Cusco: Manu National Park 5-Day Jungle Wildlife Tour

Highlights

• Explore the cloud forest and spot colorful Amazonian birds.
• Navigate the Manu River while searching for wild jaguars.
• Observe giant otters at Cocha Otorongo and Cocha Salvador.
• Watch macaws gather at a natural clay lick.
• Search for tapirs and nocturnal wildlife in the jungle.

Description

Day 1: Cusco – Ninamarca Chullpas – Paucartambo – Cloud Forest – Pilcopata Your adventure begins with hotel pickup in Cusco at around 5:4 a.m. Travel through the Andes to Ninamarca Chullpas, an ancient pre-Inca cemetery, then continue to Paucartambo. After lunch, cross Abra Acjanaco, the gateway to Manu National Park, and descend through the misty Cloud Forest. Look for colorful birds, orchids, ferns, and woolly monkeys. Continue to Pilcopata and spend the night at Pona Lodge. Day 2: Pilcopata – Atalaya – Manu Reserved Area – Cocha Otorongo Depart around 3:30 a.m. for Atalaya and board a boat to enter the Manu Reserved Area. Navigate the Manu River for approximately 5 hours while looking for monkeys, caimans, turtles, birds, capybaras, and, with luck, jaguars along the riverbanks. Visit Cocha Otorongo and its observation tower to look for giant otters and black caimans. In the evening, take a guided night walk before staying at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge. Day 3: Cocha Salvador – Macaw Clay Lick – Jungle Trails Wake up early to explore Cocha Salvador by floating catamaran. Look for giant otters, black caimans, monkeys, and different bird species. Later, visit a Macaw Clay Lick and observe colorful macaws gathering to feed on mineral-rich clay. After lunch, explore jungle trails with an expert ecologist and look for tamarins, peccaries, insects, and other rainforest wildlife. At night, enjoy a guided walk to search for nocturnal species. Overnight at Casa Matsiguenka. Day 4: Manu Reserved Area – Boca Manu – Tapir Clay Lick Start the morning with a nature walk or a final visit to the lake before continuing by boat toward Boca Manu and then upstream along the Manu River. In the afternoon, visit a tapir clay lick, where you may have the opportunity to observe tapirs and other wildlife. Spend the night in a camouflage house at Papaya Eco Lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the Amazon jungle. Day 5: Tapir Clay Lick – Cusco Begin your return journey from the Amazon rainforest to Cusco. Travel through the changing landscapes from the jungle toward the Andes while reflecting on the wildlife and ecosystems experienced during the trip. Arrive in Cusco between approximately 4:00 and 6:00 p.m., where the tour ends. Important: The itinerary may be adjusted according to weather, river conditions, park regulations, and wildlife reports from local naturalist guides to maximize wildlife observation opportunities.

Includes

Professional English-speaking jungle guide Pre-departure briefing Manu National Park entrance fees Access to lakes and private natural reserves included in the itinerary 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners Snacks during the journey Bottled drinking water at accommodations Lodge accommodation for 4 nights Land and river transportation Boat transportation in the Manu Reserved Area Travel bag for personal belongings Rubber boots for jungle activities Kitchen equipment and utensils Professional boat crew and local drivers First aid kit and emergency equipment Remote medical assistance Transport of personal belongings

Excludes

Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day Entrance fees to local conservation centers Personal binoculars (optional rental: $15 USD) Internet connection and Wi-Fi Bathrooms outside the accommodations Travel insurance Personal expenses and additional costs caused by delays or itinerary changes beyond the operator’s control Tips for guides, drivers, chefs, and other crew members

Important Information

• Pickup from your hotel in Cusco will be at approximately 5:40 a.m. on Day 1. After booking, please provide the name and address of your hotel in Cusco. Bring your original passport or valid identification document. A travel bag will be provided for your belongings; bring only essential items for the jungle. Rubber boots will be provided for jungle activities. Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and are not guaranteed. The tour ends in Cusco between approximately 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. on Day 5.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund