We will start our tour to Manu early in the morning from Cusco. Our route will pass through the colonial town of Paucartambo. We will cross the Andean highlands and reach the cloud forests. The journey will offer chances to spot colorful birds and rare animals.
We will descend to the lush edge of the Amazon basin and stay at Bambu Lodge. This area belongs to the cultural zone of Manu National Park. We will walk along forest trails with our expert tour guide. At night, we will enjoy a peaceful rest surrounded by jungle sounds.
The next day, we will travel to Atalaya Port and sail along the Madre de Dios River. We will ride a motorized canoe deep into the rainforest. Our journey continues to Soga de Oro Lodge in the reserved zone. Along the way, we may see monkeys, caimans, and countless birds.
We will explore dense jungle trails and learn about exotic plants and animals. Our guide will explain the park’s role as a biosphere reserve. This amazon tour may show us capybaras, giant otters, and vibrant butterflies. We will have a great time discovering the Peruvian Amazon.
On the third day, we will return from Soga de Oro Lodge to Atalaya Port. From there, we will drive back to Cusco City. The route offers more chances to spot wildlife and breathtaking views. This tour to Manu will remain a great experience for nature lovers.
We will visit one of the richest ecosystems on Earth with Machu Picchu Eco Travel. Every moment in the Amazon rainforest could surprise us. This tour will let us witness the true beauty of the Manu jungle. Prepare for an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
05:30
We will begin our Manu National Park Peru Tour at 5:30 AM from Cusco. Our guide will pick us up at the hotel. The day’s route will cross stunning Andean scenery and descend into the Amazon basin.
We will stop in Ninamarca, home to ancient Pre-Inca tombs from the Lupaca people. Our guide will explain the significance of these funeral structures. Next, we’ll head to the colonial town of Paucartambo, located at 2,800 meters sea level.
Paucartambo holds cultural charm and traditional Andean architecture. Locals still speak Quechua and maintain their ancient customs. We’ll explore its cobbled streets and picturesque church before continuing uphill.
The drive continues to Acjanaco Pass at 11,646 feet (3,550 meters). This is the gateway to Manu National Park’s cultural zone. We will reach the viewpoint at Tres Cruces, sitting 3,700 meters above sea level.
This viewpoint offers a vast view over the Amazon basin below. Later, we descend into the lush cloud forest filled with orchids and ferns. We will enjoy lunch surrounded by plants and birds like quetzals, trogons, and hummingbirds.
In the afternoon, we may see the Andean Cock of the Rock in its mating ritual. This bright red bird is Peru’s national symbol. Our descent will lead us to Pilcopata, where Bambu Lodge welcomes us.
Here, we’ll have dinner and rest in the warm jungle climate. This lodge sits at 700 meters above sea level, perfect for our first jungle night.
We will begin early with a traditional jungle breakfast at Bambu Lodge. Then, we’ll drive to Atalaya Port, located 500 meters above sea level. This small river dock marks our entry to the heart of the Amazon basin.
We will board a motor canoe and travel the Madre de Dios River. The journey offers panoramic views and chances to see animals and plants. The river’s edge teems with herons, kingfishers, monkeys, and butterflies.
Our guide may point out capybaras and howler monkeys along the banks. After a scenic ride, we’ll arrive at Soga de Oro Lodge at 150 meters. We will enjoy lunch in this peaceful jungle retreat.
In the afternoon, we will hike forest trails near the lodge. Our guide will teach us about medicinal plants, including powerful vines and roots. We’ll explore the ecological role of these species in the Amazon.
Later, we visit Machu Wasi Lake and explore it by wooden raft. This lake houses hoatzins, caimans, and exotic reptiles. With luck, we may spot sloths or river otters.
If we feel adventurous, zip-lining will be available as an optional activity. It offers a thrilling view from the treetops. After dinner, a night walk reveals insects, frogs, and nocturnal creatures.
We will then rest at Soga de Oro Lodge, ready for the final day.
We will start early to visit the Amazon’s famous parrot clay lick. This natural wall is rich in minerals and essential salts. It attracts dozens of parrots and macaws each morning.
We may see over 100 birds feeding on the clay. Our guide will explain how the minerals help them digest toxins. It is one of the most colorful wildlife spectacles of the Amazon rainforest.
After this, we’ll return to the lodge for breakfast and pack up. A final boat ride takes us back along the Madre de Dios River. At Atalaya Port, our driver will meet us for the return trip to Cusco.
We will ascend through cloud forest and Andean valleys once more. Scenic views will accompany our journey back to the city. We’ll arrive in Cusco around 5:30 PM, ending our three days tour.
These last hours offer time to reflect on the amazing plants and animals we saw. This tour to Manu gives us a deep connection with the Peruvian Amazon.
Unforgettable Wildlife Adventure!
This tour exceeded all our expectations. From the vibrant cloud forest to the deep jungle trails, every moment felt like a discovery. We saw howler monkeys, colorful toucans, and even a family of capybaras! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the park. The lodges were basic but clean and cozy. Highly recommended if you love nature!