Manu Expedition
5D/4N
- Departure
From Cusco returns to Cusco
- when
From March to December
- Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
- type
Group service Private service
overview
This adventure invites you to explore one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, where lush rainforests teem with unique wildlife and vibrant ecosystems. This is a expedition program to Manu Biosphere Reserve, exploring different altitudinal layers like the elfinwood Forest, Mountain Forest, Cloud Forest, high amazon jungle, and the lowland at Bonanza reserve you can visit mammals claylick, observation towers, trails, each day promises new discoveries and unforgettable moments as you navigate the pristine rivers and trails of Manu. Join us for an extraordinary experience that connects you with nature and the incredible beauty of the Amazon.
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:
- Explore the Ecological levels at Manu Road (Enfinwood forest, Mountain Forest, Cloud Forest)
- Visit the Andean Cock of the Rock LEK at Cloud Forest (Peruvian National Bird)
- 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
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 a 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. During the afternoon we will visit our metal made 20 meters high bird watching tower. From there we will have an unique view of the evergreen forest, enjoying the flights of Macaws and many other colorful birds, the sunset, later at night we will spot some caimans and there is also optional night walk (herping activities). 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
Expedition in Bonanza Ecological Reserve – Camouflaged House
Very early in the morning, we will leave for a hike through the lush jungle exploring different trail systems in order to encounter terrestrial mammals and arboreal animals including Southern Tamandua, lucky we might find Giant Anteater, this animals forage in varzea forest searching for large colonies of leaf Cutter Ants (Atta) and Monkeys like Red Howlers feeding on fig leaves, we will be returnning to our lodge for lunch. 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:
- Bonanza Ecological Reserve a lush rainforest, explore vast jungle and the wildlife.
- Our Birdwatching tower, of 20 meters high, best place to see several bird species, and monkeys.
- 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 4
Camouflaged House – Rainforest Lodge
Early in the morning, we came back from the Camouflage House to Bonanza Lodge on our way we will experience the amazing sounds of birds like Tucans, 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 (4 hours) them we will make a stop to visit swampy wetland area, where we have the opportunity to see Capybaras, Caimans, Hoatzin and many river birds. After arriving at 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. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlights:
- An amazing experience at the Mammals Clay Lick, Brazilian Tapir (Tapirus terrestris) often reported at night to the salt lick.
- The pristine primary forest at the trails systems is fascinating to learn about flora and fauna interactions.
- Night search, there are many nights walks on this tour best time to see reptiles, amphibians, arthropods, arachnids, and many others nocturnal creatures.
Day 5
Rainforest Lodge – Cusco
The fifth day 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. Breakfast, Lunch
Tour Includes:
- Private bus and boat
- Rubber boots
- Rain poncho
- Duffle bag for personal belongings
- Matrassess and Mosquitos nets for the Camouflage House
- Accommodations and lodges
- One night in our Camouflage House
- Bilingual native guide
- Mineral water
- First aid kit (including Antidote for snake bites)
- 3 meals per day including a vegan and vegetarian option
- Midmorning snacks
- Professional Cook
- Entrance to Cock of the Rock (Lek)
- Entrance to the natural Hot Springs
- Entrance to Mammals Clay Lick
- Entrance to Bonanza Ecological Reserve
- Entrance to Machuwasi Oxbow Lake
What you need to take:
- Light sleeping bag or blanket
- Insect Repellent with a minimum of 30% – 40% DEET
- Good binoculars 10 x 42 (you can rent with us good quality binoculars)
- Camera with extra batteries, if you like taking pictures bring telephoto lens of 400mm.
- Flashlight/torch with extra batteries
- Sun lotion
- Pocket money
- Daypack
- Water bottle
- Sun hat
- Sandals with strapp
- Swimming suit and small towel
- Extra toilet paper, shampoo and soap
- Thick socks
- Long-sleeved T-shirt
- Dark colored clothes