Manu Cultural Zone – 3-day excursion
Price from: $ 520* USD
*Prices may vary depending on availability. Please request more information.
Group size
1 – 18 peopleActivity level
EasyDuration
3 daysDepartures
DailyRecommended age
18 years old3-Day Manu Cultural Zone Tour
This three-day adventure takes place in the cultural or buffer zone of Manu National Park. Embarking on a journey through Paucartambo, we immerse ourselves in the diverse native flora and fauna of the area. Continuing into the jungle, we arrive at Pilcopata, a quaint lodge located outside the community, offering comfortable accommodations. On the second day, after a delicious breakfast, we embark on a bus ride to Atalaya, followed by a boat ride to another jungle lodge with ample facilities. Resting here overnight, the third day includes a visit to the parrot “collpa” before returning to Pillcopata by boat. The excursion concludes with a return to Cusco, marking the end of this captivating three-day tour in the heart of Manu.
3-Day Manu Cultural Zone Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 3-day tour of the Manu Cultural Zone, departing from Cusco, exploring the funerary chullpas of Ninamarca and the folklore-rich village of Paucartambo. Ascend to Acjanaco, the highland gateway to Manu National Park, and descend through the fascinating cloud forest, offering diverse flora and fauna. Witness the courtship ritual of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock and spend the night in Pillcopata. Day two includes a boat ride to Cocha Machuwasi, encountering wildlife, followed by an optional night hike. On the third day, visit the Parrot Clay Lick to witness green parrots before returning to Cusco via Pillcopata, Patria, and the cloud forest. The tour promises an immersive experience in nature and indigenous culture.
Highlights:
- Explore the Amazon Rainforest: Hike ancient trails, see the region’s unique flora and fauna, and swim in crystal-clear rivers and lagoons.
- Visit Manu National Park: Manu National Park is one of the most biodiverse parks in the world. Here you will see a wide variety of animals, such as jaguars, pumas, tapirs, alligators, monkeys, exotic birds and much more.
- Get to know the culture of local communities: Visit native communities and learn about their customs, traditions and gastronomy.
Additional information:
- Distance: Approximately 150 km.
- Duration: 3 days.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
3-Day Itinerary in the Manu Cultural Zone
Discover the beauty and natural wealth of the Amazon rainforest on this 3-day tour of the Manu Cultural Zone. Enjoy stunning landscapes, a wide variety of flora and fauna, and learn about the culture of local communities.Day 1: Cusco – Paucartambo – San Pedro or Pillcopata Cloud Forest
Starting the 3-day tour in Manu, we pick you up from your hotel between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. aboard our comfortable private bus. Along the journey, we explore the funerary chullpas of Ninamarca at 3,750 meters above sea level and make a brief visit to the folklore-rich village of Paucartambo, including the colonial Carlos Tercero bridge. Ascending into the Paucartambo highlands at Acjanaco (3,600 meters above sea level), the entry point to Manu National Park, we descend through the mysterious cloud forest, teeming with diverse fauna and flora and adorned with beautiful orchids, heliconias, and primitive ferns. A hike provides the opportunity to witness the courtship ritual of the Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupícola Peruviana), with chances of spotting Trojans (Trogon sp.), Quetzals (Pharomachrus sp.), and, if we are lucky, the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos Ornatus). In the evening, we arrive at the village of Pillcopata at 550 meters above sea level, where our typical lodge, located away from the population, equipped with private bathrooms and showers, awaits us to spend the night.Day 2: San Pedro – Atalaya – Machuwasi
After a delicious breakfast, our journey continues by bus to Atalaya, a 45-minute drive at an altitude of 590 meters above sea level. The boat ride from Atalaya offers sightings of various mammals and birds. After a delicious lunch, we venture to Cocha Machuwasi on a typical catamaran of the area, observing a variety of birds such as the Hoatzin (Ophisthocomus hoazín), monkeys, reptiles, dwarf caimans, insects and perhaps some capybaras (Hydrochaerus hydrochaeris). The evening includes an optional night walk. We will spend the night at the lodge with private bathrooms and showers available, along with a nice dinner and drinks (optional).Day 3: Collpa De Loros – Canopy Wayquecha
Early in the morning, a 45-minute boat ride takes us to the Collpa de Loros (mud wall with minerals) to witness 3 to 4 species of green parrots gathering to feed on natural mineral salts. After a delicious breakfast, we leave the boat in Atalaya, continuing our journey by bus, passing through Pillcopata (550 meters above sea level), Patria, Chonta Chaca, crossing again the mysterious cloud forest en route to the Imperial City. We will visit the cloud forest again. Arrival in the city of Cusco is approximately at 7:00 p.m.Included:
Three meals a day throughout the tour.
Accommodation.
Transportation by private bus and boat.
Snacks, including fresh fruit, cookies, and soft drinks.
Mineral water.
Tickets to various attractions.
Not included:
First breakfast.
Last supper.
Essentials for the 3-day Tour in the Manu Cultural Zone:
Passport
Visa (if required)
Credit card
Cash
Travel insurance
Clothes comfortable and breathable
Appropriate walking shoes
Swimsuit
Warm clothes for the night (if you travel to the Amazon rainforest)
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Soap
Shampoo
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Medications (if you have any medical conditions)
Why choose Tierra Biru Expeditions?
- Local Experience: Immerse yourself in the richness of Peru guided by passionate locals, offering authentic and off-the-beaten-track experiences.
- Assistance: Specialized assistance to adjust itineraries and resolve travel problems.
- Unforgettable Memories: Transform your trip into lasting, memorable memories.
- Safety First: Prioritize well-being with trained guides and quality equipment.
- Authentic Cultural Encounters: Immerse yourself in indigenous traditions, savor local cuisine, and engage in meaningful cultural exchanges.
