binoculars
• Alcoholic drinks, personal expenses etc.

Amazonia & Manu National Park Tour

Please contact us for departure dates and prices, group size: 4 – 7 persons

* includes National Park entrance fee; optional: Macaw Clay Lick (+ 80 US $)

DAY 1: CUSCO – CLOUD FOREST – BAMBOO LODGE: Starting early from Cusco we begin our 8 hour journey by private minibus ascending to the high mountain area at 4000 m (13,000 ft). 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. Brilliantly colored Tanagers, Quetzals, Trogons and Hummingbirds can be seen and possibly the first monkeys, such as Woolly Monkeys. In the afternoon we arrive at Bamboo Lodge (950m), 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: 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. 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 the monkey species that live in Manu. In the afternoon we walk on the trails near Amazonia Lodge and visit Machuwasi Lake, on the opposite side of the river. We use a wooden raft to explore the lake and observe the abundant 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: AMAZONIA LODGE TO HUMMINGBIRD 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 have breakfast in the beach. Then, we continue our boat ride, travelling downriver on Rio Alto Madre de Dios. In the afternoon we reach Hummingbird Lodge, where we spend the night (double rooms with private bath). Evening night walk to see insects, frogs, snakes etc.

DAY 4: HUMMINGBIRD LODGE TO ALBERGUE CASA MATSIGUENKA/ MANU RIVER: Today we start early to continue our boat ride travelling into the Reserved Zone of Manu Park. We reach the mouth of the Manu River and after a stop at Limonal Park Station, where our permit is checked we travel upriver into the heart of Manu. During this boat trip the scenery and wildlife viewing along the banks of the Manu River is fabulous. White Caimans (Caiman crocodylus) sunning on the beaches, turtles, capybara and plenty of colourful birds may bee seen. And there is always the possibility of seeing larger animals such as Tapir and Jaguar. In the afternoon we arrive at Albergue Casa Matsiguenka, where we spend three nights in double rooms (shared bathrooms & showers).

DAY 5: EXPLORING COCHA SALVADOR AND OTORONGO / MANU PARK: Early in the morning we leave for a day excursion to explore trails through virgin forest of the Reserved Zone of Manu Park. As a highlight we visit the beautiful oxbow-lake Cocha Salvador by catamaran looking for Giant River Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) and to observe caimans, monkeys, hoatzins and other birds. In the afternoon we go for a walk on the trails of the opposite side of the river. We climb the 18 m observation tower overlooking Cocha Otorongo – an ideal place to observe birds. This area has lately been frequented by not-contacted indigenous tribes, such as the Mashco Piro Indians. After another walk through this biodiverse forest we return to Albergue Matsiguenka, where we spend the night and have the chance to meet the Machiguenga Indians. We go for a night walk again in the evening.

DAY 6 : EXPLORING PAKITZA PARK STATION & MANU RIVER / MANU PARK: At dawn we take the boat to travel further upriver to the remote Pakitza Park Station, located at the furthermost end of the Reserved Zone. Dawn and dusk are ideal to see wildlife on the river banks, so this is a good chance to spot a jaguar. We have breakfast at Pakitza and then we head off to explore some of the trails through primary forest to look for more wildlife. In the afternoon we return to the lodge. We can visit Cocha Salvador again to observe giant otters and explore some of the trails. Overnight at Casa Matsiguenka; optional night walk.

DAY 7 : CASA MATSIGUENKA TO MAQUISAPAYOJ LODGE & SALT LICK: At first light we start to travel about 6 hours down the Manu River. Capybaras, caimans, birds and with luck one of the big cats may be seen. We make a short stop at Boca Manu village, or Fitzcarrald, and then continue on the wider Madre de Dios River. Further downriver we reach Maquisapayoj Reserve (Place of the Black Spider Monkey”; double rooms with private bathroom), home to numerous monkey species, including the rare Tamarin Monkey and Monk Saki Monkey. After a short rest we go for a walk to the mammal salt lick, where we look for monkeys, deer and other animals who visit the lick. After returning to the lodge we have an evening night walk to see insects, frogs, snakes etc., optional night on the platform at the salt lick.

DAY 8 : BIG MACAW CLAY LICK & MAQUISAPAYOJ TAPIR LICK: At daybreak we take the boat to the big Macaw Clay Lick in Blanquillo. From a platform we have an excellent view to observe flocks of colourful macaws (Ara chloroptera, – macao), parrots and parakeets congregating to eat the clay, which is essential for their digestion. Looking through the spotting scope we can see all the details of the birds. Breakfast at the blind. After the spectacle we walk on some of the trails and then travel upstream to return to Maquisapayoj. After a short break at the lodge we walk into primary rainforest for about 1 ½ hours to the Mammal Salt Lick, where we spend the night on an elevated platform (with mats and mosquito nets) to observe tapirs or other mammals during the night. Your guide will help spotting the tapir with a light. If you prefer you can stay in double rooms at the lodge close to the river.

DAY 9 : TRAVELLING TO COLORADO AND BACK TO CUSCO: After an early breakfast at the lodge we travel downriver by boat (2 ½ hours) to Colorado, a small gold mining town. Together with the guide we take a car to Puerto Carlos (1 hour). We cross Rio Inambari to the small town of Santa Rosa, where our minibus is waiting for us to drive back to Cusco. We travel on the paved Transoceanica through grassland and cloud forest and up to the Andes, with a spectacular view of the Ausangate Mountain. We arrive in Cusco in the evening; transfer to your hotel.

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

• Professional, English speaking naturalist guide, with binoculars & spotting scope
• Transport by private minibus and private boat & car to Puerto Carlos
• Entrance fees to Cock of the Rock observatory & Tapir lick
• Entrance fees to Reserved Zone of Manu National Park, Salvador & Otorongo lakes
• Cook & all food (vegetarian on request), drinks, purified drinking water
• Overnight in Lodges (3 nights inside Manu Park!) and on the tapir observation platform
• First Aid Kit, extractor (for venom)
• Radio communication
• Rubber boots

NOT INCLUDED:

• Optional: entrance fee to the Macaw clay lick (90$ p.p.)
• Optional: room with private bathroom at Amazonia Lodge (15 US$ per night)
• Optional: room with private bathroom at Casa Matsiguenka (25 US$ per night)
• Binoculars
• Alcoholic drinks, personal expenses etc.