Short Programs

Explore Manu Cultural Zone 4 Days 3 Nights

Fixed departures please see on the right

Price per Person:

• 495 US $ ( min. 2 Pers.) , in and out by bus

Map of Manu

Cock of the Rock (Foto: B. Szonn)

DAY 1: CUSCO TO MANU CLOUDFOREST OR PILCOPATA : We take an 10 hour private bus trip from the city of Cusco ascending to the high mountain area at 4000 m (13,000 feet). After a short stop in Ninamarca, to see the pre-Inca cemetery, and Paucartambo village, we descend the eastern slopes of the Andes through cloud forest with lush vegetation (ferns, orchids, bromeliads etc.) to the lowland rainforest on the Madre de Dios River. You will enjoy spectacular views of the Andes and may see wildlife such as our national bird, the Cock of the Rocks (Rupicola peruviana) inside a hiding place next to the lek, brilliantly coloured Tanagers and Hummingbirds and with some luck the first monkeys, as e.g. the Wooly Monkey. We spend the night in a lodge in San Pedro cloudforest (1500 m) or in Pilcopata ( 600 m).

Rio de Oro Lodge

DAY 2: SAN PEDRO OR PILCOPATA TO RIO DE ORO LODGE : After breakfast we walk along the road increasing with our list of flora and fauna. We continue 1 hour by bus to Atalaya, at 500 m. Here we embark on a half hour journey in a 15-meter motorized canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios River. We have the opportunity to see wildlife along the rocky banks of the river, such as Fasciated Tiger Herons, Purplish Jays, Skimmers, Vultures and some of the 13 species of monkeys that live in Manu. In the afternoon we walk on the trails around the lodge and visit Machuwasi lake. Optional night walk to see caimans at the river. We spend the night at Rio de Oro Lodge.

Rio de Oro Lodge

DAY 3: EXPLORING AROUND RIO DE ORO LODGE : Very early in the morning we travel by boat to see the parrot clay lick. This is a special place where parrots, parakeets and small macaws (Chestnut fronted Macaw and the rare Blue headed Macaw) go to eat minerals which help them with digestion. After the natural show we walk on the trails and climb up to a lookout from where we have a view over the Alto Madre de Dios River. We can go fishing or have a bath in the river. The night is spent at the lodge. Optional night walk (to see insects, frogs, snakes etc.).

DAY 4: RIO DE ORO LODGE TO CUSCO : After breakfast we take the boat back to Atalaya where our bus is waiting and start the return trip to Cusco. We arrive around 6 pm, transfer to your hotel.

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

• Professional naturalist guide with telescope, birding guide on request
• Private bus and boat transport
• Entrance fees to the Cock of the Rock observatory and Machuwasi lake Cook
• all food (vegetarian on request) and drinking water
• Lodge accomodation
• First Aid Kit, extractor (for poison)

Not included:

• binocular
• alcoholic drinks

 

EXPLORE MANU CULTURAL ZONE
3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS

Price per Person:

• 430 US $ ( min. 2 Pers.) , in and out by bus

DAY 1: CUSCO TO MANU CLOUDFOREST OR RIO DE ORO LODGE: We take an 10 hour private bus trip from the city of Cusco ascending to the high mountain area at 4000 m (13,000 feet). After a short stop in Ninamarca, to see the pre-Inca cemetery, and Paucartambo village, we descend the eastern slopes of the Andes through cloud forest with lush vegetation (ferns, orchids, bromeliads etc.) to the lowland rainforest on the Madre de Dios River. You will enjoy spectacular views of the Andes and may see wildlife such as our national bird, the Cock of the Rocks (Rupicola peruviana) inside a hiding place next to the lek. We can also observe brilliantly coloured Tanagers and Hummingbirds and with some luck the first monkeys, as e.g. the Wooly Monkey. We continue 1 hour by bus until Atalaya, at 500 m, from where we embark on a half hour journey in a 15-meter motorized canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios River to our Rio de Oro Lodge. Optional night walk (to see insects, frogs and snakes).

DAY 2: PARROT CLAY LICK AND MACHUWASI LAKE - BAMBOO LODGE : Very early in the morning we travel downriver by boat to visit the parrot clay lick. This is a special place where parrots, parakeets and small macaws (Chestnut fronted Macaw and the rare Blue headed Macaw) go to eat minerals which help them with digestion. After the show we return to the lodge for breakfast. Later we explore the trails near the lodge to look for birds, insects and monkeys. In the afternoon we cross over to the other side of the river and explore some of the trails and visit Machuwasi lake. On the lake there is a wooden raft to explore the lake and to look for birds. We take the boat back to Atalaya where our minibus is waiting. We spend the night at Bamboo Lodge.

DAY 3: BAMBOO LODGE TO CUSCO : We start early to drive to San Pedro; from an elevated platform we have one more chance to observe the dance of the Cock of the Rocks. After breakfast we continue through the cloud forest, with some stops and opportunities to see birds and monkeys. Then we travel up to the Andes again, arriving in Cusco at around 5pm. Transfer to your hotel.

 

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

• Professional naturalist guide with telescope, birding guide on request
• Private bus and boat transport
• Entrance fees to the Cock of the Rock observatory and Machuwasi lake
• Cook
• all food (vegetarian on request) and drinking water
• Lodge accommodation (DWB)
• First Aid Kit, extractor (for poison)

NOT INCLUDED:

• binocular
• alcoholic drinks

EXPLORE THE MANU BIOSPHERE RESERVE
5 Days with bus return via Colorado

Price per person :

• 1220 US$ (min. 3 persons),
• optional: Macaw Clay Lick (+ 70 US $)

DAY 1: CUSCO TO THE CLOUD FOREST OR RIO DE ORO LODGE : We take an 12 hour bus trip (with stops) from Cusco ascending to the high mountain area at 4000 m (13,000 feet). After a short stop in Ninamarca, to see the pre-Inca cemetery, and Paucartambo village, we descend the eastern slopes of the Andes through cloud forest with lush vegetation (ferns, orchids, bromeliads etc.) to the lowland rainforest on the Madre de Dios River. You will enjoy spectacular views of the Andes and can see wildlife such as our national bird, the Cock of the Rocks (Rupicola peruviana) inside a hiding place next to the lek, brilliantly coloured Tanagers, Quetzals and Hummingbirds and possibly the first monkeys, e.g. the Woolly Monkey. In the afternoon we arrive to Atalaya (500m), from here it is only 15 minutes by boat to our Rio de Oro Lodge (double rooms). Optional night walk.

It is possible to spend the first night in a Lodge in the cloud forest.

DAY 2: RIO DE ORO TO MAQUISAPAYOJ LODGE : Early start to visit the small parrot clay lick 10 minutes downstream. After observing parrots, parakeets and small macaws (Chestnut fronted Macaw and the rare Blue headed Macaw) we have breakfast and continue for an 7 to 8 hour journey in a 15-meter motorized canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios River. Today we enjoy the changing landscape and have the opportunity to see wildlife along the rocky banks of the river, such as Fasciated Tiger Herons, Purplish Jays, Skimmers, Vultures, caimans and some of the 13 species of monkeys that live in Manu. In the afternoon we arrive to Maquisapayoj Lodge (place of the Black Spider Monkey). The night is spent in rooms with private bath in Maquisapayoj. Optional night walk (to see insects, frogs, snakes etc.) or night on the platform at the Mammal Salt Lick.

DAY 3: MACAW CLAY LICK AND CAMUNGO LAKE & TOWER : Early in the morning we take the boat to the big Macaw Clay Lick in Blanquillo. From the blind we can observe flocks of macaws (Ara chloroptera, - macao), parrots and parakeets congregating to eat the clay, which is essential for their digestion. Breakfast at the blind. Later we explore some of the trails in Blanquillo to see more species of monkeys and birds. After lunch we visit Camungo oxbow lake: we take a wooden catamaran to observe Giant River Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) and different varieties of birds. Nearby we have the opportunity to climb a 42 m tower to get a great canopy view and observe birds, e.g. toucans. In the afternoon we walk back to the river and we travel upriver for one hour to return to Maquisapayoj. From the river we walk about 1 ½ hours through primary rainforest to the Mammal Salt Lick, where we spend the night on an elevated platform (with mats and mosquito nets) to observe tapirs or other mammals during the night. If you prefer you can spend the night in double rooms at the Lodge close to the river.

DAY 4: EXPLORING MAQUISAPAYOJ : We have breakfast at the lodge. Later we explore other trails around Maquisapayoj looking for Black Spider and Red Howler Monkeys, White and Brown Capuchin, Emperor and Saddle backed Tamarin, Monk Saki monkey, Pavonine Quetzal, Manakins and other birds. The guide will also explain about some plants, ants etc.

We can go fishing in the afternoon. The night is spent at Maquisapayoj, either on the tapir platform again or at the Lodge.

DAY 5: BLANCO LAKE (BLANQUILLO) AND TRAVELLING TO COLORADO: At dawn we return to the lodge to have breakfast. Afterwards we travel downriver for about 40 minutes to visit ´Cocha Blanco` (Blanco lake). We take a wooden catamaran to explore the oxbow-lake and look for the family of Giant River Otters that lives here. We enjoy the beautiful setting at the lake and can also see monkeys (e.g. Red Howler Monkey), caimans and different varieties of birds. Afterwards we take the boat from Blanquillo to Colorado (2 hours 15 min.), from where we take a car to Puerto Carlos (1 hour). We cross Rio Inambari (20 min.) and from there (Santa Rosa) we continue with our private van to get back to Cusco, arrival around 9 pm.

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

• Professional naturalist guide with telescope, birding guide on request
• Private bus and boat transport & taxi to Sta. Rosa
• Entrance fees to Tapir lick and Blanco & Camungo lakes
• Cook
• All food (vegetarian on request) and drinking water
• Lodge accommodation and night on tapir platform
• First Aid Kit, extractor (for poison)
• Radio communication

NOT INCLUDED:

• entrance fee to Macaw clay lick ( +70 US$ p.p.)
• Binocular
• Alcoholic drinks etc.

 

Program with flight - to Cusco or Lima

EXPLORE THE MANU BIOSPHERE RESERVE
6 Days with Flight out from Maldonado

Price per person

• 1580 US$ (min. 2 persons), includes return flight to Cusco
• optional: Macaw Clay Lick (+ 70 US $)

DAY 1: CUSCO TO THE CLOUD FOREST OR RIO DE ORO LODGE : We take an 12 hour bus trip (with stops) from Cusco ascending to the high mountain area at 4000 m (13,000 feet). After a short stop in Ninamarca, to see the pre-Inca cemetery, and Paucartambo village, we descend the eastern slopes of the Andes through cloud forest with lush vegetation (ferns, orchids, bromeliads etc.) to the lowland rainforest on the Madre de Dios River. You will enjoy spectacular views of the Andes and can see wildlife such as our national bird, the Cock of the Rocks (Rupicola peruviana) inside a hiding place next to the lek, brilliantly coloured Tanagers, Quetzals and Hummingbirds and possibly the first monkeys, e.g. the Woolly Monkey. In the afternoon we arrive to Atalaya (500m), from here it is only 15 minutes by boat to our Rio de Oro Lodge (double rooms). Optional night walk.

It is possible to spend the first night in a Lodge in the cloudforest.

DAY 2: RIO DE ORO TO MAQUISAPAYOJ LODGE : Early start to visit the small parrot clay lick 10 minutes downstream. After observing parrots, parakeets and small macaws (Chestnut fronted Macaw and the rare Blue headed Macaw) we have breakfast and continue for an 7 to 8 hour journey in a 15-meter motorized canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios River. Today we enjoy the changing landscape and have the opportunity to see wildlife along the rocky banks of the river, such as Fasciated Tiger Herons, Purplish Jays, Skimmers, Vultures, caimans and some of the 13 species of monkeys that live in Manu. In the afternoon we arrive to Maquisapayoj Lodge (place of the Black Spider Monkey). The night is spent in rooms with private bath in Maquisapayoj. Optional night walk (to see insects, frogs, snakes etc.) or night on the platform at the Mammal Salt Lick.

DAY 3: MACAW CLAY LICK AND CAMUNGO LAKE & TOWER : Early in the morning we take the boat to the big Macaw Clay Lick in Blanquillo. From the blind we can observe flocks of macaws (Ara chloroptera, - macao), parrots and parakeets congregating to eat the clay, which is essential for their digestion. Breakfast at the blind. Later we explore some of the trails in Blanquillo to see more species of monkeys and birds. After lunch we visit Camungo oxbow lake: we take a wooden catamaran to observe Giant River Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) and different varieties of birds. Nearby we have the opportunity to climb a 42 m tower to get a great canopy view and observe birds, e.g. toucans. In the afternoon we walk back to the river and we travel upriver for one hour to return to Maquisapayoj. From the river we walk about 1 ½ hours through primary rainforest to the Mammal Salt Lick, where we spend the night on an elevated platform (with mats and mosquito nets) to observe tapirs or other mammals during the night. If you prefer you can spend the night in double rooms at the Lodge close to the river.

DAY 4: EXPLORING MAQUISAPAYOJ : We have breakfast at the lodge. Later we explore other trails around Maquisapayoj looking for Black Spider and Red Howler Monkeys, White and Brown Capuchin, Emperor and Saddle backed Tamarin, Monk Saki monkey, Pavonine Quetzal, Manakins and other birds. We can go fishing in the afternoon. The night is spent at Maquisapayoj, either on the tapir platform again or at the Lodge. If we spend the night at the lodge we have a night walk after dinner.

DAY 5: BLANCO LAKE (BLANQUILLO) AND EXPLORING MAQUISAPAYOJ : At dawn we return to the lodge to have breakfast. Afterwards we travel downriver for about 40 minutes to visit ´Cocha Blanco` (Blanco lake). We take a wooden catamaran to explore the oxbow-lake and look for the family of Giant River Otters that lives here. We enjoy the beautiful setting at the lake and can also see monkeys (e.g. Red Howler Monkey), caimans and different varieties of birds.

Later we explore other trails around Maquisapayoj looking for monkeys and birds. The guide will also explain about some plants, ants etc. The night is spent at Maquisapayoj, either on the tapir platform again or at the Lodge.

DAY 6: TRAVEL TO PTO. MALDONADO AND FLIGHT TO CUSCO (OR LIMA): We have breakfast at the lodge. Afterwards we take the boat from Blanquillo to Colorado (2 hours 20 min.), from where we take a car to Puerto Carlos (1 hour). We cross Rio Inambari (15 min.) and from the little town of Santa Rosa we continue with a private van to Maldonado city. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco (or to Lima with additional cost).

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

• Professional naturalist guide with telescope, birding guide on request
• Private bus and boat transport
• Entrance fees to Tapir lick and Blanco & Camungo lakes
• Cook
• All food (vegetarian on request) and drinking water
• Lodge accommodation
• First Aid Kit, extractor (for poison)
• Radio communication
• return flight to Cusco

NOT INCLUDED:

• entrance fee to Macaw clay lick ( +70 US$ p.p.)
• Binocular
• Airport tax Pto. Maldonado (aprox 5 US$ p.p.)
• Alcoholic drinks etc.
• Difference for flight price to Lima

 

Things you should bring for the Manu Trip:

• Mosquito repellent (with DEET is more effective)
• Long sleeved shirts (cotton or breathable fabric, but not too thin)
• T-Shirts
• Cotton socks (long enough to put them over your pants)
• Hiking shoes, ankle high
• Rain gear (rain poncho is good)
• Sweater (for Andes and cloud forest)
• Bathing suit (optional)
• long pants
• Sandals or light shoes to change/ for bathroom (optional)
• Binoculars (you can also rent them)
• Camera, extra batteries & camera charger
• Plastic bags for clothes and camera etc.
• Personal things (soap, toilet paper, small towel etc.)
• Hat (or handkerchief)
• Sun blocker, sun glasses
• Flashlight (with spare bulb and batteries)
• Water bottle (min. 1,5 litre)
• Day pack
• Rubber boots (provided by ATP)
• Passport copy
• Money (Soles) for soft drinks, handicrafts and tips