“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 hours 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 and Manu Rivers. 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 colored Tanagers and Hummingbirds and with some luck the first monkeys, as e.g. the Wooly Monkey. We spend the night in a lodge in Pilcopata town.
DAY 2: PILCOPATA TO SERJALI
Early in the morning we drive ½ hour to Atalaya where we prepare our raft and descend the upper Madre de Dios River for around 6 hours. Today we have the opportunity to see wildlife along the rocky banks of the river, such as Fasciated Tiger Herons, Skimmers, Purplish Jays, King Vultures, caimans and some of the 13 species of monkeys that live in Manu. In the afternoon we arrive to the area of Serjali and camp on the beach.
DAY 3: SERJALI TO BOCA MANU TO MAQUISAPAYOJ
After an early breakfast we continue by boat to Boca Manu village, where we have a stop and can have a look around the village or get a cold drink. Afterwards we continue by boat for 2 1/2 hours to Maquisapayoj `place of the Black Spider Monkey). Here we walk to the Mammal Salt Lick in the afternoon and spend the night in the specially made platform to observe tapirs.
DAY 4: MAQUISAPAYOJ TO BLANQUILLO
After exploring the trails around Maquisapayoj we travel downriver for half an hour to get to Blanquillo, our base camp for the next days. We visit Cocha (lake) Blanco to observe the family of Giant Otters, monkeys (e.g. Red Howler Monkey) caimans and different varieties of birds. Our camp is at Blanquillo. Optional: night walk (to see frogs, insects, snakes, etc.). Before dinner and a shower.
DAY 5: MACAW CLAY LICK AND COCHA CAMUNGO
Early in the morning we go to the Macaw Clay Lick. From a blind we can observe flocks of Macaws (Ara chloroptera, - macao), Parrots and Parakeets arriving to eat the clay. After the spectacle we continue exploring the trails around Blanquillo and visit the 42 m tower at Cocha (lake) Camungo.. We spend the night in Blanquillo.
DAY 6: BLANQUILLO TO CUSCO
Early in the morning we drive to Boca Manu airstrip and fly back to Cusco.
The Tour Includes
Professional Guide specialized in Manu, specialized birding guide on request
Entrance to National Park
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:
After an early breakfast we continue by boat to Boca Manu village, where we have a stop and can have a look around the village or get a cold drink. Afterwards we continue by boat for 2 1/2 hours to Maquisapayoj `place of the Black Spider Monkey). Here we walk to the Mammal Salt Lick in the afternoon and spend the night in the specially made platform to observe tapirs.
