Manu National Park in Peru, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Madre de Dios region, spans 1.7 million hectares from the Amazon to the Andes. It's divided into Special Use (for research), Reserved (strictly protected), and Cultural Zones (indigenous communities). The park, renowned for its biodiversity, hosts over 800 bird species, 200 mammals, and diverse flora. It features landscapes from rainforests to mountains and the Manu Canyon. Access is regulated for conservation, making it a vital ecological and touristic site.
The reference place is Cusco Main Square.
Our journey starts in Cusco, boarding a private bus and first visiting the ancient Ninamarca burial towers.
Next, we wind through the mountains to reach Paucartambo, a town rich in folklore and tradition.
After a brief stroll there, we head to Tres Cruces, the highest peak and the gateway to Manu National Park. Entering the Cloud Forest, our path leads us to San Pedro, where a one-hour hike offers glimpses of Peru's national bird, the Cock of the Rock, alongside various monkeys, plants, and flowers.
The day ends as we arrive at Pilcopata, settling in for the night at a cozy local lodge.
Post-breakfast, we'll travel by private bus to Atalaya, pausing en route to marvel at a cocoa plantation and a viewpoint offering expansive jungle and river vistas. In Atalaya, we embark to Aguas Calientes, where the natural hot springs invite a relaxing bath.
Our voyage continues to Bonanza Reserve Ecological, featuring camping platforms, where we'll arrive by mid-afternoon. As evening approaches, we'll explore the jungle.
Post-dinner, our adventure extends into a nocturnal jungle walk, seeking out spiders and snakes.
The day concludes comfortably at our lodge in Bonanza.
Post-breakfast, we set off downstream on the Alto Madre de Dios River towards the Diamante native community, where we'll learn about their customs and lifestyle.
Next, we stop at Boca Manu Village for some refreshments and relaxation, then enter the Manu Biosphere Reserve via the Manu River
Our journey includes a checkpoint at Puesto de vigilancia Limonal, followed by a scenic boat ride to Casa Matchiguenca Lodge. En route, we're likely to spot diverse wildlife such as capybaras, peccaries, monkeys, colorful birds, and possibly caimans or even jaguars.
By late afternoon, we arrive at Casa Machiguenga Lodge, a rustic yet cozy accommodation managed by the indigenous Matchiguenka, the original stewards of Manu’s wilderness. An optional night walk is available. Casa Matsiguenka, built with traditional techniques, offers 12 twin rooms with mosquito nets and fully screened windows. It features a private trail system, Matsiguenka guides for excursions, an interpretation center, and locally crafted souvenirs, providing an immersive experience in the Manu National Park's jungle.
Today, our exploration of the jungle is extensive, offering opportunities to see a diverse array of wildlife including tapirs, collared peccaries, monkeys, coatis, and various birds like eagles, parrots, and toucans. Amidst this, we'll also encounter medicinal plants, exotic flowers, and the towering trees of the jungle. Lunch will be enjoyed in this natural setting. Post-lunch, we'll visit the stunning Salvador Lake and Otorongo Lake. Here, taking in sights of the wildlife inhabiting these waters, including White and Black Caimans, and the renowned Giant Otter. The day's adventure concludes with a return to Casa Matchiguenca Lodge, where we'll rest for the night.
Departing Casa Machigenga Lodge post-breakfast, we resume our river journey downstream towards Boca Manu. On this leg, if luck favors us, we might spot the elusive Jaguar along the riverbanks. Our voyage includes a stop at the Native Community of Isla de los Valles, where we'll immerse ourselves in their culture and lifestyle. For those interested in local crafts, there's an opportunity to purchase handicrafts directly from the community. In the afternoon, we're off to a nearby lake for an exciting piranha fishing experience. Following this, we'll navigate upstream on the Alto Madre de Dios River to our Harpy Lodge. The evening promises a relaxing time with a bonfire, drinks, and a BBQ, creating a perfect end to an adventurous day.
As the dawn gently wakes us, we begin our farewell to the Amazon. After packing our bags and enjoying breakfast, we headed towards the port of Atalaya.
There, our bus will be ready to take us on the journey back to the city of Cusco, bringing our Amazonian adventure to a close.
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This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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