Manu Cultural Program 04 Days / 03 Nights
Duration
4 Days/3 Nights
Tour Type
Daily Tour
Group Size
10 people
Languages
English, Spanish
Description
Located in the southeastern region of Peru, Manu National Park stands as one of the largest and most important protected areas in South America. Stretching across portions of both the Cusco Highlands and the Madre de Dios Jungle, this vast sanctuary covers more than 2 million hectares (4.5 million acres) of remarkably diverse ecosystems, ranging from the towering Andes Mountains to lush cloud forests and expansive lowland Amazonian rainforests.
Recognized as the most biologically diverse national park in the world, Manu safeguards thousands of species of flora and fauna across its varied landscapes, including many that are endemic and found nowhere else on Earth.
In 1977, UNESCO officially designated Manu as a World Biosphere Reserve, acknowledging its extraordinary role in preserving one of the last untouched, pristine rainforests. Today, Manu National Park remains a true natural paradise, offering visitors the rare opportunity to explore the richest biodiversity on the planet within a protected and sustainable environment.
ITINERARY
Day 1:- Cusco - Manu
We depart Cusco early in the morning aboard our specially equipped overland vehicles. Along the route, we will visit the Pre-Inca tombs of Ninamarca, commonly known as “Chullpas”, and explore Paucartambo, a charming colonial town with deep Spanish heritage. Our journey then ascends to the Acjanacu Pass, marking the official entrance to the Cultural Zone of the Manu Biosphere Reserve.
From this point, we descend into the lush cloud forest, where perpetual mist creates a perfect environment for a unique diversity of life. The dense vegetation is rich with epiphytic plants, including bromeliads and orchids. This enchanting forest, located between 2,000 and 3,500 meters above sea level, serves as habitat for iconic species such as the Cock of the Rock, Spectacled Bear, delicate tree ferns—among the planet’s oldest living plants—alongside mosses and lichens. Notably, over 50% of the plant species found here are endemic to this region.
We will spend the night at the comfortable San Pedro Lodge, immersed in the heart of the cloud forest.
Meals Included: Lunch, Snack, and Dinner
Day 2:- Manu: Cloud Forest
Today, we rise very early for a unique experience: comfortably positioned on a dedicated observation platform, we will observe the spectacular Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruviana), Peru’s national bird. Around 5:00 a.m., dozens of vibrant reddish-orange males gather for their ritual mating display, known as a “lek”. Here, the males showcase their brilliant plumage and perform intricate dances to impress the fewer-numbered females, who carefully select their mates.
After breakfast, we continue our adventure by bicycle, descending along a scenic narrow road that winds between waterfalls and deep canyons, heading towards the town of Pilcopata. From there, we reach the Port of Atalaya, where we board our covered motorized canoe and navigate down the Upper Madre de Dios River for approximately 30 minutes until arriving at our Private Reserve – Erika Lodge, your home for the next two nights.
In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a short introductory walk around the lodge, acquainting ourselves with the surrounding rainforest.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack, and Dinner
Day 3:- Manu: Walk Trhought the jungle
After breakfast, we begin exploring the diverse surroundings of Erika Lodge, uniquely located in a transition zone between high and low jungle (600 to 1,150 meters above sea level / 1,200 to 3,450 feet). This variety of altitudes supports an impressive diversity of wildlife. Accompanied by our naturalist guide, we’ll set off on a hike along the riverbanks, learning about the region’s insects, medicinal plants, trees, reptiles, and mammals, with opportunities to spot various species along the way.
In the early afternoon, we’ll enjoy a short boat ride to a nearby lake, located close to the Upper Madre de Dios River. Here, we may observe the prehistoric-looking Hoatzin, Spectacled Caimans, and a rich variety of bird species, insects, and aquatic life.
After dinner, we’ll venture out on a short night walk to discover the nocturnal side of the Amazon, listening to the unique sounds of the jungle after dark.
This will be our final night in the Amazon rainforest.
Overnight at Erika Lodge.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack, and Dinner
Day 4:- Manu - Cusco
After breakfast, we’ll take a 30-minute walk, during which our guide will explain the unique characteristics of the sensitive mimosa plants, vibrant heliconias, and local fruit plantations.
We’ll then board our boat for the return journey to Puerto Atalaya. From there, we’ll continue by bus back to Cusco, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way.
Arrival in Cusco is expected in the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch.
Included / Excluded
INCLUDED
- 01 Night accommodations at San Pedro Open Air Lodge
- 02 Nights accommodations at Erika Lodge
- All ground (Overland buses and 4WD vehicles) and river transportation (covered motor boats)
- All applicable taxes
- Specialised bilingual guides (English / Spanish)
- All meals (vegetarian meals as optional)
- Paperwork and payment for Park Permits
- Radio communication equipment in the Lodges
- Satellite telephone for emergencies
EXCLUDED
- International and Domestic flights
- Airport taxes
- Baggage excess
- Alcoholic drinks, soda or bottled mineral water
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- International or National personal telephone calls
- Additional nights for bad weather o flight cancellation
- Snacks
reviews
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