Kickstart each day with early wake-up calls for mesmerizing dawn experiences in nature. Engage in immersive photography sessions capturing Manu Park’s vibrant flora and fauna. Traverse the majestic Andes for breathtaking vistas. Thrilling jungle hikes led by expert guides unveil rainforest secrets.
Relax at rejuvenating hot springs amidst wilderness exploration. Witness spectacular macaw gatherings at clay licks and elusive mammals seeking minerals. Delight in birdwatching, explore oxbow lakes, and ascend observation towers for panoramic rainforest views. Boat under the night sky for guided nocturnal wildlife encounters.
Savor Peruvian gastronomy with locally-sourced ingredients. Immerse in local culture, interacting with indigenous communities. This adventure promises an unforgettable journey through Manu Park’s beauty and diversity.
Biodiversity: Explore Manu’s vast 1.5 million hectares, a haven for diverse ecosystems supporting a myriad of plant and animal species, showcasing the richness of the Amazon rainforest.
Remote Wilderness: Experience the untouched beauty of Manu, where pristine landscapes and undisturbed habitats offer a glimpse into the true essence of wilderness.
Wildlife Watching: Embark on thrilling wildlife encounters guided by experts, spotting iconic species like jaguars, giant otters, and vibrant macaws in their natural habitat.
Cultural Encounters: Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of indigenous communities, gaining profound insights into their ancestral way of life and deep connection with the rainforest.
Birdwatching: Marvel at the dazzling array of avian life with sightings of over 1,000 bird species, including rare gems like the Andean cock-of-the-rock, making Manu a paradise for bird enthusiasts.
Scenic Landscapes: Journey through breathtaking landscapes ranging from misty cloud forests to majestic waterfalls, each offering captivating views that showcase the raw beauty of Manu.
Research Opportunities: Engage in meaningful exploration of ongoing conservation efforts within Manu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, contributing to the preservation of this invaluable natural treasure.
Discover the wonders of Manu National Park for an unforgettable Amazonian adventure, where every moment is filled with awe and discovery amidst the unparalleled beauty of the rainforest.
Our journey of experiences and adventure will commence with a traverse ‘From the Andes to the Amazon.’ We’ll pick you up from the hotel bright and early in the morning to embark on our expedition in a private minivan, ascending to the high mountain area at 4000 meters above sea level.
Our first stop will be a guided tour in Ninamarca, offering an opportunity to photograph the pre-Inca cemetery. Continuing onwards, we’ll proceed to the town of Paucartambo, lauded by the World Tourism Organization as ‘one of the best tourist towns in the world.’ Our guide will provide insights into this charming locale.
As we journey in our van, soaking in the spectacular views of Manu’s biodiversity, we’ll descend through the eastern slope of the Andes, traversing the cloud forest where you’ll be mesmerized by lush vegetation including ferns, orchids, and bromeliads.
During our walks, keep an eye out for various bird species such as tanagers, quetzals, toucans, and brilliantly colored hummingbirds, along with sightings of hawks and monkeys.
Our primary activity will be to seek out Peru’s national bird, the Rupicola peruviana, in the San Pedro sector. We’ll then continue our journey until we reach the town of Salvación, where we’ll transition from the minivan to 4×4 vehicles for an additional 2-hour ride to reach Dorado Lodge, situated at 300 meters above sea level.
There, we’ll retire for the night in double rooms with private bathrooms. After dinner, your guide will outline the activities planned for the following day, including the optional night hike.
In the early morning, we’ll set out on our motorboat journey along the upper Madre de Dios River. As we cruise, breakfast will be served onboard while we make our way to the Limonal control station, where park rangers will greet us and provide a brief orientation to Manu National Park.
Continuing our voyage along the Manu River, we’ll spend approximately 6 hours immersed in the lush rainforest surroundings, surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of wildlife.
Depending on the weather conditions, we may have the chance to spot a diverse array of species, including macaws, birds, eagles, and mammals such as jaguars, capybaras, tapirs, and monkeys.
Keep an eye out for reptiles like the black caiman, white caiman, anaconda, and river turtles. In the afternoon, we’ll reach Casa Matsiguenka, where we’ll spend the next two nights with the Matsiguenka families in cozy bungalows.
These accommodations feature double rooms with either private or shared bathrooms, providing an authentic and immersive experience in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
On this day, we’ll embark on a visit to the renowned “Cocha Salvador” lake, a highlight of Manu National Park. Navigating its tranquil waters on a rowing catamaran, we’ll have the opportunity to observe the fascinating habitat of giant otters.
During the dry season, Cocha Salvador teems with activity, boasting nesting and feeding grounds for various bird species such as herons, egrets, caimans, and stingrays. Additionally, exotic fruits attract a variety of monkey species, providing ample opportunities for wildlife sightings.
We’ll also explore the surrounding trails, immersing ourselves in the pristine primary forests of the Amazon jungle. The sensation of walking through this untouched ecosystem, which has remained unchanged since the formation of the Amazon, is truly unique.
In the afternoon, weather and time permitting, we’ll venture to Lake Cocha Otorongo. Here, a 20-meter observation tower nestled in the canopy of the rainforest offers unparalleled views of the lake, ideal for wildlife observation and breathtaking scenery.
After an enriching day of exploration, we’ll return to Casa Matsiguenka to spend our second night, further immersing ourselves in the natural wonders of the Amazon rainforest.
We’ll rise early to commence our return journey, embarking on a boat ride along the Manu River for approximately 6 hours. As we navigate, keep your eyes peeled for more wildlife sightings along the riverbanks, including monkeys, caimans, woodpeckers, and more.
Our journey will lead us to the Limonal control station, where we’ll make a stop for exit registration, signaling our departure from the Manu National Park Reserved Zone.
Continuing our boat ride, we’ll pause briefly at the native community of Diamante to show support by purchasing crafts and local products such as fish, yucca, and papaya. We’ll then proceed to our lodge by boat.
Before or after dinner, an optional night hike awaits, offering the chance to encounter fascinating nocturnal creatures like tarantulas, snakes, spiders, frogs, and nocturnal birds. We’ll spend the night at Dorado Lodge in comfortable double rooms with private bathrooms.
In the early hours of the morning, we’ll journey to the clay lick renowned for parrots and macaws. This extraordinary spot offers a glimpse into nature’s wonders as these birds descend to ingest clay, a vital part of their digestive process.
Among the diverse species present are macaws, parakeets, and various types of parrots, including the striking military macaw, blue-headed macaw, and chestnut-fronted macaw.
Keep an eye out for Bolivian macaws and red macaws perched in the surrounding trees. Following this captivating activity, we’ll return to the lodge for breakfast and prepare for our return journey. Boarding 4×4 vehicles, we’ll embark on a scenic 2-hour ride, crossing rivers and spotting local flora and fauna along the way.
Passing through indigenous villages, we’ll arrive at the town of Salvación, where we’ll switch to a minivan for the remainder of the journey. En route, we’ll have the opportunity to visit the hummingbird and orchid garden, supporting local initiatives.
Continuing in our van, we’ll make a brief stop in the town of Pilcopata, where we’ll indulge in fruit juices and seasonal fruit ice creams like copazo, aguaje, pineapple, and cocona, supporting the local community.
Finally, we’ll board our van for the return journey to Cusco, concluding our adventure in the ‘Lung of the World.’ Although tired, we’ll be filled with contentment after experiencing the beauty of the Amazon rainforest, leaving you at your respective hotels with memories to cherish.
Exploring the Manu Park Extreme Adventure felt like diving into the untouched heart of nature itself. From the rugged mountains of Cusco to the dense rainforests of Manu, every step of the journey was a revelation. Traversing through the cloud forest, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant birdlife, was simply magical. Spotting Peru’s national bird, the Rupicola peruviana, in its natural habitat was a moment of pure joy, highlighting the incredible biodiversity of the region.
Venturing into Salvador and Otorongo Lakes was like stepping into a wildlife sanctuary. Watching giant otters gracefully glide through the water and observing colorful birds flit among the trees was a sight to behold. Exploring the tranquil lakes and winding trails allowed me to connect with nature in a profound way, leaving me with a sense of awe and gratitude for the beauty of the Amazon rainforest. As I bid farewell to this enchanting wilderness, I left with a heart full of memories and a deep appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.
