Manu Cultural Zone Tour 5 Days

Day 1: Cusco (3,300 m.a.s.l.) – Cloud Forest (1,700 m.a.s.l) – Pilcopata Inn (600 m.a.s.l.)
We will depart from Cusco very early in the morning in one of our vehicles. We will traverse interesting valleys between the Andes Mountains and picturesque countryside communities. We will visit pre-Inca tombs from the Lupaca culture and later will stop in Paucartambo, a beautiful colonial town, and visit the town’s interesting museum. Along the way, we will eat lunch in the cloud forest. We will continue our descent through the cloud forest, a zone rich in endemic species, such as the Spectacled Bear and the Cock of the Rock, the Peruvian national bird that performs a unique courting ritual. We can also see orchids, bromelias, ferns, etc. We will continue to observe the spectacular nature along our journey until we arrive at our lodge, Pilcopata Inn, where we will spend our first night.

Day 2: Pilcopata – Amazon Manu Lodge (450 m.a.s.l.)
We will eat breakfast very early and then take a walk during which we can observe the forest fauna, like monkeys and birds. We will visit a coca plantationi and the Wildlife Rescue Center. Following this, we will travel to Port Atalaya, situated along the banks of the Alto Madre de Dios River at 500 m.a.s.l.. Here, where we will begin our descent in boat to observe the enormous diversity of bird species, such as herons, vultures, cormorants, etc. until we arrive at Amazon Manu Lodge. There, we can bathe in the river and eat a delicious lunch. After lunch, we will visit a swamp where we can observe birds, such as toucans, woodpeckers, macaws, etc. In the evening, before we eat dinner, we will go to look for the eyes of caimans which stand out in the dark. We will spend the night in the lodge.

Day 3: Amazon Manu Lodge (450 m.a.s.l.)
Very early in the morning, we will board our boat and head to the macaw clay lick, a wall along the riverbank where different species of parrots, such as the blue-headed parrot, white-eyed parakeet, chestnut-fronted macaw, among others, gather every morning. Here they eat the clay, which is rich in minerals and helps them digest and remove toxins from their bodies. After, we will return to our lodge for a delicious breakfast. Following breakfast, we will take a hike through the forest for about 2.5-3 hours, where we may have the opportunity to see monkeys, birds, and interesting jungle plants, and our tour guide will explain some of the fascinating intricacies of the jungle. Upon our return, eat lunch and then either rest in the lodge or bathe in the river. After lunch, you will also have the option to go zip-lining. After, we will visit Machuwasi Lake, where we will explore in balsa rafts to observe birds such as the pre-historic hoatzin and, with luck, other animals like caimans, monkeys, and capybaras. We will then take a night walk through the forest to look for insects and amphibians. After the night walk, we will eat dinner and spend the night at Amazon Manu Lodge.

*Free optional activity – zip line: Our guests at Amazon Manu Lodge have the chance to appreciate a unique and impressive view of the jungle as they fly through the jungle canopy between platforms built high in the trees. All equipment used is high-quality and secure. After gliding at high speed through the treetops of the amazing Amazon Jungle, you will then rappel 20 meters back to the ground.

Day 4: Amazon Manu Lodge
We will rise early for breakfast, and then take a hike in the forest, where the guide will look for and explain the fascinating biodiversity of the wildlife. In a primary forest, we will observe the wildlife all around our lodge. After our hike, we will return to the lodge for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we will travel two hours downstream to visit the hot springs. In the evening, we will take a night walk to look for snakes, frogs, insects, and spiders.

Day 5: Amazon Manu Lodge – Cusco
We will wake up early to eat breakfast at the lodge. Then we will pack up and board our boat to ride to Port Atalaya, where our bus will await us to take us back to Cusco. Along the way, we will eat lunch. We will arrive in Cusco around 5:30 – 6:30 pm.

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