TOUR INFO | ABOUT PERU | TIPS & FACTS | TERMS | HOME
HL-09 MANU IN LODGE 8 DAY / 7 NIGHTS Bus - Boat Transport in. Boat - Plane transport out

First day:
Early morning bus departure of our comfortable Trans Manu bus, equipped with reclinable seats and HiFi radio. We travel southeast from Cusco, across two mountain passes at 12,000 ft., while we see packs of llamas and alpacas and groups of Andean villagers in their colorful attires. Our destinations today is Manu Nature Tour's 1,300 Ha. Private Reserve in the cloud forest near the southeastern boundary of Manu Park, nested between the grasslands and the lowlands of the Upper Madre de Dios River.

OPTIONAL: We can provide you with mountain bikes for a 3-4 hour, exhilarating and effortless descent of the orchid and fern-covered slopes of the Andes. We reach our Manu Cloud Forest Camp in the late afternoon. Must be reserved in advance.

Second day:
Early excursion to a nearby platform and blind to see a "lek" where the brightly red-colored Cock-of-the Rocks display daily for the females. Afterwards we return to our camp for a hearty breakfast, and then we have several options to hike different trails near the Manu Cloud Forest Camp.

OPTIONAL: Visitors of all ages can enjoy a 2-3 hour, class three rafting trip on the white-water Qosnipata River

Third day:
Before breakfast, early risers can take an optional walk along the trails of Amazonia Lodge in search of Squirrel Monkeys, and sights of Military Macaws or Russet-backed Oropendolas. After breakfast we board our motorized dugout canoes, equipped with individual cushioned seats, and long tarps to provide shelter from the baking sun, or the sudden tropical downpour. We will boat down the fast-flowing, braided, clear water, upper Madre de Dios River for about five hours to the confluence with the meandering, Manu River. We may see Black Caimans, White caimans, toucans, parrots, scores of wild macaws, several species of raptors, and maybe even a magnificent Jaguar After about four hours, we arrive at the Juarez Lake sandbar, then we hike 600 meters along a flat trail to the Juarez oxbow lake, where guides paddle us in a catamaran to the secluded Manu Lodge, the only lodge in the entire protected wilderness of Manu. Overnight: Manu Lodge.

Fourth and Fifth days:
We raise to the loud call of Howler monkeys, and to the option of a dawn paddle on the lake. During breakfast from the dining room, you may be able to see entire troops of Squirrel Monkeys, Brown Capuchins, and White-Fronted capuchins who may be visiting the lodge clearing in search of palm fruits. Without any doubt, one of the highlights of Manu Lodge is the family of four Giant Otters who have recently bred two cubs there. Manu Lodge visitors have been able to see these playful and gregarious carnivores from a 15-meter distance without causing any disturbance of their daily activities. This group of Giant Otters visit the Manu Lodge every now and then, and when at Juarez, they can be seen at different times of the day. Surprisingly, a few dead logs in front of our dining room is their favorite spot to eat fish, preen, and play. Overnights: Manu Lodge.

Sixth day:
Today we will have an opportunity to explore the Manu River, and two of the most beautiful oxbow lakes in Manu, Otorongo and Salvador. This river is another good chance to try our luck and see a Jaguar sunning in the sandbars of the Manu River, as well as side-neck turtles sunning in logs On the boat trip back to Manu Lodge we will make a stop at lake Otorongo in hopes to see a troop of woolly monkeys and to climb a 100ft. observation tower near the lake shore. If we are lucky while on this tower, we might see a group of Giant Otters playing and fishing on the waters below. We boat back to Manu Lodge in the late afternoon, to a refreshing shower, snacks and iced drinks. Overnight: Manu Lodge.

Seventh day:
Two miradors are located within a close distance from the Manu Lodge; when clear they allow visitors with a vista of the canopy that stretches to the snow-capped peaks near Cusco. Dawn visit to the miradors are the most rewarding and while we look at the seemingly endless horizon, several primate and bird species may reward our patience. Mirador visitors regularly see: white-trhoated jacamar, paradise tanagers, opal rumped tanager, and swallow tanager. Eye-level sights of red and green macaws, scarlet macaws, and blue and yellow macaws as they fly by the mirador, and turn their heads to look at us is an unforgettable memory. On some occasions visitors have been rewarded with sights of ornate-hawk eagle, and the monkey -eating harpy eagle. At over a meter-high, its yellow legs and talons seem larger than human arms and hands.

OPTIONAL: Canopy climbing. During your stay in Manu Lodge you have the chance to explore the rainforest canopy at a closer range. Our staff can take you for a spectacular and safe climbs to a platform located 76 feet above the ground. Overnight: Manu Lodge.

OPTIONAL: Macaw Clay Lick two-day expedition: It is important to note that the activity at macaw licks, as well as other types of licks is very seasonal. Macaw licks are almost inactive during the rainy season. Macaw licks are totally inactive during the months of May-June. you should probably attempt to see it only between the months of July through September.

Eighth day:
Today we boat back to the confluence of the Manu and the Madre de Dios River to our rendezvous with a twin-engine, pressurized Beechcraft plane. The journey back to the airstrip is our last chance to spot a Capybara, the world's largest rodent, or a Tapir, a relative of horses and the rainforest's largest mammal. The small airstrip will almost certainly make you wonder of the possibility of any aircraft landing in the small grassy airstrip. Nevertheless, the expert bush-pilots will make it look easy as you take-off over the meandering river. The flight to Cusco is an experience in itself as it provides a totally different perspective of the forest. As the plane gently climbs towards the towering Andes you will have a great view of huge stands of Aguaje palms, the braided Upper Madre de Dios River, smaller meandering tributaries, small native settlements, and the glaciers of the Carabaya range, as well as the Urubamba glaciers near Machupicchu. Weather conditions, airport traffic in Cusco, and other factors may cause frequent, several hour-delays at either, Cusco or Boca Manu runways. Thus, you should consider flight schedules provided only as a reference. Upon arrival in Cusco our staff will transfer you to the shocking experience of our world... End.

INCLUSIONS: Ground, plane and boat transport, naturalist guide, all meals, accommodations at Manu Cloud Forest camp, Amazonia Lodge and Manu Lodge, entrance fees and park permits, transfer to hotel.

PRICES PER PERSON IN $US

Options which must be booked with the tour: Macaw clay lick option; two-day camping expedition.

PRICE PER PERSON:

High season: US$505.00
Low season US$428.00
Mountain biking: US$84 per person.
White water rafting: US$98 per person. Two participants minimum.
Canopy climbing: US$45 per person.

*Please E-Mail us for pre-scheduled departure dates.