Day 1: Cusco (3,300 m.s.n.m.) - Andes - (3650 m.s.n.m.) - Cloud forest (1,700 m.s.n.m.)
You leave Cusco early in the morning in one of the vehicles. You will pass through interesting valleys and picturesque communities. You will stop in Paucartambo, a beautiful colonial town. Here, you will visit a very interesting museum.
You will have a packed lunch en-route. You continue to the cloud forest, an area rich in endemic species like the spectacled bear, the Cock of The Rock, and a variety of orchids, bromeliads, lichens, ferns, etc. Take in the beautiful nature as you make your way to San Pedro de Orquideas Lodge where you will spend your first night at comfortable accommodations.
Day 2: Cloud forest - Erika Lodge (460 m.s.n.m.)
Very early in the morning, you will go in search of the Cock of the Rock, the national bird of Peru, that has a very unique courtship dance. After breakfast, you will continue to the small town of Pilcopata, then to the Port of Atalaya which is located on the shores of the Madre de Dios River (700 m.s.n.m). Here, you will take a boat to the private reserve of Erika.
From the boat you will be able to see an enormous diversity of bird species such as herons, vultures, and cormorants. You will walk along the interesting trails that are in the transition zone between high and low jungle, and your guide will point out and explain the interesting diversity of wildlife that surrounds you.
You will have the chance to go on a night walk to catch a glimpse of insects and amphibians. You will overnight at Erika Lodge.
- Free option 1 - Rafting: In Pilcopata, you will have 90 minutes of rafting (grade I and II) on the Koñeq and / or Madre de Dios rivers. You can enjoy the beautiful landscape and have a swim in the refreshing water.
- Free option 2 - Canopy zip line: At Erika, the guests can glide from tree to tree and from platform to platform with a harness on a horizontal cable rail system at high speeds above the trees in the incredible Amazon jungle. You then rappel from a height of 15 meters back to the jungle floor.
Day 3: Erika Lodge - Aguas Calientes - Boca Manu (365 m.s.n.m.)
Very early in the morning, you board the boat and make your way to Collpa, a clay wall by the river, where a variety of parrots such as the blue headed parrot, the white eyed parakeet, possibly the Maracana macaw, and others come every morning to supplement their diet with minerals and salts.
After this activity, you return to Erika for breakfast, pack up, and board your boat again. You will head down the Alto Madre de Dios River, to one of the hot springs of Aguas Calientes which are surrounded by the magnificent jungle. After relaxing in the water and a refreshing cold lunch, you will continue to the town of Boca Manu.
During this part of your journey, you will see birds like skimmers, herons, several species of kingfishers, swallows, and flycatchers.
Day 4: Boca Manu - Reserved Zone / Salvador Lake (395 m.s.n.m.)
At dawn, you will make a brief stop at the Limonal Ranger Station where you will register in the Visitor’s Book which controls entry into the reserve. You continue on the Manu River towards the heart of the reserve for about four hours to Salvador Lake, leaving all traces of civilization behind.
You will spend the next two nights at a safari camp. During this trip, you can often see a variety of bird species like macaws, herons, pink rosettes, and, with a little luck, capybaras, caimans, river turtles, monkeys, and, hopefully, some felines often sunning on the beaches or feeding in surrounding trees. In the afternoon, you spend your time walking through this pristine forest in search of wildlife.
Day 5: Reserved Zone / Salvador Lake (395 m.s.n.m.)
You will most likely be woken up early by the howler monkeys declaring their territory. Before breakfast, you will take a morning walk as the temperature at this time is more pleasant and it makes it a bit easier to find animals who are in search of food. You will explore Salvador Lake by catamarán and try to see the giant otter, a species in danger of extinction.
They can be seen fishing, playing, or swimming. You will be looking for the black cayman, the hoatzin, and the interesting surrounding flora. You will visit Otorongo Lake and the 15 meters high observation tower which will enable you to fully appreciate the landscape of the surrounding primary forest, and you are more likely to see the family of otters who reside there.
There may be a possibility to go on a short night walk to look for American bullfrogs, horned frogs, tree frogs, and a host of colorful insects.
Day 6: Reserved Zone / Salvador Lake (395 m.s.n.m.) - Boca Manu
You will wake early again to take a walk around the campsite and Salvador Lake. You will be amazed by the gigantic ceibas, colorful butterflies, and curious squirrel, capuchins, and wooly monkeys. After breakfast, you will pack up, board your boat, and head down Manu River. You will keep your eyes open for peccaries (hogs), caymans, turtles, and birds. You arrive at Boca Manu at dusk. Overnight will be at a lodge.
Day 7: Boca Manu - Erika Lodge
Today you cross Alto Madre de Dios River, against the current, taking in the beautiful scenery of the Amazon jungle and the huge diversity of bird species. Late in the afternoon, you will arrive at the private reserve of Erika where you can rest comfortably and spend your last night, surrounded by the magic of the jungle.
Day 8: Erika Lodge - Cusco
You get up very early and travel up the river to Atalaya Port where the bus will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, arriving early in the evening.
Important note: In order to meet your guide and the rest of your group, receive last minute recommendations, and ask any questions you may have, one day before departure, at 7:00 p.m., Manu Adventures will have a meeting at their office. Manu National Park is not an endemic area for malaria or yellow fever.
The security of the passengers is Manu Adventures' first priority. Their staff and equipment ensure safety, making it possible to enjoy a natural and adventurous trip, along with comfort, in a tropical jungle setting.
