Parque Nacional Manu 4D/3N

DAY 01

We leave Cusco early in the morning in one of our tour vehicles. Approximately mid-morning we visit the interesting tombs of Ninamarca, commonly known as “Chullpas”. We continue to Paucartambo, a picturesque Spanish colonial town, and then to the Acjanacu pass, which marks the beginning of the Cultural Zone of Manu Biosphere Reserve.  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 endemic to this region. We have lunch on the way with a spectacular view. Overnight a comfortable, simple and rustic lodge.

Day 02

Today we wake up very early to observe the Cock of the Rock (Rupicola Peruviana), Peru’s national bird, from a platform in the junble. 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 we continue in our vehicle down the narrow road between waterfalls and canyons toward the town of Pilcopata and then to Atalaya Port where we have lunch. Here we board our covered, outboard motor boat and head down the Alto Madre de Dios River for approximately 50 minutes toward our reserved lodging, and where we will hike through the interesting trail system that this transitional area between high and low jungle offers. Overnight at lodge.

DAY 03

The Lodge is located in a transitional zone between high and low jungle (500 to 1,150 m.a.s.l), After breakfast your guide explains the different habitats, altitude range and the high diversity of wildlife found around the area. Immediately after breakfast we will start walking on a trail along the river: during the hike our guide will talk about insects, medicinal plants, trees, reptiles, mammals, etc. We have lunch, then we board our boat, and after a short five minute excursion, we will walk for about another 30 minutes though a very nice trail to observe and learn about the interesting flora of the area such as sensitive plants, heliconias, fruit plantations, etc. until we arrive to Machuwasi Lake where with the help of a telescope we can observe beautiful jungle birds and insects. Later: a short night walk to observe American bullfrogs, horned frogs, tree frogs and an incredible variety of insects.

DAY 04

This day we will get up very early to board our boat again for only five minutes down river to the parrot clay-lick called “Collpa” on 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 fruit. We return to Erika lodge to have breakfast and then board our boat to Atalaya Port where the bus will drive us back to Cusco city; we have lunch on the way, arriving late in the evening.

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.

Manu 4Day 3Nights GROUP SERVICE PROGRAM INCLUDES:

• Professional bilingual guide
• Tourist transport
• 3 breakfast
• 3 lunch
• 3 dinners
• River transportation
• 3 nights at lodge

Manu 4Day 3Nights PRIVATE PROGRAM INCLUDES:

• Private professional bilingual guide
• Private Tourist transport
• Water bottle
• 3 breakfast
• 3 lunch
• 3 dinners
• Private river transportation
• 3 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.