Cusco Amazon – Manu 4 Days / 3 Nights

Breakfast is served at the lodge before we begin moving toward the lower forest.

During the drive, the guide watches the vegetation for movement.

Brief stops may be made when animals are active near the road.

Possible sightings include:

• Monkeys
• Squirrels
• Guans
• Parrots
• Small forest birds
• Butterflies

Hummingbird Garden

We stop at a small ecotourism property where hummingbirds move between flowers, trees and feeding areas.

Instead of constantly moving around, spending several minutes in the same position can make it easier to watch individual birds.

Tanagers and other small species may also appear nearby.

The property also provides an opportunity to learn about:

• Coca cultivation
• Medicinal plants
• Local crops
• Plants used by people living in the area

Atalaya Viewpoint

We continue toward Atalaya.

From the viewpoint, the group can look across the valley toward the Alto Madre de Dios River.

We then continue toward the river port.

Alto Madre de Dios River

At Atalaya, we board a motorized boat and begin navigating the Alto Madre de Dios.

The guide watches:

• Riverbanks
• Tree branches
• Beaches
• Fallen trees
• Vegetation near the water

for birds and other animals.

Possible sightings may include parrots, monkeys, kingfishers, herons and other species associated with the river corridor.

River Swimming

When water level, current and weather conditions are suitable, the guide and boat crew may select an appropriate place for swimming.

Passengers should only enter the river after receiving permission from the operating staff.

Lunch is served during this part of the day.

Cocha Machuwasi

We continue toward Cocha Machuwasi.

A forest trail leads toward the lake.

Recent rain can make sections muddy, and roots may make the trail uneven.

Around the lake, possible sightings include:

• Hoatzins
• Horned Screamers
• Macaws
• Parrots
• Capybaras
• Monkeys
• Herons
• Kingfishers
• Other wetland birds

Traditional Wooden Raft

The group moves across part of the lake on a traditional wooden raft.

The slow movement across the water makes it easier to listen for animals moving through nearby vegetation.

An observation tower may also be used when access and operating conditions permit.

Later, we return to our lodge.

Dinner is served in the evening.

Day highlight: Traveling along the Alto Madre de Dios River and crossing Cocha Machuwasi on a traditional wooden raft.

Technical Details

• Transport: Private vehicle, motorized boat and wooden raft
• Walking: Short forest walks
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Terrain: Forest paths, roots, wet soil and possible mud
• Climate: Warm and humid
• Main areas: Pilcopata, Atalaya, Alto Madre de Dios and Cocha Machuwasi
• Main wildlife targets: Hummingbirds, monkeys, Hoatzins, macaws and capybaras
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Accommodation: Eco lodge

Breakfast is served at the eco lodge.

Before departure, there may be time to watch birds moving around the surrounding vegetation.

The morning then takes us toward a different part of the Manu area.

Huacaria Native Community

We travel toward the Huacaria Native Community.

The activities are carried out with local hosts and should be approached respectfully.

The program includes:

• Guided presentation of local handicrafts
• Arch-and-arrow demonstration
• Time to learn about daily activities presented by community members
• Masato tasting
• Opportunity to ask questions through the guide

Travelers should remember that Huacaria is a living community rather than a staged attraction.

Photography of individuals should only be done after receiving permission.

Personal questions and behavior should remain respectful at all times.

Lunch

A typical lunch is served as part of the day’s activities.

The meal provides a break before continuing with the afternoon program.

Huacaria Waters

The program includes time near the clear-water bathing area of Huacaria.

Swimming depends on water conditions and guidance from the operating staff.

Passengers should not enter the water without authorization.

Manu Biological Station

Later, the program continues to Manu Biological Station.

This stop adds another forest-focused component to the day before the group begins the return toward the lodge.

The exact activities carried out during the station stop depend on the operating program and access available on the date of travel.

Return to the Lodge

After completing the day’s activities, we return to the eco lodge.

The group settles in for the final night of the route.

Dinner is served at the lodge.

Day highlight: Spending time at Huacaria Native Community before continuing to Manu Biological Station.

Technical Details

• Transport: Private vehicle
• Walking: Short to moderate walks
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: Community paths, forest areas and uneven ground
• Climate: Warm and humid
• Main activities: Huacaria community activities, local lunch, bathing area and Manu Biological Station
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Accommodation: Eco lodge

Breakfast is served at the eco lodge before we begin the return journey toward Cusco.

The road gradually climbs from the warm forest around Pilcopata toward cooler mountain conditions.

Wildlife Along the Return Route

Returning along the same road does not mean seeing the same things.

Animals that were absent during the outward journey may be active during the return.

When conditions and timing permit, the guide may make brief stops for:

• Birds
• Monkeys
• Forest vegetation
• Photography
• Short observation sessions

The change in elevation becomes noticeable again as temperatures begin to fall.

Paucartambo

We arrive in Paucartambo, where lunch is included.

This gives the group a final break before continuing toward Cusco.

Return to Cusco

After lunch, we continue across the Andes.

Arrival in Cusco marks the end of the four-day program.

Day highlight: A final crossing from the Amazon foothills back toward the Andes, with another opportunity to look for wildlife along the Manu Road.

Technical Details

• Transport: Private tourist vehicle
• Walking: Minimal
• Difficulty: Easy
• Climate: Warm at lower elevations, becoming cooler during the climb
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch
• Dinner: Not included
• Final destination: Cusco