Tour Details:
Discover the rich biodiversity and native culture of the Peruvian Amazon on this immersive 4-day journey through the Manu Cultural Zone. From cloud forests and river expeditions to wildlife encounters and ancient traditions, this tour offers a perfect balance of nature, adventure, and comfort.
Highlights:
- Scenic drive through the Andes and cloud forest with stops at archaeological and cultural sites
- Visit to the colonial town of Paucartambo and its historic museum
- Wildlife watching in the cloud forest, including the spectacled bear and the Andean cock-of-the-rock
- Amazon river navigation aboard a motorized canoe to reach your jungle lodge
- Zip line experience through the jungle canopy (optional)
- Explore Machuwasi Lake on rustic rafts to observe birds and jungle animals
- Night walk in the rainforest to discover insects, amphibians, and nocturnal species
- Macaw clay lick experience, where parrots and macaws gather each morning
- Cultural visit to a native Amazon community to learn local customs and traditions
- Guided hikes in primary and secondary jungle, learning about medicinal plants and wildlife
- All-inclusive experience with meals, transport, and lodging in eco-friendly jungle lodges
- Led by certified bilingual naturalist guides and supported by 24/7 local assistance
Gallery
Itinerary
DAY 1: Cusco – Cloud Forest – Pilcopata Inn
Your journey into the Peruvian Amazon begins early in the morning as we depart Cusco by private vehicle. Along the way, we’ll travel through scenic Andean valleys and pass by traditional rural communities. Our first stop will be the ancient pre-Inca tombs of the Lupaca culture, offering a fascinating glimpse into Peru’s distant past.
We’ll then continue to Paucartambo, a charming colonial town known for its well-preserved architecture and cultural significance. There, you’ll have the chance to visit a local museum before descending into the lush cloud forest.
Lunch will be served en route in this biodiverse region, home to endemic species such as the spectacled bear and the cock-of-the-rock (Peru’s national bird), famous for its vibrant plumage and captivating mating display. You’ll also spot orchids, bromeliads, and an abundance of ferns.
By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at Pilcopata Inn, where a warm dinner and your jungle accommodation await.
DAY 2: Pilcopata – Amazon EcoLodge (450 m.a.s.l.)
After an early breakfast, we’ll take a guided nature walk to observe local wildlife, including monkeys and colorful birds. We’ll then visit a coca plantation and a wildlife rescue center to deepen our understanding of local flora and fauna.
Our journey continues by road to Port Atalaya, located along the Alto Madre de Dios River. There, we’ll board our motorized canoe for a scenic descent into the Amazon Basin. Keep an eye out for herons, vultures, cormorants, and other fascinating bird species along the riverbanks.
Upon arrival at Amazon Manu Lodge, you’ll have time to rest or take a refreshing dip in the river. After lunch, we’ll visit a nearby wetland area teeming with biodiversity. Toucans, macaws, and woodpeckers are often spotted here.
In the evening, we’ll take a short boat excursion to observe caimans, whose glowing eyes are visible in the night. We’ll return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
DAY 3: Amazon Manu Lodge (450 m.a.s.l.)
At dawn, we’ll head by boat to the macaw clay lick, a natural wall along the riverbank where parrots and macaws gather each morning to consume mineral-rich clay. This activity is not only vital for their digestion but also a spectacular and colorful experience to witness.
After breakfast, we’ll embark on a 2.5 to 3-hour jungle hike to explore deeper parts of the rainforest. Our professional guide will help us identify plants, insects, and animal tracks along the trail. We’ll return to the lodge for lunch and leisure time—feel free to swim in the river or simply relax in a hammock.
In the afternoon, you may choose to take part in our free optional zip-line activity (details below). Later, we’ll visit Lake Machuwasi, where we’ll explore by balsa raft and look for hoatzins, capybaras, and monkeys.
The day ends with a night walk in search of frogs, spiders, and other nocturnal creatures, followed by dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Free Optional Activity – Jungle Zip Line:
Fly through the rainforest canopy on a secure zip-line system between platforms built high in the trees. All equipment is top-grade and safety-certified. After gliding across the treetops, participants will rappel 20 meters down to the jungle floor—an unforgettable jungle experience.
DAY 3: Amazon EcoLodge – Port Atalaya – Cusco
After a final breakfast in the jungle, you’ll have some time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and watch hummingbirds around the lodge. We’ll then take our boat back to Port Atalaya, where our ground transport will be waiting.
Lunch will be provided along the route as we return to Cusco, arriving between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.
Included / Excluded
- Private ground transportation
- River transport by motorized canoe
- 2 nights at Amazon Manu Lodge and 1 night at Pilcopata Inn
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and 1 daily snack – vegetarian options available
- Professional bilingual (English/Spanish) naturalist guide
- Entry to all sites, including clay licks
- Equipment: rubber boots, binoculars, telescope, and first-aid kit
- Mineral water throughout the tour
- 24/7 assistance during your journey
- Breakfast and water on Day 1
- Dinner on Day 4
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Tips for staff
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
What to Bring:
- Valid ID or passport
- Personal medications
- Toiletries
- Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Insect repellent (recommended 40% DEET or more)
- Lightweight raincoat or poncho
- Long-sleeved shirts and cotton pants
- Swimwear
- Warm clothes (especially for early mornings and evenings)
- Binoculars and camera
Additional Information
IMPORTANT:
To issue your Machu Picchu entry ticket, the Peruvian authorities require the following information exactly as it appears on your passport:
- Full name
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Nationality
Please ensure all details are accurate when making your reservation.
Pre-Trip Briefing:
A representative from Sungate Peru Travel will contact you one day before your departure to arrange a pre-trip briefing. This meeting will take place in your hotel lobby or at our office, as agreed in advance, around 6:00 PM.
During the briefing, we will provide a detailed step-by-step itinerary map and deliver all relevant tickets and documents for your journey.
Tour Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.
