Manu National Park 8 Days 7 Nights

Tour Overview

The Manu National Park 8 Days 7 Nights tour takes you from Cusco through the Andes and cloud forest before continuing into the rainforest of Manu National Park. Along the way, you will visit Ninamarca and Paucartambo, travel through the cloud forest, and have opportunities to see birds, orchids, monkeys, and the Cock-of-the-Rock before reaching the lowland jungle.

The journey continues by road and boat into the Manu Reserved Zone, where you will spend several days exploring the rainforest. You will visit Cocha Salvador and Cocha Otorongo, travel along the Manu River, explore forest trails around Casa Matsiguenka and Harpia Lodge, and have opportunities to observe giant river otters, caimans, monkeys, macaws, toucans, and many other rainforest species.

Highlights

  • Travel from Cusco through the Andes and cloud forest into the Amazon rainforest.
  • Visit the Chullpas of Ninamarca and the historic town of Paucartambo.
  • Look for the Cock-of-the-Rock, monkeys, orchids, and other wildlife in the cloud forest.
  • Travel by motorized boat along the Alto Madre de Dios and Manu rivers.
  • Explore Cocha Salvador by catamaran in search of giant river otters and other wildlife.
  • Visit Cocha Otorongo and enjoy wildlife observation from its observation tower.
  • Spend several days exploring the Manu Reserved Zone with forest walks and wildlife observation.
  • Explore the rainforest around Harpia Lodge before returning to Cusco through the cloud forest and Andes.

Manu National Park At a Glance

Day 1: Cusco – Cloud Forest – Pilcopata.

Travel from Cusco through the Andes, with visits to the Chullpas of Ninamarca and Paucartambo. Continue into the cloud forest to look for orchids, bromeliads, birds, the Cock-of-the-Rock, and other wildlife. Arrive at Pilcopata Lodge in the afternoon.

Day 2: Pilcopata – Aguas Calientes – Boca Manu.

Begin with a short forest walk, followed by a visit to a coca plantation and animal rescue center. Continue to Atalaya and travel by boat along the Alto Madre de Dios River, with opportunities to observe birds and wildlife. Stop at the natural hot springs before continuing to Boca Manu.

Day 3: Boca Manu – Reserved Zone – Casa Matsiguenka.

Visit a nearby parrot clay lick early in the morning before continuing by boat toward the Manu Reserved Zone. Stop at Limonal for the permit check and continue along the Manu River while looking for caimans, turtles, capybaras, monkeys, macaws, and birds. Arrive at Casa Matsiguenka and explore nearby trails.

Day 4: Casa Matsiguenka – Cocha Salvador – Cocha Otorongo.

Explore Cocha Salvador by catamaran and look for giant river otters, caimans, monkeys, hoatzins, and other wildlife. After lunch, continue through the rainforest toward Cocha Otorongo and visit its observation tower. Return to Casa Matsiguenka for the night.

Day 5: Casa Matsiguenka – Limonal – Boca Manu.

Enjoy one final exploration around Casa Matsiguenka before beginning the journey downstream. Look for caimans, turtles, capybaras, monkeys, and birds along the Manu River. Stop at Limonal for a short walk and continue to Boca Manu for the night.

Day 6: Boca Manu – Amazon Manu Lodge.

Travel upstream along the Alto Madre de Dios River while looking for birds, monkeys, and other wildlife along the riverbanks. If conditions allow, stop at the natural hot springs before continuing to Amazon Manu Lodge. In the afternoon, explore the surrounding trails with your guide.

Day 7: Amazon Manu Lodge – Harpia Lodge Exploration.

Spend the day exploring the rainforest around Harpia Lodge with your naturalist guide. Walk through primary forest while looking for monkeys, toucans, macaws, woodpeckers, frogs, butterflies, and other wildlife. Continue exploring different habitats in the afternoon before spending your final night in the Amazon.

Day 8: Harpia Lodge – Atalaya – Cusco.

Travel by boat to Atalaya, where your private vehicle will be waiting. Continue through the cloud forest and Andes toward Cusco, with opportunities for photographs and wildlife observation along the route. Arrive in Cusco between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM and transfer to your hotel.


Why Book with Manu Jungle Tour

  • With eight days on the route, you have more time to travel into the Reserved Zone, explore the rainforest, and enjoy different wildlife activities without trying to fit everything into a shorter itinerary.
  • Your guide accompanies you throughout the journey and helps you identify birds, mammals, plants, and other species you may encounter along the way.
  • The tour combines road travel, boat journeys, forest walks, lake exploration, and wildlife observation, giving you the opportunity to experience Manu from different environments.
  • Several days of the itinerary are spent inside the Manu Reserved Zone, including stays at Casa Matsiguenka and Harpia Lodge, allowing you to spend more time surrounded by the rainforest.

Included

  • Pre-tour briefing before departure.
  • Professional English-speaking guide.
  • Private tourist transportation during the road sections.
  • Private motorized boat transportation according to the itinerary.
  • Entrance fees to the Manu Reserved Zone and scheduled attractions.
  • Accommodation in lodges according to the itinerary.
  • Meals as indicated in the program.
  • Drinking water during the rainforest portion of the trip.
  • Rubber boots for use during the jungle walks.
  • First-aid kit.
  • Anti-venom included in the first-aid equipment.
  • Telescope for wildlife observation.
  • Radio communication during the trip.

Not Included

  • Breakfast on the first day.
  • Last dinner in Cusco.
  • Soft drinks, beer, and other personal beverages.
  • Personal binoculars.
  • Travel and health insurance.
  • Tips for the guide, cook, boat crew, and lodge staff.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Any service not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Cusco – Cloud Forest – Pilcopata

Highlight of the Day: Traveling from the Andes into the Amazon Rainforest while Looking for the Cock-of-the-Rock and Cloud Forest Wildlife

Very early in the morning, we will leave Cusco in our private vehicle and begin our journey through the Andes. Along the way, we will visit the Chullpas of Ninamarca, a pre-Inca cemetery where we can learn more about the history of the area.

We will then continue to the picturesque colonial town of Paucartambo. Here, we will visit the local museum and learn more about the traditions and culture of this historic region before continuing toward the cloud forest.

As we descend through the cloud forest, we will have opportunities to see orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and different bird species, including the Cock-of-the-Rock, Peru's national bird. With luck, we may also see monkeys or a spectacled bear. After lunch along the route, we continue toward Pilcopata and arrive at our lodge in the afternoon. Once there, we will have time to settle into our rooms and enjoy the surroundings.

  • Accommodation: Pilcopata Lodge
  • Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 02: Pilcopata – Aguas Calientes – Boca Manu.

Highlight of the Day: Traveling Along the Alto Madre de Dios River and Relaxing in the Natural Hot Springs

After an early breakfast, we will take a short walk through the forest to look for monkeys, birds, and other wildlife. We will then visit a coca plantation and an animal rescue center, where we can learn more about the local area and conservation efforts.

We will continue by vehicle toward the Port of Atalaya on the Alto Madre de Dios River. From here, we will board our motorized boat and begin traveling deeper into the Amazon. Along the riverbanks, we may see herons, vultures, cormorants, kingfishers, and other bird species while enjoying the rainforest scenery.

Later, we will stop at the natural hot springs of Aguas Calientes, where we can take some time to relax surrounded by the rainforest. After lunch, we will continue downstream toward Boca Manu, where we will spend the night. The boat journey also gives us more opportunities to observe the changing landscapes along the river.

Accommodation: Boca Manu Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 03: Boca Manu – Reserved Zone – Casa Matsiguenka.

Highlight of the Day: Visiting the Parrot Clay Lick and Traveling Deep into the Manu Reserved Zone

We will leave very early in the morning to visit a nearby parrot clay lick, where several species of parrots gather to feed on the mineral-rich clay. After this visit, we will continue by boat toward the Manu Reserved Zone.

We will make a brief stop at the Limonal Ranger Station, where permits are checked before entering the protected area. We will then continue along the Manu River, looking for capybaras, caimans, river turtles, monkeys, macaws, toucans, and other birds along the riverbanks. With luck, we may even see a jaguar.

In the afternoon, we will arrive at Casa Matsiguenka, a remote eco-lodge operated by the Matsiguenka community. After settling into our rooms, we will explore nearby forest trails with our guide and look for wildlife around the lodge. This will be our first night deep inside the Manu Reserved Zone.

  • Accommodation: Casa Matsiguenka
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 04: Casa Matsiguenka – Cocha Salvador – Cocha Otorongo.

Highlight of the Day: Exploring Cocha Salvador and Cocha Otorongo in Search of Wildlife

After breakfast, we will begin our exploration around Casa Matsiguenka and continue toward Cocha Salvador. The morning is a good time to walk through the forest and look for wildlife before the temperature becomes warmer.

At Cocha Salvador, we will travel by catamaran across the lake while looking for giant river otters. We may also see black caimans, monkeys, hoatzins, kingfishers, and other species around the lake and surrounding forest.

After lunch, we will continue through the rainforest toward Cocha Otorongo. We will visit the observation tower overlooking the lake and surrounding forest, providing another opportunity to observe birds and other wildlife before returning to Casa Matsiguenka. We will spend another night at the lodge after a full day exploring the Reserved Zone.

  • Accommodation: Casa Matsiguenka
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 05: Casa Matsiguenka – Limonal – Boca Manu.

Highlight of the Day: Exploring the Rainforest One Final Time Before Traveling Downriver to Boca Manu

After breakfast, we will have time for one final exploration around Casa Matsiguenka before beginning our journey out of the Reserved Zone. We will continue looking for birds, monkeys, and other wildlife in the surrounding rainforest.

We will then board our boat and begin traveling downstream along the Manu River. During the journey, we may see caimans, turtles, capybaras, monkeys, and different bird species along the riverbanks.

At Limonal, we will make a short stop for a walk and additional wildlife observation before continuing by boat toward Boca Manu. We will arrive later in the day and spend the night at the lodge. The journey downstream marks the beginning of our return from the deeper areas of the Reserved Zone.

  • Accommodation: Boca Manu Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 06: Boca Manu – Amazon Manu Lodge.

Highlight of the Day: Traveling Upstream Along the Alto Madre de Dios River Through the Amazon Rainforest

After breakfast, we will begin traveling upstream along the Alto Madre de Dios River. The journey gives us more opportunities to observe birds, monkeys, and other wildlife along the riverbanks while enjoying the rainforest scenery.

If conditions allow, we may stop again at the natural hot springs before continuing toward Amazon Manu Lodge. After arriving, we will have lunch and time to settle into our rooms.

In the afternoon, we will explore the trails around the lodge with our guide. During the walk, we can look for wildlife and learn about some of the plants and trees found in the rainforest before returning to the lodge to rest. We will spend the night surrounded by the sounds of the Amazon rainforest.

  • Accommodation: Amazon Manu Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 07: Amazon Manu Lodge – Harpia Lodge Exploration.

Highlight of the Day: Exploring Rainforest Trails and Looking for Wildlife Around Harpia Lodge

After breakfast, we will spend the day exploring the rainforest around Harpia Lodge with our naturalist guide. We will walk through primary forest and look for monkeys, toucans, macaws, woodpeckers, frogs, butterflies, and other species.

During the walks, our guide will explain more about the trees, medicinal plants, and different relationships between the species that live in the forest. We will take our time observing the surroundings and looking for wildlife along the trails.

After lunch, we will continue exploring different areas around the lodge and enjoy more opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation. In the evening, we will return to the lodge for our final night in the Amazon rainforest. It is our last full day to enjoy the forest and observe wildlife before beginning the return journey.

  • Accommodation: Harpia Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 08: Harpia Lodge – Atalaya – Cusco.

Highlight of the Day: Returning from the Amazon Rainforest to Cusco Through the Cloud Forest and Andes

After an early breakfast, we will travel by boat toward the Port of Atalaya. During the final river journey, we will have one more opportunity to observe the rainforest and look for wildlife along the riverbanks.

Once we arrive at Atalaya, our private vehicle will be waiting for us. We will begin the journey back toward Cusco, traveling through the cloud forest and across the Andes.

Along the way, we may make occasional stops for photographs and wildlife observation when conditions allow. We expect to arrive in Cusco between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, where we will transfer you to your hotel and finish our Manu National Park journey. This marks the end of our eight-day journey through the Andes, cloud forest, and Amazon rainforest.

  • Accommodation: None
  • Meals: Breakfast and Box Lunch

💰 Prices

We offer flexible departure dates and operate the Manu Reserve Zone 8 Days / 7 Nights daily, subject to availability.

USD $1529 per person

✔ Small-group experience for greater comfort and personalized service
✔ Professional guides and full logistics included

⚠️ A minimum of 3 participants is required to operate this tour. Due to limited availability and operational logistics, early booking is highly recommended.


Booking and Payment

To confirm your reservation for the Manu ReserveZone, a deposit is required in advance.

  • Deposit: 40% per person (to secure your spot)
  • Balance: The remaining amount can be paid online or in Cusco before the tour.

We accept credit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers. If you prefer another payment method, feel free to contact us for assistance.

You Will Need to Bring

We recommend traveling light for the Manu Reserve Zone 8 Days 7 Nights. The journey includes long hours by road and boat, as well as rainforest walks, so bring practical clothing and only what you will need. Quick-dry clothing is especially useful in the warm and humid jungle conditions.

  • Mosquito repellent (DEET 45 recommended as a minimum).
  • Original passport.
  • Small backpack.
  • Long-sleeved cotton shirts.
  • Long cotton trousers.
  • Long cotton socks to wear inside your trousers.
  • Comfortable walking shoes.
  • Sandals or light shoes.
  • Rain gear.
  • Sweater for the Andes and cloud forest.
  • Swimsuit.
  • Binoculars.
  • Camera and charger.
  • Plastic bags for clothes and electronic equipment.
  • Hat for protection from the sun or rain.
  • Toiletries.
  • Small towel.
  • Toilet paper.
  • Antibacterial gel.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Flashlight with spare batteries.
  • Water bottle of at least 1 liter.
  • Pocket money in Peruvian Soles.
  • Electrical converter or adapter.

Travel Information

Before your Manu Reserve Zone tour begins, our team will help you prepare for the journey. The route includes long hours of travel, changing temperatures, rainforest conditions, and boat transportation, so it is important to know what to expect before departure. Being prepared will make the journey more comfortable from the beginning.

Pre-Tour Briefing

Your guide will meet you 1 or 2 days before departure for a short briefing. We will review the itinerary, confirm your pick-up details, and answer any final questions about the trip.

You can also use this meeting to check your personal equipment before leaving Cusco. It is a good opportunity to make sure everything is ready for the rainforest.

Balance Payment

If you have an outstanding balance, please complete it at least 2 days before departure. Payment options will be confirmed during the briefing or before the tour. Please make sure your payment is completed before the day of departure. This helps keep the departure arrangements simple and organized.

Jungle Lodge Experience

During the tour, you will stay in jungle lodges surrounded by rainforest. The accommodation is simple and comfortable and gives you a place to rest between activities.

The lodges also allow you to stay close to the forest and enjoy the natural sounds of the jungle. The experience is focused on enjoying the rainforest rather than luxury accommodation.

Wildlife Observation

Wildlife sightings depend on weather, season, and animal behavior. Along the route, you may see monkeys, birds, reptiles, caimans, insects, and other rainforest species. Your guide will help you identify the animals and explain more about the environment where they live. Patience and careful observation are important during the wildlife activities.

Transportation and Pick-Up

Hotel pick-up is included for travelers staying in Cusco before the tour. Our team will confirm your pick-up time before departure. Please be ready at your hotel at the agreed time.

The journey includes long sections by road and boat. These are necessary to reach the remote rainforest areas included in the program. The travel time is an important part of reaching the different environments along the Manu route. The scenery changes gradually as you travel from the Andes into the rainforest.

Luggage Storage

You can leave extra luggage in Cusco before entering the rainforest. We recommend taking only what you need for the seven-day trip. A smaller bag is easier to handle during the road and boat sections of the journey. Keeping your luggage light also makes moving between lodges and boats easier.

Health and Safety

Bring insect repellent, drink enough water, and follow your guide’s instructions during the activities. If you have any health concerns, consult your doctor before traveling to the rainforest.

We also recommend wearing comfortable clothing and suitable shoes for rainforest conditions. Your guide will provide instructions throughout the journey when needed.

Travel Conditions in Peru

Weather, road conditions, river levels, or other local circumstances can affect the journey. If necessary, the itinerary may be adjusted during the tour. Any changes will be made with the safety of the group in mind.

Your guide and our operations team will provide information if any changes are required. Flexibility is important when traveling through remote rainforest areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, this itinerary is a good option for travelers who want more time to explore Manu and spend several days in the rainforest. The tour combines river journeys, forest walks, lake excursions, and wildlife observation, including time inside the Manu Reserved Zone.

Depending on weather and animal activity, you may see monkeys, macaws, parrots, toucans, caimans, river turtles, capybaras, giant river otters, and many other species. With luck, you may also see a jaguar or spectacled bear.

Yes. Both lakes are included in the itinerary. At Cocha Salvador, you will explore the lake by catamaran and look for giant river otters and other wildlife. Cocha Otorongo is visited with time to observe the surrounding forest from its observation tower.

The visit takes place early in the morning near Boca Manu. Several species of parrots gather at the clay lick to feed on mineral-rich clay. It is an opportunity to observe these birds in their natural environment before continuing toward the Reserved Zone.

Accommodation is provided in jungle lodges along the route. You will stay at Pilcopata Lodge, Boca Manu Lodge, Casa Matsiguenka, Amazon Manu Lodge, and Harpia Lodge according to the itinerary.

Several days of the itinerary are spent exploring the Reserved Zone, including time around Casa Matsiguenka. During this part of the journey, you will travel by boat, walk through the forest, and visit Cocha Salvador and Cocha Otorongo.

Yes. The itinerary includes a visit to the natural hot springs at Aguas Calientes on Day 2. If river and weather conditions allow, there may also be another opportunity to stop at the hot springs during the return journey.

The itinerary includes many opportunities for wildlife observation and photography, including boat trips, forest walks, lake excursions, and time in the Reserved Zone. The longer duration also allows more time to observe the forest and its wildlife without rushing.

Day 7 is dedicated to exploring the rainforest around Harpia Lodge with a naturalist guide. You will walk through primary forest and look for monkeys, toucans, macaws, woodpeckers, frogs, butterflies and other species while learning more about the forest.

The tour does not involve a continuous multi-day trek, but it does include several forest walks and long journeys by road and boat. You should be comfortable walking on uneven rainforest trails and spending several hours traveling between different areas of Manu.

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Travel Details

Please list Full Names (as written on passport), Passport Number, Nationality, Dates of Birth, Gender and email addresses for all in your party. Please make sure your passports will be valid for more than 6 months after your visit to Peru. If not, Customs & Immigration may not allow you into the country

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Traveler Reviews

Our travelers share their experiences exploring Manu National Park and the Amazon with our team. Discover what they say about our local guides, wildlife experiences and the service provided throughout their journey.

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David D profile picture
David D
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2day 1night Inca trek What an amazing experience from start to finish! Our experienced english speaking guide Raul made the whole journey so much more enjoyable from his knowledge, wisdom and his sense of humour! Highly recommend the guys from info Machu Picchu !!
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Robin F profile picture
Robin F
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Humantay & 🌈-Mountains Absolutely excellent service! Despite a mix-up where we were picked up by the wrong bus and missed our original tour, the travel agency handled everything with great professionalism and flexibility. They took responsibility right away and made rebooking a new tour incredibly easy and stress-free. We really appreciated how understanding and accommodating their team was throughout the process. Thanks to their quick response, we were able to enjoy an equally fantastic tour, and their willingness to resolve the issue left a lasting positive impression.Overall, a great example of excellent customer service. We’ll happily book with them again!
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Melania C profile picture
Melania C
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Three days Manu Forest Wonderful experience in the Manu jungle!! We could observe capuchin monkeys, the cock of rocks, macaws, AMAZING! Super recommended! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
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Ian P profile picture
Ian P
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Inca trail tours 2 days Excellent!! The Tours Inca trail 2 days very pleasant, they are very available and professional. Manu Jungle I love! and I recommend it!
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Cusco Journeys
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Great Experience on the Short Inca Trail We had an amazing experience hiking the short Inca trail with Dayan. He provided us with a box lunch which was delicious and had plenty of food to fill us up! Highly recommend Info Machu Picchu! It was a great experience and Dayan made it unforgettable. She was very knowledgeable and kind.
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Keyko Victoria P profile picture
Keyko Victoria P
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Immortal Cusco Nice guided experience through the city and surroundings of Cusco... Everything was wonderful. And above all with the security that the agency provided us. Ready to come back...
Manujungletour

Manujungletour

3.7 3.5 stars 1 Reviews