MANU TOUR

Day 1: Cusco – Paucartambo – Cloud Forest – Pilcopata Lodge

Our journey to the heart of the Peruvian Amazon begins early in the morning. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and begin our road trip toward Manu National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
As we leave the city behind, the scenery changes — from Andean valleys with ancient agricultural terraces to charming colonial villages. Our first stop will be at the Chullpas of Ninamarca, pre-Inca funerary towers that connect us to the ancestral history of the Andes.
By midday, we’ll reach the picturesque town of Paucartambo, known for its colonial balconies, colorful masks, and the famous Virgen del Carmen Festival. We’ll visit its small local museum to learn more about its traditions and customs.
Continuing our ascent, we’ll arrive at the Acjanaco Pass (4,000 m / 13,123 ft) — the official gateway to Manu National Park. From here, the road descends into the cloud forest, a mystical ecosystem draped in moss, orchids, and ferns. With some luck, we might spot the Andean cock-of-the-rock, Peru’s national bird, as well as trogons, quetzals, and capuchin or woolly monkeys.
At sunset, we’ll arrive at our eco-lodge in Pilcopata, surrounded by the sounds and fragrances of the forest.
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Pilcopata Lodge

Day 2: Pilcopata – Atalaya – Machuwasi Lake

Wake up to the songs of the Amazon birds and enjoy a nutritious breakfast before starting the day’s exploration. Alongside our naturalist guide, we’ll take a walk around the lodge to learn about Amazonian medicinal plants, tropical fruit trees, and traditional coca plantations used by local communities.
Next, we’ll visit a Wildlife Rescue Center, where you’ll meet spider monkeys, titi monkeys, capuchins, and even a tapir. Volunteers will share the stories of these animals and their rehabilitation process.
We’ll then continue to the port of Atalaya (600 m / 1,968 ft), where we’ll board our motorized canoe. As we travel along the Alto Madre de Dios River, we’ll have the chance to observe colorful birds, exotic plants, and perhaps some riverbank wildlife.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore the peaceful Machuwasi Lake, gliding on handmade wooden rafts over calm waters that mirror the sky and forest. This magical place is home to hoatzins (prehistoric birds), capybaras, caimans, and a wide variety of butterflies — a perfect spot for photography and wildlife observation.
We’ll return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and rest.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Accommodation: Jungle Lodge

Day 3: Parrot Clay Lick – Return to Cusco

Early in the morning, we’ll take a boat to visit a parrot clay lick, one of the Amazon’s most colorful natural spectacles. Dozens of parrots, parakeets, and macaws arrive at dawn to feed on mineral-rich clay that aids digestion and provides essential nutrients — an unforgettable display of sound and color.
After breakfast, we’ll return by boat to Atalaya, where our private transport will be waiting. We’ll drive back through the cloud forest, passing waterfalls, lush mountains, and breathtaking scenery.
Arrival in Cusco will be in the afternoon, bringing with us unforgettable memories and the magic of the Amazon.
- Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

• The Manu National Park 3 Days / 2 Nights program is not located in an endemic area for Malaria or Yellow Fever. We recommend bringing a strong insect repellent. If you choose to get vaccinated against Yellow Fever as a preventive measure, please do so at least 10 days before your trip to the jungle.
• Please note that itineraries may change due to weather conditions, road situations, or other natural factors beyond our control. Your safety and the quality of the experience are always our top priorities.
• Manu is a remote and pristine rainforest, protected precisely because of its isolation. As a result, this journey involves longer travel times by road and boat, especially on the 3-day itinerary. However, this also means you’ll explore a truly untouched part of the Amazon, surrounded by pure nature, incredible biodiversity, and landscapes few travelers ever reach.
• Groups may include travelers participating in 3-, 4-, 5-, or 8-day programs, sharing portions of the route and activities before continuing their individual itineraries.