Parque Nacional Del Manu

On day one, we pick you up at 6:00 AM from your Cusco hotel with private transport by Palotoa Amazon Travel. We travel through the majestic Andes, stopping briefly at Paucartambo, a folkloric colonial town. At midday, we enter Manu National Park, one of South America’s most protected areas. We continue on a dusty road through the famous Cloud Forest, arriving at the “Cock of the Rocks” lek—where Peru’s exotic national bird gathers in a spectacular courtship display full of vibrant colors and sounds. Our first night is at Manu Nature Lodge, nestled in the heart of the jungle.

Parque Nacional Del Manu

Early at 6:00 a.m., we will depart towards Atalaya Port to begin our unforgettable Amazon rainforest adventure. Along the way, we will visit local farmers who cultivate a variety of exotic jungle fruits, including the famous coca plant. We will cross the Madre de Dios River, a key tributary of the mighty Amazon River, using small local boats for short river transfers.

Manu National Park

Travelers will enjoy spotting vibrant tropical birds such as parrots, oropendolas, and vultures, perfect for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Our journey includes a stop at the Natural Hot Springs to relax and rejuvenate. Wildlife sightings may include playful monkeys and capybaras, the largest rodents of the Amazon jungle. In the late afternoon, we arrive at Boca Manu (Hummingbird Lodge), offering comfortable lodging with shower facilities and guest services. As night falls, a guided night walk invites travelers to discover nocturnal creatures such as insects, tarantulas, scorpions, and snakes.

Parque Nacional Del Manu

Departing from Boca Manu Lodge, we navigate up the Manu River, stopping briefly at Limonal Ranger Station. Along this 5-hour boat journey, travelers can spot nesting birds, herons, egrets, Orinoco geese, turtles, caimans, and possibly even a jaguar sunning on the banks. Monkey species like red howlers and squirrel monkeys are often observed. We enjoy a riverside lunch along the Manu River, surrounded by pristine nature and jungle sounds.

In the afternoon, we arrive at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge, a native-managed eco-lodge in the heart of Manu National Park. Explore jungle trails and visit Cocha Salvador, where we may observe giant otters and climb a 30-meter tower with canopy views over the lake.

Manu National Park

After dinner, an optional night walk offers the chance to see black caimans, frogs, insects, and possibly ocelots or kinkajous. Overnight at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge, with basic but comfortable facilities like screened rooms, showers, and mosquito nets.

After breakfast, we explore Cocha Salvador, an oxbow lake rich in wildlife. Part of the morning is spent canoeing on a floating platform observing giant river otters, Agami Herons, Sungrebes, and Brown Capuchin monkeys that feed nearby. The lake’s piers offer up-close viewing of the world’s largest freshwater carnivores, often seen eating fish by the shore.

Manu National Park

The rest of the day is spent walking through rainforest trails near Casa Matsiguenka. With your guide, discover up to 13 monkey species, learn about rainforest ecosystems, and identify medicinal plants traditionally used by indigenous communities. Encounters with Peccaries (wild Amazonian boars) are possible.

Later in the afternoon, we visit the Pakitza Ranger Station, the westernmost checkpoint in Manu National Park. We’ll walk its marked biodiversity trails, observing more Amazon species before enjoying a beautiful jungle sunset. This area is excellent for nature photography and birdwatching.

Manu National Park

Overnight at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge, a rustic, community-run lodge inside Manu National Park. This native-owned lodge offers comfortable, mosquito-netted beds, flush toilets, and ambient showers. It’s a peaceful base for exploring nearby lakes, trails, and nocturnal wildlife with expert guides.

Parque Nacional Del Manu

We begin the day with the call of Red Howler Monkeys (Alouatta seniculus) echoing through the jungle. After a delicious breakfast, we start our return journey along the Manu River. Along the way, travelers can observe a wide variety of Amazonian birdlife including herons, egrets, kingfishers, and the impressive King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa), also known as the jungle condor. A brief stop at Boca Manu offers a chance to purchase refreshments before continuing. By midday, we arrive at Tambo Blanquillo Lodge, nestled in the heart of the rainforest. In the late afternoon, we explore a nearby jungle lagoon, where travelers can observe alligators and other nocturnal wildlife during an early evening guided walk

In the afternoon, we arrive at Tambo Blanquillo Lodge, a comfortable jungle eco-lodge nestled in the rainforest. After settling in, we’ll walk to one of its nearby oxbow lakes, home to alligators and other nocturnal wildlife. This guided night excursion is ideal for spotting animals such as caimans and observing Amazon biodiversity under a starlit sky. Tambo Blanquillo offers easy access to hidden lagoons and forest trails, making it perfect for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.

Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick

Just 10 minutes from our lodge lies the incredible Macaw Clay Lick, located in the Shebonal forest. This natural clay wall attracts colorful macaws and parrots seeking minerals that help detoxify their diet. A special 10-meter-high observation blind with 40 comfortable seats and personal counters allows travelers to take close-up photos without disturbing the birds. Breakfast is served at the blind, and toilet facilities are available. This is a must-see highlight for birdwatchers and nature lovers, offering one of the best macaw-viewing experiences in the Amazon.

Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick

Very early in the morning, we travel by boat to the Macaw Clay Lick, a spectacular clay wall on the riverbank where flocks of parakeets, parrots, and macaws gather to feed on the mineral-rich soil. From a camouflaged observation hide, we quietly observe this vibrant natural event — a true paradise for bird lovers. This activity depends on weather conditions and may last up to 5 hours, providing ideal opportunities for bird photography and sound recording in a serene jungle setting.

Manu National Park

In the afternoon, we visit the peaceful Camungo Oxbow Lake, home to rich aquatic wildlife. We’ll also climb the Camungo Canopy Tower, one of the tallest in the area, offering panoramic views over the Amazon rainforest and the lake below. This elevated viewpoint provides a thrilling and immersive way to spot birds and other wildlife from above the canopy, perfect for birdwatchers, photographers, and adventurers alike

After our adventure, we return to Tambo Blanquillo Lodge to enjoy a delicious Amazonian lunch. The evening is free to relax, reflect, and enjoy our last night in the Peruvian Amazon, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle. A freshly prepared dinner will be served, marking the closing of an unforgettable wildlife expedition.

Parque Nacional Del Manu

After breakfast, we take a 3-hour motorized boat ride to Boca Colorado. Then, by car, we travel to Puerto Carlos to cross the Inambari River.