DAY 1: Cusco – Paucartambo – Cloud forest – Asuncion.
On the first day of our adventure into the Jungle of Manu, we will pick you up around 6:00 AM from your Hotels in Cusco, using the service of our private SAS transport. The first part of our excursion is will take us through the majestic Andean mountains, where we will take a quick opportunity to visit a really nice pleasant lake by the name of Huacarpay, a high Andean Lagoon that boasts heaps of flora and fauna typical of the Andean mountains. Afterwards, we will visit the town of Huancarani which contains the funeral towers of Ninamarca, a cemetery of the Lupaca Pre –Inca Culture, which we will visit briefly on our way to Paucartambo, which is known as the folkloric capital of the district of Cusco. In the face of modern times, this small colonial pueblo has managed to hold on to its rich tradition for centuries upon centuries. At mid-day we will arrive at the entrance of Manu National Park and access to one of the most protected natural areas in South America. We will continue on in our private transport down a dirt road and on through the thick fog from which this section of the forest takes it name. Eventually we will arrive at the home of the exotic Peruvian National Bird, the “Cock of the Rocks”, where it is known to gather with others of its kind for some sort of social gathering that seems reminiscent of a large courtship. You will find that this is quite an amazing spectacle complete with an impressive array of sounds and colours that can only be found in the jungle. For our first night, we will stay in the beautiful BAMBU Lodge, where we will arrive at approx. 5:00 p.m.
DAY 2: Asuncion – Atalaya- Boca Manu.
Very early, at 06:30 a.m., we will leave in the direction of Port Atalaya, on the way we will make a few stops to visit the small, native communities of Patria and Pilcopata. These communities are known to be producers of many varieties of jungle fruits even the famous Coca plant.
Later, we will begin the boating portion of our journey in a river excursion on the Madre de Dios, or “Mother of God” River, one of the tributaries of the mighty Amazon River.
During our day we will have the chance to witness many types of colorful birds such as parrots, Oropendolas, vultures and others species. Hopefully, we will make some sightings of some jungle mammals such as monkeys or the famous capybaras (jungle rodents that are as much as 2.5 ft long Towards the late afternoon, we will arrive to our next sleeping destination, Boca Manu Lodge, arriving approximately at 3:00 p.m. Here, there will be showers and services available.
DAY 3: Boca Manu Lodge – Boca Manu Oxbow lake
At the crack of dawn we will go on an early morning trek through the jungle on our way to enjoy the one the Amazon Jungles most impressive spectacles, the amazing Mackaw Clay Lick. This is where hundreds of colorful parrots, Pericos and Guacamayos congregate to “lick” the clay thereby receiving its nutrients.
In the evening, we will visit a lagoon of ancient origin, this ecosystem will divulge to us diversity so profound that it is truly breathtaking. This portion of the journey will be made in a catamaran and for couple of hours, we will explore and appreciate this tropical paradise, all the while, enjoying the landscape and beauty of the lagoon. We will make it back to Boca Manu Lodge for our dinner and our beds.
DAY 4: Boca Manu – Manu Biosphere Reserve - Casa Machiguenga Lodge
Continuing on with our adventure, we will now go to one of the main areas of the Manu National Park, the Tourist Zone. For the next 5 to 6 hours, depending on the level of the water in the Manu River, we will sail down the robust river in our river boat. Because of the lack of civilization in this part of the jungle it will make all that much easier for us to take notice of the rich wildlife to be found here. Animals such as Capybaras, Caymans, monkeys and with a little bit of luck, maybe we will be able to see the great, South American feline, the Jaguar, which may just resting in the sun some place along the river.
We will then arrive to our private area in the jungle, Casa Machiguenga Lodge, where we will spend the 3 following nights. If there is sufficient time, we will take a trail nearby the camp site, all the while with our guide feeding us information about the complicated amazonian forest.
DAY 5: Manu Biosphere Reserve.
Today very early, we will head of to visit the Pakitza, which is known as one of the first Biological Stations created for the scientific studies being conducted in Manu. Aguila Arpia which means “Matchiguenga expression”, is an as of yet, still unknown and unvisited palace that will one day be a highly sought after tourist site. We will take you in and around its amazingly complex trail system as the forest exposes more and more of its natural beauty for us behind every bend. Maybe we will even have a chance to see a group of Tamarine Monkeys, which are the smallest monkeys in the entire world. Be aware of surroundings, because they could sneak up right behind you!!
Later on, in the night, we will visit another system of trails with a completely different set of characteristics than the first. Our guide will explain to us why and show us native plants from the area that can be used as traditional medicines.
DAY 6: Manu Biosphere reserve - Bonanza Ecological reserve.
Early in the morning, we will depart the tourist zone and move in the direction of our last lodging of the journey, The Bonanza House. In order to get there, we will make a 25 kilometer journey up the Madre de Dios River. We will arrive at our destination around 3.00 p.m. Upon our arrival, we will take a little bit of time to relax and enjoy a bit of a break before going out on this, the last trek of the journey. This time we will go with specific intentions of seeing the jungle under the moon. We will see such of its night time residents as the night frog, spiders (tarantulas), insects, etc. Then back to the lodge for a welcome rest. Bonanza Ecological Reserve.
DAY 7: Bonanza Ecological Reserve – Cusco.
GOOD BYE TO MANU On the day of our return, we will have an early morning departure from the Casa Bonanza in the direction of the Port of Atalaya, which was the entrance point that led us into the jungle in the first place. Our private will already be waiting for us there to take us back to the Magical City, Cusco. We will pass through the beautiful Sacred Valley on the way, arriving in Cusco around 7.00pm.
Check list below what is& not included :
- Private Van or Bus to Atalaya Port and Return.
- Entrance fees and Paper work for Manu National Park
- Qualified naturalist guide speaking English and Spanish.
- All Terrestrial and Fluvial transport
- Accommodations; Lodges & Tented Camp and beds
- Full Board Meals (with vegetarian option).
- Water for drinking at all times and cooking.
- Manu birds and wildlife checking list
- Radio communications along our locations.
- First Aid Kit.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Airport taxes Cusco/ Boca Manu / Cusco
- Optional tips for the staff tour guide, cook, motorists
