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- Information
- Tour Plan
- Route
- Gallery
- Reviews
- Download Info
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What's included
- Activities Listed in the Program
- Box Lunch
- Casa Matsiguenka Lodge Night
- Duffel Bags for Repacking
- El Dorado Lodge Night
- English Speaking Guide
- First Aid Kit (Antivenom)
- Free Storage Room in Cusco
- Macaw Clay Lick Ticket
- Meals (according the itinerary)
- Park Entrance Tickets
- Purified Water to Refill
- Rubber Boots
- Snacks (Fresh Fruits, Cookies Juices )
- Transport (Air Conditioned Minivan or SUV)
- Alcoholic Drinks
- Binoculars (Available to rent)
- First Day Breakfast
- Single Supplement Upgrade
Amazon Wildlife ExperiencesAmazon Wildlife Experiences
From Wildlife to Ancient Culture: An Insightful Trip to Manu 7 Days
Are you looking for the ultimate Amazon Wildlife & Cultural Experience? Look no further. Our 7-day Tour takes you to discover the amazing animals, plants, and landscapes found in Manu National Park – one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.
Starting in Cuzco, we will drive along the Andean mountains, traversing the Cloud Fores, and begin our exciting adventure! We will explore the various ecosystems and habitats in the park from 3,800 to 200 meters in elevation, observing a wide variety of unique bird species, colorful frogs, reptiles, and exotic mammals. We’ll also visit remote tribal villages, and learn about their traditional way of life.
Surround yourself with the hundreds of species of inhabitants such as; birds, reptiles, fish, monkeys, sloths, giant river otters, caymans, and in particular, the wildcats.
What Makes this Tour Unique?
A Voyage of Discovery: Wildlife–spotting and Gaining Insight into the Ancient Culture of Manu
Spending a whole week certainly heightens your chances of seeing more of what this vast area has to offer. Even more, broadening your horizon, to witness what Manu National Park has in store for you.
Travel by car isn’t the only thing, cruising down the river in the motorboat, waving to the animals on the banks. Not to forget trekking through the lush forests, listening to the birds overhead, and the monkeys lounging in the trees. This tour creates an overflowing experience that will knock your socks off.
From the wildlife to the dramatic scenery that encapsulates you. Get ready and pack to visit one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, the real highlights are the wildlife and the ancient tribes
Pankotsi Lodge “Matsiguenka Tribe”
The Shipeteari Community is a remote Amazonian Tribe that provides visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about their culture and traditions. The Community of Shipeteari is located close to the banks of the Alto Madre de Dios River.
The natives of Shipeteari are passionate about preserving their culture and traditions. Visitors may be invited to participate in traditional hunts and spend the night in an indigenous hut. Furthermore, visitors will likely learn about the customs and beliefs of the tribe, which will offer them an insight into the unique world of Matsiguenka culture.
Visiting the remote “Native Community of Shipeteari” is an incredible way to learn about the traditional culture and lifestyle of this unique Amazonian people. Visitors will have the chance to experience centuries–old traditions first–hand and better understand the intricacies of living in the Amazon rainforest. This experience is sure to leave an unforgettable impression on anyone fortunate enough to visit.
Macaw Clay lick at Casa Matsiguenka
Macaw Clay Lick is one of nature’s most remarkable displays in the Amazon Rainforest. Visiting Casa Matsiguenka you will experience how the Red and Green Macaws congregate each day to feast on the clay of these ancient banks.
The Macaw clay licks are a very important part of the environment providing nutritional and social benefits to the Macaw population.
They are generally coupled and must gather in large numbers to completely change their diet. It has been speculated that Macaws ingest clay to neutralize the strong acids they gain from their primary food sources. The season to observe the clay licks are during the dry season in June, July, August, and September when the macaws gather around dawn and mid-day.
To get the most out of a visit to Macaw Clay Lick, follow your guide’s recommendations and advice since it has a productive activity depending on some factors; weather conditions, predators’ presence, season, etc.
The best way to observe the phenomenon is to stay as still as possible and not make any sudden moves while staying at the viewing platform
Salvador Oxbow Lake
The Oxbow Lake in the Amazon Rainforest provides an unparalleled opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. From majestic birds to Giant River Otters, native wildlife abounds in abundance at this tranquil lake located in the core of the Manu National Park. With a highly biodiverse array of species, visitors can witness the biodiversity of this unique ecosystem firsthand. Accessible by a short hike from the shores of the Manu River, the Salvador, and Otorongo Oxbow Lakes offer an abundance of activities to keep visitors mesmerized throughout the day.
From incredible observation towers and multi-located docks that overlook the lake and provide a stunning view of the rainforest, to a hiking network of trails that wind through the primary forest and provide breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforest.
Wildlife encounters are a highlight, with the sizable wildlife population, including a variety of primates, peccaries, snakes, spiders, frogs, and more. The Oxbow Lakes is also a great destination for those interested in Photography and Birding
Mammals Clay Licks at Pankotsi
The mammal’s clay lick also known as a mineral lick or salt lick, is a unique natural feature where certain animals such as; tapirs, peccaries, deers, monkeys on day time, and large birds like guans go to lick the mineral-rich clay inside the forest.
The animals come to the lick mostly in the nighttime from several miles away, drawn by the salty clay that helps them absorb essential minerals and salts not otherwise available in the area. The lick also provides animals with a safe place to socialize.
With the help of our local guides, we had the wonderful opportunity to observe some nocturnal animals in their natural environment. Visiting Pankotsi Lodge to see nocturnal animals at the mammal’s clay lick is an unforgettable and exciting experience.
Visitors will be able to listen to the local guides share stories about the mammals inhabiting the area, as well as facts about the clay lick. This gives a unique insight into the life and behavior of these fascinating creatures.
Amazon Wildlife Experience Lodges?
During this 7-day Amazon Wildlife Experience in Manu, you get the chance to stay at three lodges. Possibly the best available lodges for wildlife and culture in Manu National Park.
Guadalupe Lodge
Located on the lush foothill forest over 580 m / 1, 902 ft in elevation. The lodge looks out over the magical palm forest with colorful blue and yellow macaws flying over, it and thousands of oropendolas.
Guadalupe Lodge lies within the booming bamboo forest. The lodge has private bathroom facilities and a bonus of showers with hot water. Lights and electricity, 24 hours from solar panels, and free WIFI.
The garden flourished with beautiful greenery, the plants which aid in attracting the animals. The surroundings hold especially gorgeous views from the terrace of the dining room.
Pankotsi Lodge
Native community lodge located in the vicinity of Manu National Park, with five well-equipped bungalows with excellent triple rooms and outdoor bathrooms. Managed by the Shipetiari Native Community in cooperation with NGOs and Tour Operators. An excellent option for those who want to combine nature with culture.
Casa Matsiguenka
Above all, what we like about this Lodge, is the beautiful environment that surrounds it. We have lovely rooms with peace and quiet in a remote setting like the other camps inside Manu National Park.
As a result, the wildlife spotting is exceptionally good. Each bungalow has two beds, equipped with mosquito netting. The bathroom facilities are shared in a separate building
Electricity is provided by solar panels. There is a separate building with a kitchen and a small dining room, where meals can be taken. The Lodge is special like no other. It is run by Matsiguenka Natives, which adds a more authentic air, making it different from the other lodge management.
What about the Temperature?
The first night will be spent in the base of the cloud forest, Guadalupe Lodge, at around 620 meters in elevation. The temperature is about 18 degrees Celsius (64 F).
At Manu’s lowland rainforest, (Lower elevation) the temperature at night is normally around 24 degrees Celsius (75F) and during the day about 30 degrees Celsius (86F).
However, cold winds from Patagonia may reach the Manu rainforest and the temperature may lower to about 10 degrees Celsius (50F). These “Friajes” are more common during the southern hemisphere’s wintertime (between April and the end of August)
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
- Day 7
Cusco - 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 stop at Ninamarca burials 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). Upon arrival at Guadalupe Lodge, you will be able to explore a loop trail that traverses the swamp forest in search of the capuchin and night monkeys and encounter interesting bird activities before dusk such as the blue and yellow macaws, woodpeckers, oropendolas among others. We can also explore the caves and canyons to see animals that only live in darkness, spider scorpions, and different species of bats * flashlights are needed. Overnight at Guadalupe Lodge (Private Toilets, Hot Showers, WIFI).
Guadalupe Lodge -Pankotsi Lodge
Enjoy waking up and taking breakfast with the singing of Amazonian birds. By mid-morning you will be transferred to the Atalaya port where you can appreciate the view of myriads of colorful birds and rich wildlife. At the river’s dock, embark in a motor boat and navigate down this crystalline river of Madre de Dios. After 5 hours, you will reach the Pankotsi Lodge, this boat journey will be exciting to look for some aquatic wildlife; capybaras, birds, and caimans basking along the river bank. In the mid-afternoon, you will ramble through the primary forest searching for some families of monkeys, and peccaries, in the meantime, you will have the opportunity to visit the mammals' clay lick. Overnight at Pankotsi Lodge
Pankotsi Lodge - Casa Matsiguenka
Early morning breakfast and departure, we embark on a motorboat and navigate down the crystalline river of Madre de Dios. We will reach the confluence with the Manu River, we stop briefly at the Limonal ranger station for check-in then, we travel upriver we’ll search diligently for any signs of Jaguar, still, only a slim chance but this river is perhaps the best location to find this magnificent mammal. Just a few curves up the river the environment will change, there will be orders of magnitude more to look at, from hundreds if not thousands of swallows and butterflies, to every single sandbar being occupied by something interesting. We will keep a close watch for wildcats. We continue navigating to reach the Casa Machiguenga lodge which it´s set aside a short distance from the Rio Manu in the heart of Manu National Park and stay the following nights at this peaceful place with pristine surroundings. * Night walks are optional and depend on travelers' desires.
Casa Matsiguenka (Lake Exploration , Trails , Macaw Clay Lick )
We will have the better part to enjoy Manu´s Wilderness, in the morning, we will explore the Salvador oxbow lake famous for its population of Giant River Otters which usually breed there. They can be seen at different times of the day, and this gregarious and playful carnivorous spend a good deal of their time fishing or playing by any side of the lake or just taking a sunbath on their favorite dead logs. We’ll have access to a floating catamaran (two large canoes connected by wooden planks) with chairs set up for bird and wildlife viewing (which makes paddling around the lake easily and comfortable. Apart from looking for the giant river otters, we’ll have the chance for many of the lake edge species, including the fabulous Hoatzin, Agami, and herons, interesting raptors, colorful macaws oropendolas, and caciques. Just floating around the lake will be one of the joys of the trip, In the forest around the lake we’ll also search for more species of monkeys such as white-fronted capuchin, and pygmy marmoset. Apart from the lake, the forest around Salvador Lake and the lodge are some of the best Amazonian rainforests we have seen, and a nice network of trails allows us to leisurely stroll on flat trails the rest of the day. During midday we will explore the terra Firme, the route takes you through Terraza Forest” forest which is the habitat for Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) among other species of trees as you move deep into the heart of the forest is also an excellent place to run into troops of monkeys. We will reach the Macaw Clay Lick that attracts the red and green macaws visiting this clay lick is also always a big highlight of the trip. Overnight: Casa Machiguenga Lodge. (Please notice that the time to visit the Salvador lagoon on this day is subject to availability)
Casa Machiguenga– Pankotsi Lodge
This morning we’ll board our boat and begin the journey down the Rio Manu. On the way, we will pass by the trailhead of the Otorongo Oxbow Lake, where we will be able to walk inside pristine and have an impression of how the forest looks like it inside, there is a trail network that allows visiting a canopy tower that overlooks the lake and swamps and few other wooden platforms to observe some aquatic wildlife and alligators. This forest section also harbors one of the largest kapok trees, visitors can walk nearby its root system to see its enormous size. We’ll also have access and briefly see the untouched rainforest. Returning to the boat trip will be again very exciting with lots of bird activity on the many sandbars as well as side-necked turtles sunning on the logs. This will be again another opportunity for catching a glimpse of the magnificent Jaguar. After about four hours we will reach the Limonal ranger station to register and brief stop for toilets. Lunch will be served on the boat and we arrive at Pankotsi Lodge by mid-afternoon to have enough time to explore the surroundings and learn more about the Matsiguenka Culture. Night walks are available depending on the wishes of the group.
Pankotsi Lodge - Guadalupe Lodge
This morning we will have the opportunity to explore much deeper the trails and later we will boat up the fast-flowing braided and clear water upper Madre de Dios in the morning as we start our five hours back journey to Atalaya this is the last chance to spot the capybara, the world’s largest rodent. We’ll keep a close watch for raptors, as we have seen numerous Kites, as well as fun birds such as Vultures, and eagles. We’ll continue navigating the upper Alto Madre de Dios River and our re-introduction into civilization at Atalaya Port, after one hour of overland transportation, we reach the Guadalupe Lodge and have time for a night walk around the area.
Guadalupe Lodge - Cusco
An optional morning walk to see the blue and yellow macaws overflying the palm forest, we may be able to see other colorful birds such as; Toucans, Woodpeckers, etc.
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 you 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 waterfalls, and cascades. The arrival in Cusco should be around 4 pm.
*IMPORTANT. Please bear in mind that there is road construction and improvement in Manu Cloud Forest some delays are expected due to traffic time being limited to certain hours. Apologies for any inconvenience in advance.
Travelicious Review
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User Reviews & Comments
Koenraad VM
We did a 7-day trip in Manu National Park at the beginning of July and it was amazing. The park is a beautiful place: we saw a jaguar, dozens of bird species, caymans, giant otters, poison dart frogs, snakes, tarantulas, red howler monkeys, black spider monkeys, and many more. Esau was the best guide you could imagine: he knows the forest like nobody else, he is very experienced and has always some exciting stories to tell and he has the eyes of a hawk. He could spot animals from miles away! The lodges and the food very nice as well and we had two very good boatmen. Important to know: this trip is very intense with long days.
10 October, 2023
Luuc Vlieger
I did the 7 day tour to the reserved zone with Wild Watch Peru. It was an absolutely lovely experience, and Esau the guide is exceptional. He has eyes of an eagle, and is a lovely person. To illustrate his skill; he spotted a jaguar from maybe 100-200 meters while other groups, who did the same route, did not see anything. He is very passionate and knows a lot about nature, he knows all the species and is happy to explain about it.
18 August, 2023
Jacob
My girlfriend and I went on an 8 day excursion in Manu park. Our guide was Esau. Esau was a fantastic; full of information and enthusiasm. He was ALWAYS on the lookout for wildlife and spotted animals that would have been invisible to us without him. He was ready to go on nature walks at every moment and beyond excited to teach us everything he knew about the forest, animals and native peoples. We had an unforgettable experience that I wouldn’t trade for the world.
31 January, 2023
Ron Schuurmann
I was on a 7-day tour and on our two walks in the Reserved Zone, we saw 6 different species of monkey more than once and the giant river otters for an extended time plus two snakes and many other creatures. Along the riverbanks of the Manu River we came across the caiman and pacu but not outside the reserved zone. Outside the reserved zone in two walks we saw one group of monkeys and a few other mammals. If you're into birds, request additional time in the cloud forest.
1 July, 2022
Mirrelle_Sche
We spent a week in Manu national park with another dutch family in August and had a great time. The wildlife both around the lodge and in the Manu Park was abundant and amazing. From our cabins, we saw monkeys, parrots, toucans and many many different types of birds. We were woken up in the mornings by the howler monkeys right outside on the tall trees at Casa Matsiguenka. on top of that a jaguar along the river. Meals were included and prepared by our expert chef Fernando This is one of my most favorite places that I've ever experienced.
7 September, 2019