Itinerary
Discover what awaits you in the MANU TOUR – RESERVED ZONE 5 DAYS
day 1
DAY 1: CUSCO - CLOUD FOREST - DORADO LODGE
Our journey to Manu National Park begins early, departing from the city of Cusco toward Manu. Along the route, we’ll make a stop at the enigmatic Ninamarca Chullpas, ancient pre-Inca vestiges surrounded by unique landscapes. Continuing our journey, we’ll arrive at the colonial town of Paucartambo, where we’ll learn about its history, traditions, and distinctive architecture.
Once we finish our visit to Paucartambo, we head toward Acjanaco, the entry point to Manu National Park. From there, we’ll begin our descent into the cloud forest, where we’ll make several stops to observe birds, orchids, and giant ferns. Our main activity will be spotting the cock-of-the-rock, Peru’s national bird, in its natural habitat in the San Pedro area.
In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at the town of Salvación, where we’ll switch to 4×4 vehicles to continue to Dorado Lodge. After dinner, those who wish can join an optional night walk to spot amphibians and nocturnal species.
day 2
DAY 2: DORADO LODGE - RESERVED ZONE - CASA MATSIGUENKA
In the morning, very early, we board the boat to navigate the Alto Madre de Dios River. We’ll have breakfast on the boat while heading to the Limonal control post, where park rangers will welcome us to Manu National Park. During the journey, we’ll navigate surrounded by dense jungle.
We’ll then continue navigating the Manu River for approximately 6 hours. In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at Casa Matsiguenka, where we’ll live with native families in bungalows (double rooms with private or shared bathrooms). Here we’ll have dinner and spend the night.
day 3
DAY 3: CASA MATSIGUENKA - COCHA SALVADOR - COCHA OTORONGO
After breakfast, we explore Cocha Salvador, navigating on a rowing catamaran. This lake is one of Manu’s highlights and home to impressive giant otters, as well as birds like herons, skimmers, and macaws.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit Cocha Otorongo, where we’ll climb a 20-meter observation tower that allows us to appreciate the jungle from the canopy and observe caimans, monkeys, and other species. During the rest of the day, we’ll walk through primary forest trails, experiencing the magic of the jungle. We return to the accommodation for dinner and spend the second night at Casa Matsiguenka.
day 4
DAY 4: CASA MATSIGUENKA - DORADO LODGE
Very early, we’ll begin our return, navigating for about 6 hours again along the Manu River, with new opportunities to observe wildlife on beaches and riverbanks. After checking in at the Limonal post, we’ll continue downriver with a stop at the Diamante Native Community, where we can support the local economy by purchasing crafts and local products.
In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at Dorado Lodge and before or after dinner, we’ll take a night walk in search of nocturnal fauna; we’ll return and spend the night at Dorado Lodge.
day 5
DAY 5: DORADO LODGE - PARROT CLAY LICK - CUSCO
At dawn, we’ll visit the spectacular parrot and macaw clay lick, a special spot where these birds descend to feed on minerals that aid their digestion. After the activity, we return to the lodge for breakfast; then, we board the 4×4 vehicles back to Salvación. Along the way, we’ll visit a hummingbird garden and make a stop in Pilcopata to taste juices and ice creams made from local fruits like aguaje, pineapple, and cocona. From there, we’ll continue to Cusco, arriving in the afternoon.
Includes
- Tourist transportation Cusco – Dorado Lodge
- Tourist transportation Dorado Lodge – Cusco
- Boat from Dorado Lodge – Casa Matsiguenka
- Boat from Casa Matsiguenka – Dorado Lodge
- Professional bilingual guide
- Sighting checklist (flora and fauna)
- 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners (vegetarian options)
- 5 snacks (mango, passion fruit, banana, apple, orange, cookies, etc.)
- Mineral water
- 4 nights accommodation (lodge)
- First aid kit
- Manu National Park entrance fee
- Local enterprise entrance fees
- Drinks included
- Rubber boots
Not include
- Tips
- Binoculars
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Packaging list
- Original passport
- 1-liter water bottle
- Body and face towel
- Personal hygiene products
- Personal medications
- Toilet paper
- Trekking shoes, sandals
- Flashlight, spare batteries, adapter, and charger
- Cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Insect repellent (recommended with 40% or more DEET)
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Clothing in earth tones (not white): long-sleeved shirts, long pants, cotton socks and underwear, swimsuit
- Binoculars; minimum 8×25 magnification, with strap to wear around neck
- Camera, adapter, and charger
- 10-liter backpack plus plastic bags to protect your belongings
- Small backpack for walks
- Cash, preferably in soles
