RESERVE MANU BIOSPHERE ZONE 6D/5N

We depart Cusco by bus at 6:00 AM, beginning our journey into the heart of the Manu National Park.Our first stop will be at the ancient Ninamarka burial towers, a fascinating pre-Inca archaeological site. After approximately 4 hours on the road, we’ll arrive in the charming colonial town of Paucartambo, known for its rich folklore and cultural heritage.

From there, we head towards Acjanaco, the entrance to the Manu Biosphere Reserve, where we start our descent into the mystical cloud forest. This unique ecosystem is home to a vibrant array of flora and fauna, including orchids, ferns, and the iconic Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruvianus), Peru’s national bird. Here, you’ll have the chance to witness the stunning mating dance of these brightly colored birds. On a lucky day, you might even spot the elusive Spectacled Bear.

By the afternoon, we’ll reach the town of Pilcopata, where we’ll settle in for our first night in the Amazon.

 

Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Pona Lodge
Distance: 150 km / 155 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Walking Time: There may be short walks or explorations, up to 2 hours maximum.

We start the day early with a bus ride, traveling approximately one hour to reach the Atalaya River Port, where our adventure on the Madre de Dios River (a tributary of the Amazon) begins. After about two hours of scenic boat travel, we’ll arrive at a natural hot spring, where we can relax and unwind for about an hour before enjoying a riverside lunch.

Following our break, we continue along the river to reach the Papaya Eco Lodge, nestled in the heart of the rainforest. In the afternoon, there will be opportunities to try your hand at fishing in the nearby lagoon, followed by nighttime activities where we’ll explore the jungle and discover its nocturnal wildlife.

Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Pona Lodge – Papaya Lodge
Distance: 250 km / 155 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Walking Time: There may be short walks or explorations, up to 2 hours maximum.

Exploring the Manu River & Arrival at Casa Machiguenga Lodge

After visiting various key spots in Manu National Park, we embark on a full-day journey along the Manu River, traveling for 7 to 10 hours while keeping a close eye on the rich wildlife that inhabits the area. This day promises ample opportunities to spot a variety of species, including black and white caimans, an array of exotic birds, and if we’re lucky, the elusive Jaguar.

By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at the Casa Machiguenga Lodge, a rustic yet comfortable accommodation deep in the heart of the Manu jungle. The lodge is managed by the indigenous Machiguenga people, who have been the guardians of this jungle for generations. In the evening, an optional night walk will allow you to explore the vibrant nocturnal life of the rainforest.

Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Casa Matsinguenka Lodge
Distance: 250 - 300 km / 186 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Walking Time: There may be short walks or explorations, up to 5 hours maximum.

Exploring Otorongo and Salvador Oxbow Lakes – Wildlife & Macaw Clay Lick Experience

Today, we visit two of the most fascinating spots in Manu National Park: the Otorongo and Salvador oxbow lakes, renowned for their incredible biodiversity. Our expert guide will lead us along jungle trails, revealing the secrets of the Amazon rainforest. These lakes are home to an abundance of wildlife, including 13 species of monkeys and countless plant species, offering an immersive understanding of the importance of rainforest conservation.

Following the guide’s instructions, we may spot some of the rainforest’s larger inhabitants, such as the giant river otter, tapir, and peccaries. In the afternoon, we will visit the vibrant Macaw Clay Lick, where these majestic birds gather for a stunning display of color and sound. As we return to the lodge, we may have the opportunity to see even more wildlife, including various species of monkeys, an impressive array of birds, and perhaps even witness the majestic flight of the King Vulture, also known as the Condor of the Jungle.

Tonight, we will rest in our exclusive lodge, offering comfortable accommodations and excellent services to ensure a memorable stay.

Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Casa Machingenka Lodge
Distance: 250 km / 155 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Walking Time: There may be short walks or explorations, up to 2 hours maximum.

Jaguar Spotting and Night at the Camouflage House

On this day, we continue our search for the elusive Jaguar along the banks of the Manu River, one of the best places to spot this magnificent predator in its natural habitat. We’ll enjoy breakfast on the boat as we travel down the river, before transferring to the Madre de Dios River. After about 7 hours by boat, with several interesting stops along the way, we’ll arrive at the Papaya Eco Lodge, a remote and ecologically preserved area deep in the Amazon rainforest.

In the evening, we’ll take part in one of the most unique experiences of the trip—spending the night in a camouflage house near a tapir clay lick. Here, tapirs are known to visit at night to consume the mineral-rich clay, and with some luck, we may observe these fascinating creatures up close. If fortune smiles on us, we might even have multiple sightings during the night, making this a truly unforgettable wildlife experience.

Meals:Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Papaya Eco Lodge
Distance: 150 km / 155 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Walking Time: There may be short walks or explorations, up to 2 hours maximum.

Return Journey to Cusco

On our final day, we begin our return journey by boat, traveling back to the Atalaya River Port. From there, we’ll board our private bus for the scenic drive back to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 PM. This marks the end of our unforgettable adventure through the heart of the Amazon rainforest.

Meals:Breakfast - Lunch
Distance: 150 km / 155 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Walking Time: There may be short walks or explorations, up to 2 hours maximum.