Manu National Park: Reserved Area in 6D/ 5N

Itinerary

Day 1 | Manu

Discovering the Cloud Forest: Day One in Manu

Our adventure begins with an early departure from Cusco at 6:00 AM, as we embark on a journey through captivating Andean landscapes. Our first stop is near Huancarani, where we'll visit the Ninamarca funerary towers, a testament to ancient cultures. We'll then continue to Paucartambo, a colonial town that still retains the folkloric essence of the Andes.

The highlight of the day will be entering Acjanaco, the gateway to Manu National Park, where we'll begin our descent into the mysterious cloud forest. This unique ecosystem will astound us with its incredible biodiversity: orchids, ferns, and the chance to spot the emblematic Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. If we're lucky, we may witness its courtship ritual and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the elusive spectacled bear.

The day will conclude in Pilcopata, where we'll rest and prepare to continue exploring this natural wonder in the days to come.

• Distance: 150 km/ 93 mi
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Walking time: Maximum 2 hours.
• Accommodation: Pona Lodge
• Meals: Lunch and dinner.

Day 2 | Manu

Adventure on the Madre de Dios River: A Day of Discoveries

We’ll start our day early, taking a one-hour bus ride to the port of Atalaya, the starting point for our journey along the Madre de Dios River, one of the main tributaries of the Amazon. Our boat ride will take us to a stunning hot spring, where we'll enjoy a relaxing hour-long soak, allowing us to fully connect with nature in its purest form.

After a well-deserved lunch, we'll continue our journey to the Papaya Eco Lodge, where new adventures await. In the afternoon, we’ll have the chance to try fishing in a local lagoon, offering a unique and intimate way to interact with the Amazonian ecosystem.

As night falls, we’ll dive into the nocturnal activities of the jungle, where the sounds and mysteries of the tropical forest will unfold before us, promising moments of wonder and discovery.

• Distance: 250 km/ 155 mi
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Walking time: Maximum 2 hours.
• Accommodation: Papaya Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 3 | Manu

A Day in the Heart of the Manu River: Wildlife Encounters

We will navigate the Manu River for an exciting 7-10 hour journey, fully immersing ourselves in the extraordinary wildlife of the Peruvian Amazon. Our senses will be sharp, watching for unique bird species, crocodiles with different colorations, and, with some luck, the majestic jaguar, the region's most iconic big cat.

As evening approaches, we’ll arrive at Casa Machiguenga, a basic and rustic lodge that offers an intimate experience deep within the Manu jungle. Managed by the Machiguenga community, the original guardians of this land, this lodge will give us an authentic connection to both the local culture and the surrounding ecosystem.

As an optional experience, we can embark on a night walk, where the mysteries and sounds of the tropical forest after dusk will reveal themselves, adding an extra layer of wonder to our adventure.

• Distance: 250 - 300 km/ 155 - 186 mi
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Walking time: Maximum 5 hours.
• Accommodation: Casa Matsiguenka Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 4 | Manu

Machiguenga House: Exploring the Oxbow Lakes

We will venture into the Otorongo and Salvador lakes, two iconic locations within Manu National Park. These aquatic ecosystems will reveal an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, with expert guides introducing us to the secrets of the tropical rainforest.

We'll explore observation trails where we have the chance to spot up to 13 species of monkeys, gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving this extraordinary ecosystem. Following the guidance of our expert, we may encounter remarkable vertebrates such as giant otters, tapirs, and peccaries.

A highlight of the day will be visiting the macaw clay lick, where we can witness their fascinating behavior. On the way back, we’ll be treated to more encounters with various monkey species, a stunning array of birds, and perhaps even the majestic flight of the jungle's king of vultures, the Andean condor.

• Distance: 250 km/ 155 mi
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Walking time: Maximum 2 hours.
• Accommodation: Casa Machiguenga Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 | Manu

On the Trail of the Jaguar and the Tapir Clay Lick

We’ll begin our day with breakfast aboard our boat, navigating the banks of the Manu River in search of one of the jungle’s most iconic predators: the jaguar. Over the course of about 7 hours, we’ll make fascinating stops, allowing us to explore the rich biodiversity of this ecosystem.

By evening, we’ll arrive at the Papaya Eco Lodge, an ecological reserve where we’ll spend the night. The most anticipated moment will be the descent to the camouflage house, where we’ll wait patiently for the arrival of the tapirs. In this unique experience, we’ll have the opportunity to observe these remarkable mammals as they lick the earth for salt, participating in a nocturnal ritual that will deepen our connection with the secrets of the Amazon rainforest.

• Distance: 150 km/ 93 mi
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Walking time: Maximum 2 hours.
• Accommodation: Papaya Eco Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 6 | Manu

Return to Cusco: Farewell to the Amazon

Our final day marks the end of an incredible journey through Manu National Park. We’ll begin our return trip with a boat ride to the port of Atalaya, where we’ll board our private transport back to Cusco.

This return journey offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary moments we’ve experienced: wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, cultural exchanges with the Machiguenga community, and the magic of the Amazon rainforest, which will remain etched in our memories forever.

By sunset, we’ll arrive in Cusco around 6:00 pm, bringing an unforgettable adventure to a close, one that has allowed us to immerse ourselves in one of the planet’s most biodiverse ecosystems.

• Distance: 150 km/ 93 mi
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Walking time: Maximum 2 hours.
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch

What's Included?

• Pre-Departure Orientation: Meet your guide before the trip for a detailed briefing.
• Transportation: Private minivan and motorized boat for both land and river travel.
• Accommodation: 4 nights in comfortable lodges designed to blend harmoniously with the rainforest.
• Bilingual Naturalist Guide: A local professional with extensive experience, proper equipment, and a passion for sharing knowledge.
• Full Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided daily, with vegetarian options available.
• Drinking Water: Mineral water supplied throughout the journey.
• Gear Provided: Rubber boots and rain ponchos for navigating wet conditions.
• First Aid: Trained guides with medical kits for emergencies.
• Entrance Fees: Access to Oxbow Lakes, Manu National Park, and private nature reserves.
• Professional Chef: Skilled in preparing local and energizing meals to keep you fueled.

What's not Included?

 

• Travel Insurance
• First Day Breakfast
• First Day Drinking Water
• Last Day Dinner
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Tips

Additional Services

• Binoculars USD $10 per day

What to Bring?

PRICES

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Important information

Manu National Park: Reserved Area in 6D/ 5N Map