MANU · AMAZON
Description.
From the Andes down into the Amazon: Manu protects cloud forest and lowland rainforest in one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth. Expect river journeys, jungle lodges and wildlife watching.
At a glance
- Duration: 4 days / 3 nights, overland from Cusco. Longer trips available.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Long drives, short walks and boat rides.
- Route: From the Andes (about 4,000 m) down through the cloud forest to the lowland rainforest.
- Best time: May to October (dry season). Possible all year.
- Area: Manu's cultural zone and buffer area, at the gateway of Manu National Park.
Highlights
- Crossing every ecosystem from the high Andes to the Amazon in one journey
- Andean cock-of-the-rock, Peru's national bird, in the cloud forest
- Boat trips on the Alto Madre de Dios River
- Parrot clay lick, oxbow lake and night walks with a naturalist guide
Itinerary
Day 1 – Cusco to the cloud forest: Early departure via the colonial town of Paucartambo and the Acjanaco pass, the entrance to Manu. We descend into the cloud forest with stops to look for the cock-of-the-rock, quetzals and orchids. Night at a lodge in the cloud forest or in Pilcopata.
Day 2 – Into the lowlands: Drive to Atalaya and continue by boat on the Alto Madre de Dios River to our jungle lodge. Afternoon walk and night excursion to discover frogs, insects and nocturnal animals.
Day 3 – Clay lick and lake: At dawn we visit a parrot clay lick, then walk through the forest to an oxbow lake to look for monkeys, caimans and birds from a platform or canoe.
Day 4 – Return to Cusco: Boat back to Atalaya and drive up through the cloud forest, stopping for wildlife along the way. Arrival in Cusco in the early evening.
Included
- Round-trip private transport from Cusco
- 3 nights in lodges
- Meals as per itinerary
- Boat transport and activities as described
- Entrance fees
- Bilingual naturalist guide
Not included
- Breakfast on day 1
- Drinks, travel insurance and tips
Good to know
- Bring layers: it is cold at the Andean pass and hot and humid in the jungle.
- Pack insect repellent, a rain jacket, binoculars and a flashlight.
- For the reserved zone of Manu National Park, ask us about our longer expeditions.
Longer Manu expeditions
With our partner Amazon Journeys we also run full expeditions across the Manu Biosphere Reserve, from the Wayqecha cloud forest to the Los Amigos lowland rainforest:
- Manu Birding Expedition · 9 days, for birdwatchers
- Manu Naturalist Expedition · 8 days, for nature lovers and photographers
Plan this trip with us
Tell us your dates and group size on WhatsApp and we'll send you a tailored quote.