Manu Reserve Zone and Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick to Cusco
9D/8N
- Departure
From Cusco returns to Cusco
- when
From March to December
- Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
- type
Group service Private Service
overview
This program is designed for naturalist Amazon explorers, featuring a comprehensive day-by-day itinerary to visit Manu National Park. The journey encompasses various ecological zones, including the mountainous regions, high Amazon jungle, and lowlands. Highlights include visits to Mammal Clay Lick and Macaw Clay Lick, trail explorations, and excursions to Cocha Salvador and Cocha Otorongo. Participants will enjoy three nights at Jaguar Ecolodge and will travel by bus from Cusco to Atalaya Port, followed by boat navigation through the turbulent Madre de Dios River, leading to the Manu River. The itinerary also includes a visit to the remote Pakitza checkpoint and Tambo Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick, concluding in Puerto Maldonado.
daily summary
Day 1
Cusco – Rainforest Lodge
Our adventure begins in the exciting Jungle of Manu ; we will pick you up around 4 :30AM from your hotels in Cusco in our private transport. The first part of our excursion will take us through the majestic Andean mountains and afterward, we will pass throught town of Huancarani them we travel to Paucartambo, a small traditional town which is know for its folklore. At midmorning, we will arrive at Acjanacu the entrance of Manu National Park here we will do a short hike exploring the Puna Grassland Paramo this place is considered as the continental divide there we might see the Andean Fox, Gray-tailed Deer and in a lucky day we might encounter the Andean Bear (Tremarctos ornatus) We will continue in our transport down throught Manu Road stopping at different ecosystems and ecological levels that contains waterfalls, open gaps, epiphytic forest and wonderfull views. Eventually we will come to the home of the exotic Peruvian National Bird, the “Andean Cock of the Rock” you will be amazed by the spectacle in the Lek, we do have changes to see Gray Woolly Monkey and many others exotic birds like Blue-banded Tucanet, Golden-headed Quetzal, Crested Quetzal. After that we continue driving to Rainforest Lodge where we will spend our first night. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlights:
1. Explore the Ecological levels at Manu Road (Enfinwood forest, Mountain Forest, Cloud Forest)
2. Visit the Andean Cock of the Rock LEK at Cloud Forest (Peruvian National Bird)
3. Bird Watching looking for Tanagers, toucans, barbets, hummingbirds, quetzals, trogons, motmots, woodpeckers and hawks and sightseeing, at the cloud forest where you can see beautiful landscape fog and mist natural scenary.
Day 2
Rainforest Lodge – Bonanza Ecological Reserve - Tapir Clay Lick
Very early in the morning we will depart to Atalaya port, on the way we will make a stop to sighting birds such Hummingbirds, Aracari Toucans, Amazonian Umbrella Bird. Later we will begin the boating part of our journey in river excursion on the Madre de Dios River a tributary of the famous Amazon River.We will make a stop at the natural hot springs to have bath and relax, travelling by boat exist chances to see the famous Capybaras (worl’s largest rodents), Red Howler Monkeys, Rosiate Spoonbills, river scavengers like King Vulture, Caracaras, river Owls etc. After midday we will arrive to Bonanza Lodge after enjoying a short break we will start trekking through the jungle to hear the natural sounds of animals and see Monkeys like Dusky-titi Monkey, Brown Cappuchins. We will spend the night at our Tapirs Clay Lick this Camouflage House is strategically located near to the Mammal’s Clay Lick where we will have the opportunity to see the Brazilian Tapir, Red Brocket Deer, and Porcupines during the night time. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlights:
1. Hummingbird garden, at this place we can see several hummingbird species like Rufous-crested Coquete, Buff-tailed sicklebill, White-necked Jacobin, Gould´s Jewelfront.
2. Natural Hot Spring, authentic hot pools surrounding by nature and mineral licking butterflies.
3. Tapir Clay Lick a blinded wooden platform in front of Mammals Clay Lick, big wildlife can be seen at night like Brazilian Tapirs, Red-brocket Deers, bicolored porcupine, bats.
Day 3
Bonanza Ecological Reserve – Jaguar Ecolodge (Reserve Zone)
In the early morning, we transition from the clean waters of the Madre de Dios River to the clay-laden Manu River, stopping briefly at the Limonal ranger station to present permits. We will navigate upstream by boat for five hours, particularly during the dry season when the river is abundant with nesting birds and feeding herons, egrets, Orinoco geese, terns, and skimmers. Beaches along the route may feature sunbathing White and Black caimans (Melanosuchus niger) and breeding Yellow-spotted River turtles (Podocnemis unifilis). Daytime roosts may include hundreds of Sand-colored Nightjars, with potential sightings of Jaguars (Panthera onca), the world’s third-largest cat. Various primate species, such as Red Howler monkeys, Squirrel monkeys, and Tamarins, may also be observed. The afternoon is allocated for exploring rainforest trails, and an optional night walk will be available to search for nocturnal wildlife. We will overnight at Jaguar Ecolodge, a new facility managed by Amazon Wildlife Peru, offering comfortable accommodations with fine furniture, spacious rooms, and mosquito-netted beds.Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlights:
2. Stunning boat ride along Madre de Dios River and Manu River, rivers dynamics, banks characteristics, colors show from the boat. Wildlife also is possible to enjoy like Caimans, turtles, monkeys species, birds species, capibaras.
2. Uncontacted tribes, Along the Madre de Dios River is possible to see uncontacted indigenous people, the Mashco Piro an Amazonian tribe.
3. Otorongo and Salvador oxbow lakes unique habitats for the endangered Giant Otters.
Day 4
Jaguar Ecolodge – Cocha Salvador
After breakfast, we will spend the morning at the lake of Cocha Salvador. We plan to paddle across the lake on a floating platform (catamaran) observing the animal life on the lake. We may encounter the Agami Heron (Agamia agami), Hoatzin, Osprey, Sungrebe, and there are also Spider monkey, Brown Capuchin monkeys, White-fronted Capuchin monkeys, who are usually feeding on fruits nearby and therefore are relatively easy to sight. A specially constructed platform that looks out to the lake, enable us to look for a family of Giant Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis the world’s largest freshwater carnivores) that lives here. This Otters are found in large families in Manu and each animal consumes between 4 and 5 kilos of fish per day. So with that in mind it’s most likely that they can be seen eating large fish on logs at the lakeside. After that we will continue exploring the forest where we may encounter troops of monkeys guide will explain about medicinal plants and about different ecosystems, lifestyles them we can enjoy the sunset night walks are available for herping activities. Night at Jaguar Ecolodge Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlights:
1. Macaw Clay Lick, at only 20 minutes walk from Jaguar Ecolodge, parrots, parakeets are starting the spectacle of the day, later scarlet – red and green macaws come to clay lick, however, depends on the weather condition.
2. The pristine primary forest at Manu NPat the trails systems is fascinating to learn about flora and fauna interactions.
3. Night Walks, there are many nights walks on this tour best time to see reptiles, amphibians, arthropods, arachnids, and many others nocturnal creatures.
Day 5
Jaguar Ecolodge – Cocha Otorongo
After breakfast we will be leaving from the lodge to explore for about 4 to 5 hours through the forest to Cocha Otorongo. We may be lucky enough encounter groups of monkey this is a particularily good trail for Woolly monkey, Black Spider monkey and Red Howler monkey. We’ll pay special attention to the plant life on this walk and take it slowly listening for the rustle of vegetation or the soft sound of fruits falling to the rainforest floor that may betray the presence of animals or large birds. 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 them nights walk is available for searching night frogs. We will spend the night at Jaguar Ecolodge. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlights:
1. Early morning boat ride to look for the elusive Jaguar, they tend to stay camouflage, other wildlife like capibaras, tapirs, sloths are active too.
2. Observations Towers, metal made towers reach the canopy level of the forest giving fantastic views of the evergreen forest and bird species to enjoy like toucans, oropendolas, woodpeckers, tanagers, etc, sunset too, all combine a great experience,
3. Night walks occur after dark, providing opportunities to observe owls, frogs, snakes(herping), and many other nocturnal creatures.
Day 6
Jaguar Ecolodge – Pakitza – Tambo Blanquillo
As early as possible, we will depart by boat to Pakitza Check Point, a beautiful attraction that is usually less visited by tourists. Along the way, we may encounter the Jaguar (Panthera onca), which is one of the main reasons for leaving early. Jaguars are often active in the early morning or at other times of the day, as their lives are closely tied to riversides, beaches, and open banks.
After that, we’ll continue on a long boat ride to Tambo Blanquillo, a private reserve. There are always great chances to see wildlife along the banks of the Manu River, including Black Caimans (Melanosuchus niger), Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), and Green Anacondas (Eunectes murinus). In Manu National Park, you might spot the Harpy Eagle, usually perched on tree branches or sometimes catching Red Howler monkeys. It’s important to stay alert and ready to spot wildlife; our guide will always be on the lookout and will point out animals for you. We suggest paying attention to your surroundings. In the afternoon, we will walk to Cocha Blanquillo, where the landscapes, wildlife, and sunset create a wonderful experience. We will overnight at Tambo Blanquillo. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlights:
1. Jaguar Spotting: Depart early to maximize chances of seeing Jaguars (Panthera onca) along the riverbanks.
2. Wildlife Observation: Boat Navigation the Manu River, looking for Black Caimans, Capybaras, and Green Anacondas.
3. Nature Walk: Hike to Cocha Blanquillo for stunning views, birdwatching, and a picturesque sunset.
Day 7
Tambo Blanquillo – Macaw Clay Lick – Bonanza Ecological Reserve
Very early in the morning, we will take a boat to the Macaw Clay Lick, a special location where flocks of parakeets, parrots, and the colorful, noisy macaws gather daily to consume the nutritious clay found on the riverbank. We will stay in a camouflaged hide, a paradise for bird lovers, where you will see and hear many species. However, this activity is highly dependent on weather conditions. Occasionally, raptors and small cats like ocelots may chase or scare the birds, which is part of the unique experience at the clay lick.
After this activity, we will travel upstream along the Alto Madre de Dios River to Bonanza Lodge. There, we will visit our metal bird-watching tower to observe macaws, toucans, and woodpeckers while enjoying the beautiful sunset. Optional night walks are available.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlights:
1. Tambo Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick: The Clay Lick provides a rare opportunity to observe a diverse range of bird species, including parakeets, parrots, and macaws, in their natural habitat.
2. Boat ride: this is a long boat ride upstream, that gives a great relax, and animals observations along the river sides.
Day 8
Bonanza Ecological Reserve – Rainforest Lodge
We leave to explore the forest very early in the morning on our way we will experience the amazing sounds of birds like toucans, Macaws, Motmots and different kind of Monkeys. Bonanza Ecological Reserve is located at 320 mts above sea level which contains different habitats from the floodedforest to terra firme forest this is a special place where the both animal and plant life are diverse. Afterwards we travel by boat upstream throught the Alto Madre de Dios river (4 hours) to Atalaya port, we will take our bus and drive to Rainforest Lodge where we will spend our last night. There is an optional night walk around the Lodge. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
1. Walk in the morning: Explore the surrounding trails with a knowledgeable guide, learning about the local flora and fauna and the ecological significance of the reserve.
2. Birdwatching at Bonanza: session at dawn, where you can see a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.
Day 9
Rainforest Lodge – Cusco
We will leave from Rainforest Lodge early in the morning by van and head to Cusco, passing through the Cloud Forest, where we can do wildlife spotting and arriving in Cusco at approximately 3:30PM. Breasfast, Lunch
1. Farewell Journey: On our final day, enjoy an early morning trip upstream through the stunning cloud forest, spotting wildlife along the way, before returning to Cusco by the afternoon with cherished memories of your Amazon adventure
Tour Includes:
- Private boat and bus
- Rubber boots, rain poncho and duffle bag for personal belongings
- Matrassess and Mosquitos nets in the Camouflage House
- All accommodations and Lodges
- Bilingual guide from the jungle
- Mineral water all the time
- First aid kit (include Antidote for snakes bites)
- 3 meals per day included vegan and vegetarian option
- Professional cook
- Midmorning snacks
- Entrance to Cock of the Rock (Lek)
- Entrance to the Hot Spring
- Entrance to Bonanza Ecological Reserve
- Entrance fee to Manu National Park
- Entrance to Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick
What you need to take:
- Lights sleeping bag or sheet
- Repellent with a minimum of 30% to 40% DEET
- Good Binocular 10 x 42 (you can rent with us good quality binoculars)
- Camera with extra batteries, if you like taking pictures take telephoto lens of 400 mm.
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Sun lotion
- Pocket money
- Daypack
- Water bottle
- Sun hat
- Sandals with strapp
- Swimming suit
- Extra toilet paper
- Shampoo and soap
- Small towel
- Thick socks
- Long-sleeved T-shirt
- Dark color clothes