4 day Manu Tour from Cusco

We will begin our Manu Tour from Cusco early in the morning, setting off in a comfortable bus towards the Amazon Jungle. As we ascend through scenic Andean landscapes, we pass small villages and make a stop in the folkloric town of Paucartambo.

Here, we take some time to explore the town’s charming streets and learn about its vibrant traditions. Along the way, we visit the Pre-Inca funeral towers of Ninamarca, a fascinating archaeological site that offers a glimpse into ancient history.

Continuing our journey, we descend into the lush cloud forest. This region is bursting with life, featuring exotic orchids and dense greenery. We step out for a refreshing hike, where we will have our first chance to encounter wildlife.

With a bit of luck, we might spot the colorful Cock of the Rock, Peru’s national bird, or catch sight of playful monkeys swinging through the treetops. Keep an eye out for the elusive Spectacled Bear, the only bear species native to South America.

As the sun begins to set, we arrive at the Bambu Lodge, tucked into the forest’s edge. The lodge provides comfortable private rooms, along with showers and toilets, ensuring a pleasant stay. We settle in for the night, enjoying the peaceful sounds of the surrounding jungle. Tomorrow, the adventure deepens as we head further into the Manu Jungle.

Summary of Day 1:

• Departure from Cusco and pass through the folkloric town of Paucartambo.
• Visit the Pre-Inca funeral towers of Ninamarca.
• Descend into the cloud forest and enjoy our first wildlife hike.
• Spot the Cock of the Rock, monkeys, or a Spectacled Bear.
• Arrive at Bambu Lodge for a relaxing evening in the Amazon Jungle.

On the second day of our Manu Jungle Trip, we will begin with a delightful breakfast at Bambu Lodge. Afterward, our tour operator will take us by bus to the port of Atalaya, where our river adventure begins. From here, we board a motorized boat and cruise along the serene Alto Madre de Dios River. The boat ride lasts about 45 minutes, offering breathtaking views of the lush rainforest and glimpses of wildlife along the riverbanks.

Once we arrive at the Soga de Oro Lodge, we settle into comfortable rooms equipped with mosquito nets and essential amenities, including showers, toilets, and a dining area. If you feel adventurous, you may enjoy a refreshing swim in the river, immersing yourself fully in the warm embrace of the Amazon Jungle.

In the afternoon, we will set off on an exciting jungle exploration. Our guide will lead us through the forest trails, introducing us to the diverse flora and fauna. As we walk, we may encounter monkeys, colorful birds, and various fascinating insects like spiders and tarantulas. Along the way, we will also learn about the jungle’s medicinal plants and the traditional knowledge passed down by the native communities.

After a day filled with adventure, we return to Soga de Oro Lodge to relax and enjoy the tranquil sounds of the rainforest. The lodge provides private rooms, showers, and toilets, ensuring a comfortable night in the heart of the Manu Jungle.

Summary of Day 2:

• Departure from Bambu Lodge and travel to the port of Atalaya by bus.
• Embark on a motorized boat ride along the Alto Madre de Dios River to Soga de Oro Lodge.
• Upon arrival, we can relax, explore the lodge, or swim in the river.
• In the afternoon, we will embark on a jungle trek to spot wildlife and learn about medicinal plants.
• We will stay overnight at Soga de Oro Lodge, enjoying the comfort of private rooms.

On the third day of our Manu Jungle Trip, we start with an early morning trek through the dense rainforest surrounding Soga de Oro Lodge. As we explore, our guide will introduce us to towering giant trees, colorful orchids, and medicinal plants used by native communities. If we are lucky, we might encounter larger mammals, such as tapirs, along the forest trails. The jungle at this hour is alive with sounds, making it a truly immersive experience.

In the afternoon, we continue our adventure by crossing the river and taking a short 30-minute walk to reach Machuwasi Lake. This serene lake offers a perfect spot to observe wildlife. We may catch sight of the capybara, the world’s largest rodent, as well as caimans basking near the water. The lake also attracts a variety of bird species, making it an excellent location for birdwatching.

As the day transitions into evening, we experience the magic of the rainforest at night. Our night exploration reveals an entirely new world, as we search for frogs, toads, insects, bats, and possibly even snakes. The jungle’s nightlife offers a thrilling and unforgettable experience.

After our nocturnal adventure, we return to Soga de Oro Lodge. Here, we relax and enjoy the amenities, including shared showers and toilets, while being surrounded by the soothing sounds of the Amazon Jungle.

Summary of Day 3:

• We will take a morning trek to explore giant trees, orchids, and medicinal plants.
• Along the way, we may encounter tapirs and other large mammals.
• In the afternoon, we cross the river and walk to Machuwasi Lake.
• We observe capybaras, caimans, and numerous bird species at the lake.
• At night, we embark on an exciting exploration to spot frogs, bats, and insects.

In the early morning serenity, we will board a boat for a 20-minute ride along the peaceful stream, heading toward the vibrant parrot lick. Here, we will witness a spectacular display of colorful parrots, including green parrots, blue-headed parrots (Pionus menstruus), mealy parrots (Amazona farinosa), and chestnut-fronted macaws (Ara severa). Their lively calls and bright plumage create an unforgettable scene, showcasing the magic of the Amazon Jungle.

Afterward, we return to Soga de Oro Lodge, where a delicious breakfast awaits us. We take some time to relax before packing our belongings for the journey back. The boat takes us downriver to the port of Atalaya, marking the last leg of our river adventure.

At the port, our bus will be ready to transport us back to Cusco. As we drive through the lush landscapes of the cloud forest and Andean valleys, we reflect on the incredible sights and experiences of the past four days. By late afternoon, we arrive in Cusco, bringing our Manu Jungle Trip to a close and leaving us with lasting memories of the Amazon’s wildlife and beauty.

Summary of Day 4:

• We will take an early morning boat ride to the colorful parrot lick.
• We will witness vibrant parrots and macaws in a stunning display.
• After breakfast, we will pack and return by boat to Atalaya Port.
• Our bus takes us on a scenic ride back to Cusco.
• We will conclude the Manu Jungle Trip with cherished memories of the Amazon.