Unforgettable Manu: 5 days, 4 nights

Day 01.- Cusco out – Cloud Forest

We leave Cusco early in the morning in our specialized overland vehicles. At approximately mid-morning we visit the interesting tombs of Ninamarca, commonly known as “Chullpas”. We continue to Paucartambo, a picturesque Spanish colonial town, and then to the Acjanacu pass, which marks the beginning of the Cultural Zone of Manu Biosphere Reserve. There, a thick cloak of clouds provides perpetual humidity and makes an ideal habitat for epiphytic plants such as bromeliads. This varied and fascinating world is home of the Cock of the Rock, Spectacled Bear, Orchids, Tree Ferns (one of the oldest living plants), mosses and lichens. This cloud forest exists between 2,000 and 3,500masl. and at least 50% of the plant specimens found here are endemic to this region. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 02.- Cloud Forest – Atalaya 

Today we will wake up very early to observe the Cock-of-the-Rocks (Rupicola peruviana), Peru’s national bird from a platform. The male birds are a vibrant reddish orange, and as many as several dozen come together for an exhibition of a mating ritual dance in a place called Lek. The males display their crest, showing off and posturing for the females. The females, fewer in number, watch the show to select the most suitable males. After breakfast we continue in our overland transport down the narrow road between waterfalls and canyons toward the town of Pilcopata and then to Atalaya Port. There we will board our covered, outboard motor boat and head down the Alto Madre de Dios River for approximately 15 minutes toward the next lodge (a comfortable 12 room lodge) where we will hike through the interesting trail system that this transitional area between high and low jungle offers. Overnight in the lodge.

Day 03.- Logde – Alto Madre de Dios River

The Lodge is located in a transition zone between high and low jungle (600masl to 1,150masl, 1,200 to 3,450 feet) encompassing different habitats. This altitude range explains the high diversity of wildlife found around this lodge, so immediately after breakfast, we will start a short ride by boat for 5 minutes to visit a small lake near to the Alto Madre de Dios River. There we are going to have the chance to see the Hoatzin, a primitive bird, white caimans, many species of birds, insects, etc. then we will walk for 30 minutes. During the hike our guide will talk about insects, medicinal plants, trees, reptiles, mammals, etc. until we reach the Machuwasi Lagoon were we will install the telescope to observe the beautiful and interesting birds. Overnight in the Lodge.

Day 04.- Hiking – Exploring – Canopy Tour

We start in the very early morning and will make a short walk to appreciate some animals. After having breakfast, we will have time to make some activities together and also we will have some free time. Early in the evening we will dedicate our time to walk in search of wildlife, and will have the opportunity to make the Canopy Tour. It consists on having our guests traverse from tree to tree and platform to platform using pulleys on horizontal traverse cables zip lines, as they sail through the treetops of the tropical rainforest canopy, and over the trails far below. Expert guides assist you in this exciting journey through the different layers of the virgin rain forests and explain what’s going on around you from the time you leave the ground until you rappel back down to the forest floor. Short walk around the lodge. Overnight.

Day 05.- Atalaya – Cusco 

After having breakfast, we will board our boat to sail for 10 minutes to go to the Collpa, an argillaceous wall in one side of the river where the different specimens of parrots like the dark-brown blue, parrot white eye head and the Macaw Maracano, among others, go there each morning to extract and to lick clay pieces that contain necessary minerals for their dietetic balance. When finalizing this daily activity, we will continue in the boat towards the Port of Atalaya, where the bus is waiting to take us back to the city of Cusco, arriving at this city at night.

The tour includes:

• Terrestrial Transportation (Overland and four-wheel cars)
• Fluvial Transportation (Motorized and covered boats)
• 01 nights accommodation in tambo san pedro
• 03 nights accommodation in lodge
• All meals (Vegetarian option available)
• Radio communication equipment in all lodges and campsites
• Satellite telephone for emergencies
• First Aid Kit
• Professional Guidance (Spanish – English)
• Personalized Attention

Suggestions:
Bring with you the following items:

• Sleeping bag
• Binoculars, Camera and film ASA 200 and 400 for the inner forest
• Warm clothing (in case of a cold front), long sleeve shirts and long pants (cotton)
• 100% waterproof rain gear (long poncho or rain wear)
• Insect repellant (at least 50% Deet), sunscreen lotion
• One pair of lightweight ankle height boots and sandals
• Flashlight, enough batteries (alkaline) and bulbs
• Wide brim hat (for sunny days), sun glasses
• Towel, swimming suit, personal medicines and/or supplies (liquid for contact lenses, for example)
• Day pack, and one back pack or duffel bag of luggage per person
• One bottle of water for the first day, plastic bags

Reservation