Tour Description

This three-day program is designed for travelers who wish to have their first contact with the Peruvian Amazon. It is the ideal option to complement a trip to Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley, offering the opportunity to explore the Manu Biosphere Reserve, considered one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.
The experience combines breathtaking landscapes, living culture, and encounters with one of the greatest biodiversities on Earth. It is the perfect complement for those seeking a complete Peru trip that blends Andes, history, and nature.

Duration

3 DAYS / 2 NIGTHS

Difficulty

Moderate

Max Altitude

3,560 meters above sea level.

Tour Type

Nature

Traveler Recommendations

Flashlight or headlamp

Rain poncho or waterproof jacket

Trekking shoes and sandals

Personal hygiene items

Camera

Personal medications

Binoculars (optional, recommended for wildlife watching)

Detailed Itinerary

01 Day 1: Cusco – Paucartambo – Cloud Forest – Pillcopata
Our adventure begins early in Cusco. The first stop will be at the pre-Inca tombs of Ninamarca, archaeological remains that still hold the mystery of ancient peoples. We then continue to the picturesque colonial town of Paucartambo, famous for its traditions, where we’ll enjoy a typical breakfast. From there, we ascend to the Acjanaco Pass, the gateway to the Manu Biosphere Reserve. This viewpoint marks the transition from the Andes to the Amazon. In the cloud forest, we’ll take a walk to observe its unique flora and fauna, including the Cock-of-the-Rock, Peru’s national bird, as well as quetzals, tanagers, and orchids. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at our lodge in Pillcopata, where a comforting dinner and the peaceful atmosphere of the Andean-Amazon jungle await us.
02 Day 2: Pillcopata – Atalaya – Amazon Jungle
After breakfast, we head to the small port of Atalaya, where we’ll begin an exciting boat trip on the Alto Madre de Dios River, surrounded by dense vegetation and jungle sounds. Upon arrival at our Amazon lodge, we’ll settle in and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll take a guided walk along the forest trails or visit the Machuwasi oxbow lake, a perfect spot to learn about medicinal plants, colorful butterflies, and wildlife such as Capuchin monkeys, toucans, and macaws. After dinner, guests may join a night walk, a magical way to discover the nocturnal life of the rainforest.
03 Day 3: Jungle lodge (parrot clay lick) – Return to Cusco
Our last day begins early with an unforgettable experience: visiting a parrot clay lick, where dozens of parrots gather to feed on mineral-rich clay. The colors, sounds, and life of this spectacle perfectly reflect the energy of the Amazon. After breakfast, we return by boat to Atalaya and continue by land back to Cusco. We’ll have lunch along the way and arrive in the Imperial City by late afternoon or evening, carrying unforgettable memories of the Manu rainforest.

What's Included

  • Accommodation in lodges (basic but comfortable)
  • All meals during the tour
  • Drinking water
  • Professional bilingual naturalist guide
  • Land and river transportation
  • First aid kit
  • Entrance fees to all sites
  • Rubber boots for jungle walks

Not Included

  • Dinner on the last day
  • Personal expenses or tips
  • Any item not specified in “Includes”

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the best time to take this tour?

The best time is during the dry season (May to October). During these months, there is less rain, roads are in better condition, and wildlife sightings are more frequent. However, Manu can be visited year-round; just keep in mind that from December to March, rainfall is much heavier.

02 Is the yellow fever vaccination necessary?

Yes, it is highly recommended. Although the risk is low in the lodge areas, health authorities suggest the yellow fever vaccine for any trip to the Amazon rainforest. You should get it at least 10 days before your trip for it to be effective.

03 Is this tour suitable for people who suffer from altitude sickness (soroche)?

The tour starts in Cusco (3,400 m) and briefly ascends to the Acjanaco Pass (3,560 m), but most of the time you will be descending toward the low jungle. This means that as the first day progresses, there will be more oxygen and you will feel better. It is the perfect complement after visiting Machu Picchu because the jungle climate helps with altitude recovery.

04 Is there internet signal or electricity at the lodges?

You should prepare for a total disconnect. In most Manu lodges, there is no cell signal or Wi-Fi. Electricity is usually limited and generated by solar panels or generators that are turned off at a certain time of night, so we recommend bringing a power bank.

05 What kind of clothing should I wear for jungle hikes?

The ideal choice is layered clothing that is lightweight and quick-drying:

  • Long pants and long-sleeved shirts (to protect against mosquitoes and branches).

  • Light colors (dark colors tend to attract more insects).

  • The tour includes rubber boots, but it is essential to bring long socks to wear with them.