Manu Expeditions 5 Days / 4 Nights

Our adventure into the Manu Jungle begins at 5:00 AM with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco using our comfortable private transport. The journey starts with a scenic drive through the stunning Andean mountains. Our first stop will be in Huancarani, where we’ll visit the ancient Ninamarca funeral towers, a Pre-Inca Lupaca Culture cemetery. We will continue to the charming colonial town of Paucartambo, known as the folkloric capital of the Cusco region, where local traditions have been preserved for centuries.

By mid-day, we’ll arrive at the entrance of the Manu National Park, one of the most protected natural reserves in South America, renowned for its rich biodiversity. As we descend through the misty cloud forest, we’ll have the chance to witness the magical transition from Andean highlands to dense rainforest. Along the way, we’ll stop to observe the Cock of the Rock, Peru’s national bird, in its natural habitat. You’ll be amazed by the vibrant colors and unique sounds as these exotic birds perform their mesmerizing courtship display.

By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at Pona Lodge, nestled in the heart of the jungle, where you’ll enjoy a peaceful night surrounded by the sounds of nature. Arrival time is approximately 5:00 PM.

Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Pona Lodge
Distance: 150 km / 155 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Walking Time: There may be short walks or explorations, up to 2 hours maximum.

In the early morning, after leaving our lodge at 3:30 AM, we will embark on an unforgettable journey. From the clear waters of the Alto Madre de Dios River, we will transition into the clay-rich waters of the Manu River as we head towards the Atalaya Port. From there, our boat will take us directly into the Reserved Zone of Manu National Park.

After a brief stop at the Limonal ranger station to present our permits, we’ll continue upstream for approximately five hours along the Manu River. Along the way, you’ll witness stunning wildlife, especially during the dry season. The riverbanks are filled with nesting birds like Herons, Egrets, Orinoco Geese, Terns, and Skimmers. Keep an eye out for sunbathing White and Black Caimans, Side-necked Turtles, and perhaps even a Jaguar, one of the rarest and most elusive animals in the Amazon. In fact, Jaguar sightings are not uncommon in Manu—on one-third of our expeditions, travelers have encountered this magnificent predator.

As we travel, you’ll also likely spot Red Howler Monkeys and playful Squirrel Monkeys. After enjoying a riverside lunch, we’ll arrive at our Safari Camp near Cocha Salvador Lake, where you’ll have the afternoon to explore the untouched rainforest. A highlight will be a visit to Cocha Otorongo Lake, where we’ll climb a 20-meter observation tower in the forest canopy to observe the surrounding wildlife. Here, we’ll search for a resident family of Giant Otters, one of the Amazon’s most fascinating creatures.

In the evening, after dinner, you’ll have the option to join a guided night excursion into the jungle. The forest comes alive with nocturnal creatures like the Black Caiman, Olingo, Kinkajou, and perhaps even the elusive Ocelot. The symphony of tree frogs and insects will make for an unforgettable experience. Tonight, we’ll stay at Casa Matshiguenka Lodge, equipped with modern amenities, including flush toilets and showers.

Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Pona Lodge
Distance: 250 km / 155 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Walking Time: There may be short walks or explorations, up to 2 hours maximum.

We begin our adventure early in the morning at Salvador Oxbow Lake, using a catamaran to navigate the tranquil waters. This morning is a prime opportunity to observe a vast array of wildlife. You'll spot numerous bird species such as herons, cormorants, eagles, and hawks, as well as several types of monkeys, including Squirrel Monkeys and Capuchin Monkeys. One of the main highlights is the chance to see the rare and majestic Giant River Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis). These fascinating creatures can grow up to 6 feet (1.82 meters) in length and weigh up to 70 pounds (31 kg). They consume around 9 to 11 pounds (4-5 kg) of fish daily, and Manu is one of the few places on earth where they can be seen frequently. As we glide along the lake, we’ll also be on the lookout for some of the 15 different species of monkeys that inhabit this area. The eerie calls of Red Howler Monkeys echoing through the mist will give you a true sense of the jungle's raw power.

After our time at the lake observing the Giant Otters, we will head back to the lodge. From there, a 30-minute walk will take us to a Macaw Clay Lick, where you'll witness the vibrant spectacle of Scarlet Macaws and Red and Green Macaws. Around 10:00 AM, the macaws begin to descend on the clay lick. This dazzling display of color and sound lasts for 20 to 40 minutes as the birds feed on the clay, a vital part of their diet. The spectacle may be cut short by the sudden arrival of predators like hawks, eagles, or even an Ocelot, making this one of the greatest wildlife shows in the Amazon.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to Casa Matsiguenka Lodge for a well-deserved lunch. Afterward, we will explore one of the many jungle trails, immersing ourselves in the complex ecosystem of the rainforest. Our expert guide will explain the intricate interactions between plants, insects, and the forest. We'll keep our eyes peeled for some of the smaller residents of the jungle, such as the Emperor Tamarin or the Saddle-Backed Tamarin. There's also a chance to encounter a group of Peccaries, a type of wild boar native to the region.

Overnight at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge. (B+L+D)

Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Casa Matsinguenka Lodge
Distance: 250 - 300 km / 186 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Walking Time: There may be short walks or explorations, up to 5 hours maximum.

In the early morning, you'll have another opportunity to embark on a nature walk or visit the oxbow lake once more. As dawn breaks, the jungle comes alive with the sound of birdsong as various species claim their territory. As the eastern sky glows with soft shades of yellow, you may spot falcons or other predatory birds perched atop trees, scanning the forest floor for prey.

After a hearty lunch, we will board our boat and continue downstream towards Boca Manu. From there, we begin our journey upriver to our next lodge, where we’ll spend the night.

Upon arriving at the lodge in the afternoon, we will prepare for a special nighttime adventure. We'll head into the heart of the jungle towards the Tapir Clay Lick, a prime spot for observing wild tapirs as they gather at the clay lick under the cover of darkness. Spending the night surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle is an unforgettable experience.

Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Papaya Eco Lodge
Distance: 250 km / 155 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Walking Time: There may be short walks or explorations, up to 2 hours maximum.

Today marks the end of our adventure as we begin our return journey to Cusco. We’ll start by boarding our boat and traveling downstream to Atalaya Port. From Atalaya, we’ll continue our trip by car, making our way through the scenic landscapes of the Peruvian Amazon and the Andes. We expect to arrive in Cusco between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM, concluding our unforgettable expedition.

Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
Distance: 150 km / 155 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Walking Time: There may be short walks or explorations, up to 2 hours maximum.