Manu Reserved Zone Tour 5 Days – Amazon Rainforest Peru

Day 1: Cusco – Ajanaco – Atalaya – Dorado Lodge

This day begins very early. Pick-up will be at the hotel at 3:00 a.m. heading toward the Amazon jungle, starting one of the most impressive routes in Peru. During the first two hours of the trip, we will cross the majestic Andes while watching the sunrise over the valleys. We will arrive at the picturesque colonial town of Paucartambo, where we will stop to enjoy a comforting local breakfast.

After the meal, we continue for about 40 more minutes until we reach the famous Ajanaco viewpoint, considered the official entrance gate to Manu National Park. At this point, we will register our entry into the park and, if the weather is favorable, we will enjoy a panoramic view of the cloud forest, where the Andean and Amazonian ecosystems meet. It’s a magical moment to take photos and appreciate the unique biodiversity of this area.

From here we begin the descent through the cloud forest, a fascinating place where we will have opportunities to observe toucans, exotic birds, monkeys, and, if we are lucky, even a spectacled bear. Around noon, we will arrive at the port of Atalaya, where the team will be waiting for us with rubber boots and life jackets.

Then we will board a motorized canoe and begin an exciting three-hour journey downriver toward Dorado Lodge. During the navigation, it will be possible to spot herons, turtles, monkeys, and various birds in the treetops. We will arrive at the lodge around 4:00 p.m. There, rooms will be assigned, equipped with private bathrooms, beds with mosquito nets, and solar energy to charge cell phones in the dining area.

In the afternoon, we will take a welcome walk through the jungle to look for animals, birds, monkeys, and giant trees. We end the day with a hot dinner and rest in the heart of nature.

Day 2: Dorado Lodge – Manu Reserved Zone – Casa Machiguenga

Today we start the day very early, navigating by boat while enjoying breakfast on board, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle waking up. This moment is ideal for wildlife watching, as animals are more active and visible along the riverbanks at dawn.

We will navigate downstream to the confluence with the mighty Manu River. From this point on, we officially enter the Reserved Zone of Manu National Park, one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. The environment changes noticeably: the vegetation becomes denser, the trees taller, and the chances of spotting wildlife increase significantly.

With a bit of luck, we might experience one of the most exciting moments of the trip: the chance to see the elusive jaguar resting on the riverbank or crossing the river. It is also common to observe giant black caimans, which can reach up to seven meters in length, as well as white caimans, sunbathing turtles, monkey families, and a vast variety of Amazonian birds such as herons, macaws, and hawks.

After an intense day of boating and wildlife observation, we will arrive at Casa Machiguenga, a community-run eco-lodge located in the heart of the Reserved Zone. This structure was built using local materials by the community itself and offers an authentic experience of living in the jungle. It is a peaceful place, surrounded by pristine nature, ideal for resting and connecting with the environment.

At night, we will take a night walk along the forest trails in search of frogs, snakes, tarantulas, and other creatures that come to life after dark. A unique experience to discover the jungle from another perspective.

Day 3: Casa Machiguenga – Cocha Salvador and Cocha Otorongo

Today we visit the most important oxbow lakes in the jungle, essential ecosystems that host a great diversity of wildlife.

In the morning, we will head to Cocha Salvador, where we will explore silently aboard a wooden catamaran. This is the natural habitat of the giant river otters (Pteronura brasiliensis), an endangered species that lives in family groups. While we navigate, we will also have the chance to see howler monkeys, spider monkeys, and rare birds like the agami heron, which hides among the aquatic vegetation.

Later, during a guided walk through the forest, our guide will teach us about the ancient trees, highlighting species like the fig tree (Ficus), whose twisted trunks create natural shelters for many animals, and the ceiba, one of the largest and most sacred trees of the Amazon, essential for the balance of the ecosystem.

After lunch, we will visit Cocha Otorongo, where we will climb a 20-meter-high observation tower. From there, we can enjoy a privileged view of the jungle and, with luck, spot a jaguar in its natural environment. This tower is ideal for photographing birds, monkeys, and the vastness of the Amazon canopy.

At nightfall, we will take another walk along the forest trails. This time, we will look for night monkeys, spider monkeys, sleeping birds, and other animals that only appear under the light of our flashlights. It is a different experience, full of mysterious sounds and active wildlife.

We will spend another night at Casa Machiguenga, surrounded by the magical sounds of the jungle that will accompany us until dawn.

Day 4: Casa Machiguenga – Hot Springs – Manu Lodge

After a restorative breakfast at Casa Machiguenga, we begin the return journey along the Manu River, this time descending its calm waters. During this stretch, we’ll stay alert along the riverbanks, as there is always the chance to spot wildlife such as capybaras, sunbathing caimans, exotic birds, or even monkeys coming to drink water.

Along the way, we will make a special stop at some natural hot springs, a perfect place to relax in the middle of the tropical forest. Here, those who wish can immerse themselves in the warm waters and enjoy a unique moment of connection with nature. Just a few meters away, a small waterfall offers a refreshing bath that adds a touch of adventure to the experience.

After this revitalizing pause, we continue the river journey toward our last lodge in Manu, where we will spend the night. The surroundings continue to offer breathtaking scenery, with wide-open skies and the reflection of the sun on the river creating a serene atmosphere.

It’s a day of transition, but also of contemplation. It’s the perfect time to reflect on everything experienced in the previous days, share stories with fellow travelers, exchange photos, and remember each special moment. In this relaxed atmosphere, many travelers feel a deep connection with the Amazon and the desire to return one day.

We will spend the night at Manu Lodge, surrounded by the songs of insects and frogs, slowly bidding farewell to this magical experience in the heart of the jungle.

Day 5: Manu Lodge – Atalaya – Cusco

After breakfast, we take the boat back to Atalaya. There, our private transportation will be waiting to take us back to Cusco, once again crossing the changing landscapes between the jungle and the Andean highlands.

On the way, we will stop at Ajanaco for our last lunch and to say goodbye to the Amazon. This is a special moment to look back and remember the wildlife encounters, the sounds of the jungle, and the hikes under the shade of ancient trees.

Around 5:00 p.m. we will arrive in the city of Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel. This concludes this unforgettable experience through Manu National Park, carrying with us unique memories of one of the richest and most astonishing ecosystems on the planet.