Manu Natural Paradise

This journey will allow you to have the best experience in the pristine forest, enter the Manu National Park through the Cloud Forest, visit the lakes Salvador and Otorongo in the reserved area, see the flocks of macaws and the tapir in the biosphere or the wet area and then return by the transoceanic, paved road to Cusco or Puerto Maldonado. This trip suits those who do not have much time to visit the park.

What does the Manu National Park offer?

In the Manu National Park, travelers witness the biological richness crossing the Dwarf Forest, the Cloud Forest and the Tropical Forest. These different ecosystems are home to endangered species such as the spectacled bear, the harpy eagle, the tapirs, the jaguar, the black alligator, the anacondas and the giant otters. For this reason, this is the perfect place for nature lovers and those who want to see true natural beauty for the first time, in all its splendor. The Manu National Park is a nature reserve, the accommodations are an ideal complement between nature and comfort, maintaining a minimal impact on the environment and giving the feeling of a true coexistence with Mother Nature. This natural paradise offers the best conditions to observe and photograph wildlife thanks to the conditions offered by a pristine nature reserve such as the Manu National Park. Our tours are led by guides who are specialists in the flora and fauna of the area, authorized by the Authorities of the Manu National Park. There is a maximum of 6 visitors per group, so this guarantees that you will have a great time on this trip. Visitors should familiarize themselves with the conservation of the Manu National Park. Certain rules of conduct apply, for example, you can not approach wild animals, you can not litter, you can not use soap or shampoo to contaminate rivers and lakes (we recommend the use of biodegradable soaps)

• Binoculars 8X42: If you want to rent a good-sized binocular, do not hesitate to request.

Day 1.- Cusco – Manu Bosque Nublado – Bambu Lodge

Departure from the city of Cusco at 5:30 am and start the trip from 8 to 9 hours to the jungle. We will pass the highest point of our trip at an altitude of more than 4,000 ms. On the way we will stop as many times as necessary, to see the Chullpas de Ninamarca, pre-Inca cemetery. From here we will pass through the pastures of the Andes until we reach the town of Paucartambo at an altitude of 2,900 meters above sea level. Paucartambo is a small city with a lot of history and tradition, it is also known as the folkloric capital of Peru. After a brief visit to the beautiful center of the city, we continue towards Acjanaco at 3,560 masl, which also marks the entrance to the Manu National Park. We begin the descent into the jungle. On the way we can see orchids and birds like the resplendent Quetzal, the toucan and the Tangara. In San Pedro we will find a strategically perfect place to observe the national bird of Peru, the cock of the Andean rocks. Inside the LEK we can observe these birds jumping and singing happily while performing their typical mating ritual. With a little luck we will see mammals like monkeys or the spectacled bear. We move through the rainforest until we reach the “Ecological Bambu Lodge”.

• Food: breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner.
• LEK: Wooden platform built to appreciate the Andean cock of the rock.
• Accommodation: Bambu Lodge, double or triple rooms with private bathroom and shower.

Day 2.- Bambu lodge, Rio Manu y Casa Matshiguenka.

After an early breakfast we head towards the Manu National Park Reserve. First passing the valley of Cosñipata where the holy coca plant has been cultivated for decades. We will get a close insight into the faring of the holy plant. From here we will head to Atalaya where we will head downstream on the Madre de Dios until reaching the estuary of the river Manu after about 4 hours. Here we will enter the actual reserve of the Manu and after another 3 hours by boat we will reach the famous casa Matshiguenka in the heart of the rain forest around 4:00 pm. Here we will spend the next 2 nights. During the boat ride we will be able to observe the breathtaking flora and fauna of this natural wonder. Many different species of birds, monkeys hopping through the tree tops and the scary black caiman. If really lucky you may even spot a jaguar along the river banks.

Day 3.- Manu Reserve – Cocha Salvador – Cocha Otorongo.

Very early we will head out to the Cocha (=lake) Salvador which is located upstream deeper into the Reserve. The Cocha Salvadoris one of the most important lakes within the Manu National Park. The eco system is home to many important animals like the giant river otter, the black caiman, anacondas, plenty of different species of birds and up to 13 species of monkeys. Using a small catamaran to navigate the lake gives you the opportunity to see these animals close up. After visiting the lake, we head back to our Lodge, the  Casa Matshiguenka. In the later afternoon we will visit the  Cocha Otorongo, this lake can be appreciated from a 20 meter high observation platform. From here we then head back to the Lodge for our second night in the Manu National Park.

Day 4.- Casa Matshiguenka – Manu Maquisapayoq – Collpa Tapir.

Today we will leave the actual Reserve of the Manu National Park and head out to the so called buffer zone also known as Manu biosphere or Maquisapayoc. Here we will visit the most important clay lick (=collpa) for the mammals living in the jungle. The animals use these collpas in order to absorb salts and minerals from the clay, which they need to detoxify and digest their diet. Tapirs, deer, porcupines as well as monkeys pass by here on a regular basis. Since most animals are nocturnal, this is a night time activity. Your guide will coordinate the excursion with you accordingly. The ride from the Lodge Casa Matshiguenka to the Maquisapayoc Lodge takes about 6 hours. Breakfast will be taken during the boat ride. We will reach the Lodge around 3:30 pm.

Tapir: is the larges land mammal of the Amazon region with a length of up to 2,5 meters and height up to 70 ca. In spite of its enormous weigth of up to 300 kg, the Tapir is a very shy animal which is purely nocturnal. In order to see a tapir in the wild it takes luck and patience. Only the collpas offer the opportunity to see one. During the nightwatch of animals we require absolute silence. The Tapir has exceptional hearing and a very fine sense of smell, a minnimal sound and they will disappear. Nonetheless it is unique experience.

Day 5.- Manu Maquisapayoq – Colorado – Mazuco – Cusco.

After breakfast we will start our way back in a 3 hour boat ride downstream to the town of Boca Colorado where we will say goodby to our boat crew which as accompanied us through the Manu over the last couple of days. In a private taxi we drive for about one hour to  Puerto Punkiri (why do we take a taxi? Our transport from Cusco cannot enter to Boca Colorado). We will have to cross the river Inambari till we reach Puerto Carlos where our transport from Cusco will wait for us. Along the asphalted Transozeanica we will head back to Cusco in a 7 to 8 hour bus ride, reaching Cusco around 6:00 pm.

Note.- Lodge to the airport, if you have flight back to Lima.

• Our representative will be present at the agreed time to accompany and assist you at the airport.

Included:

• Briefing, to talk about the visit to the jungle.
• Professional naturalist guide in English, with binoculars & spotting scope
• Private transport from Cusco to Atalaya.
• Private boat from Atalaya – ManuBiosphere -Manu Maquisapayoj to Colorado.
• Entrance fees to Cock of the Rock observatory – LEK.
• Entrance fees to Manu National Park – Cocha Salvador (Giant River Otters).
• Cook & all food (vegetarian on request).
• Mineral water for every day.
• Overnight in Lodge (Bambu Lodge 1 night, Hummingbird Lodge 1 night.
• Casa Machiguenka Lodge 2 nights with private bathroom).
• Private transport from Puerto Carlos – colorado, Private transport from Mazuco to Cusco or Puerto Maldonado.
• First Aid Kit, extractor (for venom), Radio communication and Rubber boots

Not Included:

• Alcoholic drinks.
• Personal expenses etc.
• Tips.
• Meals not described.

Recommendations:

• Pasaports
• Thick and waterproof clothing.
• Comfortable shoes.
• Backpack, for personal belongings.
• Photographic camera.
• Cap and sunglasses.
• Sun block and repellent for Machu Picchu.

Cusco City and Machu Picchu

Considered the first tourist city of Peru and capital of the Inca Empire, it still has Inca palaces, colonial temples, the Koricancha, the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, the “baths of the Ñusta” Tambomachay, interesting places for a beautiful excursion. This fascinating trip continues to visit the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas, the market of Pisac, first stop, opportunity to appreciate the “barter” commercial exchange of products of the Inca period, which even the local population retains, then enjoy the picnic lunch in the Orihuela farm, which keeps in its interiors very interesting valuable pieces, such as paintings, Inca pottery, etc. continue to the ruins of Ollanta, appreciate part of the Inca architecture, finally the impressive legacy of the Incas Machu Picchu (2400 masl), part of the Inca culture. Travel in the Vistadome train (3 ½ hours), on the way we will appreciate the beginning of the Inca trail, terraces of the Inca time in the journey, chain of snowy mountains, such as Salkantay, Veronica, which make the mornings be cold, fresh and pleasant. Obviously the staff of Antara Travel Agency, prior to the trip will inform you in detail and adequately, so that your trip is pleasant and enjoyable.

Day 1.- Free day after Manu Jungle visit.

Arrival to the city of Cusco our representative will offer you a warm welcome at the Alejandro Velasco Astete airport. They will board the vehicle and during the trip to the hotel we will provide information and recommendations for a pleasant stay.

Day 2: Cusco and Excursion of the city.

Breakfast in the hotel, 09:30 am, visit through the Majestic City of Cusco and its surroundings in the company of your guide. You will visit the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Temple of the Sun or Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and the “Baños de la Ñusta” Tambomachay. Hotel in Cusco city.

Day 3.- Magical Sacred Valley of the Incas.

After a nice breakfast at the hotel. Our guide will pick you up and leave for the first stop, the Awanacancha Craft Center where you can meet the family of auquénidos such as Llama, Alpaca and the exuberant Vicuña auquénido possessor of the finest wool. Afterwards, you will stop at one of the viewpoints from where you can appreciate all the landscape splendor of the sacred valley and take photographs for the memory. Then we will visit the handicraft market of Pisaq, there we will see the Inca commercial system called “barter, exchange of product by product. We will continue to Urubamba, place where you will enjoy a Lunch, made with fresh products and natives of the area. Finally we will visit the Inca town of Ollantaytambo, which still preserves its Inca houses and streets, after a nice day we will return to Cusco. Hotel night.

Day 4.- Unforgettable Cusco – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Breakfast at the hotel. Our representative will meet you, at  the hotel to go, to the train station of Poroy for a nice journey to Machu Picchu arqueological Inca site. After 3 ½ hours by train you will board the bus trip to Machu Picchu, your tour guide will meet you, for a private tour.  the excursion will be 2 to 3 hours, you will enjoy the perfection of its buildings and the wonderful landscape that surrounds it. There will also be occasion for photographs. Once the visit is over, you will enjoy a pleasant lunch in the town of Aguas Calientes. After a long and unforgettable walk, we will take the train back to Poroy town, the vehicle will wait for us to take us back to the hotel in Cusco.