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Discover Manu: A Journey to Life in Its Purest State.
Traveling to Manu is like entering one of the most amazing places on the planet. This national park, located between Cusco and Madre de Dios, takes you from the cold Andean highlands to the vastness of the Amazon, passing through forest-covered mountains and enchanting cloud forest landscapes.
Here, you will find not only astonishing biodiversity but also cultures that have lived in harmony with nature for centuries, some even in voluntary isolation. Manu is not just a destination; it is an experience that connects you with life in its most authentic form.
Highlights
Your Journey to Manu: A Truly Unforgettable Experience
Your adventure to Manu begins early in the morning as you leave Cusco in one of our comfortable and safe vehicles. As the journey unfolds, you’ll cross breathtaking landscapes that stretch between the majestic Andes and deep, green valleys. Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional communities full of history, warmth, and vibrant culture.
One of your first stops will be at ancient pre-Incan tombs belonging to the Lupaca culture — a moment to step back in time and reflect on Peru’s rich past. You’ll also visit the charming colonial town of Paucartambo, where you can stroll through its picturesque streets, explore its local museum, and get a deeper sense of everyday life in the Andes.
Around midday, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch in the heart of the cloud forest — a magical ecosystem full of life. Here, you might spot the cock-of-the-rock, Peru’s national bird, and if you’re lucky, the elusive spectacled bear. The road will constantly surprise you with the beauty of orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and lush greenery that feels almost otherworldly.
By the end of the day, you’ll arrive at your resting place: Pilcopata Inn, a cozy and welcoming lodge where you can unwind, recharge, and fall asleep surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the jungle.
A Day of Discovery in the Heart of the Amazon
After an early breakfast, your day begins with a visit to a local coca plantation, where you’ll learn about its traditional uses and importance in the region. Then, you’ll head to a wildlife rescue center — a special place where you’ll get up close to some of the animals native to the Amazon, while discovering the efforts being made to protect and care for them.
Next, your journey continues to Puerto Atalaya, located on the banks of the Alto Madre de Dios River. From there, you’ll board a motorized canoe and begin an exciting river adventure. As you glide along the water, keep your eyes open — herons, vultures, cormorants, and many other birds will likely accompany you along the way.
Around midday, you’ll arrive at Amazon Manu Lodge, your cozy base in the jungle. A delicious lunch and some well-deserved rest will prepare you for the afternoon’s activity: a guided hike to Lake Machuwasi, a peaceful and scenic spot perfect for wildlife watching.
Once there, you’ll board rustic rafts and slowly float across the water. With a bit of luck and patience, you might spot the strange and fascinating hoatzin — a bird known as a “living fossil.” You may also encounter caimans, monkeys, and even capybaras as they move through their natural habitat.
As the day comes to a close, you’ll return to the lodge and relax, surrounded by the soothing sounds of the jungle — a perfect end to a day full of wonder and connection with nature.
A Magical Morning in the Jungle
Today, you’ll start very early, just as the jungle begins to stir. You’ll board the boat to witness one of the most breathtaking experiences of your journey: the macaw clay lick — a natural wall along the riverbank where, each morning, various species of parrots and macaws, such as the blue-headed parrot, white-eyed parakeet, and chestnut-fronted macaw, gather to feed on mineral-rich clay.
It’s a dazzling display of color, sound, and life — a moment that will leave you deeply connected with the wild beauty of the rainforest.
After taking in this unforgettable scene, you’ll return to the lodge for a well-deserved, delicious breakfast. Then, it’s time to pack up and begin your return by boat to Puerto Atalaya, where our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.
On the way, you’ll stop for lunch and have a chance to rest a bit. By late afternoon, around 6:30 p.m., you’ll arrive back in Cusco — your heart full of memories, and your spirit refreshed by the magic of Manu.
Day 1 highlights include visiting the ancient burial towers of Ninamarca, exploring the colonial town of Paucartambo, ascending to the Acjanaco pass, and exploring the vibrant cloud forest, known for its diverse flora and fauna.
Day 2 includes witnessing the mating dance of the Cock of the Rock, traveling to Pilcopata and then to Atalaya Port by boat, and exploring the lodge’s surroundings through guided hikes, offering opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Day 3 includes a guided walk along the riverbanks in the transitional zone between high and low jungle, a visit to Machuwasi Lake for birdwatching, and experiencing the nocturnal life of the jungle.
Accommodations are provided at Orquídeas de San Pedro Lodge and Erika Lodge, both situated within the Amazon rainforest, offering rustic comfort and immersive experiences amidst the diverse ecosystems of the Manu Biosphere Reserve.
On the final day, travelers witness one of the Amazon’s spectacular natural phenomena at a clay lick, where vibrant parrots and other bird species indulge in mineral-rich clay, providing a fantastic opportunity for up-close wildlife observation and photography.