Go where few travelers venture on this exclusive 6-day expedition into the Manu Reserved Zone, the most pristine and biodiverse corner of the Peruvian Amazon. Leave civilization behind as you descend from the Andes into the Cloud Forest and travel by river deep into the untouched jungle. This isn’t just a tour; it’s a hunt for the wild. Navigate the silent waters of Cocha Salvador on a catamaran to spot Giant River Otters, hike through primary rainforests towering with ancient trees, and scan the riverbanks for the elusive Jaguar. With nights spent in rustic eco-lodges surrounded by the symphony of the jungle, this is the ultimate adventure for nature lovers seeking the real Amazon.

NOTE: If you don't find a departure date that fits in your plans, please contact us.

Immerse yourself in one of the world’s most biologically diverse ecosystems on this comprehensive 6-day tour of the Manu National Park Reserved Zone. Unlike standard tours that stay on the periphery, this itinerary takes you past the Cultural Zone and deep into the protected heart of the park.

Your journey includes exclusive access to Cocha Otorongo and Cocha Salvador, oxbow lakes famous for their populations of endangered Giant River Otters and Black Caimans. Witness the vibrant spectacle of the Macaw Clay Lick, track families of monkeys through the canopy, and keep your camera ready for Tapirs and Jaguars along the river. Guided by expert naturalists, you will experience the Amazon in its purest form, far from the crowds.

Brief Itinerary - Manu Reserved Zone: The Deep Jungle Expedition (6 Days)

Day 1: Cusco to Pona Lodge
Leave the Andes behind as you descend through the spectacular Cloud Forest. Along the way, visit the pre-Inca burial towers of Ninamarca and the colonial town of Paucartambo. In the afternoon, explore the forest to spot the vibrant Cock of the Rock (Peru’s national bird) and woolly monkeys before arriving at the cozy Pona Lodge, located at the gateway to the Amazon.

Highlights of the Day:

1. Walk along the Cloud Forest of Manu Park

2. Visit the Peruvian National Bird LEK

3. Bird Watching along the Cloud Forest, where you'll see several species of colorful birds including Tanagers, toucans, barbets, hummingbirds, two species of quetzals, trogons, motmots, woodpeckers, and hawks.

4. Tanager garden optional visit, an excellent spot to photograph colorful birds (not included in the standard Cusco to Manu tourspackage).

Day 2: Pona Lodge to Yanayacu Lodge
Travel deeper into the jungle by boat along the Madre de Dios River. Enjoy the changing landscape as the mountains fade and the lowland rainforest takes over. You’ll spend the night at Yanayacu Lodge, a family-run eco-lodge nestled in a primary forest area perfect for spotting kingfishers, herons, and various species of monkeys along the riverbanks.

Highlights of the Day:

1. Hummingbird Garden Visit: A highlight of many jungle trips in Peru, where several species of hummingbird, tanagers, barbets, monkeys, and the majestic king vulture are observed.

2. Visit a Hot Spring: Around noon, we will stop at a natural hot spring for about an hour of relaxing bathing.

Day 3: Yanayacu Lodge to Casa Matsiguenka Lodge (The Reserved Zone)
Today you enter the exclusive Reserved Zone. Navigating the Manu River, you’ll have your best chance to spot the legendary Jaguar sunbathing on the beaches. We stop at the Limonal ranger station to register before arriving at Casa Matsiguenka, an indigenous-owned lodge that provides an authentic connection to the forest and its ancient guardians.

Highlights of the Day:

1. Sail along Manu River: A prime opportunity during your Cusco to Manu tour to see several species of animals including black caimans, white caimans, turtles, monkeys, capybaras, and deer.

2. Jaguar Searching: At Manu River, we will have our best chances to see Jaguars on the way up as well as on the way down.

3. Cocha Otorongo Visit: This oxbow lake offers your first chance to see giant otters and large black caimans, a true highlight of jungle tours in Peru.

Day 4: Exploring the Heart of Manu (Cocha Salvador)
Dedicate your day to the treasures of the Reserved Zone. Visit Cocha Salvador, a pristine oxbow lake, to search for the endangered Giant River Otters from a silent catamaran. Later, explore forest trails to find spider monkeys and learn about medicinal plants. This is the peak of your wildlife immersion, surrounded by 1,000 species of birds and high-density mammal populations.

Highlights of the Day:

1. Cocha Salvador Visit: Cocha Salvador is the largest Oxbow lake in Manu National Park. At this oxbow lake, part of your exclusive Cusco to Manu tour, we have a chance to see giant otters, Black Caimans, and several species of birds and monkeys.

2. Macaw Clay Lick Visit: Near our lodge, we have a small macaw clay lick where two species of large macaws are observed, including scarlet as well as red and green macaws, a vibrant part of your jungle trip in Peru.

3. Night Walk: During our night walks, we can see several species of nocturnal creatures including insects, amphibians, reptiles, night monkeys, and owls.

Day 5: Casa Matsiguenka to Tapir Clay Lick
Begin your journey back toward the park's edge, stopping at the famous Tapir Clay Lick. After a trek through the forest, you will reach a camouflaged observation platform. Here, you will wait in silence for the South American Tapir—the largest land mammal in the Amazon—to arrive and consume mineral-rich clay under the cover of night.

Highlights of the Day:

1. Sail Along Manu River: On the way, we will have our second chance to search for caimans, monkeys, turtles, capybaras, deer, and green anacondas, enhancing your jungle trip in Peru.

2. Jaguar Search: This morning, we will search for jaguars along the Manu River; the best chance to see jaguars is between July to October.

3. Tapir Clay Lick: In the evening, we will visit a mammal clay lick where tapirs are often seen.

4. Spend a Night in the middle of the Jungle: To see the tapirs, we will spend a night in a camouflage house, an immersive part of your jungle tour in Peru.

Day 6: Tapir Clay Lick to Cusco
A final, long day of travel as you begin the return journey. After a final morning of jungle sounds, you will travel by boat back to Atalaya and then transfer to a private vehicle for the climb back up the Andes. You will arrive in Cusco in the evening, carrying memories of one of the world's last truly wild places.

Trip Highlights:

• Exclusive Access: Stay within the Reserved Zone, accessible only to select tour operators.

• Top Wildlife: High chances of spotting Jaguars, Giant Otters, Caimans, Spider Monkeys, and Macaws.

• Diverse Landscapes: Journey through the mystical Cloud Forest and the lowland Amazon Rainforest.

• Activities: Catamaran sailing on oxbow lakes, night walks for nocturnal wildlife, visits to mammal and macaw clay licks.

• Includes: Private transport (bus & boat), eco-lodge accommodation, meals, and professional naturalist guides.