Discover the extraordinary Manu Cultural Zone, an immersive 4-day expedition that begins in Cusco and winds through Peru's most diverse ecological landscapes. Traverse historic inter-Andean valleys, explore the colonial town of Paucartambo, and descend into vibrant cloud forests where endemic wildlife like the stunning Cock-of-the-Rock thrives. Your adventure takes you deep into the heart of the Madre de Dios region, offering unprecedented access to rainforest ecosystems and rich Andean cultural heritage.
Navigate the Upper Madre de Dios River, hike through lush tropical landscapes, and witness incredible biodiversity through expert-guided experiences. From observing parrots at their natural clay licks to exploring Machuwasi Lake's teeming wildlife.
Our journey begins with an early morning departure from Cusco, perched at 3,400 meters above sea level. Traveling through the scenic inter-Andean valleys, we'll explore the rich cultural landscape of the region. Our first stop is the funeral towers or chullpas of Ninamarca, an intriguing pre-Inca archaeological site, followed by Paucartambo, a charming town known for its Spanish colonial architecture and recognized as Cusco's folkloric capital.
Ascending to the breathtaking Acjanaco Pass at 4,000 meters, we'll then descend into the magical Cloud Forest. Here, nature reveals its splendor—home to the vibrant Cock-of-the-Rock, Peru's national bird, and a stunning array of biodiversity. Expect to marvel at endemic orchids, exotic bromeliads, and delicate ferns while enjoying a scenic lunch.
Our day concludes at the lodge, at 700 meters above sea level.
After a delightful breakfast, we'll continue our adventure by minivan, first stopping at a vibrant Hummingbird Garden. Our journey then leads us to Atalaya port, where we'll board a boat for a scenic 30-minute ride along the Upper Madre de Dios River, immersing ourselves in the tropical rainforest's warm embrace. Watch in wonder as herons gracefully wade through shallow waters, egrets stand sentinel along the riverbanks, and vibrant kingfishers dart across the sky. Overhead, vultures circle majestically, with the particularly magnificent King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) stealing the show—its striking white, black, and red plumage a testament to the region's incredible wildlife.
Midday brings a delightful interlude at natural hot springs, where you'll spend an hour soaking in mineral-rich waters that soothe both body and spirit. This rejuvenating experience marks your arrival at the lodge, providing a moment of relaxation amid the forest's intense natural beauty.
As evening descends, the Amazon transforms into a different world. Embark on a captivating night walk that reveals the forest's hidden nocturnal inhabitants. With careful guidance, you'll discover the intricate world of night creatures—from fascinating frogs and toads to elusive snakes and intricate spiders. Each step brings new surprises, as the forest comes alive with sounds and movements typically unseen during daylight.
Day 3 | Aventura
As dawn breaks, set out on an exhilarating morning exploration of the lodge's pristine forest trails. This early adventure offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness the Amazon's incredible biodiversity. Your path will be alive with the vibrant colors and melodious calls of numerous bird species—from the jewel-like tanagers and dynamic flycatchers to the elegant trogons, raucous parrots and macaws, and majestic hawks and falcons. Watch for the delicate dance of manakins; their unique courtship displays add a touch of magic to the forest landscape.
Beyond the avian wonders, the trail promises encounters with the forest's mammalian residents. Keep your senses alert for troops of playful monkeys swinging through the canopy, herds of peccaries foraging on the forest floor, and—if fortune truly smiles—the rare, breathtaking sight of a jaguar or puma moving silently through the undergrowth.
As the afternoon unfolds, a tranquil visit to a nearby lake awaits. Here, you'll observe prehistoric-looking caimans, their primordial forms a testament to the enduring nature of this remarkable ecosystem.
For the truly fortunate, weather permitting, an optional excursion to a parrot clay lick offers an unparalleled wildlife spectacle. On the return journey, the Machuhuasi oxbow lake presents another opportunity to marvel at the rich tapestry of Amazonian life—birds in stunning variety, playful monkeys, and an array of mammals that call this extraordinary landscape home.
Each moment promises a new discovery, a glimpse into one of the most biodiverse environments on our planet.
On our final day, we’ll start with a hearty breakfast before packing up and beginning our journey back to Cusco. A short 30-minute boat ride will take us to the port of Atalaya, where we’ll board a minivan for the return trip. If the weather is kind, we’ll enjoy a final walk through the enchanting cloud forest, offering one last chance to spot wildlife.
By late afternoon, we’ll arrive back in Cusco, around 6 pm, marking the end of this unforgettable adventure.
Inca Trail Machu Picchu 4 days Inca Trail Machu Picchu 2 days Inca Trail Machu Picchu 1 days Inca Trail + Wayna Picchu 3D Inca Trail + Wayna Picchu 5D Inca Trail + Wayna Picchu 2D Luxury Inca Trail 4 days
Short Inca Trail + Salkantay 6 days Classic Inca Trail + Salkantay 7 days
Salkantay Machu Picchu 5 days Salkantay Machu Picchu 4 days Salkantay Machu Picchu 3 days Salkantay & Humantay lake 2 days
Choquequirao 4 days Choquequirao 5 days Choquequirao Machu Picchu 7 days Choquequirao Machu Picchu 8 days Choquequirao Machu Picchu 9 days
Inca Jungle Machu Picchu 3 days Inca Jungle Machu Picchu 4 days
Manu Cultural Area 3 days Manu Cultural Area 4 days Manu, Reserved Zone 5 days Manu Reserved Area 6 days Manu Reserved Area 7 days Manu Park, Pakitza 8 days
Lares Machu Picchu 4 days Cachicata Machu Picchu 4 days Sacred Valley Machu Picchu 3 days
Machu Picchu Full Day Humantay Lake Rainbow Mountain Palcoyo Mountain 7 lakes of Ausangate Cusco City Tour Maras, Moray & Salt Mines Pisac & Sacsayhuaman Cusco - South Valley Inti Raymi 2025 Chonta, Condor Viewpoint
Karla Sofie H
January 22, 2025
Me and my friend did the Salkantay Trek with the guide Javier. It was one of the best experiences and we loved every second with Javier who was so sweet, knew so much about the Incas and the mountains. We learned a lot and it was just such a beautiful experience. Thank you to the Inka trail expeditions and especially Javier!
Celeste M
January 22, 2025
Incredible experience doing the short Salkantay trek with Henry/Javier as our guide. We could not have wished for a better guide- Javier was considerate, always listened to our needs for breaks, and knew the perfect balance between teaching us about our surroundings and letting us be still with nature. Truly an experience of a lifetime
Paolo P
January 17, 2025
Amazing experience! Henry who was my guide was bar none the most amazing guide I’ve ever had in any tour! He was knowledgeable and kept the motivation going during our 2 day Inca trail hike!
Guido Martina
January 17, 2025
Contratamos el servicio desde Argentina y siempre fueron muy profesionales. Las excursiones y transportes salieron sin problemas desde principio a fin. Una mención especial a Florencia que nos ayudo a organizar todo via mail y llamadas y a Ronald el guía de Machu Picchu que nos hizo pasar una tarde espectacular y con mucha historia. We hired the service from Argentina and they were always very professional. The tours and transportation went smoothly from start to finish. A special mention to Florencia who helped us organize everything via email and calls and to Ronald the Machu Picchu guide who made us spend a spectacular afternoon with a lot of history.
Demonstrating our commitment to quality, we hold ISO 9001 certification, ensuring excellence in our services.
With ISO 14001, we prioritize environmental sustainability, reducing our impact on the planet.
We're honored to be recognized with the Traveler's Choice Award in 2024, a testament to our dedication to exceptional travel experiences.
We are an official agency and tour operator, ensuring a unique and high-quality travel experience to the destinations of your choice in Cusco and Peru.
.webp "Inca Trail tickets to Machu Picchu 2025")