Manu is more than just a national park: it is also a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve. This guarantees travellers that they are visiting one of the purest and most protected ecosystems on the planet, which adheres to international conservation standards. In the park’s most remote areas, where expeditions are conducted, indigenous groups live in voluntary isolation, such as the Mashco Piro. This further reinforces the idea that Manu is a place where modern civilisation has yet to arrive.
Opting for Bio Manu Expeditions is the key to transforming a standard tour into a truly authentic luxury expedition in Manu. Here are the key reasons why: We are the only company that lets you sleep in authentic treehouses equipped with private bathrooms and hot showers in the heart of the rainforest. Despite the remote location, we offer Wi-Fi, so you can share your experience without sacrificing comfort. Prime location: We’re situated at the confluence of the Madre de Dios and Palotoa rivers — an ideal transition zone for spotting unique species. Unique experiences: From tubing on crystal-clear rivers to night-time insect-hunting hikes, our activities are designed to provide an exciting yet safe adventure. Our professional guides and chefs ensure impeccable logistics and high-quality regional cuisine.
Manu National Park in Peru awaits you. What choice will you make?
Cusco City
05:00 AM
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Cusco at 05:00, with a stop in Paucartambo for a traditional local breakfast en route. After enjoying the views at Tres Cruces (Ajanaco), the highest point on the Manu National Park tour, you will descend into the cloud forest in search of monkeys and the cock-of-the-rock.
After lunch in the Hummingbird Garden, we will take you to the port of Atalaya, our next destination. From there, we will set off on a motorboat along the Madre de Dios River towards the Palotoa River. Along the way, you may see more wildlife and birds, including the impressive harpy eagle.
After a two-hour boat ride, we will stop at the entrance to the Palotoa River. Here, we will transfer you to a ‘peke-peke’, a small boat designed for shallow waters, for another hour’s ride to our Amazon Treehouse lodge. The lodge is located in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon.
We set off before dawn to reach the Parrot and Macaw Clay Lick, one of the highlights of Manu National Park.
After enjoying this colourful display, we will hike along trails where your guide will explain the uses of local medicinal plants. We will then return to the lodge for a delicious breakfast.
After breakfast, we will set out on our next hike.
Further down the path, we will try to find wild pumas, anteaters, sloths and tapirs. They will be observing us!
We will then return to the lodge, where you can enjoy a hearty lunch.
In the late afternoon, we will visit a small pond which attracts many birds, including toucans. Some animals also stop by to drink the fresh water.
Next, we will go on a short night hike in search of nocturnal animals. You may be lucky enough to spot caimans and other nocturnal animals.
On Day 3 of the Manu National Park tour, we will set out on our next hike after breakfast. We will then take a 5-minute boat ride across the Palotoa River.
Accompanied by our local guide, we will then hike for three hours to reach a remote part of the jungle. The hike is a little challenging, so we recommend packing your day pack with water and snacks. We may spot more animals and birds along the way.
After all your explorations and discoveries this morning, we would now like you to relax for the rest of the day. We will then return to the lodge, where you can enjoy a hearty lunch.
In the afternoon, you can unwind with some river tubing in the stunning aquamarine waters of the Palotoa River.
In the evening, we will build a bonfire at the Amazon Treehouse. Our native tour guide will demonstrate how to prepare Amazonian food in bamboo and more. You will also have the opportunity to savour Pacamuto.
To begin day 4, we’ll have breakfast at the Amazon Treehouse. We will then board our boat for a return trip to the Atalaya pier. We leave you at the Atalaya pier so that our crew, with private transport, can take you to the city of Cusco.
While on the drive, we will stop in Paucartambo again so you can enjoy a wonderful lunch. Our goal is to get you back in Cusco by 05:00 PM. This will mark the end of a memorable tour of the Manu National Park.
Your tour of Manu National Park in Peru ends here, but the images of birds, plants, and animals will undoubtedly stay fresh in your memories. The cloud forest and lowland sights will forever be unforgettable.
Manu National Park in Peru is best visited during the dry season, which stretches from June to October. The trails are dry and not that difficult to walk on during these months.
The trip to Manu National Park usually begins with a car ride to Atalaya or Shintuya from Cusco; then, you take a boat for the rest of the trip. It usually takes about eight to nine hours to arrive in 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, you do. The park is quite large, and the jungle can be complex at first. Having an experienced guide is not only suitable for your safety but also enriches the experience by explaining the features of plants and animals around you.
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!
