Manu: 7-Day Amazon Wildlife Tour with Jungle Lodges

Highlights

• Navigate the Manu River through one of Peru’s richest wildlife habitats.
• Experience the sounds and wildlife of the Amazon on guided jungle walks.
• Search for giant river otters, monkeys, capybaras and caimans in the wild.
• Explore remote Amazon lakes, rainforest trails and a tapir clay lick.
• Watch colorful birds and the Andean cock-of-the-rock in the Cloud Forest.

Description

Start your 7-day adventure from Cusco and travel from the Andes into the Amazon rainforest of Manu National Park. Explore archaeological sites, cloud forests, rivers, oxbow lakes and remote jungle trails while looking for wildlife in its natural habitat. Day 1: Cusco – Ninamarca – Paucartambo – Acjanaco – Cloud Forest – Pilcopata Depart Cusco around 5:45 a.m. Visit the pre-Inca Chullpas de Ninamarca and the traditional town of Paucartambo. Cross Acjanaco Pass before descending into the Cloud Forest, where you can look for colorful birds, hummingbirds, toucans, tanagers and the Andean cock-of-the-rock. Continue to Pilcopata and spend the night at a jungle lodge. Day 2: Pilcopata – Atalaya – Shintuya Hot Springs – Boca Manu Visit a hummingbird garden before traveling to Atalaya on the Alto Madre de Dios River. Board a boat and travel through the rainforest, watching for birds and other wildlife along the riverbanks. Stop at the Shintuya hot springs to relax before continuing to Boca Manu for the night. Day 3: Boca Manu – Manu Reserved Zone – Casa Matsiguenka Enter the Manu Reserved Zone and navigate the Manu River. Look for caimans, turtles, capybaras, monkeys and birds along the riverbanks. Continue to the Casa Matsiguenka area, explore rainforest trails and visit Cocha Otorongo, where observation platforms and a canopy tower offer opportunities to look for giant river otters. An optional nocturnal walk may be available. Day 4: Casa Matsiguenka – Cocha Salvador Explore Cocha Salvador and its surrounding rainforest. Look for giant river otters, black caimans, hoatzins, monkeys and numerous bird species. After lunch, continue exploring forest trails. An optional nocturnal walk may be available to observe frogs, insects and other nocturnal wildlife. Day 5: Casa Matsiguenka – Manu River – Tapir Clay Lick Travel by boat toward the tapir clay lick, watching for caimans, monkeys, turtles, capybaras and birds along the river. Visit the clay lick and spend the night in a simple jungle shelter, offering an opportunity to observe nocturnal wildlife. Day 6: Tapir Clay Lick – Alto Madre de Dios River – Atalaya Begin the return journey by boat along the Alto Madre de Dios River. Enjoy the rainforest scenery and continue looking for birds and wildlife before reaching your lodge near Atalaya for the night. Day 7: Atalaya – Cloud Forest – Cusco Travel from the Amazon through the Cloud Forest and across the Andes toward Cusco. Arrive in Cusco between approximately 4:00 and 6:00 p.m., marking the end of your Manu adventure. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed because animals live freely in their natural habitat. The itinerary may be adjusted according to weather, river conditions, park regulations, safety and recent wildlife activity.

Includes

Professional English- or Spanish-speaking guide. Pre-departure briefing at your hotel, Entrance fees to Manu National Park. Entrance fees to the lakes and authorized natural reserves included in the itinerary. 6 breakfasts. 7 lunches. 6 dinners. Snacks during the journey. Drinking water at the lodges. Accommodation in jungle lodges. Land transportation from Cusco and throughout the itinerary. Boat transportation on the Alto Madre de Dios and Manu rivers. Travel bag for personal belongings. Rubber boots for jungle walks. Professional driver and boat crew. Cook and cooking equipment. First aid kit and emergency equipment. Remote medical assistance. Wildlife observation walks and excursions described in the itinerary. Observation platforms and trails included in the itinerary.

Excludes

Breakfast on the first day. Dinner on the last day. Entrance fees to local conservation centers not specified as included. Personal binoculars (optional rental: $15 USD). Personal expenses. Tips for guides, drivers, boat crew and cooks (optional).

Important Information

• This tour takes place in a remote area of the Amazon rainforest, where facilities are basic and internet and phone signal may be limited. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, as animals live freely in their natural habitat. The itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather, river conditions, park regulations, safety and recent wildlife activity. Some jungle walks may take place on uneven or muddy terrain. A good level of physical fitness is recommended. Please bring suitable clothing for hot, humid and rainy conditions, long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, insect repellent, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, a flashlight and personal medication. Rubber boots are provided for jungle walks. Accommodation is in basic jungle lodges, and some facilities may be shared or rustic. The journey includes several hours of road and boat transportation.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund