Expedition to the Manu Cultural Zone 5 Days/ 4 Nights
Duration
From
Overview
This tour takes you to the cloud forest, the foothills of the Andes and the beginning of the Manu lowland.
Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and lots of wildlife, as Manu is an excellent area for birdwatching!
Full Itinerary
Starting early from Cusco, we begin our 8-hour journey by private bus, 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 its 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.
Accommodation: Double rooms with private bathroom
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 motorised 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 of 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.
Accommodation: Double rooms with private bathroom
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 25 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. Optional night walk to see insects, frogs, snakes, etc.
Accommodation: Double rooms with private bathroom
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 to the lodge, we can observe the hummingbirds and then have lunch. In the afternoo,n 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. Late,r 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 spotted near the lodge.
Accommodation: Double rooms with private bathroom
After breakfast, we take the boat back to Atalaya. Here, our bus awaits us for the return trip through the cloud forest and over the Andes. We stop whenever we spot animals. We arrive in Cusco around 6 pm, and transfer you to your hotel.
Included/Exclude
- Professional naturalist guide with telescope (birding guide on request)
- Local cell phone
- 24-hour support from the company owner
- Private bus and boat transport
- Entrance tickets to the Cock of the Rock observatory and the Machuwasi lake
- Cook, all food (vegetarian on request) and drinking water
- Lodge accommodation
- First-Aid-Kit, poison extractor
- Rubber boots
- Binoculars
- Alcoholic drinks
- Personal expenses
- Insurance of any kind
Recommendations, what to bring
- Mosquito repellent (with DEET is more effective)
- Long-sleeved shirts (cotton or breathable fabric, but not too thin)
- T-Shirts
- Cotton socks (long enough to put over your pants)
- Hiking shoes, ankle high
- Rain gear (rain poncho is good)
- Sweater (for Andes and cloud forest)
- Bathing suit (optional)
- Long pants
- Sandals or light shoes to change into/ for bathroom (optional)
- Binoculars
- Camera, extra batteries and camera charger
- Plastic bags for clothes, camera, etc.
- Personal things (soap, toilet paper, small towel, etc.)
- Hat (or handkerchief)
- Sun blocker, sunglasses
- Flashlight (with spare bulb and batteries)
- Water bottle (min. 1,5 litres)
- Backpack
- Passport copy
What we need when you make a reservation
- Full name as it is written in your passport (please include a scan copy of your passport)
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Tour departure date
- Send a deposit of 60% of the total price of your tour. (The remainder of your balance will be due upon your arrival in Cusco.) Payment can be made via Western Union, PayPal, ABN AMRO Bank in Holland, or securely and directly through our website by selecting your desired tour and clicking the BOOK NOW button.
Prices
Price per Person: US$750.00
The price is based on four people. For smaller groups, additional costs will apply.
“With every tour you book with Green Peru Adventures, you can request a free walking tour of Cusco’s mysterious and historical city, accompanied by one of our professional guides, who speaks several languages.”
We are looking forward to creating an unforgettable experience for you.
