The Manu National Park in Peru is the Reserve of more extensive tropical forest of the planet, with almost two million hectares; located in southeast Peru between the department of Cusco and Madre de Dios, very important part of the Amazonian river basin. In 1977 it was declared by UNESCO: Biosphere Reserve and recognized in 1987 like world patrimony of the Humanity.
DAY CUSCO - PILCOPATA:
With the first light in the morning a 4x4 truck with the guide, the driver and the coock will pick you up from your hotel, together, we start the trip in South direction; our first stop is 25 km from Cusco in “Huacarpay” lake to use an observation tower where is possible to see many birds around the lake, in the mean time the cook will be serving breakfast on a side of the lake. We continue our trip in East direction, in the way we visit the beautiful folkloric colonial town of “Paucartambo”, we also stop in the pass of “Acjanacu” (3850masl) entrance point to the park, here is also the separation point of the Andes and the beginning of the Amazon basin. After lunch we descend through different kinds of forest, where is possible to see a big diversity of flora and fauna, habitat of mammals like the Spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatos), unique bear in south America, the Andean fox (Cerdocyon thous), the puma (puma concolor) and others; also habitat of many species of birds like eagles, raptors and others colourful tropical birds as the famous Cock of the rock (Rupicola peruviana) endemic bird of the cloud forest; around are possible to find Cedars, more than 600 species of ferns, orchids and begonias etc. We continue our trip until Pilcopata’s town (700 masl), Overnight in a hostel of the town. Showers and toilets available. DAY PILCOPATA - BOCAMANU:
This morning we travel one more hour by bus to the river port of “Atalaya” to board a motor boat and navigate around 7 hours down the “Alto Madre de Dios”; on the way you can see a variety of bird life, like herons, egrets, kingfishers, and the ever present vultures of which the most spectacular is the condor of the jungle, King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa). In the afternoon we arrive at the village of Boca Manu, a short stop here and we continue 5 minutes to the lodge. Overnight in a lodge close to the village.
DAY BOCA MANU - OTORONGO:
After breakfast the boat trip goes on and one will be able to understand why Manu is so famous for its wildlife. On the river edges you will be able to observe groups of turtles, White Caimans (Caiman cocodrylus), Capybaras (Hydrochaeris) and maybe a Jaguar (Panthera Onca) resting on a log and observing its territory. Arriving in the afternoon to our Safay Campsite, we pass the afternoon visiting the trails around the Otorongo Oxbow Lake and observation tower together with the guide to learn the functions and secrets of the tropical rainforest. Overnight in the campsite in beds, showers and toilettes are available.
DAY OTORONGO:
Today the group visit another oxbow lake called Salvador, which is half an hour boat trip from the Campsite. Here paddling silently on a Catamaran, you have again possibilities to observe a family of giant otters fishing and playing, black caimans and many different rare bird life like the Hoatzins (Opisthocomus hoatzin). Here in Manu the animals have never suffered hunting pressure from man. In the afternoon we return to the lodge. Optional night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife. Overnight in the Campsite, showers and toilettes are available.
DAY OTORONGO:
Early in the morning the group visit “Pakitza” the last Park Ranger Station in the Manu National Park, we start the walking around the interesting trail system, exploring them enjoying the wonder of Flora and Fauna that surrounds the area. In the area we can also observe a different ecosystem than Salvador and Otorongo. In the afternoon we visit the “Casa Matziguenka” a project run by the Matziguenkas ethnic group, if you want also is also possible to buy some of their handicrafts as bowls and arrows, bags, etc.
DAY OTORONGO - CAMPING IN THE BEACH:
The call of the Red Howler monkeys (Alouatta seniculus) will wake us up. We need to start our return. On Manu River, the group might see many different animals, they didn’t find on the way in. After 5 hours f navigation down streams the Manu River we get to the Boca Manu (Optional 30 mnts. flight Boca Manu – Cusco). In the afternoon the group arrives to a nice sandy beach where we build the tends and make a big firewood.
DAY CAMPING IN THE BEACH – LUPUNA “RESERVE”:
Continuing the boat trip up streams the Alto Madre de Dios River we arrive to our “Lupuna Reserve” located in the High Jungle at 700 masl. Here we can make another nocturnal walk to spot more wildlife. Overnight a lodge with basic accommodation, beds and toilettes available.
DAY PILCOPATA - CUSCO:
After breakfast we board the boat for the returning trip to Cusco city until reach Atalaya’s port, where our bus wait to drive us back. Here is the of our services.
All activities may be changed depending of weather or river conditions.
DEPARTURES:
Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
INCLUDE:
Naturalist guide are available in English or Italian by previous agreement
Lodge or camping accommodations per 2 persons.
Complete meals (3 per day) vegetarian by request, also coffee, tea and snacks during the trip.
Pure water for the entire trip, except the first morning.
Cook and assistant
Land and river transportation (4x4 buses or trucks), with specialized bus driver and motorist.
All payments and arrangements for the park permits and entrance fees.
A check list with the most commons animals and plants that are possible to see.
Free storage for the luggage you are not bringing to the trip.
A complete first aid kid including anti venenum.
WHAT WE RECOMMEND TO BRING:
Lightweight in a backpack and a daypack for the walking.
Warm jacket for cool weather.
Long cotton pants and long sleeved cotton shirts.
Sleeping bag.
Raingear or “Poncho”.
Swimsuit, sunglasses, hat or cap, also sun protector and a tower.
Trekking shoes and sandals.
Insect repellent with high deet percentage.
Flash light or headlight.
Binoculars.
Camera with enough films at leas 200 exp.
A canteen or a bottle of water to be feel during the trip. Enough water for the firs day.
DAY CUSCO - PILCOPATA:
DAY PILCOPATA - BOCAMANU:
DAY BOCA MANU - OTORONGO:
DAY OTORONGO:
DAY OTORONGO:
DAY OTORONGO - CAMPING IN THE BEACH:
DAY CAMPING IN THE BEACH – LUPUNA “RESERVE”:
DAY PILCOPATA - CUSCO: