MANU NATIONAL PARK TOURS

MANU NATIONAL PARK TOURS

Information

The Manu National Park Tours – 6, 7 or 8 days – offer a complete tour of Manu, including the Reserved Zone of the Park. We visit the Salvador & Otorongo oxbow lakes to see giant river otters, but also travel to the big macaw clay lick and the tapir lick in Maquisapayoj. Meet the Machiguenga Indians at their lodge inside the Reserved Zone!

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

The Manu
National Park Explorer

6 day tour

This tour focuses on the Reserved Zone of Manu. You travel through the cloud forest and over the famous Manu road and explore the lowland rainforest’s oxbow lakes on Rio Manu.

The Manu
National Park Explorer

7 day tour

This is a complete rainforest experience, including the Reserved Zone of Manu. Travel through the cloud forest, giant river otter observation in the lowland.

The complete Manu National Park Explorer

8 day tour

This tour gives you a complete rainforest experience, with 3 nights inside the Reserved Zone of Manu! Special: 2 full days to explore lakes and trails in primary Amazon forest!

6 DAY TOUR

6 DAY TOUR

Click to enlarge

The Manu National Park Explorer

6 days – in & out via the Manu road

On fixed departures. Group size: 4 – 7 persons.

This tour gives you a complete rainforest experience, including the Reserved Zone of Manu. You travel through the cloud forest and over the famous Manu road and explore the lowland forest’s oxbow lakes and salt licks.

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 colored 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 (900 m), 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 (550 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 5 hour journey in our motorized canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios River to reach the lowland rainforest. Today we enjoy the changing landscape passing by the Pantiacolla mountains 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. In the afternoon we reach Hummingbird Lodge (or Pantiacolla Lodge), where we spend the night (double rooms). Evening night walk to see insects, frogs, snakes etc.

Today we start early to continue our boat ride travelling into the Reserved Zone of Manu Park. We reach the mouth of the Manu River and after a stop at Limonal Park Station, where our permit is checked, we travel upriver into the heart of Manu. During this boat trip the scenery and wildlife viewing along the banks of the Manu River is fabulous. White Caimans (Caiman crocodylus) sunning on the beaches, turtles, capybara and plenty of colourful birds may bee seen. And there is always the possibility of seeing larger animals such as Tapir and Jaguar. In the afternoon we arrive at Albergue Casa Matsiguenka or at Aguaje Tented Camp, where we spend two nights in double rooms (shared bathrooms & showers). Optional night walk after dinner.

Today we start early for a day excursion to explore trails through virgin forest of the Reserved Zone of Manu Park. As a highlight we visit the beautiful oxbow-lake Cocha Salvador by catamaran looking for Giant River Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) and to observe caimans, monkeys, hoatzins and other birds. In the afternoon we go for a walk on the trails of the opposite side of the river. We climb the 18 m observation tower overlooking Cocha Otorongo – an ideal place to observe birds. After a final walk through this biodiverse forest we return to Albergue Matsiguenka or to Aguaje Tented Camp, where we have the chance to meet the Machiguenga Indians. We can go for a night walk after dinner.

We start at first light to travel about 4 hours down the Manu River. Dawn and dusk are ideal to see wildlife on the river banks: capybaras, caimans and with luck a jaguar may be seen. We make a short stop in Boca Manu village, the main settlement in Manu named after the confluence of the sediment rich Manu River with the wider Madre de Dios River. From here we continue upriver on Rio Alto Madre de Dios to reach Dorado Lodge or Pantiacolla Lodge. Keep your eyes open for animals on the riverbank or in the trees! After arriving at the lodge we have a short rest to then go for a walk looking for monkeys, deer and other animals. After dinner we explore the forest on a night walk to see insects, frogs and snakes. Night at Dorado Lodge or Pantiacolla Lodge (double rooms).

Today we aboard our boat early to travel upriver making our way back to Cusco. We may visit a small parrot clay lick in the morning. During our boat ride we always look for animals like capybara or caimans on the shore. If time allows we can visit Machuwasi Lake, to see some more animals. Around noon we reach 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 evening, transfer to your hotel.

Included

  • Pre-departure briefing
  • Professional naturalist guide in English, with binoculars & spotting scope, who has done min. 3 months conservation work in Manu Park
  • Transport by private bus and private boat
  • Entrance fees to Cock of the Rock observatory & parrot clay licks
  • Entrance fees to Manu National Park, Salvador & Otorongo lakes
  • Cook & all meals (mainly nutritious vegetarian food*), drinks, drinking water
  • Overnight in Lodges
  • First Aid Kit, extractor (for venom)
  • Radio communication
  • Rubber boots

Not included

  • Binoculars (for rent at our office)
  • Optional: room with private bathroom at Casa Matsiguenka (+ 25 US$ p.p. per night)
  • Optional: daily meal with meat (+ 25 US$ p.p.)
  • Alcoholic drinks, personal expenses etc.

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

7 DAY TOUR

7 DAY TOUR

Click to enlarge

The Manu National Park Explorer

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

On fixed departures. Group size: 4 – 7 persons.

This tour gives you a complete rainforest experience, including the Reserved Zone of Manu. You travel through the cloud forest and over the famous Manu road and explore the lowland forest’s oxbow lakes and salt licks.

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 colored 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 (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 5 hours in a 15-meter motorized canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios River. Today we enjoy the changing landscape passing by the Pantiacolla mountains and have the opportunity to see wildlife along the banks of the river, such as Fasciated Tiger Herons, Skimmers, Kingfishers, Vultures, caimans and some of the 13 species of monkeys that live in Manu. In the afternoon we reach Hummingbird Lodge, where we spend the night (double rooms with private bath). Evening night walk to see insects, frogs, snakes etc.

Today we start early to continue our boat ride travelling into the Reserved Zone of Manu Park. We reach the mouth of the Manu River and after a stop at Limonal Park Station, where our permit is checked, we travel upriver into the heart of Manu. During this boat trip the scenery and wildlife viewing along the banks of the Manu River is fabulous. White Caimans (Caiman crocodylus) sunning on the beaches, turtles, capybara and plenty of colourful birds may bee seen. And there is always the possibility of seeing larger animals such as Tapir and Jaguar. In the afternoon we arrive at Albergue Casa Matsiguenka or at Aguaje Tented Camp, where we spend two nights in double rooms (shared bathrooms & showers). Optional night walk after dinner.

Today we start early for a day excursion to explore trails through virgin forest of the Reserved Zone of Manu Park. As a highlight we visit the beautiful oxbow-lake Cocha Salvador by catamaran looking for Giant River Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) and to observe caimans, monkeys, hoatzins and other birds. In the afternoon we go for a walk on the trails of the opposite side of the river. We climb the 18 m observation tower overlooking Cocha Otorongo – an ideal place to observe birds. After a final walk through this biodiverse forest we return to Aguaje Tented Camp or to Albergue Matsiguenka, where we have the chance to meet the Machiguenga Indians. We can go for a night walk after dinner.

We start at first light to travel 6 hours down the Manu River. Dawn and dusk are ideal to see wildlife on the river banks. Capybaras, caimans, birds and with luck a jaguar may be seen. We make a short stop in Boca Manu village, the main settlement in Manu named after the confluence of the sediment rich Manu River with the wider Madre de Dios River. Further downriver we reach Maquisapayoj Reserve (Place of the “Black Spider Monkey”), home to numerous monkey species, including the rare Tamarin Monkey and Monk Saki Monkey. After a short rest we go for a walk to the mammal salt lick, where we look for monkeys, deer and other animals who visit the lick. After returning to the lodge we explore the forest on a night walk to see insects, frogs and snakes. Night at Maquisapayoj Lodge (double rooms with private bathroom), optional night on the platform at the salt lick.

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 the spotting scope we can see all the details of the birds. Breakfast at the blind. After the spectacle we travel upstream to return to Maquisapayoj. After a short break at the lodge we walk into primary rainforest for about 1.5 hours to the Mammal Salt Lick, where we spend the night on an elevated platform (with mats and mosquito nets) to observe tapirs or other mammals during the night. Your guide will help spotting the tapir with a light. If you prefer you can spend the night in double rooms at the lodge close to the river.

After an early breakfast at the lodge we travel downriver by boat to Colorado (2.5 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 in the afternoon. We arrive in Cusco in the evening; transfer to your hotel.

Included

  • Professional naturalist guide in English, with binoculars & spotting scope, who has done 3 months conservation work in Manu Park
  • Transport by private bus and private boat & car to Puerto Carlos
  • Entrance fees to Cock of the Rock observatory & Tapir lick
  • Entrance fees to Manu National Park, Salvador & Otorongo lakes
  • Cook & all meals (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.)
  • Optional: room with private bathroom at Casa Matsiguenka (+ 25 US$ p.p. per night)
  • Optional: daily meal with meat (+ 25 US$ p.p.)
  • Alcoholic drinks, personal expenses etc.

* 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!

8 DAY TOUR

8 DAY TOUR

Click to enlarge

The complete Manu National Park Explorer

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

On fixed departures. Group size: 4 – 7 persons.

This tour gives you a complete rainforest experience, with 3 nights inside the Reserved Zone of Manu! Special: 2 full days inside the Reserved Zone of Manu Park! You travel through the cloud forest over the famous Manu road and explore the lowland forest’s oxbow lakes and salt licks.

Contact us for availability and prices!

Program

Starting early from Cusco we begin our 8 hour journey by private minibus ascending 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 (900 m), 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 (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 5 hours in a 15-meter motorized canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios River. Today we enjoy the changing landscape passing by the Pantiacolla mountains and have the opportunity to see wildlife along the banks of the river, such as Fasciated Tiger Herons, Skimmers, Kingfishers, Vultures, caimans and some of the 13 species of monkeys that live in Manu. In the afternoon we reach Hummingbird Lodge, where we spend the night. Evening night walk to see insects, frogs, snakes etc.

Today we start early to continue our boat ride travelling into the Reserved Zone of Manu Park. We reach the mouth of the Manu River and after a stop at Limonal Park Station, where our permit is checked we travel upriver into the heart of Manu. During this boat trip the scenery and wildlife viewing along the banks of the Manu River is fabulous. White Caimans (Caiman crocodylus) sunning on the beaches, turtles, capybara and plenty of colourful birds may bee seen. And there is always the possibility of seeing larger animals such as Tapir and Jaguar. In the afternoon we arrive at Albergue Casa Matsiguenka or Aguaje Tented Camp, where we spend three nights in double rooms (shared bathrooms & showers).

Early in the morning we leave for a day excursion to explore trails through virgin forest of the Reserved Zone of Manu Park. As a highlight we visit the beautiful oxbow-lake Cocha Salvador by catamaran looking for Giant River Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) and to observe caimans, monkeys, hoatzins and other birds. In the afternoon we go for a walk on the trails of the opposite side of the river. We climb the 18 m observation tower overlooking Cocha Otorongo – an ideal place to observe birds. After another walk through this biodiverse forest we return to Aguaje Tented Camp or to Albergue Matsiguenka, where we spend the night and have the chance to meet the Machiguenga Indians. We go for a night walk again in the evening.

At dawn we take the boat to travel further upriver to the remote Pakitza Park Station, located at the furthermost end of the Reserved Zone. Dawn and dusk are ideal to see wildlife on the river banks, so this is a good chance to spot a jaguar. We have breakfast at Pakitza and then we head off to explore some of the trails through primary forest to look for more wildlife. In the afternoon we return to the lodge. We can visit Cocha Salvador again to observe giant otters and explore some of the trails. Overnight at Casa Matsiguenka or at Aguaje Tented Camp; optional night walk.

At first light we start to travel about 6 hours down the Manu River. Capybaras, caimans, birds and with luck one of the big cats may be seen. We make a short stop at Boca Manu village, or Fitzcarrald, and then continue on the wider Madre de Dios River. Further downriver we reach Maquisapayoj Reserve (Place of the “Black Spider Monkey”; double rooms with private bathroom), home to numerous monkey species, including the rare Tamarin Monkey and Monk Saki Monkey. After a short rest we go for a walk to the mammal salt lick, where we look for monkeys, deer and other animals who visit the lick. After returning to the lodge we have an evening night walk to see insects, frogs, snakes etc., optional night on the platform at the salt lick.

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, – macao), parrots and parakeets congregating to eat the clay, which is essential for their digestion. Looking through the spotting scope we can see all the details of the birds. Breakfast at the blind. After the spectacle we walk on some of the trails and then travel upstream to return to Maquisapayoj. After a short break at the lodge we walk into primary rainforest for about 1.5 hours to the Mammal Salt Lick, where we spend the night on an elevated platform (with mats and mosquito nets) to observe tapirs or other mammals during the night. Your guide will help spotting the tapir with a light. If you prefer you can stay in double rooms at the lodge close to the river.

After an early breakfast at the lodge we travel downriver by boat (2.5 hours) to Colorado, 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 minibus is waiting for us to drive back to Cusco. We travel on the paved Transoceanica through grassland and 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 3 months conservation work in Manu Park
  • Transport by private minibus and private boat & car to Puerto Carlos
  • Entrance fees to Cock of the Rock observatory & Tapir lick
  • Entrance fees to Reserved Zone of Manu National Park, Salvador & Otorongo lakes
  • Overnight in Lodges (3 nights inside Manu Park) and on the tapir observation platform
  • Cook & all meals (mainly nutritious vegetarian food* ), drinks & drinking water
  • 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.)
  • Optional: room with private bathroom at Casa Matsiguenka (+ 25 US$ per night)
  • Optional: daily meal with meat (+ 25 US$ p.p.)
  • Alcoholic drinks, personal expenses etc.

* 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!