Manu National Park 8 days - Itinerary
DAY 01: We leave Cusco early in the morning in our
specialized overland vehicles. Approximately mid-morning we
visit the interesting tombs of Ninamarca, commonly known as
"Chullpas". We continue to Paucartambo, a picturesque
Spanish colonial town, and then to the Acjanacu pass, which
marks the beginning of the Cultural Zone of Manu Biosphere
Reserve. Here, a thick cloak of clouds provides perpetual
humidity and makes an ideal habitat for epiphytic plants such
as bromeliads. This varied and fascinating world is home of
the Cock of the Rock, the Spectacled Bear, Orchids, Tree Ferns
(one of the oldest living plants), mosses and lichens. This
cloud forest exists between 2000 and 3500 meters above sea
level, and at least 50% of the plant species found here are
endemic to this region. Overnight in our open air lodge "San
Pedro".
DAY 02: Today we wake up very early to
observe the Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruviana), Peru's
national bird. At about 5:00AM as many as several dozen
come together for an exhibition of a mating ritual dance
in a place called Lek. The males of vibrant reddish orange
feathers, display their crest showing off and posturing
for the females. The females, fewer in number, watch to
select the most suitable males. After breakfast we continue
in our overland transport*1 down the narrow road between
waterfalls and canyons toward the town of Pilcopata *2 and
the to Atalaya Port. Here, we board our covered, outboard
motor boat and head down the Alto Madre de Dios River for
approximately 15 minutes toward our private reserve of "Erika"
where we will hike through an interesting trail system in
the transitional area (between high jungle and low jungle).
Overnight in the lodge.
* 1 Optional: Descend with mountain bikes
from the Cloud Forest to Pillcopata (700 m.a.s.l
* 2 Optional: Here in Pilcopata town we
will make all the final settings for 1 ½ to 3 hour
rafting trip down the Kosñipata river where we will
have the opportunity for a dip and of course enjoy the spectacular
view of the Koñeq Canyon. Continuing down the Alto
Madre de Dios river to Erika Lodge.
DAY 03: After breakfast we board our canoe
for a three-hour trip down the Alto Madre de Dios River
to Boca Manu's airstrip ( where optional flights coming
from Cusco may bring new members to join our group. The
plane flies over the Andes to a narrow gravel landing strip
in the jungle. Flight takes approximately 45 minutes) Boca
Manu village, located at short distance from the confluence
of the Manu River and the Alto Madre de Dios River, is the
last place to buy your fresh supplies and cold drinks before
setting off again in the canoe. Now we enter the Manu River
and the Reserved Zone, stopping in a white sand beach where
we camp along the riverbank. Short walk around the area.
New!!! * 3 Optional Canopy Tour: Our guests
traverse from tree to tree and platfrom to platfrom using
pulleys on horizontal traverse cables, as they sail through
the treetops of the tropical rainforest canopy, and over
the trails far below. Expert guides assist you in this exciting
journey through the different layers of the virgin rain
forest and explain what's going on around you,from the time
you leave the ground, until you rappel back down to the
forest floor.
DAY 04: After registering in the official
tourist logbook at Limonal, the Park Rangers Headquarters
and having an early breakfast, we follow the Manu River
until we arrive Salvador Lake, our base campsite (screened
dining room, bathrooms, radio communication is available).
This canoe ride gives us the opportunity to observe the
immensity of the rainforest and the diversity of bird life,
reptiles and mammals. You will often see animals sunning
on beaches, or foraging for food in the trees lining the
riverbanks. We arrive early in the afternoon and have lunch
before setting off on a jungle trail. Here, we will be on
the lookout for wildlife inside the rainforest and on Salvador
Oxbow Lake, until the sun goes down and we return to the
camp. We explore Salvador Lake by paddling quietly along
on a catamaran to observe unique species of birds, monkeys,
caimans and with luck, the Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis).
This endangered species can be seen swimming, fishing, feeding
and playing.
DAY 05: We wake up early in the morning,
as the forest is awakened by the Red Howler monkey (Aloatta
seniculus) declaring its territory. A morning walk before
breakfast is a great chance to catch wildlife in the pursuit
of food and temperature is very pleasant at this time of
day. After relaxing and swimming in the river we enjoy lunch
along the riverbank. Afterwards, we cross the river to walk
an 8-km trail to another oxbow lake called Otorongo. A strategically
located observation tower rises 15 meters above the rainforest
canopy overlooking the lake, giving us more chances to observe
wildlife including the Giant Otter. Late in the afternoon
we will use the catamaran (optional)and with the help of
flashlights we can observe the black caimans rising from
the depths of the lake and beginning their search for prey.
Return to the campsite.
DAY 06: Once again we wake up early, enjoy
a brief morning walk, have a relaxing breakfast, then pack
up the camp and descend the Manu River until Boca Manu.
This village is at a short distance from the confluence
of the Manu River and the Alto Madre de Dios River, from
here we descend the Madre de Dios River arriving early in
the afternoon after three hours ride to Blanco Private reserve.
Camp and spend one more night in this magical Amazon Jungle.
DAY 07: After a very early wake up, we
use a special camouflaged catamaran in front of the "Collpa"
macaw lick. We quietly observe the various parrots feeding
on the clay for mineral and salt, supplements to their diet
of seeds and fruits. The brightly colored macaws usually
wait patiently in the surrounding trees until the smaller
parrot species have left the area. Slowly, the macaws come
down to the clay wall to feed.
We need a lot of patience and silence on the catamaran
so as not to disturb them while feeding. Around mid morning
we board our canoe to return to the airstrip at Boca Manu.
At this point, those who are returning to Cusco by plane
will catch their flight. This optional flight from Boca
Manu to Cusco offers spectacular views of the surrounding
jungle and the area's meandering rivers. The rest of the
group continues up the Alto Madre de Dios River to camp
on an appropriate beach in the Cultural Zone and enjoys
the sites and sounds of the jungle for one more night.
DAY 08: Waking up very early, we continue
the trip by boat to Atalaya, where the bus will be waiting
for us and drive back up and out of Manu, arriving in Cusco
very late this night or the next early morning. END OF OUR
SERVICES.
IMPORTANT: Briefing on Saturday prior
to departure at 7:00pm. at the agency, in order to meet
the group and the guide, receive last recommendations and
answer questions;
AIR CHARTER ALTERNATIVE:
DAY THREE: Arrive by plane from Cusco to
Boca Manu at mid morning.
DAY SEVEN: Leave Boca Manu and arrive in
Cusco in the early afternoon.
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