MANU PARK EXTREME BIODIVERSITY – PAKITZA 8 days 7 nights

Departure from Cusco and Journey to Manu National Park

Early in the morning, we depart from Cusco by bus, heading toward Huancarani for a quick breakfast (not included). Our first stop is at the ancient Ninamarca funerary towers, where you’ll explore these fascinating pre-Inca structures. We then continue to Paucartambo, a picturesque colonial town renowned for its vibrant folkloric traditions. After a brief city tour, we head to Acjanaco Pass (3,560 m), the gateway to Manu National Park. Here, our expert guide will introduce you to the park’s regulations and unique biodiversity.

From Acjanaco, we begin our descent into the stunning Cloud Forest, an ecosystem rich in flora like orchids, heliconias, and ancient ferns. The area is also teeming with wildlife, and you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of bird species such as the variable hawk, flycatchers, crested orioles, and, with a bit of luck, the Amazonian umbrella bird, monkeys, and quetzals. One of the highlights of the day will be stopping to observe Peru’s national bird, the Cock-of-the-Rock (Gallito de las Rocas), in its natural habitat. After this thrilling experience, we will spend the night at the cozy Bamboo Lodge, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the jungle.

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

Exploring the Amazon: From Atalaya Port to Dorado Lodge

After an early breakfast, we continue our journey by bus, passing through Pillcopata (527 m / 1,729 ft) before arriving at Atalaya Port (500 m / 1,640 ft) on the banks of the Alto Madre de Dios River. From here, we embark on a scenic boat ride downstream, offering the opportunity to observe a wide variety of bird species such as egrets, vultures, and cormorants. Our first stop is at the Machuhuasi Amazonian Pond, where you'll have the chance to spot the unique Hoatzin (locally known as "Shansho") along with other exotic birds.

After this birdwatching adventure, we continue downstream to a natural hot spring, where we will enjoy lunch and relax. The journey resumes as we navigate further downriver toward our accommodations at the Dorado Lodge (300 m / 986 ft). Lunch can also be served onboard as we cruise through the Amazon.

In the afternoon, we will visit a mammal clay lick observation platform, reached via a hike along the lodge's trail system, located at the gateway to the lowland rainforest. This is a prime opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat before retiring for the night at Dorado Lodge.

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

Journey to Manu National Park and Arrival at Casa Machiguenga

As dawn breaks, we embark on a boat journey toward Manu National Park, entering the Reserve Zone just past the confluence of the Alto Madre de Dios and Manu Rivers. Our first stop is at the Limonal Ranger Station (310 m / 1,017 ft), where we will sign the guest book before continuing our adventure.

We then head upstream along the Manu River, enjoying breakfast onboard as we leave behind the western areas and enter the heart of the park. The boat ride takes approximately five hours, during which we will encounter a wealth of wildlife, including colorful birds such as macaws, egrets, and spoonbills. Keep an eye out for capybaras, caimans, turtles, monkeys foraging in the trees, and, with some luck, a wild cat basking on the riverbanks.

Our destination is the Salvador Oxbow Lake, where we will spend the next two nights at the eco-friendly Casa Machiguenga (370 m / 1,213 ft). After arriving, we'll explore the extensive trail system of this pristine rainforest on a guided hike, offering more opportunities to observe the region’s unique biodiversity.

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

Exploring Cocha Salvador Lake and Wildlife in Manu National Park

After breakfast, we will spend the morning exploring Cocha Salvador Lake, a prime spot for wildlife observation. You'll board a catamaran and paddle across the serene waters, where you may spot rare species like the Agami heron and Sungrebe, as well as brown capuchin monkeys feeding on nearby fruit trees. Specially constructed docks along the lake provide excellent vantage points to search for a resident family of giant otters, the largest freshwater carnivores in the world. Once widespread, giant otters are now found mainly in Manu National Park, where they thrive and consume up to 5 kilos of fish daily, often seen feasting on logs by the water’s edge.

In the afternoon, we will explore the surrounding trails, home to 13 different species of monkeys. Your expert guide will share insights into the rainforest ecosystem and introduce you to the medicinal plants used by local indigenous communities. We may also encounter a herd of peccaries, a species of wild boar native to this region. As the day winds down, we will enjoy the beauty of the Amazonian sunset before returning to Casa Machiguenga for the night.

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

Early Morning Visit to the Macaw Clay Lick and Exploration of Pakitza

At dawn, we will set out to visit the vibrant macaw clay lick at Salvadorcillo Creek, where you'll witness colorful macaws and other parrots gathering to feed on the mineral-rich clay—a truly unforgettable spectacle of nature. Afterward, we will continue by boat to the Pakitza ranger station, the last observation post within Manu National Park. Here, we’ll explore the surrounding forest, discovering a diverse array of plant and bird species, and with a bit of luck, encounter more wildlife such as monkeys or even jaguars.

After our exploration, we will return to the lodge for rest. For those seeking more adventure, an optional night walk is available to experience the rainforest’s nocturnal wildlife.

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

Exploring the Rainforest and Wildlife at Cocha Otorongo

Today, we have another chance to explore the rich forest surrounding the lodge. Keep an eye out for the tiny Tamarin monkeys, the smallest primates in the world, which may sneak up behind you if you're not careful! Our adventure continues with a visit to Cocha Otorongo Lake, where you can climb a 20-meter observation tower nestled in the rainforest canopy. From this elevated viewpoint, you'll have an incredible opportunity to observe the lake’s diverse wildlife.

After lunch, we will embark on a four-hour boat journey down the Manu River to our next lodge. Along the way, be on the lookout for black caimans basking in the sun on the riverbanks and, if we're lucky, we may spot the elusive jaguar, South America's most iconic big cat.

In the evening, we’ll explore a new trail system, offering a completely different perspective on the rainforest's flora and fauna.

Meals:Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Casa Matsiguenka - Cocha Otorongo - Dorado Ecological Lodge
Distance: 300 km / 187 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Walking Time: There may be short walks or explorations, up to 2 hours maximum.

Morning River Journey and Relaxation at Hot Springs

We start the day with an early morning walk around the lodge, taking in the serene jungle surroundings before packing up for our river journey. As we head upstream toward our next lodge, we will make a stop at a stunning hot springs site, located near the Alto Madre de Dios River. Here, you can unwind, swim, and enjoy the natural thermal waters, offering a perfect moment of relaxation in the heart of the Amazon.

After our time at the hot springs, we continue to Puerto Atalaya, where a car will be waiting to take us on a 40-minute drive to Bamboo Lodge. We will spend one more night surrounded by the magical atmosphere of the Amazon rainforest

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

Return Journey from the Amazon to Cusco

Today, we bid farewell to the enchanting Amazon rainforest and begin our journey back to Cusco by bus. After breakfast, we will travel through the stunning cloud forest, offering a final chance for birdwatching and spotting some of the region's unique wildlife. As we ascend from the lowlands, we transition back to the Andes Mountains, where breathtaking views accompany us on our return to Cusco, arriving in the afternoon.

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