Complete Manu Tour from Cusco – 7 Days
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From US$1400 person
This tour is designed for true nature, bird and wildlife lovers. Manu National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, and this itinerary will take you from Cusco to the most remote corners of the Amazon rainforest. Get ready to explore a world of lush landscapes, impressive wildlife and fascinating cultures.
Note: This tour includes several bus and boat trips. Since nature is unpredictable, the itinerary may change without prior notice.
Day 1: Cusco (3,300 masl) – Cloud Forest (1,700 masl) – Pilcopata Lodge (600 masl)
We leave Cusco early in the morning by private bus, crossing the impressive Andean valleys and picturesque rural communities. On the way, we will visit the Chullpas of Ninamarca, a pre-Inca cemetery, and the charming colonial town of Paucartambo, where we will explore a local museum.
We will enjoy lunch in the mystical cloud forest, home to the spectacled bear and the cock of the rock, Peru’s national bird. In the afternoon, we will arrive in Pilcopata and spend the night in a cozy lodge.
Day 2: Pilcopata – Aguas Calientes – Boca Manu (300 m.a.s.l.)
After an early breakfast, we will go into the forest to observe monkeys and birds in their natural habitat. Then, we will visit a coca plantation and an animal rescue center.
We will continue by bus to Puerto Atalaya, on the banks of the Alto Madre de Dios River. From there, we will start an exciting boat ride, spotting a variety of birds such as herons and cormorants. We will stop to relax in hot springs before arriving at Boca Manu, where we will spend the night in a lodge.
Day 3: Boca Manu – Reserved Zone / Machiguenga House (395 masl)
Early in the morning, we will visit the parrot clay lick, an impressive natural spectacle. After a stop at the Limonal checkpoint, we will continue inland to the Reserved Zone, where we will spend two nights at Casa Machiguenga.
Along the way, you will be able to observe an incredible diversity of birds and animals, including macaws, eagles, capybaras, caimans, and with luck, even a jaguar. In the afternoon, we will explore the jungle on a hike and spend the night at the rustic Casa Matsiguenka.
Day 4: Reserved Zone / Cocha Salvador
The day will begin with the echo of howler monkeys. After breakfast, we will take a morning walk to Salvador Lake in search of giant otters, black caimans and many other fascinating species.
After lunch, we will continue exploring the jungle on a 3-hour hike. For the more adventurous, there is a night walk option to observe frogs, snakes and insects.
Day 5: Reserved Zone / Otorongo Lake – Boca Manu
Today we will explore Lake Otorongo and its surroundings. From an observation tower, we will enjoy panoramic views and search for the lake’s resident otter family.
After our exploration, we will board the boat to continue downstream, spotting more wildlife along the way. Upon arrival at Limonal, we will hike to a platform that offers unparalleled views of the flora and fauna. Overnight at Boca Manu.
Day 6: Boca Manu – Amazon Manu Lodge
We will navigate up the Alto Madre de Dios River, enjoying the Amazonian landscape. We will have the option to stop at hot springs before arriving at Amazon Manu Lodge in the afternoon.
Here, we will spend our last night in a comfortable lodge, surrounded by the magical sounds of the jungle. There is also an option for a night walk.
Day 7: Amazon Manu Lodge – Cusco
We will start our return early in the morning to Puerto Atalaya, where a vehicle will take us back to Cusco. We will arrive in the afternoon, ending this unforgettable adventure.
Important notes:
The itinerary may be adjusted slightly to maximize wildlife sightings, based on reports from our researchers and expert naturalist guides.
- ✅ Private transportation from Cusco to the Manu cultural zone and vice versa.
- ✅ Professional guide equipped with telescope and binoculars.
- ✅ Professional cook
- ✅ Food for 7 days: 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners (vegetarian alternative available at no extra charge).
- ✅ Water for 6 days. It is recommended to bring an empty bottle of 1-2 liters to refill.
- ✅ Admission fee to see the Andean cock-of-the-rock.
- ✅ Admission fee to the Manu National Park Reserve.
- ✅ Admission fee to Pico’s de Oz Birds Center.
- ✅ Accommodation in the lodge: 6 nights in a double or triple room. Each room has a private bathroom and mosquito nets for each bed.
- ✅ Rubber boots for muddy jungle trails.
- ✅ First Aid Kit with venom extractor pump.
- ❌ Additional beverages like soda or beer
- ❌ Binoculars (we offer binoculars 8X42 for rent in our offices for a daily fee of 4 US $)
Recommended To Carry:
- Mosquito repellent (DEET 35 recommended as a minimum)
- Original passport.
- Small backpack.
- Long sleeved cotton shirts (preferably green coloured).
- Long cotton trousers.
- Cotton long socks (to be put into your trousers).
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Sandals or light shoes.
- Rain gear.
- Sweater (for the beginning of the tour in Andes and the cloud forest only)
- Swimsuit.
- Binoculars.
- Camera and its charger.
- Plastic bags to be used for clothes and a camera.
- A hat as a protection against the Sun or rain.
- Toiletries.
- Sun cream.
- Flashlight (with spare bulb and batteries)
- Pocket money (Soles) to buy some beverages and souvenirs as well as to tip.
