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Cusco · Peru
8-Day Wildlife Expedition in Manu Reserved Zone, Peruvian Amazon
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From $1,989.71 per person
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The Experience
What your day looks like
Embark on a definitive eight-day expedition into the heart of the Manu Reserved Zone, a vast and virtually untouched wildlife sanctuary. This immersive journey takes you to one of the most remote corners of the Peruvian Amazon, where you can witness nature in its most vibrant and purest form. Throughout this extended adventure, you will have unparalleled opportunities to observe an incredible diversity of life, from colorful exotic birds and reptiles to iconic mammals like the majestic jaguar. Your itinerary is designed to fully immerse you in the Amazon’s natural wonders through exciting boat excursions along meandering rivers and guided treks through dense, exuberant vegetation. From exploring hidden lagoons to discovering the region’s unique flora and fauna, every moment offers a deep connection to this world-renowned center of biodiversity. This comprehensive 8-day package is the ultimate choice for nature lovers seeking an authentic and unforgettable jungle experience in one of the planet's most beautiful natural jewels.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Explore pristine rainforest in remote Peru
- Witness rare wildlife in its natural habitat
- Navigate jungle rivers on guided boat trips
- Experience Amazon biodiversity at its finest
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Cusco
Welcome to this amazing trip! Departure from Cusco city very early in the morning in one of our trucks specially prepared for this road. We will pass through interesting inter-Andean valleys and picturesque farmer communities.
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Cusco
Archaeological Exploration at Ninamarca. In the middle of the day: We are going to visit the pre-Inca buried towers of Ninamarca, known as “chullpas”. After that we will arrive in Paucartambo city, which is a typical colonial town. It had a lot of importance, and it still conserves its flavor.
Continued
Cusco
Birdwatching. Continuing our trip: We drive up until the Abra of Accjanaco, which is found at 3850 meters above sea level. From this point we start to go down passing through the cloud forest, which is an area rich in endemic species as the spectacular “Andean Bear” (Tremarctos Ornatus) and “The Cook of the Rock” (The Peruvian National Bird), “Orquis”, “Bromelias” and “Ferns” etc.
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Cusco
End of the day! In San Pedro, we will visit a lek of “Cook of the Rocks”, where these birds perform every morning and afternoon during a very interesting dance called “Displays”. After that, we continue our tour until reaching Bamboo Lodge, where we will stop and spend our first night.
Day 2
Cusco
Sightseeing. After eating our breakfast: We continue the tour by bus, going through the high forest, arriving at Atalaya, which is found next to the Alto Madre de Dios River (700 meters above the sea). From this point we start to go down river in a motorized boat (60 hp).
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Cusco
Boating. At the riverside we will have the opportunity to see a lot of bird species such as “Herons”, “Vultures”, “Cormorants” etc.
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Cusco
Hot Springs. Along the river there is a hot spring where we will stop for the bath.
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Cusco
Nature Walks. Passing two in the afternoon: We will arrive at our lodge, where we accommodated and get new water resources to be able to take a 45-minute to an hour in a half walk through the forest. During the walk, we will be able to observe several species of animals, including exotic birds like Toucans and macaws.
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Cusco
End of the day! Near the Tapir clay lick we do have a platform where we will accommodate our selves because we will spend the night in this blind from where at night, we can observe Tapirs eating the clay which its reach in minerals; at the platform we do provide mattresses, mosquito nets, blankets and a toilet in the backside of the building. At this clay lick we can also observe deer, peccaries, spider monkeys, red howler monkeys, guans, and parakeets.
Day 3
Puerto Maldonado
Eco Tour at Manu National Park. Very early in the morning: We will walk back to the lodge, and from there we will travel down river towards the largest Macaw Clay lick found in Manu Park, The activity at the clay lick begins about 5:30 am as medium sized parrots arrive with the dawn, pair by noisy pair, and land in the treetops above the lick. Hundreds of screeching birds clamber about in the branches in preparation for their descent to the riverbank. Eventually, cascades of green, blue, and red parrots circle down to the clay wall. About 7:00 or 7:30 am, large macaws start to arrive. After about 40 to 100 have gathered and deemed the lick safe, they begin to descend. This colorful and noisy scene continues for 20 to 40 minutes while the birds eat their fill of clay or until danger arrives in the form of a hawk, eagle, or ocelot. There are normally between 80 to 100 macaws and 600 or more other parrots. This is truly one of the world’s great wildlife spectacles.
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Cusco
End of the day! After this activity we will sail up river towards our lodge where we will spend our last night.
Day 4
Puerto Maldonado
Eco Tour at Manu River. After having our breakfast we start the returning trip, but to do this we need to make a short stop in Boca Manu to get fuel for the boat. Then we will continue sailing up Manu River. With a brief stop at the park ranger station at Limonal to present our permits we travel for about five hours up the Manu. Beaches, especially in the dry season, are loaded with nesting birds and feeding Herons, Egrets, Orinoco Geese, Terns and Skimmers to name a few. Some beaches will host sunning White and Black Caimans (South American relatives of the Alligators) and breeding Side-necked Turtles. Hundreds of Sand-colored Nightjars roost during the day on logs and beaches and there is a chance of encountering a sunning Jaguar – the worlds third largest cat. In 1999 one in three of our trips saw Jaguar in Manu. We will see some species of primate on this river trip, possibly Red Howler Monkeys or the smaller Squirrel Monkeys.
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Cusco
Nature Walks. After having lunch: By the river, we arrive at our Safari Camp near the lake of Cocha Salvador. We’ll have the afternoon to explore some of the trails through the pristine rainforest in the area. A visit to the lake of Cocha Otorongo is planned, where observation piers and a 20-meter observation tower in the rainforest canopy overlooking the lake are available for observing wildlife. We will also be on the lookout for a large family of Giant Otters that inhabit this lake. Before or after dinner, an optional excursion into the forest at night is available with your guide in search of nocturnal creatures. The lakes are full of the eyes of the large Black Caiman, and if we are lucky, we may encounter an Olingo Kinkajou or even an Ocelot on the trails.
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Cusco
End of the day! Certainly, the night-time noise of tree frogs and insects in the forest is an experience not to be forgotten. Night at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge.
Day 5
Puerto Maldonado
Eco Tour at Manu National Park. The rest of the day will be spent walking the trails: In the area, in search of some of the 13 species of monkeys found in the forest here. Your guide will explain some of the basics of rainforest ecosystems and point out some of the medicinal plants of the area used by local, indigenous groups. We may cross paths with a group of Peccaries – a species of wild boar found here.
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Cusco
Canoeing. After breakfast, we’ll spend the morning at the lake of Cocha Salvador: Some of the time will be spent canoeing the lake on a floating platform, observing oxbow lake animal life from the water. We may encounter an Agami Heron or a Sungrebe, and Brown Capuchin Monkeys are usually feeding on fruits nearby. Specially constructed piers that jut out into the lake enable us to look for a family of Giant Otters that live here. These, the world's largest freshwater carnivores, remain common only in Manu, having been hunted to extinction throughout most of their former range. Each animal consumes between 4 and 5 kilos of fish daily, and often they can be seen eating large fish on logs at the lakeside.
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Puerto Maldonado
Swimming at Manu National Park. A late afternoon swim: In the river near the camp as the sun sets.
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Puerto Maldonado
End of the day! Night at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge.
Day 6
Puerto Maldonado
Eco Tour at Manu National Park. Jaguar Lake: Today we will walk from camp through the forest to a different oxbow lake, Cocha Otorongo – “Jaguar Lake”, to experience another setting and a chance to see further wildlife. We may encounter troops of monkeys, especially the Common Woolly Monkey. We’ll pay special attention to the plant life and listen carefully for rustling vegetation and fruits falling to the rainforest floor, indicating the presence of animals or large birds.
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Puerto Maldonado
Canoeing at Manu National Park. After a leisurely lunch: We take our canoes for a 4-hour trip downriver until we reach Boca Manu for the night.After a leisurely lunch we take our canoes for a 4-hour trip down river until we reach Boca Manu for the night.
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Puerto Maldonado
End of the day! Overnight at Bamboo Lodge.
Day 7
Puerto Maldonado
Boating at Madre De Dios River. Today, after breakfast: We will sail the Alto Madre de Dios upriver to the port of Atalaya, the place from where we started our trip by boat.
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Puerto Maldonado
End of the day! We will drive to the bamboo lodge, where we are going to spend our last night in the jungle of Manu National Park.
Day 8
Cusco
End of the trip! GOOD BYE TO MANU!! On the day of our return, we will have an early morning departure from the bamboo Lodge in the direction of Paucartambo, which was the entrance point that led us into the jungle in the first place. At this time we will pass through the beautiful Sacred Valley on the way, arriving in Cusco around 7.00pm.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Tour guide in English and Spanish with spotting scope (Tour guide specialized in bird watching or biologist with previous request) Transportation (bus and boat) Professional cook Rain Poncho Rubber boots Entrance fee to the Oxbow Lakes Entrance fee to Manu National Park Entrance fee to all the private Natural Reserves First aid kit
Not Included
Mineral water on the first day Alcoholic beverages Dining on the last day Tips & gratuities
What to Bring
Binoculars Camera Extra batteries A spotting scope, if you have one Flashlight Light day pack Sunscreen Insect repellent T-shirts and a long-sleeved shirt Jeans or other cotton pants are comfortable, as well as quick-drying nylon ones. Cotton socks Sweater, jacket, or fleece for night birding Light jacket, water-resistant, or poncho Hiking boots or sturdy shoes Water bottle/canteen or camel pack Sandals Hat and sunglasses Plastic bags for camera, clothes, etc. Personal toiletries (shampoo, towel, etc) Converter /adaptor for the electricity (Plugs are typically the 2-pronged flat type found in the US) Cash for personal use
Meeting & Pickup
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 5 Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
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