Manu Peru is characterized by its division into three distinct zones, namely the Manu Core Zone, Manu Reserved Zone, and Cultural Zone. The Manu Core Zone is restricted to scientists and researchers, serving as a dedicated area for their studies. The Manu Biosphere Reserve, or reserved zone, is specifically designated for tourism, while the Cultural Zone is inhabited by indigenous communities and also hosts some jungle lodges.
Encompassing a vast area of 1,532,806 hectares (equivalent to 1.5 million hectares), the Amazon Rainforest spans across multiple countries in South America. Manu Peru holds the largest portion within this expansive ecosystem.
Manu attracts numerous travelers due to its convenient proximity to Cusco. The renowned Manu National Park is renowned for its abundant bird species, diverse wildlife, and a plethora of plant varieties. Many of these plants hold medicinal properties and are utilized by the local indigenous communities.
Stretching from 150 meters above sea level to an impressive 4200 meters above sea level, Manu National Park showcases a remarkable range of elevations. Its ecological significance and outstanding value led to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Our seven-day Manu Reserve Peru and Macaw Clay Lick tour, accompanied by our experienced local team, grants you access to the protected areas of the Amazon jungle. Prepare to witness the awe-inspiring biodiversity that thrives within the Amazon rainforest.
This immersive experience encompasses a variety of activities, including birdwatching, the possibility of spotting majestic jaguars, thrilling night safaris, acquiring survival skills, encountering diverse plant species, and much more.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
06:00 AM
Early in the morning, we will arrange for your pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Subsequently, we will commence our journey from the majestic Andes to the captivating Amazon region in our private transportation. Along the way, we will make several stops to enhance your experience.
Our initial stop will be in the quaint town of Ninamarca, renowned for its ancient funeral towers dating back to the Lupacas civilization. Our knowledgeable guide will accompany you on a captivating tour of this historical site, providing insightful information.
Continuing our expedition, we will proceed to Paucartambo, a town steeped in rich folklore. Here, the local inhabitants have admirably preserved their time-honored traditions and customs, including the continued use of the indigenous language, Quechua.
Ascending the hill from Paucartambo, we will reach the picturesque viewpoint known as Tres Cruces, which offers a breathtaking panoramic vista of the vast Amazon basin. Descending through the enchanting cloud forest of Manu National Park, we will immerse ourselves in the lush beauty of this remarkable ecosystem.
In the early morning, following breakfast, we will complete the check-out process at the hotel. Subsequently, we will transport you to the Atalaya port. Along the way, we will make a stop at a viewpoint that offers a sweeping vista of the captivating Peruvian Amazon and the Alto Madre de Dios river.
Additionally, we will visit a local farm where you can witness the cultivation of various tropical fruits by the skilled local farmers. Moreover, we will have the opportunity to explore a coca plantation.
Upon arrival at the Atalaya port, we will embark on a boat journey along the scenic Madre de Dios river. During this excursion, you will have the pleasure of observing diverse bird species, including parrots, vultures, oropendolas, and others. This region is also known for being the habitat of capybaras, which are large jungle rodents.
By approximately 5:00 PM, we will arrive at the tranquil Hummingbird Lodge, where you will be comfortably accommodated in a private ensuite room. Following dinner, we will embark on an exhilarating night safari, aiming to spot fascinating nocturnal creatures such as tarantulas, snakes, and scorpions.
This particular day of the Manu Reserve Peru and Macaw Clay Lick tour offers an exceptional experience. After enjoying breakfast, we will proceed with the check-out process at the Hummingbird Lodge. As we leave the crystal-clear waters of the Madre De Dios river behind, we will enter the clay-rich waters of the Manu river.
Our journey will include a brief stop at Limonal Control, where we will present the necessary permits to the Park Rangers. From there, we will navigate along the Manu river for approximately five hours. Along the riverbanks, you will encounter nesting birds, feeding herons, Orinocos, and egrets, creating a captivating sight. Keep a lookout, as you may also spot black and white caimans in the area.
The sandy beaches of the region serve as resting places for over a hundred sand-colored nightjars during the daytime. Additionally, this area provides habitat for majestic creatures like Jaguars. Among the treetops, you may observe red howler monkeys and squirrel monkeys. Amidst the lush jungle, we will pause to enjoy a delightful lunch.
Next, we will arrive at the Casa Matsiguenka lodge, nestled on the tranquil shores of Cocha Salvador Lake. This lodge is under the management of the Matsiguenka community, adding a cultural touch to our experience. The area surrounding the lodge is adorned with captivating trails, and these guided tours are led by knowledgeable Matsiguenka locals.
During the afternoon, we will immerse ourselves in the exploration of intriguing trails within this pristine expanse of the Amazon rainforest. Our next destination will be the Cocha Otorongo lake, where a remarkable 20-meter-high observation tower awaits. From this elevated vantage point nestled within the rainforest canopy, you will relish a panoramic vista of the lake and its teeming wildlife. Keep an eye out for the magnificent giant otters that inhabit this area.
We will then return to the lodge to savor a delicious dinner. Following the evening meal, you will have the option to embark on a night tour of the jungle, a captivating opportunity to encounter more nocturnal creatures. This nocturnal exploration will be conducted by boat, allowing for potential sightings of black caimans, olingos, kinkajous, and even the elusive ocelot.
After a fulfilling day spent traversing the wonders of the lowland rainforest, we will make our way back to the lodge, concluding our day’s adventures.
We will treat you to a delightful breakfast, showcasing the flavors of the Amazon region. Subsequently, we will dedicate the remaining morning hours to immerse ourselves in the beauty of Lake Cocha Salvador. Glide along the serene waters in our canoes and from the floating platform, you will have the privilege of observing the captivating wildlife residing in the Salvador Oxbow lake.
During our time here, keep your eyes peeled for remarkable sightings such as the Agami Heron, lively brown capuchin monkeys, and more. The lake features strategically positioned stones that extend into the water, providing ideal vantage points for wildlife observation.
Prepare to witness families of giant river otters, the largest freshwater carnivores on the planet, which have made their home in this pristine Manu environment. These remarkable creatures consume an astonishing 4-5 kilograms of fish per day, and you may have the opportunity to witness their feeding rituals along the lakeshore.
We will devote the remainder of the day to invigorating hikes along the trails, where we will have the chance to encounter the thirteen iconic species of monkeys that call this region home. Additionally, the area is known for its abundance of medicinal plants, and our knowledgeable guide will provide in-depth explanations of their uses and properties.
During our explorations, we may also encounter groups of Peccaries, a fascinating species of New World pigs. Crossing the Pakitza Post of Control, we will continue to unveil the rich biodiversity of the area. As the sun begins to set, we will make our way back to the Casa Matsiguenka lodge, where a delectable dinner awaits us.
As the vibrant calls of the red howler monkeys announce the start of a new day, we will awaken to a delightful Amazonian breakfast. Soon after, we will set sail along the majestic Manu River, granting you the opportunity to marvel at the diverse array of avian species that call this region home, including kingfishers, herons, and majestic king vultures.
During our journey, we will make a brief stop in Boca Manu, where you will have the chance to purchase refreshing cold beverages. Our expedition will then continue towards the enchanting Tambo Blanquillo Lodge. Once we have completed the necessary check-in procedures, we will venture along scenic trails, leading us to breathtaking lagoons, where we may encounter captivating alligators and elusive nocturnal creatures.
One notable feature near the “Tambo Blanquillo” is the distinctive shebonal forest. These forests are characterized by their high clay content, which creates clay licks, locally known as “Collpa.” These mineral-rich sites serve as essential dietary supplements for macaws and other rainforest species, aiding in the removal of toxins from their digestive systems.
Macaws typically obtain these harmful substances from consuming unripe fruits. Our lodge conveniently lies a mere 10-minute journey from the renowned Macaw Clay Lick. Here, a strategically designed blind, elevated to a height of 10 meters, offers an unobtrusive vantage point, allowing you to observe the macaws’ activities up close. The blind provides 40 comfortable seats, each equipped with a personal counter, ensuring optimal stability for capturing exquisite photographs of the magnificent macaws gathered at the clay lick.
As the first rays of sunlight illuminate the surroundings, we will embark on a boat journey towards the renowned “Macaw Clay Licks,” a unique site where flocks of Parakeets, Parrots, and Macaws congregate daily to indulge in the nourishing clay found along the river’s edge.
Our destination will be a carefully camouflaged hideout designed specifically for observing these avian wonders—an idyllic sanctuary for bird enthusiasts like yourself. Immerse yourself in this bird lover’s paradise, relishing the opportunity to witness a vibrant display of colors and melodies. However, please note that this activity is subject to weather conditions and availability of bird activity within the area. (Hiding house).
We will dedicate approximately 5 hours to patiently observe the macaws’ captivating behaviors in their natural habitat before returning to the lodge to savor a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we will venture to the scenic Camungo Oxbow Lake, where an invigorating hike will lead us to an observation tower. From this elevated vantage point, you will be treated to breathtaking panoramic vistas of the sprawling Amazon basin and the serene lake below.
As dusk approaches, we will make our way back to the lodge, where a delectable dinner awaits, providing an opportunity to reflect upon the remarkable experiences of the day.
Following a satisfying breakfast, we will embark on a scenic journey aboard a motor boat, which will gracefully traverse the waters for approximately three hours until we reach Boca Colorado. From this point, we will transition to a compact van that will transport us to Puerto Carlos. At Puerto Carlos, we will cross the Inambari river, and subsequently resume our journey by minivan, embarking on a six-hour drive that will ultimately return us to the captivating city of Cusco.
