Expedition to the Manu Biosphere Reserve 5 Days/ 4 Nights

After an early breakfast, we continue our adventure with our minibus, passing through the village of Pilcopata and crossing the river of the same name to reach the small port of Atalaya (600m). On the way, we will stop at an animal rescue station and at a local orchid garden. We also do some short walks along the road to look out for monkeys and birds. From Atalaya, we navigate for approximately 8 hours in a 15-meter motorised canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios River to reach the lowland rainforest. During our trip, we will enjoy the changing landscape and have the excellent opportunity to see wildlife along the rocky riverbanks, such as Fasciated Tiger Herons, Purplish Jays, Skimmers, Vultures, caimans, and some of the 13 monkey species that live in Manu. On the way, we stop in Boca Manu, or Fitzcarrald, the main village of Manu. In the afternoon, we arrive at the Maquisapayoj Lodge (“Place of the Black Spider Monkeys”). Afterwards, we will have an evening walk to see insects, frogs, snakes, and other wildlife.

Accommodation: Double room with private bathroom
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

At dawn, we take the boat to the big macaw clay lick in Blanquillo. From a platform, we will have an excellent view to observe flocks of colourful macaws (Ara chloroptera – macaws), parrots, and parakeets congregating to eat the clay, which is essential for their digestion. Looking through our spotting scope, we can observe every detail of the birds! We will have breakfast at the blind and afterwards explore some of the trails in Blanquillo to see more species of monkeys and birds. After lunch, we visit Camungo Lake, where we take a wooden catamaran to observe Giant River Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) and various bird species. Nearby, we have the opportunity to climb a 42-meter observation tower for a great canopy view and observe birds, such as the beautiful toucans. In the afternoon, we travel upstream to return to the Maquisapayoj lodge. After a short break at the lodge, we hike for about 1 ½ hours through the primary rainforest to the mammal salt lick. To have the best chance to observe animals – especially the tapir – we spend the night on an elevated platform (with mats and mosquito nets). Your guide will help us spot the tapir with a light. If you prefer, you have the opportunity to sleep in double rooms at the lodge as well.

Accommodation: Double room with private bathroom or tapir platform
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

At dawn, we return to the lodge to have breakfast. Afterwards, we travel downriver to visit the “Cocha Blanco” (Blanco Lake). After a short hike, we reach the oxbow lake, which we explore by catamaran to look out for a Giant River Otter family that lives here. We enjoy the beautiful setting at the lake and start looking for monkeys (e.g., Red Howler Monkey), caimans, and different varieties of birds. Back in Maquisapayoj, we have the chance to hike other trails to look out for the Black Spider and Red Howler Monkeys, White and Brown Capuchin monkeys, Emperor and Saddle-backed Tamarins, Monk Saki monkeys, Pavonine Quetzals, Manakins, and other birds. The guide also informs you about interesting plants. We spend the night in Maquisapayoj, either on the platform at the mammal salt lick or at the lodge, close to the river.

Accommodation: Double room with private bathroom or tapir platform
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast at the lodge, we travel downriver by boat to Colorado (2 1/2 hours), a small gold mining town. Accompanied by the guide, we take a car to Puerto Carlos (1 hour). We cross the Inambari River to the small village of Santa Rosa, where our bus awaits us to drive back to Cusco. We travel on the paved Transoceanic Road through the cloud forest and up to the Andes, where we enjoy a spectacular view of the Ausangate Mountain. We arrive in Cusco in the evening and then transfer you to your hotel.