Manu reserved zone – 7D/6N
Tour Overview
Embark on a unique adventure through the Manu tour, one of the most biodiverse and remote nature reserves in the world. Venture into the lush Amazon rainforest and discover a natural paradise full of wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and fascinating indigenous cultures. You will immerse yourself in the dense vegetation and have the opportunity to spot tropical birds, playful monkeys, colorful butterflies and, if you are lucky, even jaguars and pumas. The experience of walking the jungle trails and navigating the rivers will allow you to connect in a unique way with nature and appreciate the fragility and importance of these ecosystems.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Cloud forest - Bambu Lodge
On the first day of our Manu jungle adventure, we will pick you up around 6:00 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco, using private transportation. We will visit the village of Huancarani, which contains the funeral towers of Ninamarca, a cemetery of the pre-Inca Lupaca culture, which we will visit briefly on our way to Paucartambo, which is known as the folkloric and colonial town. At midday we will arrive at the entrance to the Manu National Park and the access tone to the most protected natural areas of South America.
We will continue in our private transport at dawn along a dusty road and through the thick fog from which this section of the forest takes its name of cloud forest. Eventually we will arrive at the home of the exotic Peruvian national bird, the “cock of the rocks”, where it is known to gather with others of its kind for some kind of social gathering that seems reminiscent of a grand courtship. You will discover that this is an incredible spectacle with an impressive variety of sounds and colors that can only be found in the jungle. For our first night, we will stay at Bamboo Lodge.
Day 2: Bambu Lodge - Dorado Lodge
Very early at 06:30 a.m., we will depart in the direction of the port of Atalaya; on the way we will make a few stops to visit local small farmers who are producers of many varieties of jungle fruits, including the famous coca plant. Later, we will begin the navigation part of our trip on a river excursion in Madre de Dios, one of the tributaries of the mighty Amazon River. During our day we will have the opportunity to witness many types of colorful birds such as parrots, oropendolas, vultures and other species.
We will make a stop at the natural hot springs. Hopefully, we will make some sightings of some jungle mammals, such as monkeys or the famous capybaras (jungle rodents that measure up to 2.5 feet long, towards the end of the afternoon, we will arrive at our next destination to sleep Yanayacu lodge, arriving at approximately 3:00 p.m. here there will be showers and toilets available. We will have a night walk in the dark, the best time to see many anthropoids, tarantulas, scorpions and snakes, of course it is optional.
Day 3: Dorado Lodge - Matsiguenca Lodge
We leave for Boca Manu Lodge, leaving behind the clean waters of the Madre de Dios River, we will stop at the river bank to see the parrots and macaws lick clay after entering the clay-laden waters of the Manu River, with a brief stop at the ranger station in Limonal to present our permit, we will travel for about five more hours.
Some beaches will be home to black caimans, and there is the possibility of encountering a sunbathing jaguar, the third largest cat in the world. We will see some primate species on this river trip, possibly red howler monkeys or smaller squirrel monkeys. After lunch by the river, we arrive at our campsite near the lake of Cocha Salvador. We will have the afternoon to explore some of the trails through the virgin rainforest of the area.
The reserved area of Casa Matsiguenca in Manu is designed using the construction techniques of the indigenous peoples and has 12 fully screened double rooms. There is an interactive interpretation center and locally made souvenirs are for sale.
Day 4: Matsiguenca Lodge - Cocha Salvador
After breakfast, we will spend the morning at Cocha Salvador Lake. Part of the time will be spent canoeing on the lake on a floating platform observing the animal life of the ox-bow lake from the water. We may encounter an Agami heron or a Sungrebe and brown capuchin monkeys usually feeding on nearby fruits. Specially constructed docks leading into the lake allow us to look for a family of giant otters that live here these largest freshwater carnivores in the world, remain common only in Manu, having been hunted to extinction in most of their former range along the lakeshore.
The rest of the day will be spent hiking the area’s trails in search of some of the 13 species of monkeys found in the forest here. Your guide will explain some of the basics of rainforest ecosystems and point out some of the local plants used by local and indigenous groups. We may come across a group of peccaries, a species of wild boar found here. An evening enjoying the sunset.
Day 5: Matsiguenca Lodge - Cocha Otorongo
Today we will walk very slowly from The Lodge for 4-5 hours through the forest to Cocha Otorongo. We may encounter monkey troops. This is an especially good trail for Woolly and Black Spider monkeys. We will pay special attention to the plant life on this hike and take them slowly listening to the rustling of the vegetation or the soft sound of fruits that may be on the jungle floor that may betray the presence of animals or large birds.
A visit to Cocha Otorongo Lake is planned, where observation piers and a 20-meter observation tower in the rainforest canopy overlooking the lake are available for wildlife viewing. We will also look for a large family of giant nutria that inhabit this lake.
Day 6: Matsiguenca Lodge - Dorado Lodge
Upon leaving the lodge, we will hike up the Madre de Dios River for hours in the trees to the comfortable Dorado Lodge lodge facility. This strategically located lodge facility is jointly owned and managed by a local conservation group and is a base for scientific research for birders in the area and a center for visitors wishing to explore the rainforest.
We should arrive in time for lunch and to explore a trail through virgin forest to a lookout point on a cliff above the river to observe the flights of parrots and macaws as the sun sets. Those who wish can participate in a night walk with their guide in search of nocturnal animals such as tapirs. Overnight at Dorado Lodge.
Day 7: Dorado Lodge - Cusco
We get up very early to go to the claylick and Guacamayo after this activity, we will leave from Dorado Lodge to the port of Atalaya from here; we will take the van directly to Cusco passing through the Cloud Forest and the Andes, arriving to Cusco in the afternoon.
Inclusions
Included
- Professional bilingual guide (spanish – english).
- Private transportation.
- A cook to prepare all meals.
- Meals: 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners.
- 06 nights lodging.
- Entrance fees to the hot springs.
- Entrance fees to the reserved area of Yanayacu.
- Entrance fees to Cocha Salvador.
- Entrance to Cocha Otorongo.
- Entrance fees to Cocha Otorongo.
- Entrance fees to Manu Biosphere Reserve.
- Boat.
- Rubber boots.
- First aid kit.
Not Included
- Last dinner.
What to bring
- Binoculars.
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
- Comfortable shirts and pants.
- Sun protection cream (factor 35 is recommended).
- Insect repellent minimum 30% DEET.
- Toiletries.
- Personal medications.
- Camera.
- Flashlight with spare batteries.
- Water purification tablets (Micropur recommended).
- Toilet paper.
- Sandals, swimming suit and towels.
- Shirt long sleeve and long pants.
Pricing & Dates
FAQs
1️⃣ What makes this trek unique?
Walk alongside llamas and alpacas along ancient Inca trails, immerse in local communities, and experience authentic Andean culture.
Packing Guide
Essential Documents
Trekking Essentials
Personal Items
Related Tours
Explore other hand-crafted premium expeditions and hiking journeys curated by our local specialists.
Customer Experiences
Memorable trips generate grateful hearts and we are lucky to have received over 8,000 reviews from satisfied customers telling us about their wonderful experiences in their South America journeys thanks to our advice, support, and services. So, be part of them!
