- Exploration
- 8 days
- Year round
- Group
- English speaking optional
Along the way…
Located in the rainforest of the departments of Cusco and Madre de Dios, the Manu National Park constitutes the greatest natural treasure in Peru, because of the number of species found there as well as the enormous variety of ecosystems it protects. In 1973, this area was recognized as a National Park covering 1,726,295 hectares, and was declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 1987 by UNESCO. The park shelters more than 20,000 species of plants, 1,200 species of butterflies, 1,000 species of birds, 200 species of mammals, as well as an unknown quantity of reptiles, amphibians and insects.
Day 1 :
As we gradually move away from the Incan capital city of Cuzco, we enter deeper into Andes folowing a curved road. On the way, we visit the Chullpas de Ninamarca, pre-Inca graves belonging to the Lupacas peoples. From there we descend to the village of Paucartambo. We then leave Pautartambo to head to Puna, an area where rare species such as Viscacha, nice rodent that looks like a rabbit, live. In the Puna area we also find predators such as the Andean fox or the puma. When reaching 3500 meters above sea level (el. 11480 feet a.s.l) a big cloudy blanket appears hiding the dense forest underneath. At Tres Cruces (Three crosses) we observe the east side of the Andes covered with clouds. We will reach the heart of the Manu National Park only 5 hours after our departure from Cuzco. We have lunch in front of the magnificent landscape of jungle and clouds. We then descend into the jungle where the crown of the trees permanently bathed in fog forms the most perfect habitat for various moss and lichen species. In this cloudy forest we will search for the national bird, a certain Gallito de las rocas (small rooster of rocks) (Rupicola Peruviana). We arrive at Pilcopata at the end of the afternoon where a delicious dinner will be served. We spend the night in the youth hostel.
Day 2 :
In the early morning, departure for the fluvial port of Atalaya, upstream on the River Madre de Dios. From there we sail in the low jungle. We take our lunch while navigating upstream. We observe different types of flora and fauna. Night excursion to observe tapirs. Night near the small village of Boca Manu. All included. Navigation length: around five hours.
Day 3 :
In the morning, departure by boat for the Manu National Preserve. Arrival in mid-afternoon at Casa Matziguenka. We are welcomed by the natives of this ethnic group. All included. Navigation length: 8 to 9 hours.
Day 4 :
Day dedicated to the visit, by foot and aboard a catamaran, of the surroundings, across Lake Cocha Salvador in search of river otters (Ptérosaurien Brasiliensis). Crossing of the tropical forests to observe the Spider Monkey (Ateles Paniscus) and the noisy Huanganas (wild pigs) (Tayassu Pecari). Afternoon open to spend time with the community. Night at Casa Matsiguenka. All included. Navigation length: around 3 hours; Hiking time: around 2 hours.
Day 5 :
In the early morning, departure by boat with destination Blanquillo. Day dedicated to a boat expedition. Possibility to observe turtles, caymans, flamingos and maybe jaguars. Night in the youth hostel. All included. Navigation length: around 9 hours.
Day 6 :
In the early morning, observation of hundreds of parrots and budgerigars looking for food in the Collpa de Guacamayos. After this wonderful natural display, continuation of the journey to Yanayaco, where we rest until the following day. All included.
Day 7 :
In the morning, departure by boat for the port of Atalaya. Short break at Aguascalientes, and arrival at Amaru Mayu Lodge. All included.
Day 8 :
After breakfast, we leave for our last walk through the jungle beore returning to Pilcopata, and leaving behind us the Bosque Nublado (“the Misty Forest”). We climb to a place called La Puna from where we will take the bus to Cuzco, the Incan capital city. Arrival at the end of the day.