Itinerary
Discover what awaits you in the MANU RESERVED ZONE TOUR – 7 DAYS
day 1
DAY 1: CUSCO - CLOUD FOREST - BAMBU LODGE
From the Andes to the Manu cloud forest.
We leave Cusco, pass through Ninamarca and Paucartambo and descend from Acjanaco into the cloud forest in search of the Andean cock-of-the-rock.
-
Ninamarca Chullpas and Paucartambo
By tourist transport, early departure · Cusco → Ninamarca → Paucartambo
We leave Cusco and stop at the Ninamarca Chullpas, pre-Inca remains. Then we visit the colonial town of Paucartambo and learn about its history, traditions and architecture.
-
Acjanaco and descent into the cloud forest
By tourist transport · Paucartambo → Acjanaco → Cloud forest
At Acjanaco, the entrance point to Manu National Park, we begin our descent into the cloud forest, with stops to observe birds, orchids and giant ferns.
-
Cock-of-the-rock at San Pedro
Wildlife watching · San Pedro
Our main activity of the day is looking for the Andean cock-of-the-rock, Peru’s national bird, in its natural habitat.
-
Bambú Lodge
Arrival at the end of the day · Bambú Lodge
We arrive at Bambú Lodge, where we have dinner and the guide gives us a briefing on the next day’s activities.
Day details
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Weather: High Andean zone, average 12 °C
- Accommodation: Bambú Lodge
What is this day like? check our photos
day 2
DAY 2: BAMBU LODGE - PUERTO DE ATALAYA - HUMMINGBIRD GARDEN - COCHA MACHUWASI - DORADO LODGE
Hummingbirds, a lake by raft and hot springs.
We visit a hummingbird and orchid garden, navigate the Alto Madre de Dios River, explore Cocha Machuwasi and arrive at Dorado Lodge.
-
Hummingbird and orchid garden
By tourist transport · Bambú Lodge → Atalaya Port
After breakfast, on the way to Atalaya, we visit a hummingbird and orchid garden, a local biodiversity conservation project.
-
Boat ride and Cocha Machuwasi
By boat, approx. 6 hours · Atalaya → Alto Madre de Dios River → Cocha Machuwasi
We navigate the Alto Madre de Dios River and visit Cocha Machuwasi, which we explore on wooden rafts, observing birds, insects and monkeys.
-
Hot springs
Stop · Natural hot springs
Further on, we enjoy a relaxing bath in natural hot springs.
-
Dorado Lodge and night walk (optional)
Arrival in the afternoon · Dorado Lodge
We arrive at Dorado Lodge (double rooms with private bathroom). After dinner, you can join an optional night walk to discover the nocturnal wildlife.
Day details
- Boat ride: Approx. 6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Accommodation: Dorado Lodge (double room with private bathroom)
day 3
DAY 3: DORADO LODGE - COCHA OTORONGO - CASA MATSIGUENKA
Entering the Manu Reserved Zone.
We pass the Limonal checkpoint, climb the Cocha Otorongo tower and reach Casa Matsiguenka to spend time with native families.
-
Limonal checkpoint
By boat, very early · Dorado Lodge → Limonal
We leave by boat for the Limonal checkpoint, where the park rangers welcome us to Manu National Park.
-
Cocha Otorongo
By boat, approx. 6 hours · 20 m tower · Limonal → Cocha Otorongo
On the way we visit Cocha Otorongo and climb a 20-meter observation tower to watch the wildlife and listen to the sounds of the forest.
-
Casa Matsiguenka
Arrival in the afternoon · Casa Matsiguenka
We arrive at Casa Matsiguenka, where we spend time with native families and stay in bungalows. Dinner and overnight.
Day details
- Boat ride: Approx. 6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Accommodation: Casa Matsiguenka (double bungalows with private or shared bathroom)
day 4
DAY 4: CASA MATSIGUENKA - COCHA SALVADOR
Giant otters at Cocha Salvador.
We explore Cocha Salvador on a paddle catamaran, walk through the primary forest and, at dusk, look for insects and amphibians.
-
Cocha Salvador by catamaran Highlight
By paddle catamaran · Cocha Salvador
On board a paddle catamaran we look for giant otters, an endangered species, and observe herons, skimmers, monkeys and caimans.
-
Primary forest
On foot, in the afternoon · Primary forest trails
We walk the trails of the Amazonian primary forest, an ecosystem untouched for thousands of years.
-
Night walk
On foot, depending on conditions · Around Casa Matsiguenka
At dusk we take a night walk to observe insects and amphibians. Dinner and overnight at Casa Matsiguenka.
Day details
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Weather: Amazon zone, average 21 °C
- Accommodation: Casa Matsiguenka
day 5
DAY 5: CASA MATSIGUENKA - DIAMANTE NATIVE COMMUNITY - TAPIR CLAY LICK - DORADO LODGE
Downriver to the tapir clay lick.
We navigate back along the Manu River, leave the Reserved Zone at Limonal, and visit the Diamante Native Community and the tapir clay lick.
-
Boat ride on the Manu River
By boat, after breakfast · Casa Matsiguenka → Limonal
We begin the return along the Manu River, with new chances to spot wildlife. At Limonal we register our exit from the Reserved Zone.
-
Diamante Native Community
Stop · Diamante Community
We continue downriver and stop at the community, where you can buy handicrafts and local products.
-
Tapir clay lick and Dorado Lodge
Before or after dinner · Dorado Lodge → Tapir clay lick
We arrive at Dorado Lodge and visit the tapir clay lick, where these animals come to feed on clay. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day details
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Accommodation: Dorado Lodge
day 6
DAY 6: DORADO LODGE - PARROT CLAY LICK - ATALAYA - BAMBU LODGE
Flocks of parrots and the return by river.
We rise early for the parrot clay lick, navigate the Madre de Dios River to Atalaya and, after tasting Amazonian fruits in Pilcopata, return to Bambú Lodge.
-
Parrot clay lick
Very early · Parrot clay lick
We visit the spectacular parrot clay lick, where dozens of birds come down in flocks to feed on minerals.
-
Boat ride to Atalaya Port
By boat, approx. 5 hours · Dorado Lodge → Atalaya Port
We return to the lodge, pack and navigate the Madre de Dios River; breakfast is served on the way.
-
Pilcopata and Bambú Lodge
By tourist transport, arrival in the afternoon · Atalaya → Pilcopata → Bambú Lodge
In Pilcopata we taste juices and ice cream made from seasonal Amazonian fruits such as aguaje, copoazú and cocona. In the afternoon we arrive at Bambú Lodge, where we spend the last night.
Day details
- Boat ride: Approx. 5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Accommodation: Bambú Lodge
day 7
DAY 7: BAMBU LODGE - CLOUD FOREST - CUSCO
Back to Cusco through the cloud forest.
After breakfast we cross the cloud forest again, with stops for birds, photos and lunch, and reach Cusco in the afternoon.
-
Cloud forest
By tourist transport · Bambú Lodge → Cloud forest
After breakfast we cross the cloud forest once more, with stops to watch birds and photograph the landscape.
-
Lunch and arrival in Cusco
By tourist transport, arrival in the afternoon · Cloud forest → Cusco
We stop for lunch and continue to Cusco, where we arrive in the afternoon.
Day details
- Difficulty: Easy
- Return to Cusco: In the afternoon
Cloud forest, giant otters, clay licks, hot springs and native communities in 7 days. Have one day less? See the Manu Reserved Zone Tour 6 Days.
Includes
Transport and guide
- Tourist transport Cusco – Atalaya Port – Cusco.
- Boat Atalaya Port – lodge – Atalaya Port.
- Professional bilingual guide.
- Checklist of flora and fauna sightings.
- First aid kit.
Accommodation and meals
- 6 nights in lodges: Bambú Lodge, Dorado Lodge and Casa Matsiguenka.
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners, with vegetarian options.
- 7 snacks (mango, granadilla, banana, apple, orange, cookies, etc.).
- Mineral water and drinks.
Entrance fees and equipment
- Entrance to Manu National Park.
- Entrance to local community projects.
- Rubber boots.
Not include
Not included
- Binoculars.
- Tips.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses.
Prices MANU RESERVED ZONE TOUR – 7 DAYS
Prices per person
Payment: You can pay the full amount when booking or secure your spot with a 50 % deposit per person; the balance is paid no later than the day before the tour. Traveling soon? Depending on the date, you can also book just a few days in advance. Ask us about availability.
Need help with your trip?
Our team will help you plan your experience.
Packaging list
- Original passport.
- 1-liter water bottle.
- Towel for body and face.
- Personal toiletries and toilet paper.
- Personal medication.
- Trekking shoes and sandals.
- Flashlight, spare batteries, adapter and charger.
- Sun protection: Cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Insect repellent (40 % DEET or higher recommended).
- Rain jacket or poncho.
- Neutral-colored clothing (not white): long-sleeved shirts, long pants, cotton socks and underwear, and a swimsuit.
- Binoculars (minimum 8×25) with a neck strap.
- Camera, adapter and charger.
- 10-liter backpack with plastic bags to protect your belongings, and a small daypack for the walks.
- Cash, preferably in soles.
Recomendations
- Best time to go: The dry season, from May to October, with warm days and cold nights, offers safer travel and better wildlife sightings.
- Rainy season: From November to April temperatures are more even, but the rivers rise and there may be landslides on the roads, so it is not recommended.
- Temperature: It depends on the altitude: the high Andean zone averages 12 °C and the Amazon zone 21 °C. Bring clothes for both climates.
- Protect your belongings: Use the 10-liter backpack with plastic bags against rain and humidity.
- Repellent and long sleeves: Use repellent with 40 % DEET or higher and long-sleeved, neutral-colored clothing.
- Binoculars: They are not included; bring a pair (minimum 8×25) to watch birds and monkeys.
- Swimsuit: On day 2 there is a bath in natural hot springs.
F.A.Qs
How difficult is it?
Moderate. It combines road transport, boat rides, trail walks and wildlife watching.
How big is the group?
It is a shared service for 2 to 12 people.
Where do we sleep?
6 nights in lodges: Bambú Lodge, Dorado Lodge and Casa Matsiguenka. At Dorado Lodge the rooms are doubles with private bathroom; at Casa Matsiguenka, double bungalows with private or shared bathroom.
Which meals are included?
7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners, with vegetarian options, plus 7 snacks, mineral water and drinks.
How long are the boat rides?
About 6 hours on days 2 and 3, and about 5 hours on day 6 on the way back to Atalaya.
Which animals can I see?
Andean cock-of-the-rock, giant otters, herons, skimmers, monkeys, caimans, tapirs, parrots, hummingbirds, insects and amphibians, among others. They are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.
What is the Cocha Salvador visit like?
It is done on a paddle catamaran, to look for giant otters and other species calmly.
What is the parrot clay lick?
A place where dozens of birds come down in flocks to feed on minerals; we visit it very early on day 6.
Are there night walks?
Yes: on day 2 it is optional and on day 4 it depends on conditions.
Are there hot springs?
Yes, on day 2 we bathe in natural hot springs. Bring a swimsuit.
Is the National Park entrance included?
Yes, entrance to Manu National Park and to the local community projects is included.
Are binoculars included?
No. We recommend bringing a pair of at least 8×25 with a neck strap. Rubber boots are included.
When is the best time to go?
The dry season, from May to October. In the rainy season, from November to April, the rivers rise and there may be landslides.
What is the temperature like?
An average of 12 °C in the high Andean zone and 21 °C in the Amazon zone.
How do I pay?
You can pay the full amount when booking or leave a 50 % deposit per person and pay the balance no later than the day before the tour.
What should I bring?
Passport, water bottle, towel, toiletries, medication, trekking shoes and sandals, flashlight, sun protection, repellent, poncho, long-sleeved neutral-colored clothing, swimsuit, binoculars, camera and cash. You will find the full list in the What to bring tab.
Have more questions?
Message us on WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 or email info@sakuraexpedition.com.
