Manu Cultural Zone

DAY 1.- CUSCO - ACJANACO - GALLITO DE LAS ROCAS - BAMBU LODGE.

We leave early at 5:30 am on ten hour trip climbing to 4,000 masl at the highest point.  On our way we will stop at famous sites like the Chullpas of Ninamarca, a pre Inka cemetery.  Later we descend through valleys between the mountains until we reach Paucartambo, a town of great history which is known as the folkloric capital of Peru at 2,900 masl.  After we visit this beautiful town we head to Acjanaco, at 3,560 masl this is the entrance point to the Manu National Park (UNESCO). 

From here we descend into the Cloud Forest, where we do some walking to observe more orchids than you can count; birds like Quetzales, Toucans, and multicolored Tanagers.  We will stop at the San Pedro strategic viewpoint called L.E.K. to observe the national bird of Peru, ¨El gallito de las rocas.¨ These colorful birds will perform their mating ritual with acrobatic jumps and wonderful songs.  With a little luck we will be able to see the first mammals of the rainforest like Monkeys and Spectacled Bears.  We will continue our trip to our place for the night, the ¨BAMBU LODGE¨.

Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Dinner (Novo-Amazonian style).

Bambu Lodge, Double room with private bath and shower.
Natural mineral water (from noon).

For the LEK (A platform built to appreciate the  Andean cock-of-the-rock).

DAY 2.- BAMBU LODGE TO SOGA DE ORO LODGE.

After an early breakfast we continue with our minibus: we pass the village of Pilcopata and cross the river of the same name to get to the small port of Atalaya (600 m). On the way we stop for some walks to observe birds and to visit a local orchid garden. Before reaching Atalaya we enjoy a great view of the river basin from a lookout point.

At the port we embark on a half hour journey in a 15-meter motorized canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios River. We have the opportunity to see wildlife along the rocky banks of the river, such as Fasciated Tiger Herons, Purplish Jays, Skimmers and some of the monkey species that live in Manu. In the afternoon we walk on the trails near the lodge and visit Machuwasi Lake, on the opposite side of the river. We use a wooden raft to explore the lake and observe the birdlife. In the evening we can go caiman spotting at the river or go on a night walk. We spend the night at Soga de Oro Lodge (double rooms & private bathroom).

Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Dinner (Novo-Amazonian style).

Soga de Oro Lodge (Double room with private bath and shower).
Natural mineral water.

For the Machuwasi lake.

DAY 3.- SOGA DE ORO LODGE - PARROT CLAY LICK.

At dawn we travel downriver by boat to the parrot clay lick. This is a special place where parrots, parakeets and small macaws, including the Chestnut fronted Macaw and the rare Blue headed Macaw, come to eat minerals which help them with digestion.

After the natural show we walk on the trails to see more animals and you have the option to climb up to a lookout point for a spectacular view over the Alto Madre de Dios River. Another trail takes us to a huge Ceiba Tree. Later we can go fishing or have a bath in the river. The night is spent at the lodge. Optional night walk to see insects, frogs, snakes etc.

Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Dinner (Novo-Amazonian style).

Soga de Oro Lodge (Double room with private bath and shower).
Natural mineral water.

For the CEIBA (huge Tree).

DAY 4.- SOGA DE ORO LODGE TO CUSCO.

On this day, we have the last option for the parrot and macaw clay lick in case we didn't have luck on the last day. After, we continue our trip to Cusco.

The trip will be 6-7 hours aprox. First by boat and later by bus. We leave you in your hotels. Dinner by your own. 

Breakfast, Snack, Lunch (Novo-Amazonian style).
Natural mineral water.

INCLUDED:

• Professional naturalist guide in English, with binoculars & spotting scope
• Private transport from Cusco to Atalaya (round trip)
• Private boat from Atalaya to Machuwasi lake and CEIBA (round trip)
• Entrance fees to Cock of the Rock observatory - LEK
• Entrance fees to Machuwasi lake
• Entrance fees to the CEIBA (giant tree)
• Cook & all food (vegetarian on request)
• Mineral water for every day
• Overnight in Lodges - 3 nights (Bambu Lodge and Soga de Oro Lodge)
• First Aid Kit, extractor (for venom)
• Radio communication and Rubber boots.

NOT INCLUDED: Binoculars, Alcoholic drinks, personal expenses etc.

GALLERY: MANU CULTURAL ZONE