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 stunning landscapes, a wide variety of flora and fauna, and learn about the culture of local communities.

 Day 1: Enchanting Cloud Forest Exploration

Departing early from Cusco, we explore the intriguing pre-Incan tombs of Ninamarca, the colonial town of Paucartambo, and descend into the Cloud Forest. This diverse and fascinating world, home to the Cock-of-the-Rock, Spectacled Bear, orchids, ancient ferns, mosses and lichens, is perpetually humid due to a dense cloud cover, creating an ideal habitat for epiphytic plants such as bromeliads. At least 50% of the plant species here are endemic to this region. Our overnight accommodation is at the lodge.

 Day 2: Captivating Rituals and Descent into the Jungle

We witness the mating ritual 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 between waterfalls and canyons to the village of Pilcopata (Option 2*) After a 30-minute bus ride, we arrive at the port of Atalaya, where we board our motorboat, beginning our descent down the Alto Madre de Dios River for approximately 30 minutes to our private reserve, “Lodge Erika”, 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 – Selva Alta (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 down the Alto Madre de Dios River to the Erika Lodge.

 Day 3: Wildlife Wonders and River Adventures

The rich diversity of wildlife around the lodge is due to the wide range of altitudes in this beautiful place. Immediately after breakfast, we embark on a hike where our guide enlightens us about insects, medicinal plants, trees, reptiles, mammals, and more. Before returning for lunch, we have the opportunity to swim in natural pools formed in the river near the lodge. In the 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, several species of birds, insects, and more. This marks our last night in this wonderful Amazon rainforest. We will stay at the lodge.

 Day 4: Parrot Paradise and Return to Cusco

We wake up early to board our boat. After a five-minute ride, we arrive at a small “collpa,” a clay wall near the riverbank where numerous species of parrots feed on minerals and salt supplements to their diet of seeds and green fruits. After this vibrant and colorful spectacle, we continue by boat to the port of Atalaya and then take the bus back to Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon.

Included:

 Expert bilingual jungle guide

 One night at San Pedro Orchids Lodge

Two nights at Erika Lodge

 Chef

Meals, with vegetarian option available

 Water supply from Day 2

First aid kit including anti-venom shots

All ground and river transportation including roundtrip from hotel in Cusco

Optional rafting equipment

Mountain biking equipment

Specialized guide and equipment for the Canopy tour

 Safe 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 the 3-Day Manu Cultural Zone Tour:

 Binoculars, camera, and ASA 200 and 400 film for the forest interior

 Backpack

 Warm clothing (in case of cold weather), long-sleeved shirts and long pants (cotton)

 100% waterproof gear (long poncho or rain suit)

 Insect repellent (at least 50% DEET)

 Sunscreen

 A pair of lightweight ankle boots and sandals

 Flashlight, batteries (alkaline) and enough light bulbs

 Wide-brimmed hat (for sunny days), sunglasses

 Towel, swimsuit, personal medications and/or supplies (e.g. contact lens solution).

 A small backpack or satchel and one piece of luggage or bag per person.

 A bottle of water for the first day

 Plastic bags.