Awaken to the melodic chorus of Amazonian birds as you enjoy breakfast surrounded by nature’s soundtrack. By mid-morning, you’ll transfer to Atalaya Port, where vibrant birdlife and lush scenery paint a captivating welcome.

From the riverbank, embark on a scenic boat journey along the crystalline waters of the Madre de Dios River. As you navigate downstream for approximately five hours, keep your camera ready — capybaras, sunbathing caimans, and flocks of exotic birds often make appearances along the riverbanks.

Upon arriving at El Dorado Lodge, you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore one of the region’s most impressive natural spectacles: the nearby macaw clay lick. In the afternoon, venture into the surrounding primary forest in search of monkey troops, elusive peccaries, and a visit to the mammals’ clay lick for a close-up glimpse of rainforest fauna in action.

Fuel up with an early breakfast—we’ve got an exciting day ahead! We’ll board our motorboat and cut through the crisp, clear waters of the Madre de Dios River.Our primary mission begins as we reach the iconic junction with the Manu River. After a quick stop at the Limonal Ranger Station for the official park check-in, we push upriver right into the heart of the reserve. This specific stretch of water offers the best chance in the entire park to spot the legendary Jaguar. While this magnificent cat remains elusive, we’ll be scanning the banks with intense focus, determined to catch a glimpse of the Amazon’s ultimate predator.

Just a few bends later, prepare for the rainforest to explode with activity! The ecosystem intensifies dramatically: every sandbar becomes a stage, hosting countless swallows, butterflies, and a vibrant collection of riverside creatures. Keep your cameras ready, as this is true Amazonian wildlife viewing at its peak.

Our navigation concludes at the tranquil Casa Machiguenga Lodge. Tucked just away from the Manu River and deep within the park’s core, this pristine setting will be our base for the next few nights. For those whose adventure doesn’t end at sundown, we offer optional night walks to explore the fascinating world of the rainforest after dark!

On this day, you will spend the better part of your time exploring the wilderness of Manu. The main activity is a visit to Salvador oxbow lake, famous for its population of Giant Otters. You’ll use a floating catamaran to comfortably observe these playful animals, as well as a variety of lake-edge birds, including the unique Hoatzin, herons, and colorful macaws. In addition to the lake, you’ll hike the forest trails around the lodge, looking for different species of monkeys, such as white-fronted capuchins and pygmy marmosets. During the midday, the tour includes a trek through a Terraza Forest, which is home to Brazil nut trees and other species, to reach a macaw clay lick where you can watch red and green macaws. The day concludes with an overnight stay at the Casa Machiguenga lodge. Note that the visit to the lake is subject to availability.

The morning begins with a boat trip down the Manu River. You’ll stop to hike a trail for a closer look at the pristine forest, with the chance to see some of the area’s largest kapok trees. The boat trip continues to be a great opportunity to spot wildlife, including various birds on sandbars, sunning turtles, and possibly the elusive Jaguar. After about four hours, you’ll reach the Limonal ranger station for a brief stop. Lunch will be served on the boat, and you’ll arrive at the Dorado Lodge in the mid-afternoon. This gives you time to explore the surroundings, with an optional night walk available depending on the group’s wishes.

Please note, due to reports of uncontacted groups moving on the right side of the Manu River, you will not be visiting the Otorongo oxbow lake and tower to avoid any potential encounters.

In the morning, you’ll visit a Macaw Clay Lick near the lodge to watch parrots, parakeets, and medium-sized macaws consume minerals. Afterward, you’ll begin the five-hour boat trip back to Atalaya Port on the Upper Madre de Dios River. This journey provides a final opportunity to spot capybaras and various raptors, vultures, and eagles. Upon reaching Atalaya, you’ll take a one-hour overland trip to Guadalupe Lodge, where you’ll have time for an optional night walk.

Your last morning begins with a pre-breakfast walk through the foothill forest, where you can look for Wooly and Capuchin monkeys and other emblematic birds like macaws and toucans. The loop trail also includes a visit to caves and canyons to see nocturnal animals such as spiders, scorpions, and bats (flashlights are needed). After the walk, you’ll have breakfast, pack up, and begin the drive back to Cusco. The return journey offers more opportunities for wildlife sightings and impressive views of the cloud forest and its waterfalls. You are scheduled to arrive in Cusco around 4 p.m.