MANU BIOSPHERE TOURS

MANU BIOSPHERE TOURS

Information

The Manu Biosphere Tours – 5, 6 or 7 days – take you all the way to the lowland rainforest of Manu to show you the highlights of Manu with limited time. We visit the big macaw clay lick, the oxbow lakes in Blanquillo and the tapir clay lick of the Maquisapayoj private reserve. Don’t miss out on the 42 m canopy platform!

All fotos seen on our website and in our programs have been taken on our Manu tours.

Explore the Manu
Biosphere Reserve

5 day tour

This is a short tour through the cloud forest and to the lowland forest of Manu. You visit the macaw clay lick, tapir salt lick and 2 oxbow lakes. Return via Colorado.

Explore the Manu
Biosphere Reserve

6 day tour

This is a tour through the Manu cloud forest and with 1 night at Amazonia Lodge, to then travel all the way to the lowland forest of the Manu Biosphere Reserve. Return via Colorado.

Explore the Manu
Biosphere Reserve

7 day tour

On this tour we travel in & out through the cloud forest and all the way to the lowland forest. You visit the tapir salt lick, macaw clay lick and 2 oxbow lakes. Return via Atalaya.

5 DAY TOUR

5 DAY TOUR

Click to enlarge

Explore the Manu Biosphere Reserve

5 days – in via the Manu road, out via Colorado

On fixed departures. Group size: 3 – 6 persons.

This is a short tour through the Manu cloud forest and to the lowland forest of Manu. You visit the macaw clay lick, tapir salt lick and 2 oxbow lakes and climb a canopy tower. Return via Colorado.

Contact us for availability and prices!

 

Program

Starting early from Cusco we begin our 8 hour journey by private minibus climbing up to the high mountain area at 3900 m (13,000 ft). After a short stop in Ninamarca, to see the pre-Inca cemetery, and the colonial village of Paucartambo, we descend the eastern slopes of the Andes through cloud forest with lush vegetation (ferns, orchids, bromeliads etc.) We enjoy spectacular views of the Andes and can see wildlife such as our national bird: the bright red Cock of the Rocks (Rupicola peruviana) showing his mating dance. Brilliantly coloured Tanagers, Quetzals, Trogons and Hummingbirds can be seen and possibly the first monkeys, such as Woolly Monkeys. In the afternoon we arrive at Bamboo Lodge (900m), where we spend the night (double rooms & private bathroom). After dinner briefing for the following day.

After an early breakfast we continue with our minibus: we pass the village of Pilcopata and cross the river of the same name to get to the small port of Atalaya (550 m). On the way we stop at an animal rescue station and at a local orchid garden. We also go on a walk along the road to look for monkeys and birds. From Atalaya we navigate for about 7 hours in a 15-meter motorized canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios River to get to the lowland rainforest. Today we enjoy the changing landscape and have the opportunity to see wildlife along the rocky banks of the river, such as Fasciated Tiger Herons, Kingfishers, Skimmers, Vultures, caimans and some of the 13 species of monkeys that live in Manu. On the way we stop in Boca Manu, or Fitzcarrald, the main village of Manu. In the afternoon we arrive at Maquisapayoj Lodge (“Place of the Black Spider Monkey”; double rooms with private bathroom). Evening night walk to see insects, frogs and snakes etc.

At daybreak we take the boat to the big macaw clay lick in Blanquillo. From a platform we have an excellent view to observe flocks of colourful macaws (Ara chloroptera, Ara macao), parrots and parakeets congregating to eat the clay, which is essential for their digestion. Looking through our spotting scope we can see every detail of the birds. Breakfast at the blind. Later we explore some of the trails in Blanquillo to see more species of monkeys and birds. After lunch we visit Camungo oxbow lake: here we take a catamaran to silently explore the lake and observe Giant River Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) and different varieties of birds. Nearby we have the opportunity to climb a 42 m observation tower to get a great canopy view and observe birds, such as toucans. In the afternoon we travel upstream to return to Maquisapayoj. After a short break at the lodge we walk about 1 ½ hours through primary rainforest to the mammal salt lick of the reserve. To have the best chance to observe animals – especially the tapir – we spend the night on an elevated platform (with mats & mosquito nets). Your guide will help spotting the tapir with a light. If you prefer you can return to the lodge and spend the night in your room.

At dawn we return to the lodge to have breakfast. Afterwards we travel downriver to visit “Cocha Blanco” (Blanco lake). After a short hike we reach the oxbow-lake which we explore by catamaran to look for the family of Giant River Otters that lives here. We enjoy the beautiful setting at the lake and we look for monkeys (e.g. Red Howler Monkey), caimans and different varieties of birds. Back in Maquisapayoj we have the chance to hike on other trails looking for Black Spider and Red Howler Monkeys, White and Brown Capuchin, Emperor and Saddle backed Tamarin, Monk Saki monkey, Pavonine Quetzal, Manakins and other birds. The guide also explains about interesting plants etc. We spend the night in Maquisapayoj, either on the platform at the mammal salt lick or at the lodge (double rooms & bathroom), close to the river. Optional night walk.

After breakfast at the lodge we travel downriver by boat to Colorado (2 ½ hours), a small gold mining town. Together with the guide we take a car to Puerto Carlos (1 hour). We cross Rio Inambari to the small town of Santa Rosa, where our bus is waiting for us to drive back to Cusco. We travel on the paved Transoceanica through cloud forest and up to the Andes, with a spectacular view of the Ausangate Mountain. We arrive in Cusco in the evening; transfer to your hotel.

Included

  • Professional, English speaking naturalist guide, with binoculars & spotting scope, who has done min. 3 months conservation work in Manu Park
  • Transport by private bus and private boat & car to Puerto Carlos
  • Entrance fee to Cock of the Rock observatory
  • Entrance fees to Tapir lick and Blanco & Camungo lakes & tower
  • Cook & all meals (mainly nutritious vegetarian food*), drinks & drinking water
  • Overnight in Lodges & on the tapir observation platform
  • First Aid Kit, extractor (for venom)
  • Radio communication
  • Rubber boots

Not included

  • Binoculars (for rent at our office)
  • Optional: entrance to macaw clay lick (+ 80 US$ p.p.)
  • Alcoholic drinks, personal expenses etc.
  • Optional: meals with meat every day (+ 20 US$ p.p.)

* We support local farmers and buy regional products. Large areas of tropical rainforest are being destroyed for soya and oil palm plantations. Soya is used to produce animal food to industrial livestock farming – We want to help protect the rainforest. You can also help!

6 DAY TOUR

6 DAY TOUR

Click to enlarge

Explore the Manu Biosphere Reserve

6 days – in via the Manu road, out via Colorado

On fixed departures. Group size: 3 – 6 persons.

This is a tour through the Manu cloud forest and with 1 night at Amazonia Lodge, to then travel all the way to the lowland forest of the Manu Biosphere Reserve. You visit the macaw clay lick, tapir salt lick and 2 oxbow lakes and climb a canopy tower.

Contact us for availability and prices!

Program

Starting early from Cusco we begin our 8 hour journey by private minibus climbing up to the high mountain area at 3900 m (13,000 ft). After a short stop in Ninamarca, to see the pre-Inca cemetery, and the colonial village of Paucartambo, we descend the eastern slopes of the Andes through cloud forest with lush vegetation (ferns, orchids, bromeliads etc.) We enjoy spectacular views of the Andes and can see wildlife such as our national bird: the bright red Cock of the Rocks (Rupicola peruviana) showing his mating dance. Brilliantly coloured Tanagers, Quetzals, Trogons and Hummingbirds can be seen and possibly the first monkeys, such as Woolly Monkeys. In the afternoon we arrive at Bamboo Lodge (900m), where we spend the night (double rooms & private bathroom). After dinner your guide will brief you about the activities of the following day.

After an early breakfast we continue with our minibus: we pass the village of Pilcopata and cross the river of the same name to get to the small port of Atalaya (600 m). On the way we stop for some walks to observe birds and to visit a local orchid garden. Before reaching Atalaya we enjoy a great view of the river basin from a lookout point. At the port we embark on a 20 minute journey in our 15 m -motorized canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios River to reach Amazonia Lodge. This place is famous for its birdlife, especially for hummingbirds which can be observed near the lodge. In the afternoon we walk on the trails and visit a nearby lake, where we can observe the abundant birdlife such as Horned Screamer, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Pale-eyed Blackbird and different Antbirds and Antwrens. In the evening we can go caiman spotting at the river or go on a night walk. We spend the night at Amazonia Lodge (double rooms).

At dawn we travel downriver by boat to the parrot clay lick. This is a special place on the river bank where parrots, parakeets and small macaws, including the Chestnut fronted Macaw and the rare Blue headed Macaw, come to eat minerals, which they need for digestion. After the natural show we have breakfast and then navigate for about 6 hours down the Alto Madre de Dios River to get to the lowland rainforest. Today we enjoy the changing landscape and have the opportunity to see wildlife along the rocky banks of the river, such as Fasciated Tiger Herons, Kingfishers, Skimmers, Vultures, caimans and some of the 13 species of monkeys that live in Manu. On the way we stop in Boca Manu, or Fitzcarrald, the main village of Manu. In the afternoon we arrive at Maquisapayoj Lodge (“Place of the Black Spider Monkey”; double rooms with private bathroom). Evening night walk to see insects, frogs and snakes etc.

At daybreak we take the boat to the big macaw clay lick in Blanquillo. From a platform we have an excellent view to observe flocks of colourful macaws (Ara chloroptera, Ara macao), parrots and parakeets congregating to eat the clay, which is essential for their digestion. Looking through our spotting scope we can see every detail of the birds. Breakfast at the blind. Later we explore some of the trails in Blanquillo to see more species of monkeys and birds. After lunch we visit Camungo oxbow lake: here we take a catamaran to silently explore the lake and observe Giant River Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) and different varieties of birds. Nearby we have the opportunity to climb a 42 m observation tower to get a great canopy view and observe birds, such as toucans. In the afternoon we travel upstream to return to Maquisapayoj. After a short break at the lodge we walk about 1 ½ hours through primary rainforest to the mammal salt lick of the reserve. To have the best chance to observe animals – especially the tapir – we spend the night on an elevated platform (with mats and mosquito nets). Your guide will help spotting the tapir with a light. If you prefer you can return to the lodge and spend the night in your room.

If you are keen on seeing more animals we can go for a walk at first light and then have breakfast. Later we explore some trails to look for Black Spider and Red Howler Monkeys, White and Brown Capuchin and birds. The guide also explains about important plants, ants etc. In the afternoon we travel upriver for about 3 hours to Hummingbird Lodge. On the way we stop in Boca Manu, or Fitzcarrald, where we can meet people from different ethnic groups and also see boat builders. Later we walk on some of the trails near Hummingbird Lodge and also go on a night walk. It’s a good area to see birds, especially hummingbirds. Night at the lodge (double rooms & private bathroom).

After breakfast at the lodge we travel downriver by boat to Colorado (2 ½ hours), a small gold mining town. Together with the guide we take a car to Puerto Carlos (1 hour). We cross Rio Inambari to the small town of Santa Rosa, where our bus is waiting for us to drive back to Cusco. We travel on the paved Transoceanica through cloud forest and up to the Andes, with a spectacular view of the Ausangate Mountain. We arrive in Cusco in the evening; transfer to your hotel.

Included

  • Professional, English speaking naturalist guide, with binoculars & spotting scope who has done min. 3 months conservation work in Manu Park
  • Transport by private bus and private boat & car to Puerto Carlos
  • Entrance fee to Cock of the Rock observatory
  • Entrance fees to Tapir lick and Blanco & Camungo lakes & tower
  • Cook & all meals (mainly nutritious vegetarian food*), drinks & drinking water
  • Overnight in Lodges & on the tapir observation platform
  • First Aid Kit, extractor (for venom)
  • Radio communication
  • Rubber boots

Not included

  • Binoculars (for rent at our office)
  • Room with private bath at Amazonia Lodge (+ 12 US$ p.p.)
  • Optional: entrance to macaw clay lick (+ 80 US$ p.p.)
  • Alcoholic drinks, personal expenses etc.
  • Optional: meals with meat every day (+ 20 US$ p.p.)

* We support local farmers and buy regional products. Large areas of tropical rainforest are being destroyed for soya and oil palm plantations. Soya is used to produce animal food to industrial livestock farming – We want to help protect the rainforest. You can also help!

7 DAY TOUR

7 DAY TOUR

Click to enlarge

Explore the Manu Biosphere Reserve

7 days – bus in & out via the Manu road

On fixed departures. Group size: 3 – 6 persons.

On this tour we travel in & out through the cloud forest and all the way to the lowland forest. You visit the tapir salt lick, macaw clay lick and 2 oxbow lakes and climb a canopy tower. Return upriver via Atalaya.

Contact us for availability and prices!

Programm

Starting early from Cusco we begin our 8 hour journey by private minibus climbing to the high mountain area at 3900 m (13,000 ft). After a short stop in Ninamarca, to see the pre-Inca cemetery, and the colonial village of Paucartambo, we descend the eastern slopes of the Andes through cloud forest with lush vegetation (ferns, orchids, bromeliads etc.) We enjoy spectacular views of the Andes and can see wildlife such as our national bird: the bright red Cock of the Rocks (Rupicola peruviana) showing his mating dance. Brilliantly coloured Tanagers, Quetzals, Trogons and Hummingbirds can be seen and possibly the first monkeys, such as Woolly Monkeys. In the afternoon we arrive at Bamboo Lodge (900m), where we spend the night (double rooms & private bathroom). After dinner briefing with your guide.

After an early breakfast we continue with our minibus: we pass the village of Pilcopata and cross the river of the same name to get to the small port of Atalaya (550 m). On the way we stop at a local orchid garden. We also go on a walk along the road to look for monkeys and birds. From Atalaya we navigate for about 7 hours in our 15-meter motorized canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios River to get to the lowland rainforest. Today we enjoy the changing landscape and have the opportunity to see wildlife along the rocky banks of the river, such as Fasciated Tiger Herons, Kingfishers, Skimmers, Vultures, caimans and some of the 13 species of monkeys that live in Manu. On the way we stop in Boca Manu, the main village of Manu, with typical houses. In the afternoon we arrive at Maquisapayoj Lodge (“Place of the Black Spider Monkey”; double rooms with private bathroom). Evening night walk to see insects, frogs, snakes etc.

At daybreak we take the boat to the big macaw clay lick in Blanquillo. From a platform we have an excellent view to observe flocks of colourful macaws (Ara chloroptera, Ara macao), parrots and parakeets congregating to eat the clay, which is essential for their digestion. Looking through our spotting scope we can see every detail of the birds. Breakfast at the blind. Later we explore some of the trails in Blanquillo to see more species of monkeys and birds. After lunch we visit Camungo oxbow lake: here we take a catamaran to observe Giant River Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) and different varieties of birds. Nearby we have the opportunity to climb a 42 m observation tower to get a great canopy view and observe birds, such as toucans. In the afternoon we travel upstream to return to Maquisapayoj. After a short break at the lodge we walk about 1½ hours through primary rainforest to the mammal salt lick of the reserve. To have the best chance to observe animals – especially the tapir – we spend the night on an elevated platform (with mats & mosquito nets). Your guide helps spotting the tapir with a light. If you prefer you can spend the night in your room at the lodge.

At dawn we return to the lodge to have breakfast. Afterwards we travel downriver to visit ‘Cocha Blanco’ (Blanco lake). After a short hike we reach the oxbow-lake which we explore by catamaran to look for the family of Giant River Otters that lives here. We enjoy the beautiful setting at the lake and we look for monkeys (e.g. Red Howler Monkey), caimans and different varieties of birds. Back in Maquisapayoj we have the chance to hike on other trails looking for Emperor and Saddle backed Tamarin monkeys, Monk Saki monkey and birds such as Pavonine Quetzal, Hoatzin and Manakins. With a little luck we may also see a sloth or anteater. We can visit the salt lick in the afternoon to look for monkeys, guans or deer and you can spend another night on the tapir platform. Otherwise we spend the night at Maquisapayoj Lodge and can go for a night walk.

Today we return to the lodge at dawn to have breakfast. Afterwards we travel downriver to visit “Cocha Blanco” (Blanco lake). After a short hike we reach the oxbow-lake which we explore by catamaran to look for the family of Giant River Otters that lives here. We enjoy the beautiful setting at the lake and we look for monkeys (e.g. Red Howler Monkey), caimans and different varieties of birds. Back in Maquisapayoj we have the chance to hike on other trails looking for Black Spider and Red Howler Monkeys, White and Brown Capuchin, Emperor and Saddle backed Tamarin, Monk Saki monkey, Pavonine Quetzal, Manakins and other birds. The guide also explains about interesting plants etc. We spend the night in Maquisapayoj, either on the platform at the mammal salt lick or at the lodge (double rooms & bathroom), close to the river. Optional night walk.

Today we aboard our boat early to travel upriver making our way back towards Cusco. During our boat ride we always look for animals like capybara or caimans on the shore. If time allows we can make a stop at Aguas Calientes (hot springs) to have a swim or we can visit Machuwasi Lake, to see some more animals. In the afternoon we arrive at Amazonia Lodge, where we may explore some of the trails (if we arrive early) and spend the night (double rooms). Our guide takes us on a night walk after dinner.

After breakfast we take the boat back to Atalaya. Here our bus is waiting for us for our return trip through the cloud forest and over the Andes back to Cusco. Travelling through the cloud forest we can look for birds, insects and butterflies along the roadside and stop whenever we spot animals. We reach Cusco in the late afternoon, transfer to your hotel.

Included

  • Professional naturalist guide in English, with binoculars & spotting scope
    who has done 3 months conservation work in the Manu Park
  • Transport by private bus and private boat
  • Entrance fee to Cock of the Rock Observatory
  • Entrance fees to Tapir lick, Blanco & Camungo lakes & tower
  • Cook & all food (mainly nutritious vegetarian food*), drinks & drinking water
  • Overnight in lodges and on the tapir observation platform
  • First Aid Kit, extractor (for venom)
  • Radio communication
  • Rubber boots

Not included

  • Binoculars (for rent at our office)
  • Optional: entrance fee to the Macaw clay lick (+ 80 US$ p.p.)
  • Private bathroom at Amazonia Lodge (+ 12 US$ p.p.)
  • Alcoholic drinks, personal expenses etc.
  • Optional: meals with meat every day
    (+ 25 US$ p.p.)

* We support local farmers and buy regional products. Large areas of tropical rainforest are being destroyed for soya and oil palm plantations. Soya is used to produce animal food to industrial livestock farming – We want to help protect the rainforest. You can also help!