Looking for a different kind of experience? At Machu Picchu Amazon Peru, we offer tours to Manu National Park for those who want to get up close with the jungle and its incredible biodiversity. Our three-day journey is designed for people who enjoy nature and want to explore a unique environment at a relaxed pace and without filters.
From the start of the tour, you’ll be accompanied by a local guide who knows the area well. Together, you’ll travel through trails inside Manu National Park, a protected natural area that spans over 1.7 million hectares and is home to a wide variety of plants, animals, and landscapes.
Walking through the Manu Biosphere Reserve is an opportunity to see the jungle as it truly is. There are no staged settings or forced experiences here. What you see is real: birds, sounds, trees, and rivers in their natural state.
We know the place.
Our guides are from the area. They take you along less-traveled paths and share what they’ve learned from living in this environment.
We receive great reviews.
Those who travel with us appreciate our organization, punctuality, and the clear, direct communication we offer from the very first contact.
Your trip makes a difference.
Part of the tour cost goes to support local communities. It’s a simple way to give back while discovering the region.
A different way to travel
Visiting Manu is not an extreme adventure or a luxury experience. It’s a peaceful journey, where you learn by observing and listening. Everything happens at a different pace here — and that change is often what people appreciate the most.
Discover Manu with us
Cusco Hotel Transfer
05:30 AM
Our three-day Manu tour begins early at 5:30 a.m. when we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. From there, we’ll start our journey from the Andes down into the Amazon, passing through diverse and changing landscapes.
First stop: Ninamarca
Our first stop is the small village of Ninamarca, home to pre-Incan 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 9,186 feet (2,800 meters) above sea level. You’ll get to see its historic church and traditional streets. It’s also a place where Quechua is still spoken, and many local traditions are preserved.
Acjanaco Pass and Tres Cruces
We’ll continue driving uphill to Acjanaco Pass at 11,646 feet (3,550 meters), which marks the entrance to Manu National Park. From there, we go even higher to the Tres Cruces viewpoint at 12,139 feet (3,700 meters), where you’ll enjoy a wide, scenic view of the Amazon Basin.
Cloud Forest and Short Hike
Then we begin our descent into the cloud forest. We’ll stop for lunch surrounded by lush vegetation. After eating, we’ll take a short walk to look for birds—especially the Andean Cock of the Rock, Peru’s national bird. This area is great for spotting hummingbirds, trogons, and other colorful species.
Arrival in Pilcopata
As the day ends, we’ll reach Pilcopata at 2,296 feet (700 meters), where we’ll spend the night in a comfortable jungle lodge.
Day 1 Summary
Approximate distance: 202 miles (325 km)
Highest altitude: 12,139 feet (3,700 meters) – Tres Cruces Viewpoint
Lowest altitude: 2,296 feet (700 meters) – Pilcopata
Estimated duration: About 14 hours, including stops
This is just the beginning of the tour. Each day brings new sights and new ways to experience Manu.
The second day of our Manu tour takes you deeper into the Amazon, with new landscapes and chances to experience its rich wildlife.
Morning in Pilcopata
We’ll start early with a traditional Amazonian breakfast at the Bambu Lodge. Afterward, we head to the Atalaya Port, 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 down the river toward the Soga de Oro Lodge. This part of the trip is full of scenic views and wildlife sightings—perfect for birdwatching or nature photography. Along the riverbanks, you may spot various bird species and other animals going about their day.
Arrival and Lunch at the Lodge
Once we arrive, our team will help you settle into your jungle lodge. A homemade Amazonian lunch will be served, giving you the energy to explore more in the afternoon.
Afternoon Nature Walk and Lake Visit
After lunch, we’ll walk the nearby trails to learn about the forest and its plants. One of the highlights is seeing medicinal plants, including 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, reptiles, and black caimans quietly moving through the water.
Optional Zip-lining and Night Walk
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try zip-lining through the forest canopy (optional). It’s a fun way to see the jungle from a new perspective.
After dinner at the lodge, we’ll head out on a short night walk to observe nocturnal wildlife—frogs, insects, and other creatures that come alive after dark.
Finally, we return to the lodge for a well-earned night’s rest.
Day 2 Summary
Approximate distance: 24 miles (39 km)
Highest altitude: 2,296 feet (700 meters) – Pilcopata
Lowest altitude: 492 feet (150 meters) – Jungle lodge
Estimated duration: About 12 hours, including stops and activities
Your adventure with Machu Picchu Amazon Peru continues, offering deeper insight into the Amazon’s life and beauty.
Our final day in the Amazon focuses on one of the jungle’s most fascinating natural events—the parrot clay lick.
Early Morning at the Clay Lick
We begin before sunrise with a short 10-minute boat ride to reach the clay lick site. Located within Manu National Park, this is one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles in the region.
You’ll see dozens of colorful parrots and macaws gathering to eat the clay, which is rich in minerals. These minerals help the birds detoxify what they’ve eaten from the forest—an important part of their survival. Watching them in their natural behavior is both peaceful and exciting.
Breakfast and Return Journey
After spending time at the clay lick, we return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast. Then, we begin our journey back to Cusco.
We first travel by boat back to Atalaya Port, 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 5:30 PM, bringing our three-day adventure through the Amazon to a close.
Day 3 Summary
Distance covered: About 193 miles (310 kilometers)
Highest altitude: Cusco at 11,152 feet (3,399 meters)
Lowest altitude: Jungle lodge at 492 feet (150 meters)
Estimated duration: Around 13 hours, including stops and activities
Your journey with Machu Picchu Amazon Peru ends here, but the memories of the Amazon’s wildlife, landscapes, and culture will stay with you long after.
