Reserved Zone Manu National Park 6D/5N

Early in the morning, we start our 8-hour trip on a road that partly goes up to 4000 meters above sea level. On the way, we have a few stops, e.g. to see the pre-inka cemetery Ninamarca and the famous folkloric village of Paucartambo (2900 m above sea level). Then we continue to “Acjanaco “, the park’s entrance. From here we go downhill through the cloud forest, where we can see a spectacular vegetation (orchids, ferns, bromeliads, begonias etc.). Maybe we have the chance to see the first mammals, like e.g. woolly monkeys or capuchin monkeys. Furthermore, we will visit the “Cock of the rock “(rupícola peruviana), Peru’s national bird, to see it dancing its famous mating dance. On our further way we will see quetzals, tanagers, trogons, hummingbirds and other beautiful, colourful birds. We will take our breakfast, snacks and lunch on the road (included in the price). In the afternoon, we arrive at our Bamboo Lodge (700m above sea level), where we will have dinner and then spend the night in double rooms with private bath.

After an early breakfast we continue with our minibus: we pass the village of Pilcopata and cross the river of the same name to get to the small port of Atalaya (550 m). On the way we stop for some walks to observe birds and to visit the spectacular hummingbird sanctuary, where we can observe and photograph more than 18 species of hummingbirds and others colorfull bird species.

Before reaching Atalaya we enjoy a great view of the river basin from a lookout point. At the port we embark on a 5-hour journey in our motorized canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios River to reach the lowland rainforest. Today we enjoy the changing landscape passing by the Pantiacolla mountains and have the opportunity to see wildlife along the rocky banks of the river, such as Fasciated Tiger Herons, Kingfishers, Skimmers, Vultures, caimans and some of the 15 species of monkeys that live in Manu. In the afternoon we reach Hummingbird Lodge (or Pantiacolla Lodge), where we spend the night (double rooms). Evening night walk to see insects, frogs, snakes etc.

After breakfast we take our boat and drive towards the Manu National Park. We enter the Reserved Zone and continue our way for about 5- 6 hours on the Manu river until arriving at the Casa Machiguenga Lodge. During our boat trip we can see the impressive wildlife of this nature paradise with its primary forest. This area is home to a lot of biodiversity like e.g. birds, capybaras, monkeys, caimans and tapirs. With a little luck we can also see the biggest cat in South America: the jaguar. We spend our night at the Casa Machiguenga Lodge, which is situated in the heart of the Manu National Park.

This day is special because we will experience primary forest and we go for a day excursion to explore trails through virgin forest of the Reserved Zone of Manu Park. and visit the famous “Cocha Salvador “lake, home of the giant otters. These animals are an endangered species but can reproduce here because of the strict protection of their habitat. Other animals like monkeys, beautiful birds, black caimans etc. also live here and can benefit from this protection.

We discover the waters of “Cocha Salvador “by catamaran. Our guide explains the wildlife of this place to us. Then he leads us on small paths through primary forest, looking for animals and plants that are only found in this area. Afterwards we go back to Casa Machiguenga Lodge, where we spend our second night. Before sleeping, we go on a night walk.

Early in the morning we take our boat and let Casa Machiguenga Lodge behind us to turn towards our next stop: The Hummingbird Lodge. On our way along the Manu river we visit the little lake “Cocha Salvador “, where we climb an observation tower 18 m observation tower overlooking Cocha Otorongo – an ideal place to observe birds and enjoy the spectacular view. Thanks to its location we can see extraordinary wildlife all around the tower.

We continue our trip along the Manu river for about 4-5 hours. We drive out of the reserved zone and follow the “Alto Madre de Dios “river until arriving at Hummingbird Lodge (400m above sea level) where we spend our night. Our guide shows us the surrounding flora and fauna. Optional night walks after dinner.

Early in the morning after our breakfast we go to the river port of Boca Manu, where we will continue our return road trip, there we will board our transport, 4 x 4 van to make a 3-hour tour to the town of salvation and there we change vehicles and continue for 5 hours to Cusco in our comfortable minivan, on the way we continue to observe and photograph flora and fauna,