Manu Cultural Zone: 4-day excursion
Price from: $545 USD
Manu Cultural Zone
4 DAYS
4-day excursion to the Manu Cultural Zone
Manu National Park, one of South America’s largest parks, spans Peru’s Andean region and rainforest. Covering over 2 million hectares, it safeguards diverse ecosystems, from the Andes to tropical lowlands. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, Manu is renowned for its untouched wilderness. This pristine environment provides a habitat for remarkable wildlife, including giant otters, jaguars, spectacled bears, and diverse bird species, making it a biological treasure with 10% of the world’s vascular plant species. Manu’s unique status underscores its significance as a globally diverse and protected natural haven.
Tour Price
Manu Cultural Zone – 4 Days
per person
Group Size:
Up to 18
Activity Level:
Medium
Trip Length:
4 Days
- Highlights
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Inquire
- Recommendations
Overview of the 4-Day Manu Cultural Zone Tour
Embark on an enriching 4-day Manu Cultural Zone tour, departing from Cusco. Explore pre-Inca tombs in Ninamarca, the colonial charm of Paucartambo, and descend into the Cloud Forest teeming with endemic flora and fauna. Witness the mesmerizing courtship dance of the Cock-of-the-Rock, encounter spectacled bears, and marvel at ancient ferns and orchids. Stay at the lodge for a captivating experience. Day two promises the spectacle of the Cock-of-the-Rock’s mating dance and a scenic journey to Pilcopata. Optional activities include mountain biking and rafting. Explore the Erika Lodge nestled by the Alto Madre de Dios River for the next two nights. Day three offers a nature walk, swimming in natural pools, and a boat ride to discover the rich wildlife. Conclude the tour on day four with a visit to a clay lick to observe vibrant parrot species before heading back to Cusco. Immerse yourself in the biodiversity and cultural wonders of the Manu region.
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: 4 days.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
Manu Cultural Zone: 4-Day Itinerary
Discover the beauty and natural richness of the Amazon rainforest on this 4-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: Enchanting Cloud Forest Exploration
Departing early from Cusco, we explore the intriguing pre-Inca tombs of Ninamarca, the colonial city of Paucartambo, and descend into the Cloud Forest. This diverse and fascinating world, home to the Cock-of-the-Rock, spectacled bear, orchids, ancient tree ferns, mosses, and lichens, is perpetually humid due to a thick layer of clouds, creating an ideal habitat for epiphytic plants like bromeliads. At least 50% of the plant species here are endemic to this region. Our accommodation for the night is at the lodge.
Day 2: Captivating Rituals and Jungle Descent
We witness the ritual mating dance of the Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruviana), Peru’s national bird, from a platform called a “lek.” After breakfast, we continue by bus (Option 1 *) along a narrow road amid waterfalls and canyons to the town of Pilcopata (Option 2 *) After a 30-minute bus ride, we reach the Atalaya Port, where we board our motorboat, starting our descent along the Alto Madre de Dios River for approximately 30 minutes to our private reserve, “Erika Lodge,” where we spend the next two nights. (Option 1 *) Optional: Mountain bike descent from San Pedro Lodge (1700 m.a.s.l.) Cloud Forest to Pilcopata-High Jungle (700 m.a.s.l.) (Option 2 *) Optional: 1-hour rafting on the Kosñipata River, offering the opportunity for a refreshing dip and spectacular views of the Koñeq Canyon. Continuing on the Alto Madre de Dios River to Erika Lodge.
Day 3: Wildlife Wonders and River Adventures
The rich wildlife diversity around the lodge is due to the broad range of altitudes in this beautiful location. Immediately after breakfast, we embark on a walk where our guide enlightens us about insects, medicinal plants, trees, reptiles, mammals, and more. Before returning for lunch, we have the chance to swim in natural pools formed in the river near the lodge. In the early afternoon, a short boat ride takes us to a small lake near the Alto Madre de Dios River, offering opportunities to spot the primitive Hoatzin bird, black caimans, various bird species, insects, and more. This marks our last night in this marvelous Amazon rainforest. We will stay overnight at the lodge.
Day 4: Parrot Paradise and Return to Cusco
We wake up early to board our boat. After a five-minute journey, we reach a small “Collpa,” a clay wall near the riverbank where numerous parrot species feed on minerals and salt supplements for their diet of seeds and green fruits. Following this vibrant and colorful spectacle, we continue by boat to the Atalaya port and then take the bus back to Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon.
Included:
- Bilingual jungle expert guide
- One night at San Pedro Orchids Lodge
- Two nights at Erika Lodge
- Chef
- Meals, with a vegetarian option available
- Water supply from the second day onwards
- First aid kit including antivenom vaccines
- All ground and river transportation, including round-trip transfer from the hotel in Cusco
- Optional rafting equipment
- Mountain biking equipment
- Specialized guide and equipment for the Canopy tour
- Safe box for valuables
- Luggage storage at the central office in Cusco.
Not Included:
- Entrance fee to Manu National Park
- Meals: Breakfast on day 1 and dinner on day 4
- Water on day 1
- Tip for the guide.
Essentials for 3-Day Manu Cultural Zone Tour:
- Binoculars, Camera, and film ASA 200 and 400 for the inner forest
- Backpack
- Warm clothing (in case of cold weather), long-sleeved shirts, and long pants (cotton)
- 100% waterproof rain gear (long poncho or rain suit)
- Insect repellent (at least 50% DEET)
- Sunscreen
- A pair of lightweight ankle-high boots and sandals
- Flashlight, batteries (alkaline), and sufficient bulbs
- Wide-brimmed hat (for sunny days), sunglasses
- Towel, swimsuit, personal medications, and/or supplies (e.g., contact lens solution).
- A daypack or backpack, and one piece of luggage or duffel bag per person.
- A water bottle for the first day
- Plastic bags.
MANU CULTURAL ZONE GALLERY
Travel Highlights
Duration: | 4 Days |
Type: | Amazon, Puerto Maldonado Tours |
Ideal group size: | 1 to 18 explorers |
Physical Intensity: | Medium |
Departures: | Available Daily |
Recommended age for the tour: | Participants must be at least 18 years old to embark on a solo Tierra Biru adventure. For minors accompanied by a guardian aged 21 or older, the minimum age is 6. |
Why Choose Tierra Biru Expeditions?
- Local Expertise: Immerse in Peru's richness guided by passionate locals, offering authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
- Support: Specialized assistance to adjust itineraries and solve travel problems.
- Unforgettable Memories: Transform your journey into cherished, lasting memories.
- Safety First: Prioritize well-being with trained guides and quality equipment.
- Authentic Cultural Encounters: Immerse yourself in indigenous traditions, savor local cuisine and participate in meaningful cultural exchanges.
Our Tripadvisor Reviews
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Ótima experiência – A tierra Biru me recepcionou muito bem no aeroporto. Em todos os momentos me tratou muito bem. Os guias falavam espanhol bem devagar, então era possível entender tudo, mesmo para… read more quem só fala português. Sempre respondiam minhas mensagens rápido. Posso dizer que foi uma boa escolha e que indicaria para meus amigos. Inclusive me buscavam no hotel em que estava e me deram dicas para que eu não ficasse em lugares perigosos ou que não fossem confiáveis.
28 August, 2023 -
I went on the Inca trail for 4 days and was guided by Edgar Cardenas, who is not only a great guide but a knowledgeable and passionate person that really… read more made the experience perfect. I felt very comfortable within the trip and felt I could trust him as well as his team of porters that worked incredibly hard to provide a comfortable and positive environment, including the chef that provided incredible food too. The trail alongside Edgar will definitely be a memory I will hold forever and cannot thank him enough for being such an amazing guide. I would highly recommend Tierra Biru Expeditions.
22 November, 2021