DAY 1: CUSCO – MANU CLOUD FOREST (ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK) – BAMBÚ LODGE
(From the High Andes into the Mystical Realm of the Cloud Forest)
We depart from Cusco at 5:30 AM in our private transport, beginning a scenic 6- to 7-hour drive toward the Amazonian lowlands. As we travel through the high Andes, we cross the highest pass of our expedition at an elevation of over 13,000 feet (4,000 m).
- Highland Culture & History: Strategic stops to explore the ancient Chullpas of Ninamarca (pre-Inca cemetery) and the historic town of Paucartambo (9,500 ft / 2,900 m), renowned as Peru's folkloric capital.
- Entering Manu National Park: We reach the Acjanaco checkpoint at 11,680 feet (3,560 m) and begin a dramatic descent through the mystical cloud forest, searching for wild orchids, bromeliads, the Resplendent Quetzal, toucanets, and colorful tanagers.
- The Cock-of-the-Rock Display: In San Pedro, we visit a dedicated observation hide (LEK) to witness the mating ritual of Peru’s national bird, the Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus). With a little luck, we may also spot woolly monkeys or the elusive spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus).
- Evening: Arrival and check-in at Bambú Lodge for our first night in the jungle.
Snack, Lunch, Dinner (Novo-Amazonian style).
Bambu Lodge (Double room with private bath and shower).
Natural mineral water (from noon).
LEK (A platform built to appreciate the Andean cock-of-the-rock).
DAY 2: BAMBÚ LODGE – ATALAYA PORT – ALTO MADRE DE DIOS RIVER – HUMMINGBIRD LODGE
(The Start of Our River Expedition Deep into the Heart of Manu)
After a delicious breakfast at Bambú Lodge, we begin our morning with a scenic 2-hour drive toward the river port of Atalaya. Along the route, we enjoy additional views of the diverse flora and fauna thriving within Manu's Cultural Zone, passing small local cassava and banana plantations as the surrounding forest grows increasingly dense.
At Atalaya Port, our river adventure truly begins. We board our motorized riverboat and embark on a spectacular 5-hour journey down the Alto Madre de Dios River—navigating deep into the untouched Amazonian wilderness.
- Highlights of the day: Spotting waterfowl, colorful parrots, capybaras on the gravel bars, and monkeys in the high canopy.
- Meals & Logistics: A relaxing lunch is served on board surrounded by nature.
- Afternoon & Evening: Around 3:00 PM, we arrive at Hummingbird Lodge. In the late afternoon, we explore the lodge's private trail network, with an optional night walk to discover nocturnal wildlife.
Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Dinner (Novo-Amazonian style).
Hummingbird Lodge, Double room with private bath and shower.
Natural mineral water.
DAY 3: HUMMINGBIRD LODGE – INTO THE RESERVED ZONE: MANU RIVER TO CASA MATSIGUENKA
(Journey into an Untouched Sanctuary – Tracking Caimans and Jaguars)
We set out in the early morning light as the jungle awakens. After a 4-hour boat ride downriver, we arrive at the Limonal Ranger Station—the official gateway to the strictly protected Reserved Zone of Manu National Park. Closed to mass tourism, this sanctuary shelters a pristine ecosystem in its purest state. After completing registration with the park rangers, we enter this exclusive conservation area. Our journey continues along the winding Manu River, offering one of the world's finest opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- On the Waterways: Keep your eyes peeled along the quiet riverbanks for large black caimans and side-necked turtles basking in the sun, alongside exotic bird species and primates moving through the canopy.
- Wildlife Tracking: Guided by our expert eyes, we maintain a sharp watch along the exposed sandbars for tapirs and the legendary jaguar.
- Arrival & Experience: In the afternoon, we reach Casa Matsiguenka Lodge—the only lodge situated deep inside the Reserved Zone. Managed directly by local Matsigenka families, this lodge combines tranquility with authentic indigenous culture as we spend our first night deep in the heart of the Amazon
Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Dinner (Novo-Amazonian style).
Casa Matshiguenka, Double room with shared bath and shower.
Natural mineral water.
Manu National Park (Reserved zone).
DAY 4: COCHA SALVADOR & COCHA OTORONGO – THE REALM OF THE GIANT RIVER OTTERS
(A Silent Ride Across the Mirror-Like Waters of Cocha Salvador Deep in the Manu Jungle)
Very early in the morning, we travel upriver deep into the Reserved Zone toward Cocha Salvador, the most important oxbow lake in Manu National Park. On this mirror-flat jungle lake, a silent catamaran excursion awaits us to explore the undisturbed habitat of the Amazon's top predators.
- Cocha Salvador Catamaran Excursion: We glide noiselessly across the water to observe family groups of Giant River Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis), watching their social behavior and clever hunting techniques. This ecosystem is also home to black caimans, anacondas, rare waterfowl, and up to 13 different monkey species in the surrounding canopy.
- Cocha Otorongo Canopy Tower: In the afternoon, we explore Cocha Otorongo. From a 65-foot (20-meter) observation tower, we enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the oxbow lake and the jungle canopy—an ideal vantage point to spot birds, primates, and elusive wild cats from above.
- Evening: We return to Casa Matsigenka Lodge for dinner and our second night deep inside the Reserved Zone.
Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Dinner (Novo-Amazonian style).
Casa Matshiguenka, Double room with shared bath and shower.
Natural mineral water.
Manu National Park (Cocha Salvador & Otorongo).
DAY 5: CASA MATSIGUENKA – DEEP EXPEDITION TO PAKITZA BIOLOGICAL STATION
(Early Morning River Expedition in Search of the Jaguar in the Deepest Protected Reserve)
We wake up early as the first light of dawn offers the best opportunity to observe wildlife during their most active hours. Boarding our boat, we venture even deeper into the protected Reserved Zone toward the remote Pakitza Biological Station—one of the most strictly protected sites in the Peruvian Amazon.
- Prime Jaguar Tracking: During this early morning boat ride, we carefully scan the sandbars and riverbanks. This specific stretch offers the highest statistical probability of the entire expedition to spot the majestic jaguar (Panthera onca) resting or drinking along the shore, alongside capybaras, tapirs, and colorful macaws.
- Pakitza Trail System: Upon arrival at Pakitza, we explore the protected primary forest trails surrounding the biological station, home to centuries-old giant trees and immense biodiversity.
- Evening at the Lodge: After extensive exploration, we return in the afternoon to Casa Matsigenka Lodge.
- Optional Night Walk: After dark, an optional guided night excursion is available to search for nocturnal wildlife, including amphibians, reptiles, and fascinating insects.
Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Dinner (Novo-Amazonian style).
Casa Matshiguenka, Double room with shared bath and shower.
Natural mineral water.
Manu National Park / Pakitza
DAY 6: CASA MATSIGUENKA – MAQUISAPAYOJ & TAPIR CLAY LICK (COLLPA)
(Farewell to the Protected Heart of Manu & Nighttime Adventure with Rainforest Giants)
We bid farewell to the deep Reserved Zone today and begin our journey downriver into the Manu Biosphere buffer zone. We enjoy a relaxing breakfast on board as the river landscape glides past. This scenic 6-hour boat ride brings us to Maquisapayoj Lodge, arriving at approximately 3:30 PM.
- Journey to the Buffer Zone: Relax on board while observing birdlife along the lower Madre de Dios River.
- Evening Tapir Excursion: After dinner, we visit the famous Tapir Clay Lick (Collpa). These mineral-rich licks are vital for rainforest mammals to neutralize plant toxins and aid digestion. This spot offers the single best opportunity in South America to observe the elusive Lowland Tapir (Tapirus terrestris) in the wild.
- The Lowland Tapir – Giant of the Amazon: Weighing up to 660 lbs (300 kg) and measuring about 8 feet (2.5 meters), the tapir is South America's largest land mammal. Extremely shy with exceptional hearing and scent, it requires absolute silence on the observation platform. Waiting quietly in the darkness until this magnificent creature emerges just yards away is a deeply moving experience.
Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Dinner (Novo-Amazonian style).
Birding/Maquisapayoc Lodge, Double room with private bath and shower.
Natural mineral water.
tapir Clay lick / Maquisapayoj.
DAY 7: MAQUISAPAYOJ – PARROT & MACAW CLAY LICK "ESCONDITE" – MAQUISAPAYOJ
(Exclusive View from the Hide: The Jungle's Spectacular Display of Colors)
At 5:00 AM, we set out on an approximate 1-hour boat journey to arrive at the parrot and macaw clay lick (collpa) just as the sun rises over the Amazon.
- The "Escondite" Macaw Hide: We take our spots inside a specially designed, camouflaged hideout positioned close to the cliff face. This setup allows both amateur and professional photographers to capture close-up images without disturbing the wildlife.
- Natural Spectacle & Biology: Watch as hundreds of colorful macaws, parrots, and parakeets descend on the clay wall. Ingesting these minerals aids their digestion and neutralizes toxins from forest seeds while serving as an important social ritual.
- Afternoon Forest Exploration: After the morning spectacle, we return to Maquisapayoj Lodge for lunch, followed by a guided hike along the surrounding primary rainforest trails.
- Second Chance at the Tapir Clay Lick: If the Lowland Tapir did not appear the previous evening, we offer an optional second night excursion to the platform to maximize your chances of spotting South America's largest mammal.
Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Dinner (Novo-Amazonian style).
Manu Birding/Maquisapayoj Lodge, Double room with private bath and shower.
Natural mineral water.
Macaw Clay lick / Blanquillo "Escondite".
DAY 8: MAQUISAPAYOJ – BOCA COLORADO – INTEROCEANIC HIGHWAY – CUSCO (OR PUERTO MALDONADO)
(Return Journey from the Rainforest Wilderness to the Historic Inca Capital)
After a hearty breakfast, we embark on an approximate 3-hour boat ride downriver toward Boca Colorado, where we bid farewell to our captain and river crew who navigated us through Manu.
- River Journey & Local Transfer: Upon arrival in Boca Colorado, we take a short 1-hour local transfer (4x4 or private taxi) to Puerto Punkiri, followed by a short river crossing over the Inambari River to Puerto Carlos.
- Overland Return to Cusco: Our comfortable private bus awaits us at Puerto Carlos. We travel along the modern, fully paved Interoceanic Highway back to Cusco (7 to 8 hours), arriving at approximately 6:00 PM.
- Optional Upgrade – Depart via Puerto Maldonado: Want to skip the long bus ride to Cusco? We can arrange a private transfer to Puerto Maldonado Airport (PEM)—just 2.5 hours away via paved highway—allowing you to connect with a convenient same-day flight to Lima. (Ask us for transfer and flight details).
Breakfast, Snack, Lunch (Novo-Amazonian style).
Natural mineral water.
For crossing the river Inambari.
Best of all, this tour takes you in and out through different routes to maximize your overall experience.
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ITINERARY 
ITINERARY
Private Transfers & Continuous Loop Route
All visitors are requested to get acquainted with the conservation of the Manu National Park. Certain rules of conduct apply, you may, for example, not approach wild animals, you may not throw away any garbage, you may not use soap or shampoo which will contaminate rivers and lakes (we recommend the use of biodegradable soaps).
BINOCULARS 8X42: Binoculars are essential for a visit at Manu in order to appreciate the animals fully. Please bear in mind that you are visiting a natural rain forest, animals can only be observed from a distance. ManuToursPeru owns several strong, waterproof binoculars 8X42 which you can rent for 5 US $ per day at the main office in Cusco (please inform us of your request at the initial booking). 
