MANU NATURALIST EXPEDITION · 8 DAYS
Description.
An expedition across the Manu Biosphere Reserve for nature lovers and photographers: cloud forest, foothills and lowland rainforest, with night walks, wildlife watching and conservation in action. Operated with our partner Amazon Journeys.
At a glance
- Duration: 8 days / 7 nights, from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Long road days, boat travel and forest walks at a relaxed pace; Wayqecha sits at about 3,000 m.
- Focus: General biodiversity, photography, night walks, plants and the conservation work of the research stations.
- Best time: May to November (drier season). Possible all year.
- Operated with: Amazon Journeys, in lodges next to the Amazon Conservation research stations.
Highlights
- The canopy walkway at Wayqecha, suspended above the cloud forest
- Orchids, tree ferns and mossy forests on the Manu Road
- Night walks to discover frogs, insects and nocturnal animals
- Giant river otters on the Cocha Lobo oxbow lake
- The 60 m observation tower at Los Amigos
- Talks with researchers and camera-trap footage of the local wildlife
Itinerary
Day 1 – Cusco to Wayqecha: Scenic drive from Cusco through Andean villages and the Acjanaco pass, the entrance to the Manu area. Afternoon walk in the cloud forest. Night at Wayqecha.
Day 2 – Wayqecha cloud forest: Canopy walkway, trails through elfin and cloud forest, and a talk about the research done at the station. Night walk. Night at Wayqecha.
Day 3 – Down the Manu Road: Descent through the cloud forest with photography stops and a visit to the cock-of-the-rock lek. Arrival at Manu Biolodge (Villa Carmen). Night at Villa Carmen.
Day 4 – Villa Carmen: Forest trails, waterfalls and streams, and a visit to the station's sustainable farm and kitchen garden. Night walk. Night at Villa Carmen.
Day 5 – To the river: Transfer to the port of Atalaya and boat trip down the river, watching for wildlife on the riverbanks. Night at a riverside lodge.
Day 6 – River journey to Los Amigos: Continue by boat down the Madre de Dios River to Los Amigos, a remote conservation area. Night at Los Amigos.
Day 7 – Los Amigos: Sunrise on the observation tower, canoe on the Cocha Lobo oxbow lake to look for giant otters, forest trails and camera-trap footage with the station team. Night walk. Night at Los Amigos.
Day 8 – Return: Boat to the port of Laberinto (about 4 hours) and transfer to Puerto Maldonado for your flight to Cusco or Lima.
Included
- Private ground transport from Cusco to Atalaya
- Boat transport on the rivers and transfer from Laberinto to Puerto Maldonado
- 7 nights in lodges (Wayqecha, Villa Carmen, a riverside lodge and Los Amigos)
- All meals during the expedition
- Bilingual naturalist guide
- Entrance fees and activities as described
Not included
- Flight from Puerto Maldonado
- Drinks, travel insurance and tips
Good to know
- Spend at least 2 days in Cusco before the trip to acclimatize.
- The Manu Road is a winding dirt road; bring motion-sickness medicine if you need it.
- Lodges are simple and comfortable, with solar power. The Los Amigos dock has more than 100 steps up to the lodge.
- Bring a flashlight, binoculars, rain jacket, insect repellent and layers for the cold nights in the cloud forest.
Plan this trip with us
Tell us your dates and group size on WhatsApp and we'll send you a tailored quote.
Photo credits: Giles Laurent (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Martin St-Amant (CC BY-SA 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons.