Expedition to the Manu Biosphere Reserve 7 Days/ 6 Nights

After an early breakfast, we continue our adventure in our minibus: we pass the village of Pilcopata and cross the river of the same name to reach the small port of Atalaya (600 m). 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 about 8 hours in a 15-meter motorised canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios River to get to 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 our way, we will visit Diamante, a Piro Indian village, where we can discover some typical houses. In the afternoon, we arrive at the Maquisapayoj Lodge (“Place of the Black Spider Monkey”). 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 of flocks of colourful macaws (Ara chloroptera – macao), 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 monkey and bird species. After lunch, we visit Camungo Lake: here 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 to 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 various bird species. Back in Maquisapayoj, we have the chance to hike other trails to look out for Emperor and Saddle-backed Tamarin Monkeys, Monk Saki Monkeys, and birds such as Pavonine, Quetzal, Hoatzin, and Manakins. We can also visit the salt lick in the afternoon to look out for monkeys, guans and deer. You can spend another night on the tapir platform or return to the Maquisapayoj Lodge for a night walk and a stay in your double room.

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

If you are keen on discovering more animals, we can go for a walk at first light on our fifth day, followed by a delicious breakfast. We then explore some trails to look for the Black Spider and Red Howler Monkeys, White and Brown Capuchin and many bird species. The guide also informs you about interesting plants! In the afternoon, we travel upriver for about 3 hours to the Hummingbird Lodge. On our way, we stop in Boca Manu, or Fitzcarrald, the main village of Manu. Here, we can meet people from different ethnic groups and also see boat builders. Afterwards, we will discover some of the trails near the Hummingbird Lodge and then go for a night walk. You will experiment for yourself that the area is perfect for observing birds, especially hummingbirds. We then spend the night at the lodge and get some rest to prepare for the following adventurous day.

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

Today, we boarded our boat early to travel upriver, heading back towards Cusco. During our boat ride, we always look out for animals like Capybara or Caimans on the shores of the river. If time allows, we can stop at Aguas Calientes to soak in the hot waters or visit Machu Picchu Lake to see more wildlife. In the afternoon, we arrive at the Rio de Oro Lodge. We have dinner, go for a night walk and then spend the night at the Lodge.

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

After breakfast, we take the boat back to Atalaya. Here, our bus will be waiting for us for our return trip through the cloud forest and over the Andes back to Cusco. Travelling through the cloud forest, we can look out for birds, insects and butterflies along the roadside and stop whenever we spot animals. We will reach Cusco around 06:00 pm and then transfer you to your hotel.