Parque Nacional del Manu 5D/4N
5 Days
Cusco
Every day
Moderate
4,750 m.a.s.l.
General Description
Manu National Park encompasses areas (crossed by streams and valleys) with elevations close to 4200 m.a.s.l. and part of the plains of the Amazon basin.
Manu National Park is divided into the following zones: the restricted use zone (with pristine forests and native communities, access is permitted only to researchers); the reserved zone (for recreation and research); the recovery zone (for the recovery of disturbed areas).
Itinerary
DAY 1: Cusco – Bosque Nublado – Lodge de Bambú
Departing early from Cusco, we begin our 9- or 10-hour journey in a private minibus, ascending into the high mountain region at 4,000 m (13,000 ft). We stop in Ninamarca to see the pre-Inca cemetery and in the colonial town of Paucartambo. We then descend the eastern slopes of the Andes through the cloud forest with its lush vegetation (ferns, orchids, bromeliads, etc.). We enjoy spectacular views of the Andes and may spot wildlife such as our national bird, the bright red Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruviana), performing its mating dance. Along the trail, we may see tanagers, quetzals, trogons, toucanets, and brightly colored hummingbirds, as well as hawks and possibly the first monkeys, such as woolly monkeys. In the late afternoon, we arrive at Bamboo Lodge (950 m), where we will spend the night (double rooms with private bathrooms). After dinner, your guide will inform you about the following day’s activities. Accommodation: rooms with private bathroom
DAY 2: Bamboo Lodge a Atalaya – Lago Machuwasi – Ecológico Dorado Lodge
After an early breakfast, we continued our journey in a minibus, passing through the town of Pilcopata and crossing the river of the same name to reach the small port of Atalaya (600 m). Along the way, we stopped for birdwatching hikes, at an animal rescue station, and to look for orchids. Before arriving in Atalaya, we enjoyed a panoramic view of the river basin from a lookout point. At the port, we embarked on a half-hour trip in a 15-meter motorized canoe on the Alto Madre de Dios River. We hiked along trails near the river and visited Lake Machuwasi on the opposite bank. We used a wooden raft to explore the lake and observe the birdlife. Then, we traveled for approximately four hours in a motorized canoe along the Alto Madre de Dios River to reach the lowland rainforest and our lodge. There, we had the opportunity to see Purpurina Jays, Skimmers, and some of the monkey species that inhabit Manu National Park. In the evening we can go alligator watching in the river or take a nighttime stroll. We’ll spend the night at Jungle Lodge. Accommodation: rooms with private bathrooms.
DAY 3: Ecológico Dorado Lodge Hot Springs – Parrot Clay Lick – Trail Night Walk
At dawn, we travel downriver by boat to the parrot clay lick. This is a special place where parrots, parakeets, and small macaws, including the chestnut-fronted macaw and the rare yellow-and-blue macaws, come to eat minerals that aid their digestion. After this natural spectacle, we return to our lodge for breakfast. Later, we explore some of the trails near our lodge, where we have the opportunity to see more species of monkeys and birds. After lunch, we have a short rest at our lodge. After dinner, we take a night hike in the jungle to look for spiders, snakes, and many tree frogs. We spend the night in our beautiful and comfortable lodge.
DAY 4: Lodge Ecológico Aguas Termales – Atalaya – Bamboo Lodge
After breakfast, we continue upstream, where we may also observe birds or capybaras. Along the way, we stop at the hot springs to relax. These waters have medicinal properties. Then, we continue to the port of Atalaya, where our bus awaits us. From there, we continue to our hostel, where we will spend our last night.
DAY 5: Bamboo Lodge – Cloud Forest – Cusco
Comenzamos nuestro viaje de regreso a través del bosque nuboso, con algunas paradas y oportunidades para ver aves y monos. Luego viajamos nuevamente a los Andes, llegando a Cusco alrededor de las 7 pm.
Includes
✅ Breakfast before departure (hotel or office).
✅ Bus from Cusco to Atalaya (port) and private motorboat (Port – Lodge – Port).
✅ Native naturalist guide (English/Spanish).
✅ Cook and kitchen team.
✅ Nights in lodges:
✅ Night 1: Tropical bungalow (Manu Jungle Lodge).
✅ Night 2: Tropical bungalow (Manu Jungle Lodge).
✅ Night 3: Tropical bungalow (Manu Jungle Lodge).
✅ Night 4: Tropical bungalow (Manu Jungle Lodge).
✅ Private bus transport (Puerto Maldonado / airport – Port Captaincy – airport).
✅ Private boat transport (Puerto Maldonado – Peru Amazon Garden Lodge – Puerto Maldonado).
✅ Mineral water throughout the trip.
✅ Daily food intake (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
✅ Entrance fee to the Manu cultural zone (Lake Machuwasi).
✅ Vegetarian option at no extra cost.
✅ Entrance to the Ecological Reserve of Manu National Park.
✅
✅ Airport – lodge – airport transfers.
Does not include
❌ Domestic and international airfares and airport taxes.
❌ Additional nights due to flight cancellations.
Recommendations
🧳 Bring trekking clothes, insect repellent, and sunscreen.
🥾 Hiking and water footwear.
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¿ Reviews from travelers who experienced it