Manu Park Wildlife & Culture – 7 Days

The journey begins in Cusco, following the scenic Manu Road through dry inter-Andean valleys and vibrant highland villages, where traditional clothing and rural life offer a glimpse into local culture.  A stop at Ninamarca reveals pre-Inca tombs perched on the hillside—an evocative archaeological site full of history. Further along, Paucartambo welcomes you with its colonial architecture and iconic arched bridge over the Mapacho River.

As you ascend to the Acjanaco Pass (3,550 m / 11,647 ft), the environment shifts dramatically. Lush cloud forests replace arid slopes, cloaking the landscape in mist, moss, and cascading waterfalls. This is one of the world's most delicate ecosystems and a haven for bird enthusiasts. Look for tanagers, toucans, and—if fortune favors—the striking Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. You may even catch sight of woolly monkeys swinging through the canopy.

Descending into the rainforest, you arrive at Guadalupe Lodge (560 m / 1,837 ft), nestled in the lowland jungle. In the afternoon, explore forest trails in search of capuchin and night monkeys, along with vivid birdlife such as macaws, woodpeckers, and oropendolas. After dark, delve into nearby caves and canyons to observe nocturnal wildlife—from elusive bats to whip spider scorpions. Bring your flashlight; this is a glimpse into the secret life of the forest. Overnight at Guadalupe Lodge – enjoy private bathrooms, showers, and Wi-Fi in a jungle retreat like no other.

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.

Overnight at El Dorado Lodge.

After an early breakfast, we board our motorboat and begin navigating the pristine waters of the Madre de Dios River. As we journey downstream, we reach the confluence with the legendary Manu River, where a brief stop at the Limonal Ranger Station allows for registration and check-in.

From here, our adventure continues upriver into the heart of Manu National Park. With expert eyes scanning the shoreline, we’ll be on the lookout for signs of the elusive jaguar. While sightings remain rare, this stretch of river is considered among the best places in the Amazon basin to encounter this majestic feline.

As we advance, the landscape transforms dramatically — every bend in the river reveals a new spectacle: swirling clouds of swallows, vibrant butterflies dancing above the water, and sandbars teeming with wildlife. Our guides remain alert, continuously scanning for wildcats and other hidden wonders of the rainforest.

By late afternoon, we arrive at Casa Machiguenga Lodge, nestled in serene isolation just off the Manu River. Tucked deep within the national park, this tranquil retreat offers the perfect setting to unwind and immerse yourself in untouched nature. Optional night walks are available for those eager to experience the forest’s nocturnal rhythms.

oday is dedicated to exploring the unspoiled wonders of Manu’s wilderness, beginning with an early excursion to the renowned Salvador Oxbow Lake—one of the park’s most iconic wildlife hotspots. This serene lake is home to Giant River Otters, charismatic and social mammals often seen fishing, basking on driftwood, or playfully gliding along the shoreline.

Our exploration unfolds aboard a specially designed catamaran, ideal for silent paddling and unobstructed wildlife observation. As we drift across the tranquil waters, we’ll also scan for an abundance of birdlife: hoatzins, agami herons, raptors, oropendolas, caciques, and vibrant macaws may all make an appearance.

The surrounding rainforest offers just as much to discover. Along well-maintained trails through this pristine environment, we’ll search for primates such as white-fronted capuchins and pygmy marmosets, along with countless other fascinating species hidden within the lush undergrowth.

In the afternoon, our journey continues into the terra firme forest—a landscape of towering hardwoods including ancient Brazil nut trees (Bertholletia excelsa). This area is a prime location for observing troops of monkeys and other arboreal wildlife in their natural element.

A true highlight awaits at the Macaw Clay Lick, where flocks of red-and-green macaws descend in vibrant spectacle to feed on mineral-rich clay—a breathtaking display of color, movement, and sound that is unique to this part of the Amazon.

Overnight at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge.

Note: Access to Salvador Lake is subject to park logistics and availability.

The day begins with a serene descent along the Río Manu, immersed in the ancient, untouched beauty of Manu National Park. Our first stop is the trailhead to Otorongo Oxbow Lake, where a short walk through dense rainforest leads us into the very heart of the Amazon.

A network of well-marked trails winds its way to a canopy observation tower, offering sweeping views over the lake and the surrounding wetlands. From elevated platforms, we’ll scan for wildlife such as caimans and a dazzling array of bird species in their natural habitat.

Nearby stands one of the region’s most impressive giants: a monumental kapok tree, its massive root system fanning out like natural sculpture across the forest floor—a humbling symbol of the Amazon’s power and resilience.

Back aboard our boat, the river unveils even more magic. Sandbars bustle with birds, and side-necked turtles soak in the sun. This stretch of the Manu is also considered one of the better areas for spotting jaguars, especially along its quieter, shaded banks.

After about four hours of river travel, we’ll check in at the Limonal Ranger Station and pause briefly to rest. A picnic-style lunch is served onboard as we continue toward El Dorado Lodge, arriving by mid-afternoon.

For those with energy to spare, the day may conclude with an optional night walk—an intimate glimpse into the forest’s richly active nocturnal life.

Today begins with a guided walk into a more secluded stretch of forest, following lesser-traveled trails that reveal the region’s extraordinary biodiversity one last time. It’s a quiet, reflective immersion—perfect for taking in the richness and rhythm of the Amazon before our return.
Later, we board our motorized canoe for the upstream journey along the braided, crystalline waters of the upper Madre de Dios River. As we navigate shifting channels and brisk currents, the landscape offers its parting gifts: sightings of capybaras basking along the banks, and raptors such as kites, eagles, and vultures soaring overhead.
After approximately five hours on the river, we reach the port of Atalaya—our threshold back to civilization. A scenic one-hour drive returns us to Guadalupe Lodge, where you’re invited to relax and, if desired, join an optional night walk to encounter the forest’s nocturnal lifFor those eager to savor every last moment in the forest, an optional early morning walk offers a spectacular opportunity to witness blue-and-yellow macaws gliding gracefully over the palm canopy—a breathtaking farewell to the Amazon. Along the way, you may also spot other canopy dwellers such as toucans, woodpeckers, and a chorus of vibrant birdlife beginning their day.
Upon returning, a nourishing breakfast will be served, followed by time to gather your belongings and prepare for the overland journey back to Cusco. As we ascend through the cloud forest, the route offers final glimpses of the region’s stunning beauty—waterfalls tumbling down lush hillsides, mist-laced foliage, and the ever-present soundtrack of nature.
Arrival in Cusco is anticipated around 4:00 PM, bringing to a close an unforgettable expedition through one of the planet’s most extraordinary natural realms.

For those eager to savor every last moment in the forest, an optional early morning walk offers a spectacular opportunity to witness blue-and-yellow macaws gliding gracefully over the palm canopy—a breathtaking farewell to the Amazon. Along the way, you may also spot other canopy dwellers such as toucans, woodpeckers, and a chorus of vibrant birdlife beginning their day.
Upon returning, a nourishing breakfast will be served, followed by time to gather your belongings and prepare for the overland journey back to Cusco. As we ascend through the cloud forest, the route offers final glimpses of the region’s stunning beauty—waterfalls tumbling down lush hillsides, mist-laced foliage, and the ever-present soundtrack of nature.
Arrival in Cusco is anticipated around 4:00 PM, bringing to a close an unforgettable expedition through one of the planet’s most extraordinary natural realms.