MANU PARK 5D/4N

Trip Overview

DESCRIPTION

The Manu National Park has the largest biodiversity in the world! It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. It actually covers an area of 17,162.95 km² (6,626.65 square miles)!

The park is situated in south-eastern Peru, in the regions of Madre de Dios and Cusco. It protects diverse ecosystems such as grasslands (in areas over 4,000 m), high Andean forests, cloud forests, and lowland Amazon rainforest (Amazon Basin).

For this reason, there is a great diversity of flora counting with 162 plant families, 1191 genus, and 4385 species (only those identified)! In one hectare of the park, 250 tree species can be found! However, there is a total of 1,108 tree species inside the entire park!

Concerning its fauna, the Manu Park is home to 160 mammal species, over 1000 bird species, 155 species of amphibians, 132 reptile species, 210 species of fish, 1300 butterfly species, 300 species of ants, 136 species of dragonflies, and 650 species of beetles.

Beyond there in the tropical zone, we find many Amazon native tribes of various ethnicities who have been living there for hundreds of years in the same say. For example, Matsiguenka, Yine, Yora, Mashco-Piro, Mashco-Piro, among those known. Nevertheless, there are other human groups who prefer living in isolation from the surrounding world. Other than that, a Quechua-speaking population of approximately 200 persons lives in the zone of Calling.

During the Manu Park 5 Day Tour, you will become a part of an Amazon native community while you will be discovering the breathtaking nature of the park!

OVERVIEW

MANU PARK

DAY 1: CUSCO – NINAMARCA – PAUCARTAMBO – CLOUD FOREST – PILLCOPATA – 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.

Passing through a village of Pillcopata, we finally arrive at our eco-lodge. We enjoy tropical drinks made of local fruits and delicious dinner there before we go to rest.

DAY 2: ECO-LODGE – AMAZON RAINFOREST – ATALAYA PORT – ECO-LODGE

After a delicious breakfast, we head to the Atalaya Port (approx. 45 minutes). There, we change for a motorboat and ride down the river for 40 minutes till we get to our next eco-lodge. It is situated on the shores of the Madre de Dios River.

There, we spend the day following surrounding trails that connect various ecosystems such as forests, gorges and a lake where we have a chance to see a prehistoric bird – Hoatzin, a marine species characteristic for this place, caymans, capybaras, squirrel monkey and many bird species.

After dawn, we become a part of the nocturnal magic with its rainforest sounds that animals produce only at night. We walk on a path through the forest.

Later on, we enjoy a tropical dinner and go to sleep.

DAY 3: ECO-LODGE – PARROT CLAY-LICK – HOT SPRINGS – MACHIGUENGA NATIVE COMMUNITY

We need to wake up very early before the sunrise because we go to visit a parrot clay-lick located a walking distance from the lodge following the river.

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 return to the lodge to have breakfast. After that, we start out a journey to the Machiguenga community. Firstly, we reach hot springs on the way so we enjoy a dip. Further, we continue our way till we get to the native community where we have lunch.

Later on, we participate in common activities of the Amazonian people such as fabrics making, preparation of weapons, use of medicinal plants and others. In the evening, we go fishing with the local tribe. Finally, we return to the community to have dinner and overnight.

DAY 4: MACHIGUENGA NATIVE COMMUNITY – PILLCOPATA – ECO-LODGE

On the fourth day, we go for a walk in the rainforest during the morning after breakfast. Then, we board a boat taking us back to the Atalaya Port. Our bus expects us there in order to bring us to the eco-lodge near Pillcopata again. Here, we spend the last night in the Amazon Manu. As it is the last night, there is a farewell ceremony prepared as a thank-you for this great tour and as a treat for you for travelling with X Travel Peru. Afterwards, we are served a stylish dinner and then we get ready to sleep.

DAY 5 MANU PARK: ECO-LODGE – PILLCOPATA – CUSCO

After a tropical breakfast, we say goodbye to local staff in order to set out for a journey back to Cusco. On the way, we do several stops in order to take some pictures. We reach Cusco at about 6 pm. There, we transport you to your hotel and say goodbye. The end of service of the Manu Park 5D/4N.

ITINERARY

MANU PARK

DAY 1: CUSCO – NINAMARCA – PAUCARTAMBO – CLOUD FOREST – PILLCOPATA – ECO-LODGE

Early morning 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 Pillcopata.
Welcome by the local staff.
Accommodation in small private cabins with private bathrooms and verandas/porches.
Dinner and overnight.

DAY 2: ECO-LODGE – AMAZON RAINFOREST – ATALAYA PORT – ECO-LODGE

Breakfast
Ride to the Atalaya Port (45 minutes).
Motorboat ride for about 40 minutes.
Arrival at the eco-lodge.
A walk on the trails around the lodge, including a visit to a beautiful lake.
Observation of caymans, boas, capybaras and squirrel monkeys.
Night walk in Manu Park.
Dinner and overnight.

DAY 3: ECO-LODGE – PARROT CLAY-LICK – HOT SPRINGS – MACHIGUENGA NATIVE COMMUNITY

Very early wake-up.
Tour to a parrot clay-lick (one and half an hour).
Return to the lodge.
Breakfast.
Machiguenga Community Tour.
Visit the hot springs on the way.
Lunch.
Participation in some activities of the Amazon native community.
Native style of fishing in the evening.
Dinner and overnight in the community.

DAY 4: MACHIGUENGA NATIVE COMMUNITY – PILLCOPATA – ECO-LODGE

Breakfast in the community.
Morning walk in the rainforest.
Return ride to the eco-lodge near Pillcopata observing the Amazon on the way.
Accommodation at the eco-lodge.
Lunch.
Rest in the lodge.
Farewell ceremony.
Stylish dinner and overnight.

DAY 5 MANU PARK: ECO-LODGE – PILLCOPATA – CUSCO

Breakfast.
Saying goodbye to local staff.
Return to the Cusco City by private vehicle.
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 the Manu Park 5D/4N.
2 nights at eco-lodges in the Manu National Park.
1 night in a native community of Matchiguenka.
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.
Observation of caymans and other animals.
Night walk in the Amazon Rainforest.
Parrot Clay Lick Tour.
Visit local hot springs.
Machiguenga Community Tour.
All meals included: ie. 1x welcome fruit drink, 4x buffet breakfast, 4x lunch à la carte and 4x 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 TOUR TO MANU PARK DOES NOT INCLUDE:

Meals not mentioned.
Drinks.
Tips to local staff.
Any accommodation in Cusco.
Any flight ticket.

RECOMMENDATIONS

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 5D/4N.
Original passport,
Insect repellent (DEET 40 or higher!),
Sun cream,
Sunglasses,
Backpack,
Light and comfortable clothes for 5 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 .