6-Day Manu Wildlife Adventure – Andes to Amazon

Road In, Fly Out

Overview

Travel from the high Andes of Cusco to the heart of the Amazon Basin in Manu National Park—one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. This journey combines scenic drives, river navigation, and immersive wildlife experiences across cloud forest and lowland rainforest.

Itinerary

Day 01: Cusco – Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge

We depart early from Cusco, crossing the Sacred Valley and reaching the high pass of Chawaytiri (4,200 m). We then descend to Paucartambo, a charming Andean village rich in history.

Continuing to Acjanaco Pass (3,560 m), the gateway to Manu, we begin our descent into the cloud forest. By afternoon, we arrive at our lodge (1,450 m), where we may encounter wildlife such as Spectacled Bears, capuchin monkeys, parrots, hummingbirds, orchids, and more.

Day 02: Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge – Hummingbird Lodge

We travel through the lush Kosñipata Valley, famous for its biodiversity. After a scenic drive, we continue by boat along the Madre de Dios River.

Enjoy a box lunch en route as we navigate deeper into the Amazon, arriving at our lodge near Boca Manu.

Day 03: Hummingbird Lodge – Casa Matsiguenka – Oxbow Lake

An early departure takes us upstream along the Manu River into the heart of Manu National Park. This is one of the best days for wildlife observation.

After approximately four hours, we reach Casa Matsiguenka, a rustic lodge managed by the local Matsiguenka community. In the afternoon, we visit an oxbow lake to search for giant river otters, caimans, monkeys, and diverse birdlife.

Day 04: Manu National Park – Tambo Blanquillo Lodge

We explore another oxbow lake, increasing our chances of spotting giant river otters, caimans, turtles, and monkeys.

Later, we travel downstream along the Manu and Madre de Dios rivers to Tambo Blanquillo Lodge. In the afternoon, we visit a tapir clay lick.

Day 05: Macaw Clay Lick – Rainforest Trails

Early morning visit to one of the largest macaw clay licks in the region. From a comfortable viewing blind, we observe parrots, parakeets, and macaws gathering in spectacular numbers.

After lunch, we explore rainforest trails and revisit oxbow lakes for more wildlife encounters, including possible sightings of giant river otters.

Day 06: Tambo Blanquillo – Puerto Maldonado

We depart early by motorized canoe, followed by a land transfer to Puerto Maldonado airport. From here, you take your return flight to Cusco.

Tour Details

Included

Private transportation (car and boat)
Professional naturalist guide (English-speaking)
Entrance fees to Manu National Park
Accommodation in lodges
Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Snacks, juices, and mineral water
Rubber boots
Visits to oxbow lakes and macaw clay lick
Not Included
Flight: Puerto Maldonado → Cusco
Alcoholic beverages
Tips

Recommendations

Best Time to Travel April to November 

What to Bring

Lightweight clothing
Long-sleeve shirts (cotton)
Sunglasses and hat
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Sandals

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