Tour Description

Explore Manu’s stunning biodiversity, from the mystical cloud forest to the lowland jungle. Enjoy wildlife spotting at the parrot clay lick, navigate the Madre de Dios River, and discover exotic species at Machuwasi Lake. An unforgettable 4-day adventure immersed in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon.

Duration

4 Days / 3 Nights

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Max Altitude

Cusco: 3,500 m.a.s.l./Bambu Lodge: 800 m.a.s.l./Soga de Oro Lodge: 450 m.a.s.l.

Tour Type

Nature

Traveler Recommendations

Lodging in double or triple shared romos

All beds equipped with mosquito nets

Lodges offer private or shared bathrooms (depending on the area)

Limited electricity: available from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for charging devices

Detailed Itinerary

01 DAY 1: Cusco – Cloud Forest – Bamboo Lodge
We begin our journey early in the morning, departing Cusco and traveling through breathtaking high Andean landscapes. Our first stop is Ninamarca, an archaeological site with pre-Inca funerary towers of the Lupaca culture. After breakfast in the charming town of Paucartambo, we continue to Acjanaco, the entrance to Manu National Park, where we begin our descent into the lush Cloud Forest. Along the way, we’ll enjoy stunning mountain views, waterfalls, and the chance to spot colorful birds such as quetzals, trogons, and tanagers, as well as monkeys like the woolly monkey and the brown capuchin. We’ll take a short walk to enjoy our first immersive experience with the forest, rich in orchids and biodiversity. In the late afternoon, we arrive at Bambu Lodge for an overnight stay.
02 DAY 2: Bambu Lodge – Atalaya Port – Soga de Oro Lodge – Machuwasi Lake
After breakfast, we travel by road through the towns of Patria and Pillcopata, reaching Atalaya Port, the transition point between the Cloud Forest and the Lowland Jungle. Here, we board a motorized canoe and navigate down the Madre de Dios River for about 25 minutes to reach Soga de Oro Lodge, where we settle in and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch. In the afternoon, we walk through secondary forest to Machuwasi Oxbow Lake, where we’ll explore on traditional balsa rafts. The lake is home to unique species like the hoatzin, a prehistoric bird, as well as squirrel monkeys, snakes, small caimans, and many bird species. We return to the lodge before dinner to relax and prepare for the next day.
03 DAY 3: Parrot Clay Lick – Primary Forest Trails – Optional Night Walk
At dawn, we board our canoe for a short trip to the Mascoitania parrot clay lick, where species like the blue-headed parrot, chestnut-fronted macaw, white-eyed parakeet, and others gather to eat mineral-rich clay. This natural behavior helps them detoxify their diet of seeds and unripe fruits—and is also a time for social bonding and mate selection. Back at the lodge, we enjoy breakfast and rest before venturing into the primary rainforest, where towering trees, dense foliage, and natural sounds immerse us in one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. In the afternoon, you can choose between: A short trail hike to observe more wildlife, or a refreshing swim in the Madre de Dios river. After dinner, we offer an optional night walk, a unique opportunity to spot nocturnal species such as frogs, insects, Spiders, and more an unforgettable jungle experience.
04 DAY 4: Soga de Oro – Return to Cusco
Following breakfast, we head upstream by canoe back to Atalaya Port, where our vehicle awaits for the return trip to Cusco. On the way, we’ll have one last chance to admire the scenery of the Cloud Forest. We arrive in Cusco by late afternoon.

What's Included

  • All lodge accommodations (basic but comfortable)
  • Full meals during the tour
  • Drinking wáter
  • Professional bilingual naturalist guide
  • Ground and river transportation
  • First-aid kit
  • Entrance tickets to attractions
  • Rubber boots for jungle walks

Not Included

  • Dinner on the last day
  • Personal expenses or tips
  • Any item not specifically mentioned in the “Included” list

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Will I have access to electricity and internet during the tour?

Electricity is limited. In the lodges, power is usually available only from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to charge cameras and phones. Due to the remote location in the jungle, there is no Wi-Fi access, and mobile phone signal is either non-existent or very weak. We recommend informing your family beforehand and bringing power banks.

02 How physically difficult is the tour?

The difficulty is rated as easy to moderate. The tour includes walks through primary and secondary jungle trails, as well as rides on traditional rafts. While you don't need to be a top athlete, you should be able to walk on uneven and humid terrain. Most of the time will be spent at low elevations (450–800 m.a.s.l.), making breathing much easier than in Cusco.

03 What is the weather like and what clothing should I bring?

The weather in Manu is unpredictable. You may experience intense heat, high humidity, and sudden rain. Therefore, it is essential to bring:

  • Lightweight, quick-drying clothes (long pants and long-sleeved shirts to protect against insects).

  • A rain poncho or waterproof jacket always at hand.

  • Sturdy hiking shoes (we will provide rubber boots for muddy areas).

04 What are the accommodation conditions like?

The lodges (Bambu and Soga de Oro) are rustic, comfortable, and designed to be eco-friendly. We offer shared double or triple rooms. All beds are equipped with mosquito nets to ensure a safe night's sleep. Depending on the area, bathrooms may be private or shared, but they are always kept clean for the jungle environment.

05 Is it safe to travel to this area regarding diseases and wildlife?

Yes, it is safe as long as you follow the instructions of your naturalist guide. For mosquitoes, using repellent and wearing long clothing is essential. Regarding vaccinations (such as Yellow Fever), we suggest consulting your doctor at least 10 days before your trip. As for wildlife, all walks—including the optional night walk—are designed to observe biodiversity from a safe and respectful distance.