Manu Reserve Zone Expedition 8 Days / 7 Nights

Our adventure begins in Cusco, where we set off in a comfortable bus, ascending towards the folkloric town of Paucartambo. Along the way, we visit the Pre-Inca funeral towers of Ninamarca, an archaeological site offering a glimpse into ancient Andean cultures.

Continuing our journey, we drive through the breathtaking cloud forest, a lush paradise filled with orchids, bromeliads, and an incredible variety of plant life.

Here, we take our first guided hike, giving us the opportunity to observe Peru’s national bird—the Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruviana), along with playful monkeys and numerous exotic bird species. If we’re lucky, we may even spot the elusive Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus), the only bear species native to South America.

By evening, we arrive in Pilcopata, where we settle into a comfortable jungle lodge for the night.

After an early breakfast, we continue our journey by minibus, passing through Coloradito village before crossing the river to reach the small port town of Atalaya (600 meters above sea level).

En route, we take short nature walks to observe birds, visit an orchid garden, and keep an eye out for monkeys and other wildlife along the roadside. At Atalaya, we board a 15-meter motorized canoe and begin a 3-4 hour journey down the Alto Madre de Dios River.

As we navigate the changing landscape, we witness a diverse array of wildlife, including Fasciated Tiger Herons, Purplish Jays, Skimmers, Vultures, Caimans, and some of the 13 monkey species that inhabit Manu National Park.

In the afternoon, we reach Dorado Lodge, our accommodation for the night. After dinner, we set out on a night walk to discover nocturnal creatures such as insects, frogs, and snakes.

Today, we continue our river journey, venturing into the Reserved Zone of Manu National Park. Upon reaching the mouth of the Manu River, we stop at the Limonal Guard Station for a permit check before traveling upriver into the heart of the park.

The Manu River offers spectacular wildlife viewing, with White Caimans (Caiman crocodylus) basking on the shores, turtles sunning on driftwood, and capybaras grazing along the riverbanks. With luck, we may even spot tapirs or a majestic jaguar.

By afternoon, we arrive at Casa Matsiguenka, a rustic lodge owned and operated by the Matsiguenka people, where we will spend the next three nights.

This eco-lodge offers screened twin rooms, comfortable beds with mosquito nets, shared modern bathrooms, and an exclusive trail system for wildlife exploration.

After dinner, an optional night walk is available for those interested in spotting nocturnal creatures.

We start early with a full-day excursion into Manu National Park’s Reserved Zone, one of the most pristine rainforests on Earth.

Our first stop is Cocha Salvador, a stunning oxbow lake, where we explore by catamaran, searching for Giant River Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis). We also observe caimans, monkeys, hoatzins, and a variety of bird species.

In the afternoon, we trek through the rainforest to reach Cocha Otorongo, another oxbow lake, where we climb an 18-meter-high observation tower overlooking the lake. This vantage point offers excellent opportunities to spot exotic birds, tapirs, and other jungle wildlife.

Later, we return to Casa Matsiguenka and enjoy an evening of cultural interaction with the Machiguenga people, the indigenous community of Manu.

At dawn, we embark on a boat journey upriver to Pakitza Biological Station, one of the most remote research centers in Manu National Park. Early morning offers prime wildlife viewing, with chances to spot jaguars, tapirs, and capybaras along the riverbanks.

After breakfast at Pakitza, we explore its jungle trails, home to howler monkeys, toucans, sloths, and colorful frogs. Our guides share insights about the unique flora and fauna of this untouched rainforest.

In the afternoon, we return to Casa Matsiguenka, where we can revisit Salvador Lake or explore nearby trails. An optional night walk is available for those eager to spot nocturnal creatures like frogs, tarantulas, and night monkeys.

We begin our return journey down the Manu River, watching for jaguars, caimans, giant otters, and flocks of macaws along the way. The riverbanks are alive with activity, offering stunning opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.

By the afternoon, we arrive at El Dorado Lodge, a peaceful retreat in the jungle. After some rest, we head out for a night walk, searching for snakes, amphibians, spiders, and other nocturnal species.

After breakfast, we continue upriver, keeping an eye out for caimans, capybaras, and river birds. If time allows, we stop at Aguas Calientes, a natural hot spring perfect for a relaxing soak, or visit Machuwasi Lake, known for its hoatzins, herons, and waterfowl.

By afternoon, we arrive at Soga de Oro Lodge, where we enjoy a final night walk, searching for unique nocturnal animals.

In the early morning, we board our boat back to Atalaya, scanning the riverbanks for wildlife one last time. Upon arrival, our private bus takes us back to Cusco, with stops along the way in the cloud forest to observe birds, butterflies, and insects.

We expect to reach Cusco around 6:00 PM, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel.