Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Cloud Forest – Pilcopata - Lodge
Highlight of the Day: Acjanaco Pass, cloud forest, and Cock of the Rock
We leave Cusco very early in the morning, with hotel pickup between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m. We travel by comfortable bus through the Andean valleys toward Manu. Along the way, we visit the funerary towers of Ninamarca at about 3,750 m.a.s.l. and make a brief stop in Paucartambo, a traditional town known for its folklore and colonial bridge.
From Paucartambo, we continue toward the upper part of the route and reach Acjanaco, the highest point at about 4,000 m.a.s.l. From here, we begin our descent through the cloud forest, where orchids, heliconias, primitive ferns, and other vegetation grow in the humid environment.
We stop for a walk to look for the Cock of the Rock, Peru's national bird, and observe its characteristic mating display. Depending on the conditions, there may also be opportunities to see trogons, quetzals, monkeys, and the spectacled bear. In the afternoon, we arrive at Pilcopata Inn Lodge.
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: Box lunch and dinner
Day 2: Pilcopata – Atalaya – Boca Manu – Cocha Otorongo
Highlight of the Day: Boat journey along the Alto Madre de Dios River and Cocha Otorongo
After breakfast, we continue by bus for about 45 minutes toward Puerto de Atalaya. Along the way, we pass coca plantations, fruit trees, orchids, and other vegetation before reaching the river.
At Atalaya, we board a motorized boat and begin our journey along the Alto Madre de Dios River. During the trip, we may see herons, kingfishers, vultures, turtles, white caimans, capybaras, and other wildlife along the riverbanks. We make a brief stop at Boca Manu and later at the Limonal Surveillance Post before continuing deeper into the rainforest.
In the afternoon, we arrive at Cocha Otorongo, located at about 250 m.a.s.l. We settle into the lodge and take a walk to the lake and its 30-meter observation tower, where we can look for river wildlife and birds.
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3: Cocha Otorongo – Cocha Salvador – Manu Reserved Zone
Highlight of the Day: Cocha Salvador and rainforest wildlife
We leave early for Cocha Salvador, located about 30 minutes from Cocha Otorongo. The morning is dedicated to exploring the primary rainforest on foot and learning about the plants, trees, and wildlife found in this part of Manu.
At the lake, we explore by catamaran, moving quietly across the water while looking for giant otters, birds, and monkeys. Depending on the conditions, we may observe several monkey species and other wildlife around the lake.
Later, we continue along the main forest trails with our guide. The walk gives us more time to understand the rainforest and observe its natural environment. In the afternoon, we return to our lodge at Cocha Otorongo.
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4: Manu Reserved Zone – Macaw Clay Lick – Boca Manu
Highlight of the Day: Macaw clay lick and wildlife along the Manu River
We leave very early to visit the macaw clay lick at Quebrada Salvadorcillo. Here, we may have the opportunity to observe parrots, parakeets, and macaws gathering at the clay lick. Sightings depend on weather conditions and the natural behavior of the birds.
After the visit, we return by boat along the Manu River toward Boca Manu. We continue observing the rainforest and its wildlife along the riverbanks, with opportunities to see birds and other animals. The river journey also gives us time to appreciate the remote landscapes of the Reserved Zone.
We also make a brief visit to Cocha Brasco, where we may look for giant otters and other wildlife. Later, we continue to our lodge in the Boca Manu area.
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5: Boca Manu – Paititi Lodge
Highlight of the Day: Return journey along the Alto Madre de Dios River
After breakfast, we begin our return journey by boat along the Alto Madre de Dios River. As we travel upstream, we have another opportunity to observe birds, river wildlife, and the rainforest along the banks.
The journey takes us through different sections of the rainforest, where we can enjoy the river scenery and continue looking for wildlife. The changing landscapes remind us of how far we have traveled into the Amazon.
The journey gives us time to enjoy the changing scenery and look for wildlife that we may have missed earlier in the trip. In the afternoon, we arrive at Paititi Lodge, where we can rest after the long river journey.
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6: Paititi Lodge – Atalaya – Cloud Forest – Cusco
Highlight of the Day: Final river journey and return through the cloud forest
After breakfast, we continue by boat toward Atalaya, where our vehicle will be waiting for the journey back to Cusco. We leave the river behind and begin the drive through the rainforest and cloud forest.
Along the route, we once again have the opportunity to appreciate the changing vegetation and landscapes as we gain altitude. The journey takes us from the Amazon back toward the Andes.
We continue toward Cusco and expect to arrive between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m., marking the end of the Manu Biosphere Reserve 6 Days 5 Nights tour.
- Accommodation: None
- Meals: Breakfast and box lunch
Important Notes
- Health: Manu is a rainforest area with mosquitoes and other insects. Bring a good insect repellent and light, long-sleeved clothing. For yellow fever and malaria prevention, please consult your doctor or a travel health professional before your trip.
- Itinerary changes: The program may change due to weather, river conditions, road conditions, or other circumstances beyond our control.
- Travel time: Manu is a remote rainforest destination. The 3-day tour includes several hours of travel by road and boat. This is necessary to reach the rainforest and its wildlife areas.
- Mixed groups: The group may include travelers who have booked 3, 4, 5,6,7 or 8 day Manu programs.
