Tour Manu Cultural Zone 4 days

Day 1: CUSCO (3,300 m.a.s.l.) – CLOUD FOREST (1,700 m.a.s.l.) – PILCOPATA (600 m.a.s.l.)

We leave Cusco very early in the morning in one of our vehicles. We drive through beautiful valleys nestled in the Andes mountains and pass picturesque rural communities. We will visit the pre-Inca burial towers of Ninamarca (Lupaca culture), and then stop in the charming colonial town of Paucartambo to enjoy breakfast. We continue for approximately 40 minutes to reach the entrance of Manu National Park at Acjanaco. From here, we descend into the cloud forest, where we will have lunch. The descent through the forest is rich in endemic species such as the spectacled bear and the Andean cock-of-the-rock, Peru's national bird known for its unique courtship ritual. We may also see orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and more. We continue observing the spectacular nature until we reach our lodge in Pilcopata, where we will spend our first night.

Day 2: PILCOPATA LODGE – AMAZON MANU LODGE – MACHUWASI LAKE (450 m.a.s.l.)

We will have an early breakfast, followed by a nature walk where we may observe forest wildlife such as monkeys and birds. We then visit a coca plantation and optionally a wildlife rescue center. After that, we travel to the port of Atalaya, located along the Alto Madre de Dios River at 500 meters above sea level. From here, we begin our boat trip downriver to observe a diversity of bird species like herons, vultures, cormorants, etc., until we arrive at the lodge. There, we can swim in the river and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we visit Machuwasi Lake, where we explore by rafts to observe birds such as the prehistoric hoatzin and, with luck, other animals like monkeys and capybaras. We return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: AMAZON MANU LODGE – PARROT CLAY LICK – ZIP LINE (450 m.a.s.l.)

Very early in the morning, we take a 40-minute boat ride to the macaw clay lick, a clay wall along the riverbank where several species of parrots gather each morning. These include the blue-headed parrot, white-eyed parakeet, chestnut-fronted macaw, among others. Here, they eat the mineral-rich clay that helps them digest and detoxify. After the activity, we return to the lodge for a delicious breakfast. Then, we will take a 2 to 3-hour hike through the forest to explore the local flora and fauna. After lunch and a rest, you will have the option to enjoy a free zip line activity. From treetop platforms, you'll experience a thrilling ride across the jungle canopy with high-quality and safe equipment. After gliding, you'll rappel down 20 meters to the ground. In the evening, we’ll do a night walk to spot insects and amphibians. Afterward, dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 4: AMAZON MANU LODGE – ATALAYA – CUSCO

After breakfast, we may spot hummingbirds around the lodge before boarding our boat for a 40-minute return to the port of Atalaya. Our bus will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. Lunch will be along the route through the cloud forest. We expect to arrive in Cusco around 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.