Welcome to the adventure from Cusco to Manu National Park in Peru. Manu National Park, a gem in the heart of South America, beckons. Nestled in the Amazon Basin, it boasts a vast expanse of around two million hectares (approximately 4.9 million acres). It’s an unspoiled landscape of remarkable natural beauty and biological diversity.
Imagine trekking through a cultural zone rich in history. As you journey from Cusco, you see remnants of the glorious past intertwined with the present. You sense the silent whisper of Paucartambo town, the iconic relic, resonating with the landscape. This is only the beginning of your Manu National Park tour.
Venture deeper into Manu National Park. Here, a riot of flora and fauna explodes in a vibrant tapestry of life. You traverse through dense cloud forests that gradually give way to lowland jungles.
Oxbow lakes, tranquil and serene, punctuate the landscape. Each step brings you closer to the heart of this protected area, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Thousands of species of mammals and birds call the park home. Every twist in the trail reveals new delights: a family of Giant River Otters playfully cavorting in a lake. You will also see a unique bird species fluttering in the canopy. This abundance of wildlife is a testament to the park’s role as a crucial refuge in the Amazon Basin.
At Bio Manu Expeditions, we create engaging and educational Manu National Park tours. Our expert-guided jungle trips weave through the Manu Reserved Zone, the park’s most pristine areas.
Are you an avid birder? Perhaps you are a mammal enthusiast. Or maybe you are simply a nature lover.
Regardless of your interest, our tours have something to offer. They provide an immersive experience in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.
Manu National Park beckons. Will you answer the call?
Cusco City
05:00 AM
Your journey from Cusco to Manu National Park, Peru, begins with an early morning hotel pickup. In our private transport, we’ll set off from the Andes towards the Amazon. Our first stop will be the folkloric Andean town of Paucartambo, perched at 2906 meters (9534 ft) above sea level. Here, we’ll serve you a traditional breakfast while our guide shares stories about the town’s age-old traditions and customs.
Post breakfast, our journey will continue towards Tres Cruces or Acjano. This is the highest point on the Manu National Park tour from Cusco. It sits at 3900 meters (12795 ft) above sea level. You’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of the vast Amazon basin from here.
Next, we’ll drive downhill to the Manu Cloud Forest. This region teems with diverse flora and fauna, including vibrant orchid farms. Keep an eye out for the Peruvian National Bird, the Andean cock of the rock. You can also see the cappuccino monkey and wooly monkey.
After enjoying a native lunch, we’ll transfer you to Atalaya Port. From here, we’ll embark on a motor boat journey on the Madre de Dios river towards Machuwasi Lake. Along the way, we will be spotting more animals and birds such as the majestic harpy eagle.
We’ll briefly stop at the lake before continuing another two-hour boat trip to Manu Rainforest Lodge. It is nestled in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon.
Once checked in, you’ll be served a native dinner. If you’re up for it, we can go on a short night hike to spot some nocturnal creatures.
Your second day in Manu National Park, Peru, will start with a delightful local breakfast. Post meal, we’ll embark on a peke peke, a boat named after the sound of its motor. We’ll cruise down the Manu River, then sail up the Palotoa River.
Our destination is the Treehouse INN, located deep within the Manu Jungle. This scenic boat ride promises stunning vistas of cloud forests and lowland wilderness. Look out for mammals and rodents like the large Capybaras.
Upon arrival, our crew will welcome you to the Treehouse INN. This exclusive lodge is open only to our guests. After check-in, we’ll start exploring the surrounding jungle with a guided trail.
You’ll encounter giant trees, diverse bird species, and local animals. Your guide will also introduce you to medicinal plants used by local people.
Lunch will follow this hike. Afterward, we’ll venture further into the Manu Jungle on a slightly longer trail. This time, expect to spot colorful native birds, such as Macaws, parrots, hummingbirds, and woodpeckers.
We’ll return to the lodge for dinner after enjoying a picturesque jungle sunset. If you’re up for it, we’ll embark on a nighttime walk. We’ll spot nocturnal creatures like howler monkeys, Kalinoski rats, pygmy owls, tarantulas, spiders, and even coral snakes.
Don’t forget to pack your flashlight, as it will be an essential tool during our nighttime jungle walks.
The day will close with a sound sleep amidst the sounds of the Amazon Rainforest in the Treehouse INN.
On the third day of your Manu National Park tour, we will start early, before sunrise. Our destination is the Parrots and Macaws Clay Lick, a highlight of any trip to Manu National Park.
Witness hundreds of vibrant parrots and macaws congregating on the cliff to eat clay. This clay contains minerals that help these birds to cleanse toxins from their bodies. After this extraordinary spectacle, we’ll return to Treehouse INN for breakfast.
Following breakfast, we’ll embark on another hike. This trail loops around the local community, showcasing various medicinal plants. Your guide will detail the uses of these plants during the tour.
Further into the trail, we may spot jaguars, pumas, anteaters, sloths, and tapirs in their natural habitat. We’ll observe from a safe distance.
Around noon, we’ll conclude our morning of exploration and discoveries. Then, we’ll make our way back to the comfortable surroundings of the lodge. Here, a well-deserved, nourishing lunch awaits us.
In the evening, you can relax and enjoy some river tubing in the crystal clear waters of the Palotoa River. Post-sunset, we’ll serve dinner. Then, if you wish, we’ll head out for another nighttime jungle exploration, giving you another chance to spot nocturnal wildlife.
On the fourth day, we’ll start with breakfast at the Treehouse INN. Afterward, we’ll hop on our boat for a return sail to Atalaya pier. Here, our crew and private transportation await to drive you back to the city of Cusco.
As we travel, we’ll stop again in Paucartambo for a delightful lunch. We will make sure to have you back in Cusco by 06:00 PM. This will mark the end of a memorable tour of the Manu National Park.
This journey marks the end of our Manu National Park tour. However, the memories of diverse species of birds, vibrant flora, and fauna will surely stay with you. The captivating views of cloud forests and lowlands will also be indelible.
At Bio Manu Expeditions, we ensure every journey is memorable.
The best time to visit Manu National Park is during the dry season, from June to October. During these months, the paths are usually dry and easier to navigate.
The journey to Manu National Park from Cusco typically starts with a car ride to Atalaya or Shintuya, from where you will continue the journey by boat. It takes about eight to nine hours to reach the park from Cusco.
Manu National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including giant otters, jaguars, several monkey species, and a vast number of bird species. The biodiversity is incredible, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
Yes, it is generally safe to visit Manu National Park. However, as with any wildlife expedition, it is important to follow the guidelines provided by the tour operators and respect the local wildlife and environment.
Yes, a guide is necessary when visiting Manu National Park. The park is immense, and the jungle can be challenging to navigate. A knowledgeable guide not only ensures your safety but also enhances your experience by providing valuable insights into the flora and fauna.
Lightweight and breathable clothing, a good pair of hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars for wildlife viewing, and a good camera are recommended. Remember, the weather can be changeable, so waterproof clothing is also a good idea.
It’s advised to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations. Vaccines for diseases like Yellow Fever and medications for Malaria prophylaxis may be recommended depending on current health advisories. Also, considering the high altitudes in Cusco, some travelers might want to bring along medication to alleviate altitude sickness. Always consult with a healthcare provider before your travel.
Bio Manu Expeditions curated an absolutely unforgettable journey from Cusco to Manu National Park Peru. Their attention to detail and expertise really shone through every step of the way. The transition from the towering heights of Machu Picchu to the unique biodiversity in Manu National Park was seamless and deeply educational. A trip of a lifetime, highly recommended!