The Manu Classic 5D/4N

DAY 1: CUSCO – MANU CLOUD FOREST

An early start from Cusco as we prepare for the long voyage ahead! We will take a pit-stop in the nationally renowned capital of bread Oropesa to learn about the history of the town and take advantage of the facilities, with the opportunity to support the local community and purchase some food and drinks. From here we venture on another 30-40 minutes approx. to arrive at a national heritage site – Laguna Huacarpay. A wetland site teeming with birdlife, mammals and some reptiles as a brief introduction to what we can find within the Andes region and some scenic views of the lake and town!

It’s possible to see the Giant Hummingbird (Patagona Gigas), the endemic Bearded Mountaineer (Oreonympha Nobilis), Puna Ibis (Plegadis Ridgwayi), Cinereous Harrier (Circus Cinereous) and even more here!

Eventually the journey by road will take us through the Andes and into the Cloud Forest, a unique environment that is truly breathtaking!

Making a stop along the way at Paucartambo village, a key site for the Inca empire within the Andes and eventually, the Acjanaco ranger station to experience some local culture and to witness the spectacular views. Keep an eye out for the Andean Flicker (Colaptes Rupicola), Variable Hawks (Geranoaetus Polyosoma), Quetzals and many other birds and raptors!

We will stay overnight at a Manu cloud forest lodge with the opportunity to witness the Peruvian National bird the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicolus Peruvianus) engaging in its mating display within the lek site either in the early afternoon or following morning! (Depending on timing of arrival)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Accommodation: Either Cock of the Rock Lodge, Paradise Lodge or Wayquecha Biological Station

DAY 2: MANU CLOUD FOREST – MANU LEARNING CENTRE

An early start to the town of Salvacion, to then arrive at Aguanos and you will disembark and walk 15-20 minutes along a trail to our private motorised canoe to ride down the Madre de Dios river to the Manu Learning Centre. 

Surrounded by many kinds of Herons, Egrets, Cormorants, Kingfishers, Fly-catchers, many Birds of Prey flying overhead and more! If you’re lucky, potentially even a Capybara (Hydrochoerus Hydrochaeris) or Lowland Tapir (Tapirus Terrestris) sighting, both semi-aquatic animals that frequent the area!

You will be introduced to the lodge and your accommodation area with an opportunity to rest after your journey to help settle in. Meanwhile you can enjoy the vast variety of garden birds going about their business such as the Tanager and Barbet families whilst a number of species of lizards can be found lounging around in sun spots gathering energy for the day, such as the Golden Tegu! (Tupinambis Teguixin)

A highlight within the garden being the great variety of Hummingbirds our snake vines attract, including the Rufous Crested Coquette (Lophornis Delattrei), Golden-tailed Sapphire (Chrysuronia oenone), White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga Mellivora) and many more…

After lunch, you can explore the rainforest trail system with our naturalist guides or enjoy the landscape at our viewpoint before spending the evening learning more about the jungle through our introductory presentation or simply relaxing, watching the beautiful sunset and ending your day with an overnight stay at Manu Learning Centre lodge.

At Dinner time we will have a formal introduction to all the inhabitants within the MLC including staff, volunteers and interns. Where you will also be present to listen to the schedule/itinerary for the following day!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Accommodation: Manu Learning Centre

DAY 3: MANU LEARNING CENTRE

Our first survey of the day is usually the Colpa (Clay Lick) Monitoring, we perform this first thing in the morning before sunrise. Travelling five minutes upriver to land on a beach, positioning ourselves in the best position to watch the numerous members of the Psittacidae (Macaws, Parrots and Parakeets) bird family fly across the river to engage in gathering nutrients and social activities. Returning afterwards for breakfast.

Spend the rest of the day getting involved with our numerous long-term conservation projects and joining our researchers in their work while you enjoy the beauty of nature!

Our Projects include Pitfall traps and Visual Encounter surveys (VES performed at night) for monitoring reptiles and amphibians, Terrestrial in Line Transect surveys for monitoring birds and mammals at sunrise and sunset, and Butterfly traps. All with the purpose of monitoring the population and diversity levels across the 3 regenerating forest types found within the reserve, helping determine the value of regenerative land and providing an opportunity for species recovery. (Survey participation will vary depending on the schedule)

In the evening there is an opportunity to head out on a night walk inside the forest, if you’re feeling brave enough! Pass through the wetlands to see many different kinds of insects, amphibians and reptiles, potentially even our resident Smooth-Fronted Caimans (Paleosuchus Trigonatus) with an opportunity to see more of the nocturnal mammal species. After a discovery day, you can enjoy another overnight stay within our comfortable Manu Learning Centre lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Accommodation: Manu Learning Centre

DAY 4: MANU LEARNING CENTRE – SHINTUYA HOT SPRINGS WATER

On this day we will take a two hour boat trip further into the Manu Biosphere Reserve surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of the Madre de Dios River to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes, within the land of the native community of Shintuya. 

Take a relatively short walk to the local cascada (waterfall) to then return and take a dip in the hot springs whilst learning more about the indigenous people of the Harakmbut ethnicity group. Spotting wildlife on the boat journey there and back. 

Arriving back at the Manu Learning Centre late afternoon to then visit our bio garden. Finally, opt for another night walk or simply relax and enjoy another overnight stay, falling asleep to the sounds of the rainforest within our lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Accommodation: Manu Learning Centre

DAY 5: MANU LEARNING CENTRE – CUSCO

The following day, we will take the boat back to Aguanos for the short walk to the private bus after breakfast and enjoy the last sights and sounds of the rainforest before reaching Cusco. You will be dropped off at your hotel by around 7:00pm after a direct transit including any necessary breaks, bringing the tour to an end but leaving you with memories of Manu that will last for a lifetime. 

No accommodation in Cusco is included, breakfast is included before departure and a boxed lunch will be provided for the journey.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch included

Accommodation: Self-organised (We can provide recommendations)