Cusco: 4-Day Manu National Park Tour with Lodging
Discover the wonders of the Amazon rainforest on a 4-day tour from Cusco. Explore Manu National Park, spot wildlife, and stay in eco-lodges surrounded by pristine rainforest.
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the lush landscapes of the Amazon rainforest
- Spot a wide variety of wildlife, including monkeys, tapirs, and toucans
- Learn about medicinal plants, giant trees, and palm species
- Enjoy a jungle picnic lunch and continue hiking through wetlands
- Relax by a bonfire and optionally join a nocturnal tour to spot wildlife
Description
Day 1: Cusco – Rainforest Lodge
Start your adventure early with a 5:00 AM pickup from your Cusco hotel. Travel by private vehicle to the Andean town of Huancarani for a traditional breakfast, then continue to Paucartambo, a charming colonial town where your local guide will share its cultural and historical significance.
Drive up to Acjanaco Pass, the entrance to Manu National Park, and hike to the Balcón del Este viewpoint for panoramic views of the Amazon Basin. Descend to San Pedro, home of the Andean Cock of the Rock, and enjoy a short guided hike to spot your first wildlife. In the evening, arrive at your Rainforest Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay in a comfortable ensuite room.
Day 2: Rainforest Lodge – Palotoa Ecological Reserve
After breakfast, drive toward Atalaya, stopping at coca plantations, a hummingbird center, and a scenic viewpoint over the Madre de Dios River. Board a boat along the Alto Madre de Dios River to Aguas Calientes, a small village known for its natural hot springs, perfect for a morning dip.
Continue by boat deeper into the jungle to reach Palotoa Ecological Reserve, where you’ll stay in an eco-lodge surrounded by pristine rainforest. Along the way, enjoy spotting birds, river otters, and other wildlife.
Day 3: Exploring Palotoa Ecological Reserve
After an Amazonian breakfast, embark on a guided hike to explore the jungle. Spot a wide variety of wildlife including monkeys, wild pigs, tapirs, anteaters, and exotic birds like harpy eagles, parrots, and toucans. Learn about medicinal plants, giant trees, and palm species along the way.
Enjoy a jungle picnic lunch and continue hiking through wetlands to spot alligators. Your guide will teach survival skills, such as identifying edible fruits and sourcing water. Return to the lodge for dinner, relax by a bonfire, and optionally join a nocturnal tour to spot night-time wildlife.
Day 4: Palotoa Ecological Reserve – Cusco
Enjoy a final Amazonian breakfast before checking out and taking the boat back to Atalaya. From there, travel by private vehicle back to Cusco, with stops along the way for rest, meals, and photo opportunities. Arrive in Cusco around 6:00 PM, concluding your unforgettable Manu National Park adventure.
Includes
Private transportation (bus and boat 60 hp)
All ground transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
Team of security
Rubber boots
Lodge accommodation
All camping equipment (optional)
Tent, sleeping bag, and mats
Mineral water
First aid kit
3 meals per day (vegetarian option available)
Snacks
Chef
Entrance to hot springs and Machuwasi Lake
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund