Manu Reserved Zone Tour (6 Days)

Day 1: Journey to the Heart of Manu

We will depart from Cusco at 4:00 AM. Our adventure begins with a scenic journey through the Andes. We will stop in Ninamarca, where ancient pre-Inca tombs reveal the ancestral past of the region. Then, we will visit Paucartambo, a charming colonial town known for its preserved architecture and vibrant local culture.

We will continue to Tres Cruces, one of the few places on Earth where we can witness the “three suns” phenomenon. The sunrise views here are breathtaking, especially on clear days. Afterward, we will descend into the lush Manu Cloud Forest, home to orchids, hummingbirds, and Peru’s national bird: the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock.

At dusk, we will arrive in Pilcopata, where our Lodge in the Amazon Jungle awaits us. Here, we can relax and enjoy a traditional dinner surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.

Day 1 Statistics:

• Distance: 190 km
• Maximum altitude: 3,850 meters above sea level (Tres Cruces)
• Minimum altitude: 800 meters above sea level
• Route: Cusco – Paucartambo – Tres Cruces – Pilcopata
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Exploring the Upper Madre de Dios

After breakfast, we will continue our journey to the Amazonian Manu National Park to the Atalaya Port. From here, we will board a motorized canoe for a 40-minute ride along the Madre de Dios River. This river is one of the main tributaries of the Amazon River.

We will arrive at the Palotoa Ecological Reserve and enjoy a delicious Amazonian lunch. After settling in, we will explore the nearby rainforest trails. Our guide will help us identify unique flora, such as giant ferns and medicinal plants. We might see giant armadillos, capybaras, or the impressive harpy eagle.

In the evening, we will relax at the lodge, swim in the nearby lake, and enjoy a freshly prepared Amazonian dinner.

Day 2 Statistics:

• Distance: 80 km
• Maximum altitude: 800 meters above sea level
• Minimum altitude: 500 meters above sea level
• Route: Pilcopata – Atalaya – Upper Madre de Dios
• Difficulty: Easy

Day 3: Macaw Clay Licks and Casa Matsigenka

We will wake up early to visit the Macaw Clay Lick, an impressive natural spectacle where hundreds of parrots and macaws gather to eat clay that helps them detoxify.

After breakfast, we will travel by boat along the Manu River, keeping watch for black caimans, turtles, and playful capybaras. We will pass through the Limonal Control Station, the gateway to the Manu Reserved Zone.

We will arrive at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge, managed by the native Matsigenka people. In the afternoon, we will visit the nearby cocha lakes, home to giant otters and diverse birdlife. At night, we can join an optional night walk.

Day 3 Statistics:

• Distance: 120 km (by river)
• Maximum altitude: 500 meters above sea level
• Minimum altitude: 350 meters above sea level
• Route: Upper Madre de Dios – Limonal – Casa Matsiguenka
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Deep Immersion in the Manu Biosphere Reserve

After breakfast, we will explore the heart of the Manu Biosphere Reserve, one of the richest wildlife habitats on the planet. Guided hikes will reveal towering trees, medicinal plants, monkeys, and vibrant birds.

We will have a picnic lunch deep in the forest, surrounded by pristine nature. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a peaceful catamaran ride on a cocha lake, observing hoatzins, cormorants, and giant river otters.

We will return to the lodge and share stories of the day’s sightings under the Amazon stars.

Day 4 Statistics:

• Distance: 10 km (jungle exploration)
• Maximum altitude: 400 meters above sea level
• Minimum altitude: 350 meters above sea level
• Route: Casa Matsiguenka – Cocha Lakes – Manu Forest
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 5: Cultural Interaction and Nighttime Fun

After breakfast, we will travel by boat to Boca Manu. On our way, we will visit the Diamante Native Community, where locals will welcome us with traditional music, handmade crafts, and ancestral traditions.

We will continue to Dorado Lodge, where we will have lunch and relax. In the evening, we will enjoy a barbecue around a bonfire, celebrating our adventure with delicious Amazonian dishes and local drinks.

Day 5 Statistics:

• Distance: 90 km (by river)
• Maximum altitude: 400 meters above sea level
• Minimum altitude: 300 meters above sea level
• Route: Casa Matsiguenka – Diamante – Dorado Lodge
• Difficulty: Easy

Day 6: Return to Cusco

After breakfast, we will take our final boat ride back to Atalaya Port. Our private transportation will take us back through the Andes.

We will arrive in Cusco around 7:00 or 8:00 p.m., depending on weather and traffic conditions. This marks the end of our unforgettable Amazon Tours experience in Manu, Peru.

Day 6 Statistics:

• Distance: 280 km
• Maximum altitude: 3,850 meters above sea level
• Minimum altitude: 500 meters above sea level
• Route: Dorado Lodge – Atalaya – Cusco
• Difficulty: Easy