Birding in Manu Reserve Zone
12D/11N
- Departure
From Cusco finish to Puerto Maldonado
- when
From March to December
- Difficulty
Moderate
- type
Private Service
overview
Amazon Wildlife Peru has developed a comprehensive birding program aimed at bird-photo ecotravellers. Guided by a specialist with deep enthusiasm, participants will experience authentic birding as we traverse the endemic-rich arid slopes to the high Puna zone, then descend through temperate and subtropical cloud forests to the foothills at the eastern base of the Andes. We will stay in comfortable lodges while exploring the renowned Manu Road, which winds through a wilderness teeming with flagship east-slope species, including the Lyre-tailed Nightjar, Red-and-white Antpitta, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, White-collared Jay, Golden Tanager, and Versicolored Barbet, along with several endemics. Participants will enjoy two full days of birding in the upper tropical rainforest at an elevation of 1,600 feet, where hummingbird feeders attract species such as the Rufous-crested Coquette and Violet-fronted Hummingbird. Listen for Tawny-bellied Screech-Owls and potoos calling at night and explore an extensive trail system leading to various habitat types. Southeastern Peru is recognized as the most species-rich birding region in the world. The Manu Biosphere Reserve, which includes Manu National Park (Zona Reservada), protects the entire watershed of the Rio Manu, a 200-mile tributary of the Rio Madre de Dios. This area encompasses diverse habitats from the Puna grasslands at 14,000 feet down through temperate and subtropical cloud forests to lowland rainforest.
daily summary
Day 1
Cusco – Wayquecha Biological Station
Our adventure begins in the exciting Jungle of Manu, we will pick you up around 04:30am from your hotels in Cusco in our private transport. Today’s destination is the lush cloud forest region where the Andes meet the Amazon basin. It’s a day of scenic drama and striking contrasts. Our first stop is Huacarpay, a mountain wetland habitat, with numerous bird species such as the endemic Bearded Mountaineer, Rusty-fronted Canastero as well as non-endemic flycatchers, coots, teals, egrets, hummingbirds, raptors, and seedeaters, between the Cusco Valley and the Paucartambo valley. Our next stop is for the endemic Creamy-crested Spinetail, before arriving at the last Andean pass – Acjanacu. On a clear day, we’ll be able to look out from the last range of the Andes over the Amazon basin stretching into the distance. A side stop may find us Scribble-tailed and Line -fronted Canasteros and maybe Puna and Diademed Tapaculo. In the afternoon we will bird the upper limits of the eastern slopes. Working our way down the eastern slope of the Andes, the forest becomes more continuous and we will spend the afternoon birding to our accommodation at 2800 meters above sea level above Pillahuata. Possibilities are many but we hope to encounter mixed-species flocks of Mountain Tanagers, Flycatchers, and Ovenbirds. Gray-breasted Mountain Toucan, Collared Jay, and Mountain Cacique are among some of the many species we may find. In the evening we will go to a favorite spot where we have had luck calling in Swallow-tailed Nightjar. Night at Wayquecha Biological Station. B: L: D
Highlights:
1. Birdwatching at Huacarpay Lake: Begin the day at this mountain wetland habitat, searching for the endemic Bearded Mountaineer and Rusty-fronted Canastero, along with various waterfowl and raptors.
2. Scenic Stop at Acjanacu Pass: Enjoy breathtaking views over the Amazon basin from the last Andean pass, with opportunities to spot Scribble-tailed and Line-fronted Canasteros.
3. Afternoon Birding on the Eastern Slopes: Explore the continuous forests as you descend, targeting mixed-species flocks, including Gray-breasted Mountain Toucan and Collared Jay, before an evening search for the Swallow-tailed Nightjar at Wayquecha Biological Station.
Day 2
Wayquecha Biological Station full day birding
After breakfast, we will be greeted with a varied dawn chorus and Red and White Antpitta should be calling. We will spend all day birding from the biological station at 2800 meters to our next stop at 1300 meters. This is a pristine forest on a short bus drive some of the special birds on this stretch which we will look for include: White-rumped Hawk, Trilling Tapaculo, , Andean Guan, a wide variety of Hummingbirds including Collared Inca, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Violet-throated Startfrontlet and Amethyst-throated Sunangel, Purple-backed Thornbill, Scaled Metaltail, White-bellied Woodstar, Mountain Parakeet, Andean Pigmy Owl, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, the endemic Marcapata Spinetail, Andean Parakeet, White-throated Antpitta, Barred and Band-tailed Fruiteaters, White-throated Tyrannulet, Ochraceous-breasted Flycatcher, Barred Becard, Pale-footed Swallow, Mountain Wren, Citrine Warbler and many Tanagers. Night at Wayquecha Biological Station. B: L: D
Highlights:
1. Dawn Chorus Experience: Start the day with the vibrant dawn chorus, listening for the calls of the Red and White Antpitta as you enjoy breakfast.
2. Birding Along the MANU ROAD: Spend the day birding from the biological station at 2800 meters down to 1300 meters, seeking special species like the White-rumped Hawk, Andean Guan, and various hummingbirds.
3. Endemic Species Focus: Look for unique birds such as the endemic Marcapata Spinetail and other diverse species, including Barred Fruiteaters and Ochraceous-breasted Flycatchers, before returning to the comfortable Wayquecha Biological Station for the night.
Day 3
Wayquecha Biological Station - Cock of the Rock Lodge
After breakfast, we will depart for long birding day, having the following species: Bar-bellied Woodpecker, Sierran Elaenia, Black-Throated Toody-Tyrant, Golden-Crowned Flycatchers, White-Crowned Tapaculo, Yellow- Throated Tananger, Common Hemisphingus, Bolivian Tyrannulet, Scaly-naped Parrot, Speckle-Faced Parrot, Stripe-Faced Wood-Quail, Black and Chestnut Eagle, White-Throated Hawk, Solitary Eagle, Spotted Barbtail, Golden-Headed Quetzal, Highland Motmot, Strong-Billed Woodcreeper, Black-Streaked Puffbird, Versicolored Barbet, Blue-Banded Toucanet. During the afternoon we will arrive at Cock of the rock Lodge, we will enjoy the feeder for hummingbirds the Wire-Crested Thorntail, Green Hermit, Green Violetear, Sparkling Violetear, Speckle Hummingbird, Many-Spotted Hummingbird, Violet-Fronted Brilliant, Fawn-Breasted Brilliant, Bronzy Inca, Booted Racket-Tail. At night time we have good chance to see Vermiculated Screech-Owl, Rufescent Screech-Owl, Band-bellied Owl, and Rufous-Banded Owl. Night at Cock of the Rock Lodge. B: L: D
Highlights:
1. Morning Birding Expedition: Depart after breakfast for a full day of birding, targeting species such as the Bar-bellied Woodpecker, Black-Throated Toody-Tyrant, and Golden-Headed Quetzal.
2. Birding at Cock of the Rock Lodge: Enjoy the hummingbird feeders featuring species like the Wire-Crested Thorntail and Green Hermit in the afternoon.
3. Evening Owl Search: In the evening, look for nocturnal species, including Vermiculated Screech-Owl and Rufescent Screech-Owl, before settling in for the night at Cock of the Rock Lodge.
Day 4
Cock of the Rock Lodge full day birding
Cock of the Rock Lodge is situated in the pristine Cloud Forest of the Mountains of Manu just a few minutes’ walk from a spectacular Cock of the Rock Lek (Rupicola Peruviana) furnished with comfortable blinds (hides) which enable us to observe these colorful birds. There is trail system behind the lodge that enables you to see the under-story of the Cloud Forest first hand and facilitates seeing some species normally not seen from the road such as Chestnut-breasted Wren, Scaled Antpitta, Rufous-breasted and Short-tailed Antthrush’s, Slaty Gnateater and the endemic Cerulean-capped Manakin, Yungas Manakin, Fiery-Capped Manakin. Orchids are abundant with about 80 species recorded around the lodge. Montane Foliage-gleaner, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Uniform and Variable Antshrikes, Slaty Gnateater, Chestnut-crested Cotinga, Scaled Fruiteater, Inca Flycatcher (endemic), Uniform Antshrike, White-throated Spadebill, Fulvous-breasted Flatbill, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Yellow-rumped and Slaty Antwrens, Deep-blue Flowerpiercer, Peruvian Piedtail (endemic) and lots more. Nights at Cock of the Rock Lodge. B: L: D.
Highlights:
1. Birdwatching at the Leck of Andean Cock of the Rock: Enjoy the courtship displays of Cock of the Rock males and other bird species from hidden blinds.
2. Forest Trail Exploration: Walk the lodge’s trail system to experience the Cloud Forest understory, enhancing sightings of elusive birds like the Chestnut-breasted Wren and endemic species.
3. Orchid Identification Walk: Participate in a botanical tour focusing on the diverse orchid species, with approximately 80 varieties documented in the area of the lodge.
Day 5
Cock of the Rock Lodge – Bonanza Lodge
This family-run Lodge has a bird list of around 780 species and others are continually being added to the list. The lodge is situated in the buffer zone of the Manu National Park at 300 meters, where the last low foothills of the Andes begin to flatten out into the lowland Amazon Basin proper. There are Butterfly bushes that attract various Hummingbird species including the pretty Rufous-crested Coquette, Festive Coquette, White-Chinned Sapphire, Golden-tailed Sapphire, Blue-tailed Emerald. In Bonanza Ecological Reserve we have bird watching towers enables us to watch canopy flocks including numerous species of lowland Tanangers and Macaws. There are many types of habitats including floodplain, bamboo, and varzea forest, Bonanza Lodge is enormous private reserve, there are many species including Black-capped Tinamou, the strange Hoazin, Buckley’s Forest Falcon, Blue-headed Macaw, Pheasant Cuckoo, Koepcke’s Hermit, Rufous-webbed Brilliant, Bluish fronted Jacamar, White-Throated Jacamar, Purus Jacamar Chestnut-capped Puffbird, Striolated Puffbird, Fine-barred Piculet, Red-billed Scythbill, Dark-breasted Spinetail, Dusky-cheeked Foliage-gleaner, Chestnut-backed Antshrike, Amazonian and Thrush-like Antpitta’s, Rusty-belted Tapaculo, Mottle-backed Elaenia, Red-billed Tyrranulet, Johannis’ Tody-tyrant, Yellow-browed Tody-flycatcher, Ornate Flycatcher, Band-tailed and Round-tailed Manakins, Black-faced Dacnis – the bird list rises up…!! Large stands of Bamboo hold many local and much sought after species, and coupled with the extensive Varzea, Terra Firme, and Mature Transitional Floodplain Forest, this means a mind-boggling variety of bird-life. Night at the comfortable Bonanza Lodge. B: L: D
Highlights:
1. Hummingbird Observation: Depart early to maximize sightings of diverse hummingbird species, including Crested Coquette and Gould’s Jewelfront, in the unique transition zone between the Andes and lowland rainforest.
2. Intensive Afternoon Birding: Engage in focused birdwatching for various species such as Amazonian Trogons and Kingfishers, with special attention to locating the elusive Rufous-fronted Antthrush.
3. Night Birding Experience: Participate in nocturnal birdwatching to seek out species like the Mottled Owl and Common Potoo, enhancing your birding experience.
Day 6
Bonanza Lodge full day Birding
We will be searching for in the Bamboo include – Rufous-headed Woodpecker, Manu Antbird (common here), Flammulated Pygmy-tyrant, Bamboo Antshrike, White-cheeked Tody-flycatcher, Large-headed and Dusky-tailed Flatbills, Peruvian Recurvebill, Dusky-cheeked and Brown-rumped Foliage-gleaners, Ihring’s and Ornate Antwren, White-lined Antbird, Striated Antbird and more. We will certainly look for one of the singing Rufous-fronted Antthrush we have located on territory here. Some of the scarcer forest species we will be on the lookout for that we have seen here previously include: Cinereous Tinamou, Great Tinamou, Little Tinamou, Undulated Tinamou, Black-Capped Tinamou, Razor-billed Currasow, Pale-winged Trumpeter, Sunbittern, Gray-cheeked Nunlet, Rufous–Capped Nunlet, Cream-colored Woodpecker, Ocellated Woodcreeper, Collared Puffbird, Rufous-Vented Ground-Cuckoo, Ruddy Spinetail, Plain Softail, Plain-Crowned Spinetail, Striped Woodhaunter, Banded Antbird, Ash-throated Gnateater, White-throated Antbird, Black-spotted Bare-eye, Purple Throated Fruitcrown, Bright-Rumped Attila, White –Winged Becard, Black Capped Becard, Pink-Throated Becard, Golden Collared Toucanet, Plum-Throated Cotinga, Black-faced Cotinga, Ochre-bellied Flycatcher, Royal Flycatcher, Musician Wren, Pale-eyed Blackbird, Yellow-shouldered Grosbeak to name but a few. We will have the possibility of night birding here: Mottled Owl, Black-banded Owl, Tawny-bellied Screech-owl, Great, Long-tailed and Common Potoo. Here we will visit the large Tapir Clay lick (Camouflaged House-blind) located in the primary forest, apart from attracting Tapirs, Peccaries, Deers and maybe a Jaguar, also attracts Guans, Currasows, Chachalacas and monkey species. We will be reluctant to leave this very birdy place, but yet more awaits us in the Amazon lowlands. Night will be spent at Bonanza Lodge. B: L: D
Highlights:
1. Bamboo Birding Expedition: Search for a diverse array of species within the bamboo habitat, including the Rufous-headed Woodpecker, Manu Antbird, and Flammulated Tody-Tyrant.
2. Scarcer Forest Species Observation: Explore the forest to locate elusive species such as the Cinereous Tinamou, Razor-billed Curassow, and Ocellated Woodcreeper.
3. Night Birding Experience: Engage in nocturnal birdwatching, targeting species such as the Mottled Owl and Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl. This activity provides insights into the behaviors and vocalizations of night-active birds.
Day 7
Bonanza Lodge - Jaguar ecolodge (reserve zone)
After breakfast, we will embark on a two-hour boat trip down the Madre de Dios River to the confluence with the Manu River. After registering at the Limonal checkpoint, we will walk the Aguaje Trail (Mauritia flexuosa), where we can expect to see numerous Antwrens, Antshrikes, Antbirds, Toucans, and more. This day includes extensive boat travel to reach Jaguar Ecolodge. Along the Rio Manu, we may encounter various raptors and scavengers, including the Harpy Eagle, Crested Eagle, Black-and-White Hawk-Eagle, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, and Black Hawk-Eagle, often seen hunting or with prey. Other riverside birds include the Orinoco Goose, Jabiru, Horned Screamer, Southern Lapwing, Black Skimmer, Sand-Colored Night-Hawk, Brown-Breasted Martin, Amazonian Swift, and Short-Tailed Swift.
On a fortunate day, we might also spot wildlife such as Jaguars, Ocelots, Sloths, Black Caimans, and White Caimans. We will arrive late in the afternoon, allowing time to relax or take a short walk around the lodge before nightfall at Jaguar Ecolodge.
Highlights:
1. Boat Trip on the Madre de Dios River: Enjoy a 2-hour scenic journey to the confluence with the Manu River, observing a variety of riverine birds and potential wildlife sightings.
2. Aguaje Trail Walk at Limonal Check Point: Explore the Aguaje Trail, known for its diverse avifauna, including Antwrens, Antshrikes, Antbirds, and Toucans, while immersing in the rich flora of Mauritia flexuosa.
3. Wildlife Spotting in Rio Manu: Keep an eye out for raptors such as the Harpy Eagle and Crested Eagle, as well as riverine species like the Orinoco Goose and Jabiru. On fortunate days, sightings of Jaguars and Ocelots may occur.
Day 8
Jaguar Ecolodge full day Birding
The visit to an oxbow lake is planned, the mirror-like lake offers amazing sight to many birds’ species, including the Giant River Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) Easy chance to see Agami Heron, Zigzag Heron, Green Ibis, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Green and Rufous Kingfisher, Ivory-Billed Aracari, Curl-Crested Aracari, Hoazin, Gray-Necked Wood-Rail, Long-Tailed Tyrant, Black-Tailed Tityra, Masked Tityra, with good luck we can find the Anaconda (Eunectes marinus). During the afternoon birding activities will be on the other side of Rio Manu, on the Varzea Forest, Huicungo trail is great to find mixed flocks, Semicollared Puffbird, Great Jacamar, Screaming Piha, Cinereous Mourner, Short-Tailed Pygmy-Tyrant, Long–Crested Pygmy-Tyrant, Grayish Mourner, Brazilian Tinamou, Bare-Necked Fruitcrown, Spangled Cotinga White-Necked Thrush, Varzea Schiffornis, Thrush-Like Schiffornis, Wing-Barred Manakin, Blue-Crowned Manakin, Dwarf Tyrant-Manakin and other will surprise us. Night at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge. B: L: D
Highlights:
1. Cocha Salvador Oxbow Lake Observation: Spend the morning at Cocha, focusing on aquatic and semi-aquatic birds, enhancing your photography and observation skills with species like the Agami Heron and Kingfishers.
2. Varzea Forest Exploration: Engage in an afternoon hike on the Huicungo Trail, where you can identify and learn about various mixed-species flocks, focusing on vocalizations and behaviors of elusive species like the Semicollared Puffbird.
3. Nocturnal Birding: After dinner, participate in a guided night walk around the lodge to listen for and potentially spot nocturnal bird species
Day 9
Jaguar Ecolodge full day Birding
In the early morning, we will depart to visit the Macaw Clay Lick, located a half-hour walk from the lodge. There are strategic hides for observation, and in good weather, we may see Red-and-Green Macaws, Blue-and-Yellow Macaws, Scarlet Macaws, Blue-Headed Parrots, Orange-Cheeked Parrots, Cobalt-Winged Parakeets, Tui Parakeets, Rose-Fronted Parakeets, Amazonian Parrotlets, and the large Blue-Throated Piping Guan. Other species may include the Spix’s Guan, Ruddy Ground-Dove, and Gray-Fronted Dove. As the day warms, we will return to the lodge. After lunch, we will depart for the Pakitza Checkpoint, about an hour by boat. Here, we will explore extensive bamboo stands, providing opportunities to observe species we may have missed on previous days. Night at Jaguar Ecolodge. B: L: D
Highlights:
1. Macaw Clay Lick : Spend the morning at the Macaw Clay Lick, using hides to observe various macaw species and other parrots in their natural habitat.
2. Birding at Bamboo Forest : In the afternoon, explore the bamboo stands at Pakitza, focusing on identifying rare species like the White-Browed Antbird and various woodcreepers.
3. Twilight Birding: Enjoy an evening birding session around the lodge to spot nocturnal species, including owls and nightjars.
Day 10
Jaguar Ecolodge – Tambo Blanquillo
In the early morning, we will depart by boat from Jaguar Ecolodge to Tambo Blanquillo Lodge, a private reserve in the Manu Biosphere Reserve known for being the largest macaw clay lick in the Amazon. Given the early hour, there are excellent chances to encounter a Jaguar (Panthera onca), as well as capibaras, tapirs swimming across the Manu River and sloths in the riverside bushes, basking in the sunlight.
As the day warms, we will prepare for wildlife spotting from the boat. During the river journey, we will have the opportunity to observe typical riverside species such as the Pied Lapwing, Collared Plover, Roseate Spoonbill, King Vulture, Greater Yellow-Headed Vulture, Capped Heron, Fasciated Tiger-Heron, Horned Screamer, Orinoco Goose, and Large-billed and Yellow-billed Terns. We may also spot various macaws and parrots flying overhead, along with potential sightings of raptors like the Harpy Eagle. The river trip will be enjoyable as we transition from the expansive Rio Manu to Bajo Rio Madre de Dios, with its wide riverbanks leading into the Amazon basin. We will spend the night at Tambo Blanquillo Lodge. B.L.D.
Highlights:
1. Wildlife Spotting Along the River: Keep an eye out for exotic wildlife, including monkeys, caimans, and numerous bird species, while enjoying the scenic river views.
2. Evening Birdwatching: Participate in an evening birdwatching session near the lodge, where nocturnal species are active, include owls and nightjars.
Day 11
Tambo Blanquillo – Puerto Maldonado
In the early morning, we will visit the Macaw Clay Lick (known as Collpa) and observe the spectacle of hundreds of parrots and macaws from our comfortable blinds. Here, we may see the stunning Orange-cheeked Parrot, numerous Blue-headed Parrots, as well as Mealy and Yellow-crowned Parrots. Smaller visitors include White-eyed, Cobalt-winged, and Dusky-cheeked Parrotlets.
Then, our journey down the Madre de Dios River takes us through lush forests until we reach the town of Boca Colorado. After leaving the boat, we will take a one-hour drive by car to the Inambari River, where our bus will be waiting on the other bank. Birding along the way, we may spot Black-billed Seed-Finch, Chestnut-bellied Seedeater, Saffron Finch, Point-tailed Palmcreeper, and more. We will arrive in the city of Puerto Maldonado in the late afternoon and spend the night at a hotel.
Highlights:
1. Macaw Clay Lick :(known as Collpa) and observe the spectacle of hundreds of parrots and macaws from our comfortable blinds.
2. Birdwatching Along the Inambari River: While driving to the Inambari River, keep an eye out for diverse species, including various finches and the rare Point-tailed Palmcreeper.
Day 12
Puerto Maldonado – Return to Cusco or lima
We will begin with birding in the early morning around Puerto Maldonado and along the road to Cusco. During these few hours, we expect to encounter many new species, including seedeaters, Red-breasted Blackbird, and White-tailed Kite. Other species we will be on the lookout for include White-throated Jacamar, Black-banded Crake, Grassland Sparrow, Gray-breasted Crake, Black-faced Tanager, Barred Antshrike, Southern Crested Caracara, Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, Small-billed Tinamou, and Rusty-margined and Sulphury Flycatchers. The Point-tailed Palmcreeper is also common in this area.
As this is the final day of our tour, you can plan to travel to either Lima or Cusco by plane, depending on your travel schedule. Please note that flight tickets are not included, but we can assist in arranging them in advance.
B: L
Highlights:
1. Early Morning Birding Expedition:Engage in a focused birding session around Puerto Maldonado and along the road to Cusco, where you will have the opportunity to observe and identify a variety of species, including seedeaters, Red-breasted Blackbird, and White-tailed Kite.
2. Diverse Habitat Birding: Continue searching for a range of unique birds such as White-throated Jacamar, Black-banded Crake, and Southern Crested Caracara.
Tour Includes:
- Private Transportation
- Private boat
- Rubber boots
- Rain poncho
- Duffle bag for personal belongings
- All accommodations and Lodges
- Bird-Specialist guide from the jungle
- Professional cook
- Mineral water
- First aid kit including Antivenom for snake bites
- 3 meals per day included a vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian option
- Middmorning snack
- Entrance to Wayquecha Biological Station
- Entrance to Cock of the Rock Lodge
- Entrances to Cock of the Rock Lek
- Entrance to Bonanza Ecological Reserve
- Entrance fee to Manu National Park
- Entrance to Manu Wildlife Center
What you need to take:
- Good Birding- binocular (you can rent with us, we have bushnell 10 x 42)
- Camera with extra batteries, if you like taking pictures take telephoto lens of 400mm
- Flashlight/ torch with extra batteries
- Repellent with a minimum of 30-40% DEET
- Daypack
- Pocket money
- Water bottle
- Sun hat
- Sun lotion
- Sandals (Try to bring with straps)
- Long-sleeved T-shirt
- Cotton thick socks
- Dark color clothes
- Small Towel
- Toiled paper