Manu National Park

6 days

Have a memorable experience in the most biologically diverse region of the Amazon. You will have great opportunities to visit the Macaw Clay Lick, the Tapir Clay Lick, a canopy platform, and a mature oxbow lake. Don't miss your opportunity to have the best Wildlife and Birding experience with accommodation at Manu Wildlife Center in Manu.

Please note this tour has fixed departures only on Wednesday and Saturday.

Tour notes:

Trip Code: ECS-008
Duration: 6 days.
Season: May to Oct
Customizable: No

B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner

    Itinerary  

Day 1: Cusco–Cock of the Rock Lodge.
After breakfast you will be picked form your hotel and driven to the cloud forest. We pass over two Andean chains of almost 13,100 feet elevation through a steppe-like landscape, or Puna. On the way we pass stone Chullpas, or burial chambers, of the Pre-Inca people and will hope to catch sight of some of the bird species of the high Andes, including the Giant Hummingbird and Mountain Caracara. We plan on a delicious boxed lunch at the edge of the cloud forest, Ajanaco, which if clear affords views over the cloud forest and the vast sprawling expanse of the lowland rain forest. From here the road suddenly descends the eastern slope of the Andes. We plunge downwards, past remnant patches of elfin forest, through swirling mist and cloud, to emerge in a forest of stunted, evergreen trees, festooned with mosses, lichens, bromeliads and other epiphytes. Nestled in this forest within a 2-minute walk of the road, and within earshot of a rushing mountain stream, lies the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, If there is time available, we will have a chance to briefly began our exploration of the surrounding forest before dinner.
(L, D)

Day 2: Cock of the Rock Lodge-Pantiacolla Lodge.
We need to get up before sunrise to visit the “lek” of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. Next, we spend some hours of the morning searching from the road looking for cloud forest birds, and with luck, Common Woolly Monkeys. Then continue by bus for Atalaya. After a 3-4 hour bus ride we reach the Alto Madre de Dios River, where we may have box lunch in Atalaya or choose to eat on the River. From here we switch over to a cargo canoe with a 55 hp or 65 HP outboard motors and continue for 1.5 - 2 hours on the Alto Madre de Dios River to the Pantiacolla Lodge. If there is time before dark you will be able to start you exploration of one of the 20 km of gridded forest trails which surround the lodge.
(B, L, D)

Day 3: Pantiacolla Lodge-Manu Wildlife Center.
You can take a small hike on the Lodge trails before leaving early for Manu Wildlife Center. On the way we have wildlife viewing possibilities throughout the morning until you stop for a visit at an Indigenous Piro Indian Village. Later after passing the entrance to the Manu National Park, we take a break at Boca Manu. Now on the River Madre de Dios, after traveling today approximately 6 hours by boat, you arrive at Manu Wildlife Center. A Wildlife Center Reception and Orientation are planned before unpacking in your private bungalow and resting to escape the afternoon heat. Today, at one of the top ten wildlife lodges in the world, we begin your exploration through 48 kilometers, almost 30 miles, of diverse forest trails.
(B, L, D)

Day 4: Manu Wildlife Center.
Rising before dawn; we take a 25 minute boat journey downstream to the only large parrot and macaw clay lick in the Manu area. From a floating catamaran blind we are afforded excellent views and photo opportunities of hundreds of medium-sized and large parrots arriving first at the lick, followed by the large Red-and-Green Macaws arriving to eat the clay. Please note that:
- The clay lick activity reaches its best from August to October and decreases during the months of May and June.
- During the dry season (June-September) the water level on the river does not always allow for a floating blind and it will then be sitting on the ground. After lunch at the Center we continue to explore the forest trails surrounding the lodge, and plan to spend the late afternoon up a 34 meter canopy platform. Here, we watch the last frantic activity in the rainforest canopy, or rush hour, before night settles. We can return for dinner back at the Center, or pack our meal for the leisurely hike about 60-75 minutes through the night forest to the Amazon’s largest known Tapir clay lick. Here we climb a 17 by 17 foot observation platform perched almost 20 feet above the lick itself where we wait for the lumbering Tapirs to arrive. Then, using powerful flashlights we hope to observe and photograph them in action. Our scientific reports reveal that tapirs usually visit the clay lick between 9:00 pm and midnight; however, their activity continues until dawn.
(B, L, D)

Day 5: Manu Wildlife Center.
After another early morning departure by boat and short hike from the river, you have what promises to be an exciting visit to Blanco Oxbow Lake. This lake has populations of a variety of aquatic life and water birds, including the prehistoric-looking hoatzin and the possibility to see the resident family of giant otters. After returning for lunch at the Center your guide is available to further explore the forest trails for more wildlife encounters. Alternatively, time is available to independently practice your abilities and experience this expanse of rainforest habitats on your own. This evening, from the late afternoon until after Dinner, we offer an opportunity to search for caiman and other nocturnal life along the riverbank by boat.
(B, L, D)

Day 6: Manu wildlife Center/Cusco.
After early breakfast, we leave near dawn by motor canoe for the two hour return trip to the Manu landing strip, taking advantage of valuable early morning wildlife activity along the river. From here you fly to Cusco, where your jungle adventure ends. On arrival at Cusco Airport you will be transferred to your hotel.
(B)

Price inclusive:
1,670 US$ per person in double occupancy.

Price includes:
-English speaking naturalist guide.
-24/7 Assistance during your entire trip in the Manu.
-Accommodation in private bungalows in Cock of the Rock Lodge, Pantiacolla Lodge and Manu Wildlife center.
-All meals during your Manu tour.
-Flight ticket Boca Manu Cusco.
-Bus and boat transportation.
-All airport-Hotel transfers in Cusco.
-Purified drinking water and juices.
-Visits to macaw and tapir clay licks, oxbow lake, canopy platforms and trail hikes.

Price does not include:
Flight tickets to Cusco, airport taxes, meals other than those specified in your itinerary, personal expenses, personal insurance, and tips.

WHAT TO BRING: We recommend:
-Good binoculars
-Camera gear (ASA 50, 100 and 200 recommended)
-Two or three pairs of long cotton pants
-Four pairs of absorbent socks.
-Rain suit or long poncho (100% waterproof - test before you leave home)
-Three or four long-sleeved cotton shirts
-Two or three T-shirts
-Sunscreen lotion (high factor).
-One pair of shorts.
-A bottle or canteen to carry water on outings.
-A hat that will not come off in windy boat rides.
-A pair of sneakers or hiking boots and sandals.
-Insect repellent Skin-so-soft for river, and 20% or more deep for forest).
-A photocopy of your passport.
-A bright flashlight.
-Personal toiletries and medications.
-Rubber boots.