Please note: This trip can be shortened to 6 days if you take a flight out from Manu to Cusco rather than the bus. In this case the cost is US$860 per person. (Does not include airport tax)
“Aside from the exhileration and adrenaline rush one would expect from this adventure, I had no idea how much I would love the added fringe benefits of
We take an 10 hour bus trip from the city of Cusco ascending to the high mountain area at 4200 m (14,000 feet). After a short stop in Ninamarca, to see the pre-Inca cemetery, and Paucartambo village, we descend the eastern slopes of the Andes through cloud forest with lush vegetation (ferns, orchids, etc.) to the lowland rainforest on the Madre de Dios River. You will enjoy spectacular views of the Andes and may see wildlife such as our national bird, the Cock of the Rocks (Rupicola peruviana) inside a hiding place next to the lek, brilliantly coloured Tanagers and Hummingbirds and with some luck the first monkeys, as e.g. the Woolly Monkey.
We spend the night in a lodge in Pilcopata (700m).
DAY 2: PILCOPATA TO BLANQUILLO
After breakfast we travel another 45 minutes by bus to Atalaya, at 500 m. Here we embark on an 8 hour journey in a 15-meter motorized canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios River. Today we have the opportunity to see wildlife along the rocky banks of the river, such as Fasciated Tiger Herons, Purplish Jays, King Vultures, caimans and some of the 13 species of monkeys that live in Manu. In the afternoon we arrive to Blanquillo, our base camp for the next days. Optional: night walk before dinner and a shower.
DAY 3: MACAW CLAY LICK AND CAMUNGO LAKE
Early in the morning we go to the Macaw Clay Lick. From the blind we can observe flocks of Macaws (Ara chloroptera-macao), Parrots and Parakeets congregating to eat the clay, which is essential for their digestion. Breakfast at the blind. After the spectacle we have the opportunity to climb a 42m tower at Camungo Lake to get a great canopy view and observe birds, e.g. toucans. Later we explore the trails around Blanquillo. The night is spent at Blanquillo. Optional: night walk (to see insects, frogs, snakes, etc).
DAY 4: BLANCO LAKE (BLANQUILLO) TO MAQUISAPAYOJ TAPIR LICK
Today we have another opportunity to observe Macaws at the Macaw Clay Lick in the morning. Afterwards we visit Cocha (lake) Blanco to observe the family of Giant River Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), monkeys (e.g. Red Howler Monkey), caimans and different varieties of birds. In the afternoon we travel upriver for one hour to Maquisapayoj (place of the Black Spider Monkey). From here we walk into primary rainforest to the Mammal Salt Lick. Where we spent the night on an elevated platform (with mats and mosquitos nets) to observe Tapirs and other mammals during the night.
DAY 5: MAQUISAPAYOJ TO BOCA MANU
We return to the dining room to have breakfast. Later we can explore other trails around Maquisapayoj and fish for piranhas or catfish. The night is spent at Maquisapayoj or Boca Manu village. If we travel as far as Boca Manu we can visit a lake on Isla de los Valles to observe Giant River Otter. (Today you can fly back to Cusco from Boca Manu Airstrip).
DAY 6: BOCA MANU TO YANAYACO OR CUSCO
We start making our way back to Cusco. Either by plane from Boca Manu to Cusco or onwards to Yanayacu by boat. If time allows we make a short visit to the Piro Indian village Diamante and continue further upriver to camp on the beach for this night.
DAY 7: YANAYACU TO PILCOPATA
On this day, we travel upriver, make a stop for a swim at Aguas Calientes (hot springs) and continue to Atalaya from where we travel for another hour by bus to Pilcopata town. Here we spend the night in a lodge.
DAY 8: RETURN TO CUSCO:
Today we travel for 9 hours up to the Andes to return to Cusco around 5 p.m.
The Tour Includes
Professional Guide specialized in Manu, specialized birding guide on request
Cook
Food (3 meals per day, vegetarian on request)
Private bus and boat transportation
Camping equipment, mosquito netting (except your personal sleeping bag)
Entrance to Macaw Clay Lick, Mammal Salt Lick, Lakes
Medical supplies
Radio communication.
The tour does not Includes:
Airport tax is not include, extra cost US$ 8 aprox.
Sleeping bag can be hired in our office for US$ 20 for the 7 days Program.
Tips for the guide, driver boat and assistant
Things you should bring for the Manu Trip:
Mosquito repellent
Long sleeved shirts (cotton is better)
Cotton socks
Sandals
Rain gear
Long pants
Bathing suit
Hiking shoes
Binoculars (you can also rent them in Cusco)
Camera and films (400 and 200 ASA)
Plastic bags for clothes and camera etc.
Personal things (soap, toilet paper. towel etc.)
Hat ( or handkerchief)
Sun blocker, sun glasses
Sleeping bag (can also be rented)
Flashlight (with spare bulb and batteries)
Day pack
Rubber boots (only in rainy season, Jan - April)
Extra money for personal expenses.
For more information and details how to make a booking please email Jimena at:
