Overview of the 3-Day Manu Cultural Zone Tour

Embark on a captivating 3-day Manu cultural zone tour starting in Cusco, exploring Ninamarca’s funerary chullpas and the folklore-rich town of Paucartambo. Ascend to Acjanaco, the highland gateway to Manu National Park, and descend through the mesmerizing cloud forest, offering diverse flora and fauna. Witness the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock’s courtship ritual and spend the night in Pillcopata. Day two includes a boat ride to Cocha Machuwasi, encountering wildlife, followed by an optional night trek. On the third day, visit Collpa de Loros 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.

Important aspects:

• Explore the Amazon rainforest: Hike ancient trails, observe the unique flora and fauna of the region, 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 great variety of animals, such as jaguars, pumas, tapirs, caimans, monkeys, exotic birds and much more.
• Get to know the culture of the local communities: Visit native communities and learn about their customs, traditions and gastronomy.

Additional information:

• Distance: 150 km approximately.
• Duration: 3 days.
• Difficulty: Moderate.

Manu Cultural Zone: 3-Day Itinerary 

Discover the beauty and natural richness of the Amazon rainforest on this 3-day tour to the Manu Cultural Zone. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, a great variety of flora and fauna, and learn about the culture of the local communities.

Day 1: Cusco – Paucartambo – San Pedro Cloud Forest or Pillcopata

Commencing the 3-day Manu tour, 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 Ninamarca’s funerary chullpas at 3750 meters above sea level and make a brief visit to the folklore-rich town of Paucartambo, including the colonial Carlos Tercero Bridge. Ascending to the highlands of Paucartambo at Acjanaco (3600 meters above sea level), the entry point to Manu National Park, we descend through the mysterious cloud forest, teeming with diverse wildlife and adorned with beautiful orchids, heliconias, and primitive ferns. A hike provides the opportunity to witness the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupícola Peruviana) in its courtship ritual, with chances to spot Trojans (Trogon sp.), Quetzals (Pharomachrus sp.), and, if lucky, the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos Ornatus). In the evening, we reach the village of Pillcopata at 550 meters above sea level, where our typical lodge, located away from the population, equipped with private baths and showers, awaits for an overnight stay.

Day 2: San Pedro – Atalaya – Machuwasi

After a delightful 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. Following a delicious lunch, we venture to Cocha Machuwasi in a typical area catamaran, 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 trek. Overnight at the lodge with available private baths and showers, along with a pleasant dinner and (optional) drinks.

Day 3: Collpa De Loros – Canopy Wayquecha

Early morning, a 45-minute boat ride takes us to the Collpa de Loros (clay wall with minerals) to witness 3 to 4 species of green parrots gathering to nourish themselves with natural salts and minerals. After a delightful breakfast, we leave the boat at Atalaya, continuing our journey by bus, passing through Pillcopata (550 meters above sea level), Patria, Chonta Chaca, once again traversing the mysterious cloud forest en route to the Imperial City. We revisit the cloud forest. 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 fruits, cookies, and refreshments.
• Mineral water.
• Entrance fees to various attractions.

Not Included:

• The first breakfast.
• The last dinner.

Essentials for 3-Day Manu Cultural Zone Tour:

• Passport
• Visa (if required)
• Credit card
• Cash
• Travel insurance
• Comfortable, breathable clothing
• Appropriate footwear for walking
• Swimsuit
• Warm clothing for the night (if traveling to the Amazon rainforest)
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Medications (if you have any medical conditions)