Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Cloud Forest – Pilcopata Lodge
Highlight of the Day: Exploring the Andean Landscapes, Cloud Forest and Cock of the Rock
Very early in the morning, we will leave Cusco by private bus and begin our journey through the valleys of the Andes and the countryside communities along the route. Our first stops include the Chullpas of Ninamarca, a pre-Inca cemetery, and Paucartambo, a traditional colonial town where we will visit a museum and learn more about the local culture.
We will have lunch along the route in the cloud forest. From here, we continue our descent through a region known for its rich variety of plants and wildlife. Along the way, we may see orchids, bromeliads, ferns and with luck, species such as the spectacled bear and the Cock of the Rock, Peru's national bird.
In the afternoon, we continue toward Pilcopata. Once we arrive, we will check in at our lodge and have time to rest after the first day of travel.
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: Box lunch and dinner
Day 2: Pilcopata – Aguas Calientes – Boca Manu
Highlight of the Day: Traveling Along the Alto Madre de Dios River and Relaxing in the Natural Hot Springs
After an early breakfast, we will begin with a hike through the forest, where we will look for monkeys, birds and other wildlife. We will then visit a coca plantation and an animal rescue center before continuing by bus toward Port Atalaya.
At Port Atalaya, we will board our boat and begin traveling along the Alto Madre de Dios River. During the journey, we will have opportunities to observe different bird species, including herons, vultures and cormorants, while enjoying the changing scenery along the river.
We will make a stop at the natural hot springs, surrounded by the rainforest, where we can take some time to relax. After lunch, we continue by boat toward Boca Manu, where we will arrive later in the day and spend the night at our lodge.
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3: Boca Manu – Reserved Zone – Casa Matsiguenka
Highlight of the Day: Visiting the Parrot Clay Lick and Traveling Deep into the Manu Reserved Zone
We will leave very early to visit the parrot clay lick, located about ten minutes downriver from the lodge. Afterward, we will make a brief stop at the Limonal security checkpoint before continuing our journey into the heart of the Manu Reserved Zone.
The boat journey takes approximately four hours. Along the way, we will have plenty of time to look for wildlife along the riverbanks, including macaws, vultures, eagles, toucans, herons, capybaras, caimans, river turtles and different species of monkeys.
With luck, we may also see a jaguar resting on the river beach or feeding in the trees. In the afternoon, we will take a walk through the forest to look for wildlife before arriving at Casa Matsiguenka, where we will spend the next two nights.
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4: Reserved Zone – Cocha Salvador
Highlight of the Day: Exploring Cocha Salvador and Looking for Giant River Otters and Rainforest Wildlife
The sounds of the howler monkeys may wake us early. After breakfast, we will take a morning hike while the temperature is still comfortable and wildlife is often more active. We will then explore the impressive Cocha Salvador, one of the main highlights of our time in the Reserved Zone.
At the lake, we will look for giant river otters (Pteronura brasiliensis), an endangered species that lives in these waters. We will also look for black caimans, different species of monkeys, hoatzins, kingfishers, and other rainforest species.
After lunch, we will continue with an afternoon hike of approximately three hours to explore more of the forest and observe its flora and fauna. There is also an option to take a night walk in search of frogs, snakes, insects, and other species that become active after dark.
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5: Reserved Zone – Lake Otorongo – Boca Manu
Highlight of the Day: Exploring Lake Otorongo, Climbing the Observation Tower and Watching Wildlife
We will wake up early, have breakfast, and take a walk around the lodge and Lake Otorongo. The observation tower, located about 15 meters from the lake, gives us a good view of the surrounding primary forest and better opportunities to look for the family of otters that lives in the lake.
From the tower, we can also watch birds moving through the forest canopy. During our walk, we may see giant Ceiba trees, colorful butterflies, and different species of monkeys as we continue exploring the area.
Afterward, we will board our boat and travel downstream toward Boca Manu, continuing to look for caimans, turtles, birds, and other animals along the river. At Limonal, we will take a walk to a platform where we can observe the surrounding flora and fauna before continuing to Boca Manu for the night.
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6: Boca Manu – Amazon Manu Lodge
Highlight of the Day: Traveling Upstream Along the Alto Madre de Dios River Through the Amazon Rainforest
Today, we will board our boat and travel upstream along the Alto Madre de Dios River. The journey gives us another chance to enjoy the rainforest landscape and look for the many bird species found along the river.
We will have the option to stop at the natural hot springs during the journey before continuing toward Amazon Manu Lodge. The river journey is also a good opportunity to enjoy the changing scenery as we gradually make our way back toward Atalaya.
In the afternoon, we will arrive at the lodge and settle into our rooms. This will be our final night in the rainforest, surrounded by the natural sounds of the jungle. There is also an optional night walk for those who would like to explore the forest after dark.
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 7: Amazon Manu Lodge – Atalaya – Cusco
Highlight of the Day: Enjoying the Final River Journey and Traveling Back Through the Rainforest to Cusco
We will wake up early and begin our final journey toward Port Atalaya. We will travel by boat along the river, enjoying the rainforest scenery and making the most of our last moments in the Amazon.
Once we reach Atalaya, our vehicle will be waiting for us. We will continue by road toward Cusco, traveling through the rainforest and cloud forest before gradually returning to the Andes.
We expect to arrive in Cusco in the evening, bringing our Manu Reserve Zone 7 Days 6 Nights journey to an end.
- Accommodation: None
- Meals: Breakfast and box lunch
Important Notes
- Health: Manu is a rainforest area with mosquitoes and other insects. Bring a good insect repellent and light, long-sleeved clothing. For yellow fever and malaria prevention, please consult your doctor or a travel health professional before your trip.
- Itinerary changes: The program may change due to weather, river conditions, road conditions, or other circumstances beyond our control.
- Travel time: Manu is a remote rainforest destination. The 3-day tour includes several hours of travel by road and boat. This is necessary to reach the rainforest and its wildlife areas.
- Mixed groups: The group may include travelers who have booked 3, 4, 5,6,7 or 8 day Manu programs.