OVERVIEW
MANU PARK
DAY 1: CUSCO – NINAMARCA – PAUCARTAMBO – CLOUD FOREST – ECO-LODGE
Very early in the morning, we leave Cusco heading towards the beautiful landscapes of Manu Park. Firstly, we visit the Inca tombs of Ninamarca (so-called the “Fire Town”). Secondly, we stop in Paucartambo – a folklore colonial town, which name means in the Quechua native language the “Home for Rest of the Golden Oriole Birds”. After our Tour Guide shows us around, we continue having many stops on the way until we get to Acjanacu. This place is considered the gateway to the Manu biosphere and it also serves as a viewpoint offering a panoramic view of the Amazon.
On the way, we eat our box lunch. Later on, we descend passing many habitats observing native endemic flora and fauna. For instance, tree ferns (Cyatheaceae), orchids, Andean crested quetzals (Pharomachrus antisianus) and other colourful birds, monkeys, a variety of butterflies and insects. Especially, we may watch the Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus) in its habitat as well as some spectacled bears (Tremarctos ornatus). The latter two are quite unique and wonderful native species.
Finally, we reach our lodge near the community of Challabamba where we enjoy a welcome with a tropical drink made of local fruits. Not long afterwards, we are served dinner and then we go to experience our first night in the jungle.
DAY 2: ECO-LODGE – CLOUD FOREST – PILLCOPATA – ECO-LODGE
Another early morning wake-up awaits us. This time, we need to take advantage of the early time for birdwatching. Before breakfast, we follow paths around the lodge in search of endemic birds. For example, quetzals, toucans, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, manakin tanagers and golden orioles. On top of that, we might spot some woolly monkeys, cappuccino monkeys and insects. Then, we return to the lodge to enjoy a perfect tropical breakfast.
Afterwards, we are taken towards Pillcopata Town to accommodate ourselves in a nearby eco-lodge. Later, we start out trekking until we reach the native community of Huacaria. We can learn and share the lifestyle of the local natives, appreciate their crops and visit their knitting centre. We also get to know how the local people hunt, fish or use medicinal plants. Then, we are served lunch to later have a dip all together in a crystal-clear river. In the end, we return to the lodge near Pillcopata in order to enjoy a delicious tropical drink, dinner and well-deserved sleep.
DAY 3 MANU PARK: ECO-LODGE – AMAZON RAINFOREST – ATALAYA PORT – ECO-LODGE
After a delicious breakfast in our lodge, we ride for about 45 minutes to the Atalaya port. There, we change for a boat leading down the river for about an hour till we get to the third eco-lodge. It is located inside the Manu National Park on the Madre de Dios River banks.
Here is where we spend the day visiting pathways connecting diverse ecosystems. For example, forests, streams and lakes. We are able to see there one of the prehistoric species – hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin). Also, we can observe some native marine species as well as caymans, capybaras, squirrel monkeys and various bird species.
After sunset, we follow a path through the rainforest. In this way, we become a part of a magical night accompanied by the sounds of nocturnal animals. Once back in the lodge, we have a wonderful dinner and spend the last night in Manu Park.
DAY 4 MANU PARK: ECO-LODGE – PARROT CLAY-LICK – CUSCO
At daybreak, we need to visit a parrot clay-lick. For that reason, we wake up very early and board a boat taking us there. This place is very important for parrots (and not only for them) as clay helps them to get rid of toxins which they always gain by eating Amazon fruits. Parrots and parakeets fly in here every morning, forming a colourful spectacle with melodic sounds. That is why we have a perfect chance not only to appreciate them but take amazing pictures as well. This all accompanied by an explanation of our specialized Tour Guide.
Then, we get back to the lodge. We are served our last breakfast and afterwards, we need to say goodbye to local staff because a return way to Cusco City awaits us. First off, we board a motorboat taking us to a port. There, we change for a private vehicle bringing us to the city at around 6 pm. The Manu Park 4 Day Tour finishes by transferring you to your hotel.
ITINERARY
MANU PARK
DAY 1: CUSCO – NINAMARCA – PAUCARTAMBO – CLOUD FOREST – ECO-LODGE
- Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
- Transport by a private vehicle towards the Manu National Park.
- Guided tour of the Inca cemetery of Ninamarca.
- Visit the colonial town of Paucartambo.
- Arrival at Acjanacu – the gateway and the viewpoint of the Manu biosphere.
- Having a box lunch.
- Visit the habitat of the Cock of the Rock.
- Arrive at the lodge near Challabamba.
- Welcome by the local staff.
- Accommodation in small private cabins with private bathrooms and verandas/porches.
- Dinner and overnight.
DAY 2: ECO-LODGE – CLOUD FOREST – PILLCOPATA – ECO-LODGE
- Early morning birdwatching.
- Buffet breakfast consisting of fruits typical for the Amazon.
- Ride to the Pillcopata Town.
- Accommodation in a nearby eco-lodge.
- Visit the native community of Huacaria.
- Lunch.
- Participation in activities of the native community.
- Taking a dip in the crystal-clear river.
- Return to the eco-lodge (near Pillcopata).
- Exotic drinks and dinner.
- Overnight.
DAY 3: ECO-LODGE – AMAZON RAINFOREST – ATALAYA PORT – ECO-LODGE
- Breakfast.
- The 45-minute ride to the port of Atalaya
- Boat ride (for an hour).
- Arrive at the next eco-lodge.
- Walk around the surrounding trails.
- Visit some of the most beautiful lakes.
- Observation of caymans, capybaras, squirrel monkeys, hoatzins and other birds.
- Night walk through the Amazon Manu.
- Dinner and overnight.
DAY 4 MANU PARK: ECO-LODGE – PARROT CLAY-LICK – CUSCO
- Visit and observation of a parrot clay-lick at the daybreak (for about one and a half an hour).
- Return to the lodge.
- Breakfast.
- Saying goodbye to local staff.
- Motorboat ride till a port.
- Then, a change for bus and return to Cusco.
- Transfer to your hotel in Cusco at around 6 pm.
INCLUDED
THE MANU PARK TOUR INCLUDES:
- Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
- Transport by private vehicle/motorboat during all tours.
- 3 nights at eco-lodges in the Manu National Park.
- A professional bilingual Tour Guide during all the tours.
- Admission fee to the Manu National Park.
- Tour to the Ninamarca Inca cemetery.
- Guided visit of the Paucartambo Town.
- Visit the habitat of the Cock of the Rock.
- Birdwatching trip.
- Tour to the native community of Huacaria.
- Cayman observation.
- Night walk in the jungle.
- Parrot Clay Lick Tour.
- All meals included: ie. 1x welcome fruit drink, 3x buffet breakfast, 1x box lunch, 2x lunch à la carte and 3x dinner à la carte.
- Drinking water to fill your bottles all day long.
- Gumboots and machetes are necessary for the jungle.
- Personalized assistance during all the Manu Park Tour.
NOT INCLUDED
THE MANU PARK TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not mentioned.
- Drinks.
- Tips to local staff.
- Any accommodation in Cusco.
- Any flight ticket.
WHAT TO BRING
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU TO THE MANU PARK TOUR?
- Please note! It is absolutely necessary to get vaccinated against Yellow Fever at least 2 weeks prior to your arrival!
- Use anti-malaria tablets prior to the Manu Park 4 Day Tour.
- Original passport,
- Insect repellent (DEET 40 or higher!),
- Sun cream,
- Sunglasses,
- Backpack,
- Light and comfortable clothes for 4 days (preferably light colours, at least one long pair of trousers and a long-sleeved T-shirt, shorts, several sets of socks).
- Raincoat/poncho,
- A cap/hat,
- Walking shoes,
- Sandals,
- Swimsuit (in case you like to use the local swimming pool).
- Camera,
- Toiletries,
- Small towel,
- Paper towels,
- Flashlight,
- Bottled water,
- Water purifying tablets (if you prefer, but it is not necessary).
- Pocket money (to buy souvenirs or refreshments).
- Personal medication (if applicable).
PRICE
MANU PARK
The price depends on the number of participants, accommodation availability, travel dates and other preferences. Please inquire about a personalized price.