Magical Manu 05 Days / 04 Nights

Duration

5 Days/4 Nights

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English, Spanish

ITINERARY

Day 1:- Cusco - Boca Manu

Reception at the airport and transfer to begin our journey. We will board a motorized boat to start navigating through the region’s scenic rivers, with opportunities to observe endemic bird species unique to this part of the Amazon. Before entering the Manu River and its Reserved Zone, we will stop at Boca Manu, where you can purchase any last-minute supplies.

Continuing along the river, we will stop at a white sand beach, where we will set up camp near the riverbank. Here, you will have the chance to experience the Canopy Tour, an exciting activity that involves moving from tree to tree and platform to platform using zip lines and pulleys, gliding through the tropical rainforest canopy and enjoying panoramic views of the jungle below. Throughout the activity, expert guides will explain the surrounding ecosystem, from your ascent to your final rappel down to the forest floor.

We will later arrive at the lodge, where you can relax and explore the surrounding area.

Overnight at the lodge.

Day 2:- Parrot Lick Collpa – Limonal – Salvador Lake

Very early in the morning, after a short 10-minute boat ride, we will visit a Parrot Clay Lick (Collpa)—a clay wall along the riverbanks where different species of parrots, including the blue-headed parrot, white-eyed parakeet, dusky-headed parrot, and chestnut-fronted macaw, gather daily. These birds come here to consume the mineral-rich clay, which supplements their diet of seeds and fruits.

After observing this colorful spectacle and registering at the Limonal Park Rangers Headquarters, where we’ll also have an early breakfast, we’ll continue our journey upstream on the Manu River, traveling approximately 4 hours deep into the untouched heart of the Manu National Park Reserved Zone.

Leaving the last signs of civilization behind, we will venture into virgin rainforest, where the wildlife becomes notably more abundant. Along the way, sightings of macaws, herons, kingfishers, cormorants, capybaras, caimans, storks, and river ducks are common. Animals often appear sunbathing on the riverbanks or foraging in the trees. This canoe journey offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the immensity and biodiversity of the Amazon.

We will arrive in the early afternoon at Salvador Lake, where our base safari campsite will be located. The camp includes a screened dining area, toilets, showers, and radio communication for safety and comfort.

After lunch and some rest, we will explore a jungle trail, focusing on the diverse forest ecosystem and discussing the rainforest’s unique ecology. Although wildlife activity is lower in the afternoon compared to early morning, this walk allows us to connect with the jungle’s intricate flora and hidden fauna.

Return to the campsite for dinner and overnight.

Day 3:- Salvador Lake – Otorongo Lake

We will wake early, greeted by the distant calls of the Red Howler Monkey (Alouatta seniculus) marking its territory—a unique and powerful sound that signals the forest is awakening. Before breakfast, we will set out on a morning walk, taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and increased wildlife activity as animals search for their morning meal.

Next, we’ll quietly explore Salvador Lake aboard a paddle-powered catamaran, a peaceful and silent way to observe the Amazon’s biodiversity. Here, we’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of birds, monkeys, caimans, and—if we’re fortunate—the elusive and endangered Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), known for its playful nature and impressive fishing skills.

After lunch, we’ll cross the river to begin an 8-kilometer trail hike leading us to Otorongo Lake, passing through primary forest estimated to be 200 to 300 years old. Towering Ceiba trees and Strangler Figs dominate this pristine area, where it’s possible to encounter mammals like Saddleback Tamarins, Squirrel Monkeys, Spider Monkeys, Brown Capuchin Monkeys, and even Collared and White-Lipped Peccaries.

At Otorongo Lake, we’ll climb a 15-meter observation tower, strategically positioned to offer panoramic views of the lake and the vast surrounding jungle. From this vantage point, we’ll enjoy excellent opportunities to spot birdlife from the canopy and possibly observe Giant Otters in their natural environment.

Returning in the late afternoon to Salvador Lake, we’ll once again board the catamaran—this time using flashlights to illuminate the water’s surface and spot Black Caimans emerging from the depths as they begin their nocturnal hunting.

Return to the safari campsite for dinner and overnight.

Day 4:- Salvador Lake – Boca Manu

We will wake early once again for a final peaceful walk around Salvador Lake, enjoying the morning sounds of the Amazon and perhaps spotting wildlife one last time. After breakfast, we will pack up camp and begin our journey downstream along the Manu River, allowing us to take in the changing scenery as we gradually return from the depths of the rainforest.

By approximately 3:00 PM, we will arrive at Valley’s Island, a small area belonging to a local native family. Here, there will be time for a short guided walk through the nearby forest, offering opportunities to observe American Bullfrogs, Horned Frogs, Tree Frogs, and an impressive variety of colorful insects, all part of the unique biodiversity of this region.

Our journey will then continue to Boca Manu Village, located near the confluence of the Manu and Alto Madre de Dios Rivers. From there, we’ll descend the Madre de Dios River to reach the peaceful Juan de Dios Reserve, where we’ll spend one final night in a comfortable lodge surrounded by the magical sounds of the Amazon jungle.

In the evening, there will be the option to take a short night walk, where you can experience the nocturnal world of the rainforest.

Overnight at the lodge.

Day 5:- Boca Manu - Cusco

Around mid-morning, after breakfast, we will board our canoe for the final journey along the river, heading towards the airstrip at Boca Manu. From here, we will take our flight back to the city of Cusco, carrying with us unforgettable memories of the Amazon Rainforest and all its natural wonders.

End of our services.

Included / Excluded

INCLUDED

  • Transporte Terrestre (Camiones tipo overland y camionetas 4×4)
  • Fluvial Transportation (Motorized and covered boats)
  • 02 nights accommodation in Lodge
  • 02 nights accommodation in camp base.
  • Camping Equipment / two-person tents
  • All meals (Vegetarian option available)
  • Paperwork and payment for Park permits
  • Radio communication equipment in all lodges and campsites
  • Satellite telephone for emergencies
  • First Aid Kit
  • Professional Guide (Spanish – English)
  • Personalized Attention

EXCLUDED

  • Air tickets: Cusco – Boca Manu – Cusco
  • Airport taxes
  • Sleeping bag
  • Baggage excess
  • Alcoholic drinks, soda or bottled mineral water
  • Personal expenses
  • International or National personal telephone calls
  • Additional nights for bad weather o flight cancellation
  • Tips
  • Entrance to the Manu National Park Reserve Area

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