Manu Reserved Zone 8D/7N

Your journey begins early in the morning with a private pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. From there, you will travel by road for approximately 7 hours (around 200 km), crossing the spectacular landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.

Along the way, several scenic stops allow you to appreciate both the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. These include the peaceful waters of Lake Huacarpay, the pre-Inca archaeological site of Ninamarca, and the historic colonial bridges of Paucartambo, a charming Andean town known for its traditional architecture and cultural heritage.

The route continues across dramatic mountain terrain, reaching Huachoqasa Pass at approximately 4,100 m (13,451 ft), before descending toward Acjanaco Pass at 3,550 m (11,647 ft)—the official gateway to Manu National Park. From this point, the scenery transforms dramatically as the road drops into the lush cloud forests that mark the beginning of the Amazon Basin.

This region is renowned for its extraordinary wildlife. With some luck, you may observe Peru’s national bird, the Andean cock-of-the-rock, as well as the elusive Spectacled bear, the only bear species native to South America. As the descent continues, the dry highland landscapes gradually give way to vibrant jungle valleys rich with vegetation.

Entering the rainforest, you will pass cascading waterfalls and encounter an impressive diversity of plant life, including orchids, giant ferns, and countless butterfly species. The forest canopy is also alive with tropical birdlife such as Toucan, Quetzal, and colorful Parrot species, making this area a true paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

After this scenic journey, you will arrive at Guadalupe Lodge, located at approximately 560 m (1,837 ft) above sea level. Upon arrival, you will receive a warm Amazonian welcome and settle into your private room.

In the afternoon, you may explore the loop trail surrounding the lodge, which passes through swamp forest habitats rich in wildlife. This area is home to species such as Capuchin monkey, Blue-and-yellow macaw, Woodpecker, and Oropendola.

The day concludes with dinner at the lodge, followed by a relaxing evening in the comfort of your room while the vibrant sounds of the Amazon rainforest surround you.

The second day begins early with a wake-up call and breakfast at Guadalupe Lodge, just as the morning light rises over the surrounding rainforest.

At approximately 6:00 a.m., you will depart by land toward the river port of Atalaya. During this short drive, you will pass through small tropical plantations where local communities cultivate crops such as papaya, bananas, cacao, and coca, providing a glimpse into the agricultural life of the region.

Upon arrival at the port, a motorized canoe will be waiting to begin your river journey along the Madre de Dios River, one of the major waterways flowing through the Amazon basin. In its upper stretches, the river is characterized by rocky channels and swift currents, where it is common to observe Heron species searching for food along the gravel bars.

As you continue downstream, the expedition will pause at the relaxing Shintuya Hot Springs, a natural thermal bath set within the Amazon rainforest. Here you will have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing soak in the warm mineral waters surrounded by pristine jungle scenery.

The journey then continues along the Madre de Dios River, passing small Amazonian communities, riverside shelters, and traditional boat houses that reflect the lifestyle of people who depend on the river for transport and daily activities.

In the afternoon, you will arrive at El Dorado Lodge. After checking into your accommodation, you will enjoy lunch at the lodge.

The remainder of the day will be free to explore the nearby rainforest trails, observe local wildlife, and settle into the peaceful surroundings before spending the night immersed in the sounds of the Amazon.

The third day begins early with a wake-up call and breakfast as the rainforest comes alive with the first light of the morning at El Dorado Lodge.

After breakfast, you will continue your journey by motorized canoe along the Madre de Dios River, navigating deeper into the Amazon until reaching the confluence with the Manu River. From this point, you officially enter the remote and strictly protected areas of Manu National Park. Before proceeding further, the expedition will make a brief stop at the Limonal Ranger Station, where park authorities monitor and regulate access to this pristine reserve.

As the boat travels upstream along the winding Manu River, you will be surrounded by the untouched beauty of the Amazon rainforest. The riverbanks provide habitat for a remarkable variety of wildlife, and with some luck, you may observe birds of prey soaring above the canopy, or even elusive mammals such as the Jaguar and other wildcats that inhabit this remote ecosystem.

As the landscape gradually changes, the biodiversity becomes even more striking. Sandbars and riverbanks often host a variety of birdlife, including Lapwing, Plover, Horned screamer, and the distinctive Orinoco goose. Overhead, the sky may be filled with large flocks of Swallow species and vibrant clouds of Amazonian butterflies, creating a spectacular display of life along the river corridor.

Continuing upstream, you will eventually reach Casa Matsiguenka Lodge, located a short distance from the Manu River in the heart of the Manu Biosphere Reserve. This unique lodge is operated in collaboration with the local Matsiguenka community and offers an authentic experience within one of the most pristine regions of the Amazon.

Upon arrival, you will check into your room and have time to become familiar with the lodge and its surroundings, fully immersed in the extraordinary environment of Manu National Park.

The day begins early with a wake-up call and breakfast at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge, as the first light of dawn illuminates the rainforest canopy.

After breakfast, you will depart by motorized canoe along the Manu River to visit Salvador Oxbow Lake, one of the most important wildlife observation sites within Manu National Park. This tranquil oxbow lake is particularly renowned for its population of Giant river otter, one of the Amazon’s most charismatic and endangered species. These remarkable mammals can reach up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) in length and weigh as much as 32 kilograms (70 pounds). Highly social and active during the day, they are often seen swimming, sunbathing along the banks, and fishing, consuming significant quantities of fish daily.

Exploration of the lake takes place on a floating observation platform known as a catamaran, formed by two large canoes connected with wooden planks. This stable and quiet structure allows visitors to glide across the water with minimal disturbance, offering excellent opportunities to observe wildlife at close range while paddling comfortably around the lake.

In addition to the giant river otters, the lake and its surrounding forest are home to a remarkable diversity of wildlife. During the excursion, you may encounter several of the monkey species found in the region, including the White-fronted capuchin and the tiny Pygmy marmoset. Birdlife is equally impressive, with species such as the prehistoric-looking Hoatzin, the elegant Agami heron, and various Heron species frequently observed along the shoreline.

After returning to the lodge, you will enjoy a freshly prepared Amazonian lunch at Casa Matsiguenka. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to explore the surrounding rainforest trails, guided by a knowledgeable naturalist. During this walk, your guide will explain the intricate ecological relationships that sustain the forest, from plant-insect interactions to the delicate balance of the Amazon ecosystem.

While walking through the jungle, keep an eye out for some of the smaller primates of the region, such as the Emperor tamarin and the Spotted-backed tamarin, along with numerous insects, birds, and other forest inhabitants.

The day concludes with dinner at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge, followed by a relaxing evening in your room, surrounded by the rich and diverse nighttime sounds of the Amazon rainforest.

The fifth day begins early in the morning with a wake-up call at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge, as the rainforest gradually awakens with the first sounds of birds and wildlife.

At sunrise, you will travel by motorized canoe along the Manu River to visit a remarkable natural phenomenon known as the Parrot Clay Lick. This towering 50-meter-high riverbank attracts an impressive variety of parrots and macaws that gather each morning to feed on mineral-rich clay deposits.

Under favorable weather conditions, more than 15 species of parrots and macaws may be observed congregating on the cliff face. These birds consume the clay to help neutralize toxins found in certain seeds and fruits, an essential part of their digestive process. The result is a spectacular display of color and sound, as hundreds of birds circle above the river before descending to the clay wall—one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences within Manu National Park.

After this extraordinary observation, you will return to the lodge to enjoy a hearty Amazonian lunch.

In the afternoon, you will explore the network of forest trails that extend from the lodge toward Cocha Otorongo. These trails pass through pristine rainforest habitats, including the elevated Terraza Forest, an ecosystem rich in biodiversity.

This forest is home to numerous primate species such as the Howler monkey, Brown capuchin, Squirrel monkey, and several species of Tamarin. The area also contains towering Bertholletia excelsa trees, which play a vital ecological and economic role in the Amazon. Birdlife is equally abundant, with species such as the Curassow and Guan often spotted resting among the forest canopy.

The day concludes with dinner at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge, followed by a peaceful evening relaxing in your room, surrounded by the enchanting and ever-present sounds of the Amazon rainforest.

The sixth day begins early with breakfast at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge, as the rising sun illuminates the rainforest canopy and the sounds of the jungle mark the start of a new day.

After breakfast, you will board a motorized canoe and travel downstream along the Manu River, gradually making your way back toward the Madre de Dios River. During the journey, the group will make a brief stop at a small canopy observation tower overlooking a pristine oxbow lake, offering a rare elevated perspective of the surrounding rainforest. From this vantage point, you can appreciate the remarkable biodiversity of the Amazon from above the forest canopy—an experience rarely encountered from the jungle floor.

After returning to the boat, the journey continues downstream, providing further opportunities to observe wildlife along the riverbanks and sandbars. It is common to see Side-necked turtle basking on fallen logs, while the surrounding forest may reveal other fascinating species. With some luck, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive Jaguar moving quietly along the river’s edge.

After several hours navigating the river, you will arrive at Boca Manu, a small riverside settlement where the boat will refuel before continuing along the lower section of the Madre de Dios River.

Here, you will enjoy lunch and have time to explore nearby forest trails, offering another opportunity to observe the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Later in the afternoon, the journey continues to El Dorado Lodge, where you will settle in for the evening and spend the night surrounded by the tranquil atmosphere of the Amazon rainforest.

The seventh day begins with an early wake-up call and breakfast at El Dorado Lodge, as the morning light gradually spreads across the rainforest.

Following breakfast, you will board a motorized canoe and begin the return journey upstream along the Madre de Dios River toward the Guadalupe Nature Reserve. The river journey takes approximately five hours, offering additional opportunities to observe the diverse wildlife that inhabits the riverbanks and surrounding forest.

During the journey, you may encounter species such as the Capybara, the world’s largest rodent, often seen resting along the water’s edge. The skies above the river are also home to a variety of birds of prey, including Kite (bird), Vulture, and Eagle, frequently soaring overhead in search of food.

Upon arrival at the river port of Atalaya, you will continue the journey by land, traveling approximately one hour by vehicle to reach Guadalupe Lodge.

The remainder of the afternoon will be free for you to explore the surrounding forest trails, observe wildlife around the lodge, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Amazon. This evening marks your final night in the jungle, providing one last opportunity to relax and listen to the captivating sounds of the rainforest.

The final day begins with an early wake-up call and breakfast at Guadalupe Lodge, as the first light of day rises over the surrounding rainforest.

After breakfast, you will begin the overland return journey toward Cusco, traveling through the lush cloud forests of the eastern Andes. Along the way, there will be opportunities to observe a variety of colorful bird species and admire the breathtaking views of the Amazon rainforest as the landscape gradually transitions from jungle to highland mountains.

Continuing along this scenic route, you will cross the Andean valleys and mountain passes before arriving back in Cusco. The estimated arrival time is approximately 5:00 p.m.

Please note: The itinerary may be subject to minor adjustments due to weather conditions or other operational factors.