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MANU NATIONAL PARKS
Manu National Park and Macaw Clay Lick (flight-camp) (5D/4N)
Manu National Park and Macaw Clay Lick (by bus –camping) (8D/7N)
Manu is one of the most important tropical parks in the world, and was declared a “World Biosphere Reserve” by UNESCO in 1977. It is home to a many different ecological zones that descend from 4,000m/13,120ft to 300m/984ft. The Manu harbours unique wildlife, records of over one thousand species of birds, 200 species of mammals, many reptiles and 10% of all the plants of our planet. Due to important differences in altitude, Manu covers several types of ecosystems, which enormously increases the biological diversity and the ecological floors. The most southerly point of the Park, Acjanaco, lays at 3500m above sea level and is described as Tropical Alpine Grassland. It has short, scrubby vegetation and the weather is often cold. Lower down is the Midget Forest, with short trees, cold humid air and very diverse fauna. One species of altitude Toucan can be seen here!
We can see further down between 1000m and 2500m o.s.l, the area called the Cloud Forest is a unique ecosystem that receives a lot of rain and that hosts a large number of endemic species such as the spectacled bear and the Cock-of-the-Rock (the national bird of Peru). Lower again is the High Forest, which is between Cloud Forest and the Amazon basin, a diverse landscape that is rich in fauna. This is also where many different indigenous ethnic tribes have settled. Finally is the low Amazon basin at about 350m o.s.l, where no other park on earth can compare to Manu in terms of life forms. There are 13 species of monkeys and one of the world’s rarity mammals: the Giant Otter.
Manu National Park & Macaw Clay Lick 5D/4N (by flight - camping)
Day 1: We depart Cusco by plane to Boca Manu, where we will meet the rest of the group to start the journey to our campsite located in the Reserved Zone of the Park. That night, we take flashlights and walk along the riverbank, if we are lucky, we may encounter an Olingo, Kinkajou or even an Ocelot on the trails. (L, D)
Day 2: The day starts with a short pre-dawn walk to hear the chorus of birds, monkeys and insects as they greet the day. Afterwards, the expedition proceeds upstream to Limona (Park Ranger Station). From this point on, we journey through primary forest where only indigenous tribes live. We will begin to see more birds and mammals. At mid afternoon we will arrive at Caiman Camp, our base for the next two days inside the Reserved Zone, near Cocha Salvador. A night hike will be the end of this exiting journey in the Reserved Zone. (B, L, D)
Day 3: We have an early morning walk to the oxbow lake, Cocha Otorongo. There is an observation platform to watch birds and wildlife out over the water where you may even see a family of Giant Otters. The afternoon is fully dedicated to exploring the area near the oxbow lake, Cocha Salvador. Your guide will explain some of the basics of rainforest ecosystems, about footprints and droppings of some jungle mammals and point out some of the medicinal plants of the area used by local indigenous groups. At the lake, there is a catamaran available for paddling out to the lake’s center to quietly observe the wildlife. (B, L, D).
Day 4: Today we continue downstream, passing Boca Manu where the river joins the Alto Madre de Dios until we reach the Blanquillo private reserve. Along the way, we can see and talk to local people fishing on the riverbanks. This is a great opportunity to observe their customs. (B, L, D).
Day 5: We head down the river (about five minutes) to the Macaw lick: a natural mineral-rich clay deposit on the riverbank. From a small floating platform we can watch first the parrots and smaller parakeets arriving, then the larger Red-and-Green Macaws coming in a spectacular show. After that, the group continues up stream to Boca Manu, where we board a twin-turbo plane, which returns us to Cusco. (B, L, D)
Included: All transfers, accommodation in tents, tent sites on elevated platforms at selected jungle areas, ground-river transportation, private transportation by bus & boat, all entrance fees, jungle specialized English speaking guide (or in requested language), all meals (vegetarian on request), camping equipment, except sleeping bag and other personal stuff, medical supplies and radio communication.
Not included: Internal flight back to Cusco, other meals, extras and tips.
Note: Program can be modified due to weather conditions.
Manu National Park & Macaw Clay Lick 6D/5N (by bus & flight – camping)
Day 1: We leave Cusco very early, and pass through the folkloric town of Paucartambo, the vantage point of Tres Cruces (3950m/12,950ft) and then we start descending through different ecological floors, for example the Cloud Forest, home of Peru’s National bird the Cock of the Rock and the spectacled bear. In the afternoon we arrive at Atalaya where we board our canoe that will take us to our lodge. (L, D)
Day 2: Early we board our motorized boat to take us down the upper Madre de Dios River towards the Reserved Zone of Manu National Park. Along the way we will pass some Native Communities of Machiguengas and Piros, before arriving at our campsite located in the Reserved Zone of the Park. That night, we will take flashlights and walk along the riverbank, if we are lucky, we may encounter an Olingo, Kinkajou or even an Ocelot on the trails. (B, L, D).
Day 3: The day starts with a short pre-dawn walk to hear the chorus of birds, monkeys and insects as they greet the day. Afterwards, the expedition proceeds upstream to Limonal (Park Ranger Station). From this point on, we are travelling through primary forest where only indigenous tribes live. We will begin to see more birds and mammals. At mid afternoon we will arrive at Caiman Camp, our base for the next two days inside the Reserved Zone, near Cocha Salvador. A night hike will be the end of this exiting journey. (B, L, D)
Day 4: We have an early morning walk to the oxbow lake, Cocha Otorongo. There is an observation platform to watch birds and wildlife out over the water where you may even see a family of Giant Otters. The afternoon is fully dedicated to exploring the area near the oxbow lake, Cocha Salvador. Your guide will explain some of the basics of rainforest ecosystems, about footprints and droppings of some jungle mammals and point out some of the medicinal plants of the area used by local indigenous groups. At the lake, there is a catamaran available for paddling out to the lake’s center to quietly observe the wildlife. (B, L, D)
Day 5: This day, we continue downstream, passing Boca Manu where the river joins the Alto Madre de Dios until we reach the Blanquillo private reserve. Along the way, we can see and talk to local people fishing on the riverbanks. This is a great opportunity to observe their customs. (B, L, D)
Day 6: Before breakfast, we head down the river (about five minutes) to the Macaw lick: a natural mineral-rich clay deposit on the riverbank. From a small floating platform we can watch first the parrots and smaller parakeets arriving, then the larger Red-and-Green Macaws coming in a spectacular show. After that, the group continues up stream to Boca Manu, where we board a twin-turbo plane, which takes us back to Cusco. (B, L, D)
Included: All transfers, accommodation in tents, tent sites on elevated platforms at selected jungle areas, ground-river transportation, private transportation by bus & boat, all entrance fees, jungle specialised English speaking guide (or in requested language), all meals (vegetarian on request), camping equipment, except sleeping bag and other personal stuff, medical supplies and radio communication.
Not included: Internal flight back to Cusco, other meals, extras and tips.
Note: Program can be modified due to weather conditions.
Manu National Park & Macaw Clay Lick (by bus – camping) 8D/7N
Day 1: CUSCO – CLOUD FOREST We leave Cusco early in the morning in our specialised overland vehicles. Approximately mid- morning we visit the interesting tombs of Ninamarca, commonly known as “Chullpas”. We continue to Paucartambo, a picturesque Spanish colonial town, and then to the Acjanacu pass, which marks the beginning of the Cultural Zone of Manu Biosphere Reserve. Here, a thick cloak of clouds provides perpetual humidity and makes an ideal habitat for epiphytic plants such as bromeliads. This varied and fascinating world is home of the Cock of the Rock, Spectacled Bear, Orchids, Tree Ferns (one of the oldest living plants), mosses and lichens. This cloud forest exists between 2000 and 3500 meters above sea level, and at least 50% of the plant species found here are endemic to this region. Overnight in our open air lodge “San Pedro”.
Day 2: CLOUD FOREST – ATALAYA - ERIKA Today we wake up very early to observe the Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruviana), Peru’s national bird. The male birds are a vibrant reddish orange, and at about 5:00AM as many as several dozen come together for an exhibition of a mating ritual dance in a place called Lek. The males display their crest, showing off and posturing for the females. The females, fewer in number, watch to select the most suitable males. After breakfast we continue in our overland transport down the narrow road between waterfalls and canyons toward the town of Atalaya. Here, we board our covered, outboard motor boat and head down the Alto Madre de Dios River for approximately 15 minutes toward our private reserve of “Erika” where we will hike through the interesting trail system that this transitional area between high jungle and low jungle offers. We will stay overnight in the lodge.
Day 3: ERIKA – BOCA MANU – P.V. LIMONAL After breakfast we board our canoe for the three-hour trip down the Alto Madre de Dios River to Shepitiari Native Community that we are going to visit. Then we continue to Boca Manu’s airstrip. Boca Manu village is the last place where you can buy your last fresh supplies and cold drinks before setting off again in the canoe. Now we enter the Manu River and the Reserved Zone, stopping at Limonal where we camp along the riverbank at the Park Rangers Headquarters. We will take a short walk around the area.
Day 4: P.V. LIMONAL – SALVADOR After registering in the official tourist logbook and eating an early breakfast, we follow the Manu River until we arrive to Salvador Lake, our base campsite (screened dining room, bathrooms, radio communication is available). This canoe ride gives us the opportunity to observe the immensity of the rainforest and the diversity of bird life, reptiles and mammals. You will often see animals sunning themselves on beaches, or foraging for food in the trees lining the riverbanks. We arrive early in the afternoon and have lunch before setting off on a jungle trail. Our time is spent looking for wildlife inside the rainforest and on Salvador Oxbow Lake, until the sun goes down and we return to camp. We explore Salvador Lake by paddling quietly along on a catamaran, giving us the opportunity to observe unique species of birds, monkeys, caimans and with luck the Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis). This endangered species can be seen swimming, fishing, eating and playing.
Day 5: SALVADOR – OTORONGO – SALVADOR We rise early in the morning, as the forest is awakened by the Red Howler monkey (Aloatta seniculus) declaring its territory. A morning walk before breakfast is a great way to catch wildlife in the pursuit of food, and the temperature is very pleasant at this time of day. After relaxing and swimming in the river we enjoy lunch along the riverbank, after this, we cross the river to walk an 8-km trail to another oxbow lake called Otorongo. A strategically located observation tower rises 15 meters above the lake and the jungle floor, giving us more chances to observe wildlife including the Giant Otter. Late in the afternoon we will use the catamaran and with the help of flashlights we can observe the black caimans rise from the depths of the lake and begin their search for prey. Return to the campsite.
Day 6: SALVADOR – BLANQUILLO Once again we wake up early, enjoy a brief morning walk, eat a relaxing breakfast, then pack up camp and descend the Manu River until Boca Manu. This village is situated a short distance from the confluence of the Manu River with the Alto Madre de Dios River, from here we descend the Madre de Dios River. Early in the afternoon after three hours we camp on a beach and spend one more night in this magical Amazon jungle. Day 7: BLANQUILLO – MACAW LICK – BOCA MANU – SHEPETIARI After a very early wake up, we board a camouflaged catamaran and go down the river to the “Collpas” macaw lick. We quietly observe the various parrots feeding on the clay for mineral and salt supplements to their diet of seeds and fruits. The brightly coloured macaws usually wait patiently in the surrounding trees until the smaller parrot species have left the area. Slowly, the macaws come down to the clay wall to feed. We need a lot of patience and silence on the catamaran so as not to disturb them as they eat the clay. Around mid morning we board our canoe to return to the airstrip at Boca Manu. Continue up the Alto Madre de Dios River to camp on an appropriate beach in the Cultural Zone and enjoy the sites and sounds of the jungle for one last night. Day 8: SHEPETIARI – ATALAYA – CUSCO Waking up very early, we continue the trip by boat to Atalaya, where the bus will be waiting for us and drive back up and out of Manu, arriving in Cusco very late this night or the next early morning.
Included: Ground transportation (overland buses and 4WD vehicles), boat transportation, jungle specialised English speaking guide (or in requested language), native guide, porters, 01 night in San Pedro Open Air Lodge, 02 nights in Erika Lodge, sleeping mattress, transfers, accommodation in double tents, all entrance fees, all noted meals (vegetarian on request), camping equipment, except sleeping bag and other personal stuff, first aid medical supplies and radio communication; storage for luggage in our Cusco´s main Office.
Not included: other meals, extras and tips.
Note: Program can be modified due to weather conditions.
Important Information:
For Manu program passengers should bring:
- Light sleeping bag
- Warm clothing (in case of a cold front), long sleeve shirts and long pants (cotton)
- 100% waterproof rain gear (long poncho or rain wear)
- Insect repellent (at least 50% Deet), sunscreen lotion
- One pair of lightweight ankle height boots and sandals
- Flashlight, enough batteries (alkaline) and bulbs
- Wide brim hat (for sunny days), sun glasses
- Towel, swimming suit, personal medicines and/or supplies.
- Daypack, and one Backpack or Duffel bag for luggage.
- Binoculars, Camera and film ASA 200 and 400 for the inner forest.
- One bottle of water for the first day, plastic bags.
- Canteen
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