9-Day Manu Birding Tour – Andes to Amazon Wildlife Experience

Overview

This immersive 9-day birding tour takes you from the high Andes of Cusco to the lowland Amazon rainforest of Manu National Park—one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.

Manu harbors over 1,000 bird species, along with exceptional wildlife diversity including mammals, reptiles, insects, and lush tropical vegetation. Throughout the journey, you will explore a wide range of habitats, from high Andean lakes and cloud forest to foothill and lowland rainforest ecosystems.

This route offers excellent opportunities to observe many of Peru’s most sought-after bird species, including endemic and rare species, while enjoying a true wilderness experience.

Key Highlights

Over 1,000 bird species recorded in Manu National Park
Birding from the Andes to the Amazon Basin
High diversity of habitats: high Andes, cloud forest, foothills, and rainforest
Excellent chances to see endemic and rare species
Macaw clay lick and oxbow lake excursions
Cock-of-the-rock lek experience
Expert birding guide and private transport

Target Birds

This tour offers excellent opportunities to observe some of Peru’s most sought-after and iconic bird species across multiple habitats:

Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus)
Bearded Mountaineer (Oreonimpha nobilis) – endemic
Rusty-fronted Canastero (Asthenes ottonis) – endemic
Blue-headed Macaw (Primolius couloni) – vulnerable
Red-and-green Macaw (Ara chloropterus)
Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna)
Amazonian Antpitta (Hylopezus berlepschi)
Rusty-belted Tapaculo (Liosceles thoracicus)
Red-billed Scythebill (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris)
Scaly-naped Parrot (Amazona mercenarius)
Lyre-tailed Nightjar (Uropsalis lyra)
Mixed flocks of tanagers, flycatchers, and hummingbirds

Itinerary

Day 01: Cusco – Wayqecha (Cloud Forest)

Early departure from Cusco with birding along the route. We visit Huacarpay Lake, a high-Andean wetland rich in birdlife, including species such as the Bearded Mountaineer (Oreonimpha nobilis) and Rusty-fronted Canastero (Asthenes ottonis).

We continue to Acjanaco Pass (3,560 m), the gateway to Manu, before descending into the cloud forest. Overnight at Wayqecha Lodge (2,937 m), where birding begins with mixed-species flocks.

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

Morning birding along the famous Manu Road, focusing on tanagers, hummingbirds, and mixed flocks.

After breakfast, we explore trails around Wayqecha before descending to Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge (1,450 m). In the afternoon, we visit a lek site to observe the Andean Cock-of-the-rock displaying.

Optional night birding for owls and nightjars.

Day 03: Manu Road – Kosñipata Valley

We continue birding along the cloud forest and foothill zones of the Kosñipata Valley. Target species may include Red-billed Scythebill, Red-bellied Macaw, and Scaly-naped Parrot.

Full-day birding with box lunch. Overnight at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge.

Day 04: Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge – Villa Carmen Lodge

After an early birdwatching session and breakfast, we continue along the Manu Road to a different altitude—the transition zone between the cloud forest and the rainforest.

Afternoon birding in lowland rainforest trails. Possible sightings include Rusty-belted Tapaculo (Liosceles thoracicus), Amazonian Antpitta (Hylopezus berlepschi), and Blue-headed Macaw (Primolius couloni).

Day 05: Villa Carmen Lodge – Parrot & Macaw Clay Lick

Boat journey along the Madre de Dios River to visit a clay lick, where parrots and macaws gather to feed on mineral-rich clay.

Afternoon birding in rainforest and bamboo habitats, followed by a visit to an oxbow lake.

Day 06: Villa Carmen Lodge – Tambo Blanquillo

Morning birding before navigating downstream to Tambo Blanquillo Lodge.

Birding in diverse habitats including bamboo forest, where we may observe antbirds, woodcreepers, manakins, and mixed-species flocks.

Day 07: Tambo Blanquillo – Canopy & Oxbow Lake

Exploration of rainforest trails and canopy tower (approx. 45 m high) for excellent views of canopy species.

Afternoon visit to an oxbow lake by catamaran, with chances to observe birds, monkeys, and other wildlife.

Day 08: Macaw Clay Lick – Blanquillo

Early morning visit to one of the largest macaw clay licks in the region. Spectacular activity includes Red-and-green Macaw (Ara chloropterus), Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna), and several parrot species.

Afternoon at leisure or additional birding around the lodge.

Day 09: Blanquillo – Cusco / Puerto Maldonado

Early departure by boat and vehicle. Option to travel to Puerto Maldonado for a flight to Cusco or Lima, or return by road to Cusco.

Tour Details

Included

Professional birding guide (English/Spanish)
Accommodation in lodges
Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Private transportation (vehicle and boat)
Entrance fees to all sites
Rubber boots
Snacks, juices, and drinking water

Not Included

Flights (Puerto Maldonado – Cusco / Lima)
Beverages (soft drinks and alcoholic drinks)
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and staff

Recommendations

Best Time to Travel

April to November (dry season)

What to Bring

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

Prices

vary depending on group size and travel preferences.
Contact us for a personalized quote tailored to your trip

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