Manu

 

4-day trip

Day 1: Huacarpay – Cloud Forest – Walks – Hummingbird Garden – Lodge

We depart toward the colorful mountain village of Paucartambo for a short stop, then continue via the high Acjanaco Pass (approx. 3,400 m) into Manu National Park. From here, we descend more than 3,000 meters into the mysterious Cloud Forest, one of the most renowned routes in the world for nature and bird lovers. Along the way, we make several short stops to enjoy the misty jungle, lush vegetation, impressive views, and a wide variety of typical wildlife.

Continuing toward the lowlands, we visit a hummingbird garden, where you can observe various species of hummingbirds and other colorful forest birds. We then proceed to the Atalaya viewpoint for a stunning view of the lowland rainforest before descending to the river.

From Atalaya, we take a boat along the Alto Madre de Dios River to our lodge, located deep in the jungle.

Day 2: Lodge – Boat Trip – Jungle Hike – Machu Wasi Lake

You wake up to the sounds of the Amazon. After breakfast, we head into the primary jungle for a hike of approximately 2.5 hours. We walk beneath giant trees that are hundreds of years old and explore the rainforest up close, with chances to spot several monkey species, unique birds, and other jungle wildlife. Along the way, the guide explains plants, insects, and survival techniques, such as drinking water from lianas.

After lunch, we visit the tranquil Machu Wasi Lake. Here, we paddle across the lake on a balsa raft and take a walk along its shores. The area is ideal for experiencing pristine jungle, learning about medicinal plants, and possibly observing wildlife such as water birds, monkeys, or small mammals. At sunset, we return to the lodge.

After dinner, we take an evening walk to the Tapir Clay Lick, where tapirs sometimes appear at night to feed on minerals.

Day 3: Lodge – Hot Springs – Waterfall – Shintuya Community

In the morning, we take the boat and travel downriver while enjoying the scenery and monitoring the water levels of the Manu River, with chances to spot wildlife along the riverbanks. Our destination is the Shintuya community, one of the larger settlements within the Amarakaeri Reserve.

We hike to a waterfall in the heart of the jungle, perfect for those who wish to swim, and then relax in the natural hot springs.

In the afternoon, we return to the lodge for some free time to relax or enjoy the surroundings. (At the lodge, there is also the option of a guided tour of the garden.)

Day 4: Lodge – Parrots Clay Lick – Atalaya – Cusco

We depart early to visit a Parrots Clay Lick, where large groups of parrots and parakeets gather in the morning to eat mineral-rich clay—a colorful and classic Amazonian spectacle.

After breakfast, we pack our belongings and travel by boat back to Atalaya, where the bus awaits us. We return to Cusco via the Cloud Forest, arriving around 4:00 PM near the main square.

3-day trip

The 3-day tour follows the same itinerary as the 4-day tour, but Day 3 is omitted and Day 4 becomes Day 3.