Manu Cultural Zone - 3-Day Tour
Overview
This 3-day expedition in Manu offers us a unique opportunity to explore the richness of the Peruvian jungle. We will start our journey by visiting picturesque villages and immersing ourselves in the local culture, passing through the fascinating archaeological site of Ninamarca before reaching the entrance of Manu National Park.
Here, we will experience a radical change of landscape as we delve into the humid and lush climate of the tropical rainforest. The following day, we will embark on an exciting boat expedition through the Guadalupe Nature Reserve, exploring the diverse flora and fauna of the region as we navigate the crystal-clear waters of the Madre de Dios River until we reach the idyllic Machuwasi lagoon.
There, we will have the opportunity to spot a variety of birds and animals, from the hoatzin to the majestic capybara, as well as some monkeys if we are lucky. We will conclude our adventure by visiting the Parrot Clay Licks and a wild animal rescue center run by a local family, before embarking on our return journey to the city of Cusco.
Itinerary
Our journey begins early in the morning from the city of Cusco, heading towards the starting point of the road to Manu. Along the way, we pass through numerous valleys, observing small villages where people adorn themselves in vibrant attire. We briefly stop at Ninamarca, an archaeological site with pre-Inca tombs, before continuing our journey with several photo stops. Next, we visit the picturesque town of Paucartambo, known for its beautiful colonial arched bridge. As we ascend from Paucartambo, we gradually immerse ourselves in misty clouds and lush forests until we reach the Acjanaco Pass and the entrance to Manu National Park.
After crossing the Acjanaco Pass (3550 m / 11,647 ft), the landscape dramatically changes from dry valleys to humid ones, offering breathtaking views of the lowlands. The dense forest shrouded in mist, surrounded by massive rocks and waterfalls, is perhaps the most beautiful aspect of the tropical jungle. Our main objective is to spot Peru's national bird, the brilliantly red Cock-of-the-Rock, but the flock of tanagers here is also incredible, along with colorful birds like mountain toucans and quetzals. Descending to an altitude of (560 m / 1837 ft), we spend the night at the Guadalupe Natural Reserve.
At dawn, we wake up to the melodies of Amazonian birds and take a stroll through our garden before breakfast. Afterward, we embark on our journey to the Atalaya port, where we enjoy sightings of colorful birds and breathtaking vistas. Upon reaching the Atalaya Port, we board our motorized boat equipped with safety gear and navigate the crystal-clear waters of the Madre de Dios River. Continuing on the Madre de Dios River, we visit Machuwasi Lagoon, where we may spot primitive hoatzins, horned screamers, hawks, herons, capybaras (the world's largest rodent), and if we're lucky, some monkeys.
In the afternoon, we embark on a walk through the primary forest in search of monkey families, peccaries, and giant ceiba trees. During this exploratory hike, our expert guide educates us about medicinal plants, reptiles, mammals, and more. After the hike, we return to the lodge by motorboat.
We begin the day with a visit to the Parrot Clay Lick, a highlight of our jungle adventure. After breakfast, we prepare to visit the wild animal rescue center run by a local family in Manu. This provides us with another opportunity to observe a variety of animals. After our visit, we return to Cusco, enjoying colorful bird sightings and the stunning views of the lush cloud forest once again as we cross streams originating from the mountain peaks.
We arrive in the city of Cusco around 5:00 p.m.
Included
- Naturalist guide with telescope.
- Tourist transportation (van & boat).
- Entrance fees.
- 3 meals a day.
- 2 nights accommodation at the Lodge (private bathroom and hot water shower, balcony with garden view, electricity).
- Mineral water + Snacks.
- Rubber boots + canvas bags.
Not Included
- Binoculars.
- Extra beverages.
- First breakfast / dinner on the last day.
- Packing list.
Recommendations
- Sunscreen.
- Insect repellent.
- Personal hygiene products.
- Sunglasses.
- Camera.
- Binoculars.
- Flashlight.
- Backpack.
- Clothing.
- Swimwear.
- Shorts.
- T-shirts.
- Long-sleeved shirt.
- Rain jacket.