Overview

Manu National Park was established in 1973 and in recognition of its uniqueness was designated a ''World Heritage Site” ten years later. Manu is internationally acclaimed as one of the most bio diverse areas on earth.

Approximately half the area of Switzerland, the Manu Biosphere is a complete ecosystem with protected watershed embracing Andean montage cloud forest, tropical lowland forest and the Alto Madre de Dios and Manu river drainage systems. The biosphere itself is subdivided into national park and two adjacent zones, one for tourism and the other for cultural subsistence. It is home to over 1000 species of birds, 15,000 species of plants, over 200 species of mammals, and untold numbers of insects. Within its heart of the jungle remain indigenous peoples as yet untouched by our civilization.

Macaw Clay Lick Manu retains healthy populations of jaguar, tapir, anteater, black caiman, giant otter, and among the 13 species of monkey we find the unique pigmy marmoset, the smallest monkey in the world, and the nocturnal night monkey. Because of Manu's low human population and there is the continual use of traditional hunting techniques. The animals in the park show little fear of man and are more readily approachable than in many other rainforest locations. Manu, therefore, offers unparalleled opportunities to sight animals.

Wildlife aside, however, the journey into the park itself is spectacular and not to be missed. Access to Manu is normally by road. The two day trip from Cusco to the entrance of the Manu Reserved Zone carries you over the Andes mountains to an elevation of 4000 m, past pre-Inca ruins and down through the cloud forest on the eastern side of the Andes, and finally into lush, lowland rainforest. Roads remain largely unpaved and wind their way precariously past cascading waterfalls, deep gorges, and precipices. Manu is truly a complete experience that any tourist will remember for their whole life

Itinerary

Day A : Arrival to Lima – Connect flight to Cusco Hotel

Day 1: Cusco – Rainforest Lodge
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, Our adventure begins in the exciting Jungle of Manu; we will pick you up around 5:00 am from your hotels in Cusco in our private transport. The first part of our excursion will take us through the majestic Andean mountains and afterwards we will briefly visit the town of Huancarani which contains the funeral towers of Ninamarca, and the cemetery of the Lupacas, part of the precious Pre–Inca culture. We will then travel Paucartambo, a small traditional town, which is known for its folklore. At midday we will arrive at the entrance of Manu National Park and enter into one of the most protected natural areas in the whole of South America. We will continue in our transport down a small road and on through the thick fog from which this section of the forest takes it name in Quechua. Eventually we will come to the home of the exotic Peruvian national bird, the "Cock of the Rocks" you will be amazed by the spectacle, complete with an impressive array of sounds that can only be found in the jungle. On our first night, we will stay at Rainforest Lodge. L: D

Day 2: Rainforest Lodge – Bonanza Ecological Reserve
Very early at 06:30 a.m., we will depart for Atalaya port; on the way we will make a few stops to visit the small local's farmers who are known to be producers of many varieties of jungle fruits including the famous coca plant. Later we will begin the boating part of our journey in a river excursion on the Madre de Dios River, a part of the famous Amazon river. During our day we will have the chance to witness many types of colourful birds such as parrots, oropendolas, vultures and other species. We will make a stop at the natural hot springs, and hopefully get to see some jungle animals such as monkeys or the famous capybaras (jungle rodents that are as much as 2.5 ft long). After that we will start trekking through the jungle to witness the true grace of the Amazon, hear the natural sounds of the birds, and the get visuals of the wildlife such as anteaters, peccaries and many different types of trees and medicinal plants. Towards the late afternoon we will arrive at our next destination Bonanza Lodge, where we will spend the night, arriving approximately at 3:00 p.m. Here there will be showers and other facilities available. We will do some bird watching and then have a night walk in the dark, which is the best time to see creatures like tarantulas, scorpions and snakes. B: L: D

Day 3: Expedition in Bonanza Ecological Reserve - Camouflaged House
Very early in the morning we will go on a trek through the jungle on our way to view the best the Amazon has to offer, the amazing sounds of the birds and the kind of experience that only the jungle can offer. We will explore the jungle and have ample opportunity to see all sorts of wildlife like a monkeys, anteaters, peccaries and many different varieties of trees and medicinal plants. In the afternoon we will arrive at our camouflaged house at the middle of the jungle where we will spend the night in a comfortable location, covered by mosquitoes nets. This camouflage house is strategically located near to the mammals' clay lick where we will have the opportunity to see Tapirs and Peccaries during the night time, the guide will give you all the information you need, and retelling the most famous stories about the rainforest B: L: D

Day 4: Camouflaged House –Condeja River (Research Zone)
We will continue to explore the vast Amazon jungle through the nucleo zone of Manu national park, having many opportunities to see wildlife such as 13 species of monkeys, colorful butterflies and other creatures that make the Amazon so spectacular. This will be an action packed day for us; we will do several hours of trekking, and then finally arrive at the clear water Condeja River where we will camp out, this meandering river offers possibilities to see the rare and threatened Giant Otters. Entering deep into the jungle heart takes will give us many opportunities to see wildlife, and really make your jungle experience as exciting and complete as possible. Our guide from the jungle will be a professional who will tell you about the jungle lifestyles, and also give you information about some of the less obvious wonders the jungle contains, like medicinal plants, jungle fauna, food. There will be a night of camping, accompanied with a nice warm bonfire. B: L: D

Day 5: Condeja River (Research Zone) – Muyuna Parrots Clay Lick
After eating our breakfast we will return back to Bonanza Lodge, along the way we will have a chance to see a rich biodiversity of birds, monkeys and exotic plants. We will have time to shower and have lunch. Afterwards we will travel by boat 3 hours up stream, arriving to Muyuna parrots clay lick, where we will spend our last night having a delicious barbecue and roaring bonfire. Our night will be spent camping in tents with mattresses provided for your comfort. There is also an optional night walk. B: L: D

Day 6: Muyuna Parrots Clay Lick – Cusco Hotel
The sixth day will be our final day we depart early in the morning to the parrots clay lick where we can see many parrot and parakeets eating minerals. After that we will continue travelling up stream to Atalaya port where our private bus will be waiting for us and take us back to the magical city of Cusco arriving at approximately 7:30pm B: L

Day B: Cusco Flight to Lima

Inclusions

INCLUDE IN THE PRICE
• Private bus and boat
• Rubber boots , rain poncho and duffle bag for personal belongings
• All camping equipment (tents and mattress)
• Accommodations and lodges
• Bilingual native guide
• Mineral water
• First aid kit
• 3 meals per day included vegetarian option
• Professional cook
• Entrance to the natural hot spring
• Entrance to Bonanza Ecological Reserve

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
• Sleeping bag
• Repellent with a minimum of 40% deet
• Good binoculars
• Camera with extra batteries
• Flash light with extra batteries
• Sun lotion
• Pocket money
• Day pack
• Water bottle
• Sun hat
• Sandals
• Swimming suit
• Toilet paper
• Small towel
• Long sleeved T-shirt
• Dark color clothes
• Flights to Cusco / Lima
• Hotels in Cusco (can be added on request)

Date & Price

The best month are:
May
June
July
August

What is the high season for visiting Manu? The high season at Manu coincides with the dry season and is from May until October, especially the months of June, July, and August. It rains less but there might be less availability at some lodges. Seeing animals is best during the early morning and late afternoon with mid-day being a good time to relax in a hammock.

PRICE:
» 2 Pax: USD $ ---