Trip to Manu National Park

Trip to Manu National Park

A trip to Manu National Park. It is one of the largest tropical parks in South America. Located in southeastern Peru, nestled in the last Andean foothills of the Cusco region and the Madre de Dios rainforest, it covers an area of ​​2 million square hectares, a territory rich in flora and fauna, with a variety of Andean, high Andean, tropical, and subtropical habitats. This natural paradise, recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve, harbors the greatest biodiversity in protected rainforest areas and several endemic cloud forest species.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Paucartambo

Departure from the city of Cusco very early in the morning in one of our vehicles. We will travel through interesting inter-Andean valleys and picturesque rural communities. The following morning we will visit the Pre-Inca Tombs of Ninamarca, known as “Chullpas,” and then head to Paucartambo, a typical colonial town that was very important in its time and still retains its charm. Continuing the journey, we will ascend to the Acjanacu pass at 3,850 meters above sea level. From here, we begin our descent through the Cloud Forest, an area very rich in endemic species such as the Spectacled Bear and Andean Cock-of-the-rock, orchids, bromeliads, ferns, etc. Lunch will be served along the route, allowing us to observe nature, before continuing to our lodge, Orquídeas de San Pedro, where we will spend our first night comfortably settled in.

 

Day 2: Paucartambo - Erika Lodge

Very early in the morning, we'll search for the fascinating Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Peru's national bird, known for its striking, vibrant orange-red plumage. After breakfast, we'll continue our journey by bus, crossing the high jungle and arriving at the town of Pilcopata*. Later, we'll travel to the port of Atalaya, where we'll have lunch. This port is located on the banks of the Alto Madre de Dios River, at 700 meters above sea level. From there, we'll begin our descent down the river for approximately 50 minutes. We'll have the opportunity to observe the enormous diversity of bird species, such as herons, vultures, cormorants, and more, until we reach our private reserve, "Erika." There, we'll hike along the interesting trails of this transitional zone between the high and low jungle. Overnight at the lodge.

 

Day 3: Machuwasi

Our lodge is located in the Transitional Zone between High and Low Rainforest (600 m.a.s.l. - 1,550 m.a.s.l.). After breakfast, the guide will explain the different altitudes that give rise to diverse habitats, as well as the high diversity of wildlife in the surrounding area. After lunch, we will board our boat and navigate for 5 minutes to cross the Alto Madre de Dios River. We will then walk for approximately 30 minutes along an interesting trail, observing and discussing fascinating flora such as sensitive plants, heliconias, fruit plantations, etc., until we reach Machuwasi Lagoon. There, we will set up the telescope to observe birds such as great egrets, toucanets, red-crested woodpeckers, great kiskadees, cardinals, and more.

* 1 Free Optional Activity - Canopy Tour: Our lodge offers the opportunity to travel from tree to tree and platform to platform using harnesses on a horizontal cable with a track system. You'll glide at high speed over the treetops of this fabulous Amazon rainforest, where you can observe the diverse birdlife and other wildlife of the area from above. Specialized staff will assist you throughout this exciting experience and explain everything interesting you'll see from the moment you leave the ground until you rappel down from a height of 30 meters.

 

Day 4: Erika Lodge - Cusco

Very early, we will board our boat for a 10-minute ride to the Collpa, a clay wall on the river where different species of parrots, such as the blue-headed parrot, the white-eyed parakeet, and possibly the scarlet macaw (Ara severa), among others, come down each morning to extract and lick pieces of clay containing the minerals necessary for their dietary balance. At the end of this daily activity, we return to our lodge, Erika. After breakfast, we board the boat to the Port of Atalaya, where the bus will be waiting to take us back to the city of Cusco. We will have lunch en route and arrive in the evening. END OF OUR SERVICES.

Please note: Manu National Park is not an endemic area, therefore there is no malaria or yellow fever. You only need to bring a good insect repellent. If you wish to be vaccinated against yellow fever as a precaution, you can do so at least 10 days before the start of your jungle tour.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

- Land and river transportation,

- 1 night at our Orquídeas de San Pedro Lodge,

- 2 nights at the Erika Lodge, full board (vegetarian option available),

- Specialized bilingual guide, first-aid kit, and safety deposit box for documents and valuables

 

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

- First breakfast

- Bottled water on the first day

- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages

- Handicrafts and tips

- Dinner on the last night

 

What to bring:

- Binoculars and camera

- Towel for the entire tour

- Swimsuit and sandals

- Sneakers and hiking boots

- Flashlight with batteries and spare bulbs

- Insect repellent (40% SPF recommended)

- Personal hygiene items and medications

- Hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen

- Raincoat, light jacket, and cotton pants

- Backpack and a small backpack

-Warm clothes in case of cold weather

-Plastic bags, a water bottle for the first day