Manu Observación de Aves 5D/4N

DAY 01: CUSCO – HUACARPAY LAKE – SAN PEDRO

We depart from Cusco around 04:30 a.m. arriving at Lake Huarcarpay 30 minutes later. Here we take time and spend the entire day observing highland lake and marsh birds. The best is to follow the road that goes around the lake and start seeing most of the waterfowl typical of Andean wetlands including grebes, ducks, gallinules and coots. The wet grasslands in front of the marsh are good for shorebirds and Andean Negrito. We can look for occasional migrants such as the Hudsonian Godwit (rare) and Baird’s Sandpiper. The multi-colored Rush Tyrant and the Rusty-fronted Canastero can be seen around the ruins on the hillside above the lake, as well as a spectacular hummingbird, the Bearded Mountaineer. We continue to the interesting tombs of Ninamarca, commonly known as “Chullpas”. A brief stop at Paucartambo, a picturesque Spanish colonial town, and then continue to Acjanacu pass with its elfin forest marking the beginning of the Cultural Zone of Manu Biosphere Reserve. Bird watchers love this place because it is possible to see White-browed chat-tyrant, the Chestnut-breasted mountain-finch, Puna Thistletail, Paramo Pipit, Diademed Tapaculo, Puna Tapaculo, Masked flowerpiercer, Golden-collared Tanager, Drab Hemispingus and small mixed flocks among others. With a walk down to Pillahuata site, located in upper mountain humid forest also known as the Coshñipata Valley, the bird species are quite different from Acjanacu. It’s possible to see many different species of birds such as the Hooded Tinamou, Stripe-faced Wood-Quail, Golden plumed parakeet, Yuungas Pygmy-Owl, Gould’s Inca, Blue-banded Toucanet, Crimson –mantled Woodpecker, Sierran Elaenia, White-collared Jay, Mountain Cacique.Again, it is the best simply to bird your way slowly along the road. There will be plenty of activity, with several species to look for. After the first tunnel, we stop at the mixed bamboo patch on the left and try for Rusty-breasted Antpitta, and the endemic Red-and White Antpitta, which is often quite vocal in the morning. At the second tunnel the vegetation becomes more luxuriant, and we can look for the Chestnut-bellied Mountain Tanager, Tawny-rumped Tyrannuler, Band-tailed Fruit-eater and the barred Fruit-eater in the mixed flocks, as well as Gray-breasted Mountain Tucan.

One bird to look out for in mixed flocks is the vividly-colored Ochraceous-breasted Fly-catcher and the spectacular Greater Scythe-bill. Stay overnight at Lodge.

DAY 02: SAN PEDRO

Here, a thick cloak of clouds provides perpetual humidity and makes an ideal habitat for epiphytic plants such as bromeliads. This varied and fascinating world is home of the Cock of the Rock bird, Spectacled Bear, orchids, tree ferns (one of the oldest living plants), mosses and lichens. This cloud forest exists between 2,000 and 3,500 m.a.s.l., and at least 50% of the plant species found here are native to this region. Today we wake up very early to observe the Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruviana), Peru’s national bird, from a platform in the jungle. The male birds are a vibrant reddish orange, and as many as several dozen come together for an exhibition of a mating ritual dance in a place called Lek. The males display their crest, showing off and posturing for the females. The females, fewer in number, watch to select the most suitable males. After breakfast spend the entire day birding walking on the road. Overnight at Lodge.

DAY 03

As our lodge is very close to the Cock-of-the-rock Lek, so we are able to visit it again and try to spot one of the females hidden in the forest. As we continue our journey to lowlands, we stop in Patria where seedeater birds are common, and other open-habitat species of birds as the orange-breasted Falcon, Military Macaw, green-fronted Lance-bill, golden-collared Honeycreeper and others. Atalaya area is outstanding for viewing Macaws. From Atalaya port, we board our covered, motorized canoe and head down the Alto Madre de Dios River to Erika Lodge, where we will have the opportunity to walk through the interesting trails. Overnight at the lodge.

DAY 04

This lodge is situated in the transition zone of the Andean foothills and the lowland rainforest. It has many more species of hummingbirds than is normally present in a rainforest lodge. Among the 30 species of hummingbirds on ther list is the endemic Rufus-webbed Brilliant. Here we find the Rufus –vented Ground Cuckoo, the gray-necked woodrail, Blackish rai, etc. Close to a small lake there are Purple Gallinules, Hoatzins and occasionally Pygmy Kingfishers and Sun Grebes. After lunch we follow an interesting trail, going up to the ridge at 1000 m.a.s.l. where we encounter mixed bird flocks. This higher area is also home of the Emerald Toucanet, Ornate Flycatcher, Gnat Wren, Umbrella bird, among others.

DAY 05

This day we will get up very early to board our boat, and after five minutes, we will arrive to a Parrot Lick “Collpa”, which is a wall of clay in the riverbanks where many species of parrots such as the blue-headed parrot and white-eyed parakeet, feed for minerals and salts to supplement their diet of seeds and fruits. After breakfast we will board the boat to Atalaya port, which will take us to Cusco city, arriving late in the afternoon.  END OF OUR SERVICES.

IMPORTANT

Manu National Park is not currently at risk for Malaria nor Yellow fever, but you should plan to bring a good insect repellent.  If you decide to take the yellow fever vaccination for prevention you should do it 10 days before the start of your trip to the jungle.

• After finishing the tour, we transport you back to your Cusco hotels.
• *Please Note: Translations of bird names may not be 100% accurate.

Manu 5Day 4Nights Birdwatching PRIVATE PROGRAM INCLUDES:

• Private professional bilingual guide
• Private Tourist transport
• Water bottle
• 4 breakfast
• 4 lunch
• 4 dinners
• River transportation
• 4 nights at lodge

THINGS YOU SHOULD BRING ALONG ON A TRIP TO MANU

• Binoculars
• Warm clothing (in case of a cold front), long sleeve shirts and long pants (cotton)
• 100% waterproof rain gear (long poncho or rain wear)
• Insect repellent (at least 50% Deet), sunscreen lotion
• One pair of lightweight ankle height boots and sandals
• Flashlight, enough batteries (alkaline) and bulbs
• Wide brim hat and sun glasses for sunny days
• Towel for all the tour
• Swimming suit personal medicines and/or supplies (liquid for contact lenses for example)
• A day pack and one back pack or duffel bag of luggage per person
• Camera and films (ASA 200 and 400 for the inner forest)
• One bottle of water for the first day, plastic bags.