Tour Details:
Embark on an unforgettable 7-day journey into the heart of Manu National Park’s Reserved Zone – one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Starting in Cusco, this immersive expedition takes you from the Andes to the lowland Amazon, through cloud forests, pristine rivers, and untouched rainforest. Encounter unique wildlife like the cock-of-the-rock, giant otters, macaws, and monkeys in their natural habitat. Explore remote oxbow lakes by catamaran, climb observation towers, and witness the fascinating rituals of the jungle’s creatures.
Led by expert naturalist guides and staying in eco-lodges and safari-style camps, this tour offers a rare opportunity to deeply connect with nature and experience the Amazon as few ever do. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and adventure seekers, this is the Amazon at its purest.
Highlights:
- Explore the Manu Reserved Zone, a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve and one of the most protected regions of the Amazon.
- Spot incredible wildlife, including giant otters, white caimans, macaws, howler monkeys, and the elusive jaguar.
- Visit macaw clay licks and observe colorful parrots and macaws gathering at dawn.
- Navigate remote oxbow lakes like Cocha Otorongo and Cocha Salvador in silent catamarans.
- Trek through pristine rainforest with professional naturalist guides to discover medicinal plants and hidden jungle life.
- Stay in immersive jungle camps and eco-lodges, including safari-style platforms in the heart of the forest.
- Experience the transition from Andes to Amazon, passing cloud forests full of orchids, spectacled bears, and cock-of-the-rocks.
- Climb a 30-meter observation tower for panoramic views and wildlife spotting at canopy level.
Gallery
Itinerary
DAY 1: Cusco (3,300 m.a.s.l.) – Cloud Forest (1,700 m.a.s.l.) – Pilcopata Lodge (600 m.a.s.l.)
Early in the morning, we depart Cusco in a private vehicle, traveling through the stunning Andean valleys and picturesque rural communities. Along the way, we visit the Chullpas of Ninamarca, a pre-Inca cemetery, and the charming colonial town of Paucartambo, where we’ll explore a local museum to learn about its cultural heritage.
After lunch along the route, we continue descending into the lush cloud forest, a region rich in endemic species such as the spectacled bear and the cock-of-the-rock, Peru’s national bird. The forest also hosts a wide variety of plants including orchids, bromeliads, and ferns.
By late afternoon, we arrive in Pilcopata, where we spend the night at our lodge.
DAY 2: Pilcopata – Hot Springs – Boca Manu (300 m.a.s.l.)
After breakfast, we begin a hike through the jungle to observe wildlife such as monkeys and colorful birds. Then, we visit a coca plantation and an animal rescue center to learn more about Amazonian flora and fauna.
We continue by road to Port Atalaya, located on the banks of the Alto Madre de Dios River (500 m.a.s.l.), where we board a motorized boat and begin our river journey. Along the way, we spot numerous birds such as herons, vultures, and cormorants.
We’ll take a break at natural hot springs, nestled in the jungle, before continuing to Boca Manu, where we stay overnight in a jungle lodge.
DAY 3: Boca Manu – Reserved Zone / Casa Machiguenga (395 m.a.s.l.)
We leave very early to visit a parrot clay lick, just 10 minutes from the lodge. Then, we stop briefly at the Limonal checkpoint before continuing our 4-hour journey deep into the Manu Reserved Zone, arriving at Casa Machiguenga, where we will spend two nights.
During this journey, it’s common to see numerous birds—macaws, eagles, toucans, herons—as well as mammals such as capybaras, monkeys, caimans, river turtles, and, with luck, a jaguar sunbathing or hunting along the riverbanks.
In the afternoon, we go for a forest walk in search of more wildlife. Overnight in Casa Machiguenga with shared bathrooms and showers.
DAY 4: Reserved Zone / Cocha Salvador (395 m.a.s.l.)
Awakened by the calls of howler monkeys, we head out early for a morning hike, the best time to see wildlife. We explore Cocha Salvador, a stunning oxbow lake, aboard a catamaran, silently gliding as we search for giant river otters, an endangered species.
We may also see black caimans, hoatzins, kingfishers, and various species of monkeys—Manu is home to 13 species in total.
After lunch, we continue exploring the forest on foot, learning about tropical ecosystems. In the evening, there’s an optional night walk to observe frogs, insects, and nocturnal creatures.
DAY 5: Reserved Zone / Cocha Otorongo – Boca Manu
After breakfast, we explore Lake Otorongo, using a 15-meter observation tower to get panoramic views of the jungle canopy. This is a great opportunity to spot more wildlife, including giant otters, monkeys, and exotic birds.
Later, we begin our return trip by boat, continuing wildlife observation along the way. At Limonal, we take a walk to a platform ideal for observing both flora and fauna.
We arrive in Boca Manu by late afternoon, where we spend the night at a lodge.
DAY 6: Boca Manu – Amazon Manu Lodge
We continue upstream on the Alto Madre de Dios River, enjoying the breathtaking Amazon scenery and the wide variety of birdlife.
There will be an optional stop at the hot springs, and in the afternoon we reach Amazon Manu Lodge, where we enjoy a relaxing final night in the rainforest. Optional night walk.
DAY 7: Amazon Manu Lodge – Cusco
Early in the morning, we board our boat to return to Port Atalaya, where a private vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. Along the way, we’ll enjoy one last look at the cloud forest and its incredible biodiversity. Arrival in Cusco is expected between 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Important Notes – Manu Reserved Zone:
Please note that the itinerary may vary slightly in order to maximize wildlife sightings, depending on updates from our researchers and expert naturalist guides based at the lodge.
Included / Excluded
- Expert naturalist guide
- Private ground and river transport (bus and boat)
- Entrance fees to Manu National Park (Reserved Zone)
- Professional cook
- All meals included (vegetarian options available upon request)
- Drinking water throughout the tour (except first day)
- Comfortable lodge and camping accommodations
- First Aid Kit and venom extractor
- Radio communication for safety inside the Reserved Zone
- Binoculars (available for rent upon request)
- Drinking water on the first day
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Breakfast on Day 1
- Dinner on the final day
- Tips for the guide, cook, and boat staff
What to Pack – Suggested Packing List
- To make the most of your Manu adventure, we recommend bringing the following:
- 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.
