Information
One knows that time is flying when visiting Peru. Such a culturally and naturally rich country which has lots to offer in terms of traditions, history, cuisine and landscapes. The Peruvian rainforest is a must-see attraction not so far from Cuzco, the gateway of our expeditions. The evolution of landscapes from mountains to forest enable nature’s enthusiasts to capture stunning views over the cloud forest, oxbow lakes, caves and exciting nature walks to observe wildlife.
ELEVATION RANGE: from 1640ft to 12,467ft (500m – 3800m)
WILDLIFE: Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, monkeys, capybara, macaws, hoatzin, spiders, reptiles
ACTIVITIES: wildlife observation, day & night nature walks, oxbow lake cruise, on local raft, motor boat, caves exploration.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Cusco – Cloud Forest – Guadalupe Lodge
After Picking you up in Cusco, the beginning of the Manu Road passes through numerous dry inner-mountain valleys and picturesque villages. This gives you a quick overview of locals’ lifestyles and colorful clothes. A brief call at Ninamarca will give you the possibility to explore the pre-Incas tombs within this well archaeological site. The road includes various stops, so you can enjoy seeing the surrounding landscapes varying from high mountains to humid forests. The next stop will occur in the village of Paucartambo which features a beautiful arched colonial bridge. From Paucartambo the altitude will keep on increasing and the setting gradually gets enveloped by a cloudy mist. The road leads you to Acjanaco pass consisting of the main gateway to Manu National Park. Once across Acjanaco Pass (3550 m / 11.647 ft) the environment dramatically changes from dry to wet valleys. Do not miss the splendid view when looking down toward the lowlands! The lush and misty cloud forest surrounded by massive rocks and waterfalls is perhaps the most fragile and threatened type of rainforest. In such an environment filled with lichens and moss-carpeted soil, spotting birds will be the main target. You will get the chance to stare at a large variety of birds ranging from the Peruvian national bird, the brightly red Andean Cock-of-the-Rock if lucky the wooly monkeys. The road will head down to the Guadalupe lodge (560 m./1837 ft). Overnight at Guadalupe Lodge (Private Toilets, Hot Showers, WIFI). Upon arrival to the property (from 4:30 PM) you will be able to explore a loop trail that traverse the swamp forest in the search of the capuchin and night monkeys and encounter interesting bird activity before dusk such as the blue and yellow macaws, woodpeckers, oropendolas among others.
DAY 2: Guadalupe Lodge – River Boat Journey – Nature Walks- Lake Explorations – Lodge
This morning, we will wake up to the songs of Amazonian birds. We start the day traveling to Atalaya port where you can appreciate the view of myriads of colorful birds, and the rich wildlife. The drive goes along tropical plantations of papayas, bananas, etc. At Atalaya river’s deck, you will embark in a motor boat and navigate down this crystalline river of Madre de Dios. After an hour of boat navigation
and somewhat 40 minutes of hiking you will be able to reach Machuhuasi Oxbow Lake, consisting of wetlands of lush vegetation, hosting a large variety of birds (hoatzins, horned screamer, herons, macaws) and larger animals (monkeys, river otter, caimans, and capybaras) over this location there is a network of trails to explore which travers different habitats. The lake exploration and trail access could last 3 hours approximately, so snacks (fruits, crackers, packed juice) will be provided by your guide. The lunch will be settled on the motor boat or along the Madre de Dios River banks (our embarkation is roofed to prevent any sudden rain or intensive sunshine) After a short nap, the afternoon tour portion will begin and you would visit the shaman shelter who will teach us about medicinal and hallucinogenic plants including the Ayahuasca, Dragon’s blood, etc. Later you will ramble through the primary forest searching for some families of monkeys, and toucans, and hiking uphill you will be able to reach the giant Kapok tree that stands majestically on the foothill forest and adorning the landscapes with other colorful species. In the way back to the lodge and depending on the wishes of the group and time, our participants can visit the wildlife rescue center for around 30 minutes, this is an optional activity, and entrance fees are 10 soles per person. Overnight at Guadalupe Lodge (Private Toilets, Hot Showers, WIFI)
DAY 3: Guadalupe Lodge – Trail Explorations – Caves – Minivan ride to Cusco
A morning walk before breakfast to explore the foothill forest to look for the Wooly and Capuchin monkeys, you could encounter some emblematic birds of the Amazon rainforest such as macaws, toucans, woodpeckers, etc. The walk routes it’s a loop, then allowing you to explore the caves and canyons to see animals that only live in darkness, spider scorpions, and different species of bats * flashlights are needed Upon your return, your tasty breakfast will be ready, then you will need to pack and start hitting the road again to Cusco. The way back will give more opportunities to glimpse some more animals and discover the wildlife of the cloud forest and have impressive views of the exuberant cloud forest with waterfall, and cascades. The arrival in Cusco should be around 4 pm. ** Please if you need an earlier arrival to Cusco let us know.
Included & Bring
INCLUSIONS
- Specialized Local Guide (Bilingual) with spotting scope
- Private ground Transportation and motor Boat
- 3 nights at Guadalupe Lodge (private toilets, WIFI, hot showers, mosquito net)
- Entrance tickets to the attraction
- Meals Dinner from day 1st to Lunch Day 3rd
- Snacks & Purified Water
- Free Storage Room in Cusco
- Rubber Boots
NOT INCLUDED
• Alcoholic Drinks
• Nights on Single Supplement
• Breakfast Day 1st / Dinner Day 3
PLEASE BRING THE FOLLOWING
- Repellent with a minimum of 40% deet
- Binoculars
- Camera with extra batteries
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Sun lotion
- Pocket money
- Daypack
- Water bottle
- Sun hat
- Sandals
- Toilet Paper
- Dark Clothes
Availability
Group size:02min – 10max.
OUR FIXED DEPARTURE 2023-2024
January: 11th,15th,17th
Fefruary:
March: 5th,8th,10th,13th,16th,18th
April: 3rd,7th,9th,10th,12th,14th,15th,18th,21st
May: 14th,15th,18th
June: 12th,14th,15th
July: 18th,21st,24th,26th,27th,30th
August: 3rd,7th,9th,10th,12th,14th,15th,18th,21st,24th,26th,27th,30th
September: 1st,2nd,5th,8th,10th,13th,16th,18th,19th,20th,21st,23th,24th,25th
October:8th,10th,13th,16th,18th,19th,20th,21st,23th,24th,25th
November: 3rd,7th,9th,10th,12th,14th,15th,18th,21st
December: 1st,2nd,5th,8th,10th,13th,16th,18th,19th,20th,21st,23th,24th,28th