Manu Reserved Zone / Macaw Clay Lick & Tapir Clay 7D/6N

Early in the morning, we begin our scenic 8-hour journey from Cusco to Manu National Park, traveling along a spectacular mountain road that reaches 4,000 meters above sea level. Along the way, we make several cultural and nature stops, including a visit to the pre-Inca cemetery of Ninamarca and the colorful folkloric town of Paucartambo (2,900 m), known for its traditions and colonial charm.

Continuing toward Acjanaco Pass, the official entrance to Manu National Park, we begin our descent into the cloud forest, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in Peru. Here, the landscape changes dramatically as lush vegetation appears, including orchids, ferns, bromeliads, begonias, and towering trees covered in moss.

This area offers our first opportunities for wildlife observation, with chances to spot mammals such as woolly monkeys and capuchin monkeys. We also visit the famous Cock of the Rock lek, where Peru’s national bird performs its spectacular mating dance, a true highlight of the day.

As we continue through the cloud forest, we search for quetzals, tanagers, trogons, hummingbirds, and many other colorful bird species that make this region a paradise for birdwatchers.

Breakfast, snacks, and lunch are included and enjoyed along the route. In the late afternoon, we arrive at Bamboo Lodge (700 m above sea level), where we settle into comfortable double rooms with private bathrooms, enjoy dinner, and spend our first night surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest.

Early in the morning, after a hearty breakfast, we continue our journey toward the lowland Amazon rainforest, driving to Atalaya (500 m above sea level). Along the way, we make several stops for short walks to observe birds and to visit a spectacular hummingbird sanctuary, where we can observe and photograph more than 15 species of hummingbirds, as well as many other colorful bird species typical of the cloud forest transition zone.

Upon reaching Atalaya, we embark on a 6–7 hour boat journey along the Madre de Dios River, traveling deeper into the Amazon basin. This scenic river trip offers excellent opportunities to spot wildlife along the riverbanks while enjoying the changing landscape of primary rainforest.

In the afternoon, we arrive at Maquisapayoc Lodge, located within the Maquisapayoc Reserve, an area well known for its rich biodiversity and outstanding birdlife. This region is considered an excellent birdwatching destination in Manu, home to numerous species, including the rare Emperor Tamarin and Goeldi’s Monkey, which can sometimes be observed near the lodge.

Later in the afternoon, we walk to a mammal clay lick, an important natural site visited by wildlife such as tapirs, deer, monkeys, and other mammals seeking essential minerals. As night falls, we return to the lodge for dinner and then head out on a guided night walk, searching for insects, frogs, snakes, and other nocturnal creatures of the rainforest.

We spend the night at Maquisapayoc Lodge, in comfortable double rooms with private bathrooms. For those interested in a deeper wildlife experience, there is an optional overnight stay on a platform near the clay lick, offering a unique opportunity to observe nocturnal mammals in complete silence.

Very early in the morning, we board our boat to visit the impressive Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick, one of the most active clay licks in the Manu region. From a specially designed observation platform, we enjoy an excellent vantage point to watch large flocks of scarlet macaws (Ara macao), red-and-green macaws (Ara chloropterus), as well as parrots and parakeets, gathering to feed on the mineral-rich clay, which is essential for their digestion and overall health.

Using a spotting scope, we are able to observe the birds in great detail while learning about their behavior and the ecological importance of clay licks. Breakfast is served at the observation blind, allowing us to fully enjoy this extraordinary natural spectacle in complete silence.

After the macaw activity, we continue our journey upstream toward Boca Manu, gradually entering the Manu River basin, an area known for its exceptional wildlife concentration. We spend the night at Hummingbird Lodge, strategically located close to the river, which allows us to be deep in the Manu River watershed early the next morning. This privileged location significantly increases our chances of observing a greater variety of wildlife, including mammals and birds active during the early hours.

In the afternoon, we take a guided forest walk around the lodge to explore the surrounding rainforest and search for additional wildlife. Overnight at Hummingbird Lodge, in comfortable rooms surrounded by pristine Amazon forest.

After breakfast, we continue our journey by boat toward the heart of Manu National Park. As we travel deeper into the Amazon, we officially enter the Manu Reserved Zone, one of the most strictly protected rainforest areas in Peru and one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.

Our 6–7 hour boat journey along the Manu River takes us through extensive stretches of primary rainforest, offering outstanding opportunities for wildlife observation along the riverbanks and forest edges. This pristine ecosystem is home to an extraordinary variety of species, including capybaras, several monkey species, tapirs, caimans, and countless birds.

With patience and a bit of luck, there is even the possibility of spotting the jaguar, the largest wild cat in South America, which occasionally patrols the riverbanks of the Manu River during the daytime.

In the late afternoon, we arrive at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge, an eco-lodge located deep inside Manu National Park and managed in collaboration with the local Matsiguenka community. The lodge’s unique location allows us to stay within the protected core of the park, surrounded by untouched rainforest and rich wildlife.

We spend the night at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge, enjoying the sounds of the jungle and the exceptional atmosphere of one of the most remote lodges in the Peruvian Amazon.

This day represents the true essence of Manu National Park and is often considered the highlight of the entire journey. We explore one of the most pristine areas of primary rainforest and visit the legendary Cocha Salvador, a remote oxbow lake famous for its population of giant river otters, one of the most endangered mammals in the Amazon.

Thanks to the strict protection of the Manu Reserved Zone, giant otters are able to reproduce successfully in this untouched habitat. The lake and surrounding forest are also home to a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including several monkey species, black caimans, hoatzins, and a wide variety of colorful birds that thrive in this well-preserved ecosystem.

We quietly explore Cocha Salvador by catamaran, allowing us to observe wildlife without disturbing the environment. Our guide provides detailed explanations about the behavior of giant otters and the ecological importance of oxbow lakes within the Amazon rainforest.

After our lake excursion, we walk along narrow trails through primary forest, searching for animal tracks, endemic plants, and species that are found only in this part of Manu National Park. This immersive experience offers a deep understanding of the rainforest’s complexity and exceptional biodiversity.

In the afternoon, we return to Casa Matsiguenka Lodge, where we spend our second night in the heart of the park. After dinner, we head out on a guided night walk, discovering the fascinating nocturnal life of the rainforest.

We start early in the morning to continue our boat journey down the Manu River, traveling for approximately 4 hours through one of the best sections of the park for wildlife observation. Early morning and late afternoon are the most active times for animals along the riverbanks, offering excellent chances to see caimans, capybaras, several monkey species, and— with some luck— the elusive jaguar.

Along the way, we stop at Boca Manu, the main settlement in the region, located at the confluence of the sediment-rich Manu River and the wider Madre de Dios River. This brief stop provides insight into life in one of the most remote parts of the Peruvian Amazon.

We then navigate upstream along the Madre de Dios River for about 3 hours until reaching Pantiacolla Lodge, situated in the upper rainforest, a unique transition zone between the Andes and the Amazon lowlands. This region is known for its exceptional biodiversity, combining species from both ecosystems.

During the afternoon, we visit the Otorongo Observation Tower, which offers panoramic views over an oxbow lake and surrounding forest— an excellent vantage point for observing birds, monkeys, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

In the evening, we explore the forest trails around the lodge, with the option of a guided night walk to discover nocturnal wildlife. We spend the night at Pantiacolla Lodge, in comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest.

After breakfast, we begin our return journey, traveling upstream by boat for approximately 2 hours along the Alto Madre de Dios River until reaching Atalaya, where our private ground transport awaits us.

From Atalaya, we continue by road, ascending gradually through the cloud forest, making several stops along the way to observe the rich flora and fauna of this unique ecosystem one last time. This transitional zone between the Amazon and the Andes offers excellent opportunities to appreciate the diversity of landscapes and vegetation that make Manu National Park so exceptional.

During the journey, we enjoy our final lunch together, reflecting on the experiences and wildlife encounters of the past days while surrounded by the lush scenery of the Manu region.

In the afternoon, we continue our ascent back into the Andes, returning to Cusco after an unforgettable Amazon adventure. Upon arrival, we transfer you directly to your hotel, marking the end of your 7-day / 6-night Manu National Park tour, designed for travelers seeking an authentic and well-paced experience of one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.