Itinerary
Discover what awaits you in the MANU CULTURAL ZONE TOUR – 4 DAYS
day 1
DAY 1: CUSCO - CLOUD FOREST - BAMBU LODGE
Our journey to Manu National Park begins early, with a departure from the city of Cusco. Along the route, we’ll stop at the enigmatic Ninamarca Chullpas, ancient pre-Inca vestiges set amid 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.
At the end of the day, we’ll arrive at our first accommodation, Bambu Lodge, where we’ll enjoy a local dinner and the guide will provide us with an informative talk about the next day’s activities.
What is this day like? check our photos
day 2
DAY 2: BAMBU LODGE - HUMMINGBIRD GARDEN - ATALAYA - SOGA DE ORO LODGE
After a delicious breakfast, we’ll continue our journey to the Hummingbird Garden, a beautiful local enterprise where we can observe different species of hummingbirds and orchids.
Then, we’ll arrive at Puerto de Atalaya to board a boat and navigate the Alto Madre de Dios River for about 30 minutes. During the journey, we’ll enjoy the impressive landscapes and warm tropical climate until we arrive at Soga de Oro Lodge.
In the afternoon, we’ll hike for approximately 2 hours to the top of a hill, from where we’ll get a unique panoramic view of the Amazon forest, the river, and local communities. During the tour, our guide will explain about the flora and fauna, and with some luck, we may spot monkeys and other species. The descent takes about 2 hours and will take us back to the lodge for dinner and rest.
day 3
DAY 3: SOGA DE ORO LODGE - PARROT CLAY LICK - COCHA MACHUWASI
Very early in the morning, we’ll board the boat again toward a parrot clay lick, a natural spectacle where green parrots, parakeets, and macaws descend to feed on clay that aids their digestion.
After observation, we’ll head to Cocha Machuwasi, where we’ll explore on wooden rowing rafts. This lake is home to a great variety of birds, monkeys, insects, and, with luck, we may observe caimans and other Amazonian animals.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to the lodge, where we can choose between resting and walking around the lodge. As night falls, we can take an optional night walk, ideal for discovering nocturnal fauna. After our walk, we return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
day 4
DAY 4: SOGA DE ORO LODGE - ATALAYA - CUSCO
After a nutritious breakfast, we’ll prepare to return to Cusco. We’ll navigate by boat for about 30 minutes to Puerto de Atalaya, and from there, we’ll take our return vehicle.
Along the way, we’ll take one last walk in the cloud forest to make the most of the opportunity to observe and enjoy the landscape. We’ll arrive in Cusco in the afternoon.
Includes
- Tourist transportation Cusco – Puerto Atalaya
- Tourist transportation Puerto Atalaya – Cusco
- Boat from Puerto Atalaya – lodge
- Boat from lodge – Puerto Atalaya
- Professional bilingual guide
- 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners (vegetarian options)
- Snacks
- 3 nights accommodation (lodge)
- First aid kit
- Mineral water during the trip
Not include
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Packaging list
- 1-liter water bottle
- Face and hand 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 a strap to wear around the neck
- Camera, adapter, and charger
- Backpack and plastic bags
- Cash, preferably in soles
Recomendations
What is the best time to travel?
The best time to visit the Manu National Park is between October and May, which corresponds to the dry season. Both in the Andes and in the southern jungle there is this season, which runs from May to October and is characterized by warm days and cold nights; and the rainy season. The latter runs from November to April and has more regular temperatures both day and night.
The dry season provides greater security when traveling and better possibilities of sighting wild animals. In the rainy season the flow of the rivers increases and there may be landslides on the roads, hence it is not recommended.
Regarding the temperature, it will depend on the altitude. The high Andean sector has an average temperature of 12 °C, while in the Amazon part it rises to 21 °C on average.
F.A.Qs
What is the best time to travel?
The best time to visit the Manu National Park is between October and May, which corresponds to the dry season. Both in the Andes and in the southern jungle there is this season, which runs from May to October and is characterized by warm days and cold nights; and the rainy season. The latter runs from November to April and has more regular temperatures both day and night.
The dry season provides greater security when traveling and better possibilities of sighting wild animals. In the rainy season the flow of the rivers increases and there may be landslides on the roads, hence it is not recommended.
Regarding the temperature, it will depend on the altitude. The high Andean sector has an average temperature of 12 °C, while in the Amazon part it rises to 21 °C on average.
