Departing early from Cusco, we explore the intriguing pre-Incan 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, the 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 accommodation for the night is at the lodge.

Included in the day:

• Transportation: Private bus from Cusco.
• Guide: Bilingual jungle expert guide.
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included, with vegetarian options available.
• Accommodation: Cloud Forest Lodge.
• Snacks: Fresh fruit, cookies, and soft drinks.
• Mineral water: Provided throughout the day.
• Admission fees: Included to the pre-Incan tombs of Ninamarca and other attractions.

Statistics of the day:

• Difficulty: Moderate.

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 river rafting Kosñipata, offering the opportunity for a refreshing dip and spectacular views of the Koñeq Canyon. Continuing along the Upper Madre de Dios River to the Erika Lodge.

Included in the day:

• Transportation: Bus to Pilcopata and motorboat on the Alto Madre de Dios River.
• Guide: Bilingual jungle expert guide.
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included, with a vegetarian option available.
• Accommodation: Erika Lodge, where we will spend the next two nights.
• Snacks: Fresh fruit, cookies, and soft drinks.
• Mineral water: Provided throughout the day.
• First aid kit: First aid kit including snakebite shots.
• Options: Downhill mountain biking or rafting (optional).

Statistics of the day:

• Difficulty: Moderate.

The rich diversity of wildlife around the lodge is due to the wide range of altitudes in this beautiful location. Immediately after breakfast, we embark on a hike where our guide explains 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 Upper 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.

Included in the day:

• Transportation: Boat ride to a small lake near the Alto Madre de Dios River.
• Guide: Bilingual jungle expert guide.
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included, with a vegetarian option. available.
• Accommodation: Erika Lodge.
• Snacks: Fresh fruit, cookies, and soft drinks.
• Mineral water: Provided throughout the day.
• Safe: Safe for valuables.
• Luggage storage: Luggage storage at the main office in Cusco.

Statistics of the day:

• Difficulty: Moderate.

We woke up early to board our boat. After a five-minute ride, we arrived 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 continued by boat to the port of Atalaya and then took the bus back to Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon.

Included in the day:

• Transportation: Boat ride to the clay lick and bus back to Cusco.
• Guide: Bilingual jungle expert guide.
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch included, with a vegetarian option available.
• Snacks: Fresh fruit, cookies, and soft drinks.
• Mineral water: Provided throughout the day.
• Tickets: Included for the parrot clay lick and other attractions.

Statistics of the day:

• Difficulty: Moderate.