Your full-day excursion begins with an early morning pickup from Cusco. The journey on the Manu Road first traverses’ arid valleys and traditional villages, providing initial insight into local culture. We stop at Ninamarca to explore the site's pre-Inca tombs. The route features multiple scenic stops, allowing you to observe the landscape's transition from high-altitude mountains to humid forest. Next, we visit Paucartambo, notable for its colonial arched bridge. Beyond this point, the ascent continues, and the environment becomes gradually enveloped in mist. Upon reaching Acjanaco Pass, the entrance to Manu National Park, the setting dramatically shifts from dry to wet valleys, offering a commanding panoramic view over the Amazonian lowlands. The remainder of the drive is through the Cloud Forest, an ecologically rich zone of mist, waterfalls, and moss-covered terrain. This area provides excellent opportunities for observing diverse fauna, including various monkey species and numerous birds. Key sightings often feature the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Peru’s national bird), alongside tanagers, toucans, and quetzals. The day concludes with the descent and overnight stay at Guadalupe Lodge (560 m / 1,837 ft).

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!

Our morning focuses on Salvador Oxbow Lake, renowned for its resident family of Giant River Otters. These gregarious carnivores are often seen fishing, playing, or sunbathing on floating logs. We'll use a comfortable floating catamaran equipped with chairs—perfect for paddling silently around the lake and maximizing wildlife sightings. Beyond the otters, keep watch for the distinctive Hoatzin, plus various herons, raptors, colorful macaws, oropendolas, and caciques along the lake's edge.

The surrounding forest offers excellent wildlife tracking. We'll search the trails for additional primate species like white-fronted capuchins and pygmy marmosets. During the midday, we'll explore the Terra Firme Forest via a network of flat, leisurely trails. This area, known for trees like the towering Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa), is an exceptional spot to encounter active troops of monkeys. A major highlight awaits as we hike to the macaw clay lick, a dramatic natural spectacle where brilliant Red-and-green Macaws congregate.

We return for overnight accommodation at the Casa Machiguenga Lodge. (Note: Access time for Salvador Lagoon is subject to availability.)

This morning begins with a farewell to Casa Machiguenga as we re-board our boat for the journey back down the Manu River. Along the way, we stop at the Otorongo Oxbow Lake trailhead to explore a section of truly pristine rainforest. Here, we hike trails leading to a canopy platform overlooking the lake, ideal for spotting aquatic wildlife and alligators. Visitors will also walk near the massive root system of one of the largest Kapok trees. Returning to the boat, the river trip remains an exciting opportunity for spotting the magnificent Jaguar, with numerous sandbars alive with nesting birds and turtles basking on logs. After about four hours, we make a brief, mandatory stop at the Limonal Ranger Station for check-out. We'll enjoy lunch served on the boat before arriving at the comfortable Dorado Lodge by mid-afternoon, allowing time to explore the surroundings. An optional night walk is available based on the group's wishes.

A visit to a local Macaw Clay Lick near the lodge. Witness dozens of medium-sized Macaws, Parrots, and Parakeets gathering to gorge on vital minerals from the exposed clay—a vibrant, noisy, and unforgettable display!

After the lick, we board our boat for the five-hour journey back. We'll travel up the fast-flowing, braided, and clear waters of the Upper Madre de Dios River toward Atalaya. This is your last chance to spot the world’s largest rodent, the massive Capybara, along the riverbanks. Keep a keen eye on the skies, too, as we maintain watch for powerful raptors like Kites and Eagles, alongside various Vultures and other interesting riverine birds.

Our wilderness navigation concludes upon reaching Atalaya Port, where civilization awaits. From there, we take a short one-hour overland transfer to the Guadalupe Lodge. You'll have time to relax before dinner, and for one final adventure, an optional night walk is available to explore the fascinating forest surrounding the lodge after dark.

Start your final day with a captivating morning walk through the foothill forest before breakfast. We'll be actively searching for playful Wooly and Capuchin monkeys while keeping an eye out for iconic Amazonian birds like vibrant macaws, toucans, and woodpeckers.

The loop trail offers a unique detour into the forest's hidden world: the caves and canyons. Bring your flashlights to explore these dark habitats, home to creatures like spiders, scorpions, and various bat species.

Upon your return, a delicious, well-earned breakfast will be ready. After packing up, we hit the road back to Cusco. The return journey is not merely transit—it's another chance for discovery! We’ll drive through the breathtaking cloud forest again, offering impressive views of lush mountains, waterfalls, and cascades, providing extra opportunities to spot wildlife we might have missed on the way in. We are scheduled to arrive in Cusco around 4:00 PM. (Please notify us if you require an earlier arrival time.)