Manu National Park 3 Days Tour – Discover the Heart of the Peruvian Amazon

Day 1: Cusco – Paucartambo – Bambu Lodge

Our three-day Manu tour begins early, at 6:00 a.m., with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. From there, we start our journey from the Andes to the Amazon, traveling through diverse and ever-changing landscapes.

First stop: Ninamarca

Our first stop is the small village of Ninamarca, home to pre-Inca tombs built by the Lupaca people. Your guide will explain their history and cultural significance.

Second stop: Paucartambo

Next, we head to the colonial town of Paucartambo, located at 2,800 meters above sea level. You will have time to visit its historic church and traditional streets. This is also a place where Quechua is still spoken and many local traditions are preserved.

Acjanaco Pass and Tres Cruces

We continue ascending to Acjanaco Pass, at 3,550 meters (11,646 feet), which marks the entrance to Manu National Park. From there, we climb higher to the Tres Cruces viewpoint, at 3,700 meters (12,139 feet), where we enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the Amazon Basin.

Cloud Forest and Short Walk

We then begin our descent into the cloud forest. We stop for lunch surrounded by lush vegetation. Afterward, we take a short walk to observe birds, especially the Andean cock-of-the-rock, Peru’s national bird. This area is ideal for spotting hummingbirds, trogons, and other colorful species.

Arrival at Bambu Lodge

At the end of the day, we arrive at Bambu Lodge, at 2,296 feet (700 meters), where we spend the night in a comfortable jungle lodge.

Day 1 Summary

Approximate distance: 202 miles (325 km)
Maximum altitude: 3,700 meters (12,139 feet) – Tres Cruces Viewpoint
Minimum altitude: 2,296 feet (700 meters) – Pilcopata
Estimated duration: About 14 hours, including stops

This is only the beginning of the journey. Each day brings new landscapes and new ways to experience Manu.

Day 2: Bambu Lodge – Puerto Atalaya – Soga de Oro Lodge

The second day of our Manu tour takes you deeper into the Amazon, with new scenery and more opportunities to experience its rich wildlife.

Morning in Pilcopata

We start early with a traditional Amazonian breakfast at Bambu Lodge. Afterward, we head to the port of Atalaya, where we begin our boat journey along the Madre de Dios River.

Boat ride to the jungle lodge

From Atalaya, we take a motorized boat downstream to Soga de Oro Lodge. This part of the trip offers panoramic views and frequent wildlife sightings, ideal for birdwatching and nature photography. Along the riverbanks, you may see various bird species and other animals in their natural habitat.

Arrival and lunch at the lodge

Upon arrival, our team helps you settle into your jungle lodge. You will enjoy a homemade Amazon-style lunch to recharge for the afternoon activities.

Nature walk and lake visit in the afternoon

After lunch, we explore nearby trails to learn about the forest and its flora. One of the highlights is observing medicinal plants, such as the well-known San Pedro cactus.
Later, we visit Machuwasi Lake, where we board a traditional wooden raft. Keep an eye out for birds like the hoatzin, as well as reptiles and black caimans moving quietly through the water.

Zip line and night walk (optional)

If you feel adventurous, you can try the zip line through the treetops (optional), a fun way to see the jungle from a different perspective.
After dinner at the lodge, we take a short night walk to observe nocturnal wildlife, including frogs, insects, and other creatures that come alive after dark.
We then return to the lodge for a well-earned night’s rest.

Day 2 Summary

Approximate distance: 24 miles (39 km)
Maximum altitude: 2,296 feet (700 meters) – Pilcopata
Minimum altitude: 150 meters (492 feet) – Jungle lodge
Estimated duration: Approximately 12 hours, including stops and activities

Your adventure in the Peruvian Amazon continues, offering a deeper look into the life and beauty of the rainforest.

Day 3: Soga de Oro Lodge – Puerto Atalaya – Cusco City

Our final day in the Amazon focuses on one of the rainforest’s most fascinating natural phenomena: the parrot clay lick.

Sunrise at the clay lick

We start before dawn with a short 10-minute boat ride to reach the clay lick. Located within Manu National Park, this is one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles in the region.
You will see dozens of colorful parrots and macaws gathered to eat the mineral-rich clay. These minerals help the birds detoxify foods consumed in the forest, a crucial aspect of their survival. Watching this natural behavior is both relaxing and fascinating.

Breakfast and return

After spending time at the clay lick, we return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast. We then begin our journey back to Cusco.
First, we travel by boat back to Puerto Atalaya, where our driver will be waiting. From there, we continue by van, retracing our route through the Andes.
We expect to arrive in Cusco around 5:00 p.m., marking the end of our three-day Amazon adventure.

Day 3 Summary

Distance covered: Approximately 193 miles (310 km)
Maximum altitude: Cusco at 11,152 feet (3,399 meters)
Minimum altitude: Jungle lodge at 150 meters (492 feet)
Estimated duration: Around 10 hours, including stops and activities

Your journey through the Peruvian Amazon ends here, but memories of its wildlife, landscapes, and culture will stay with you for a long time.