This is a spectacular itinerary. This route travels from the Andes down through the Manu Reserved Zone and ending in Puerto Maldonado. This Trip is often called the "Trans-Manu Expedition." It covers the greatest elevation change and biodiversity transition possible in the Amazon.

The Ultimate Amazon Odyssey: Cusco to Puerto Maldonado

6 Days of Deep Jungle Immersion & Wildlife Spectacles

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey from the high peaks of the Andes into the deepest reaches of the Amazon Basin. This expedition takes you through the legendary Manu Reserved Zone, home to the world’s most pristine biodiversity, and concludes at the world-famous Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick. From Giant River Otters and elusive Tapirs to the explosion of color at the macaw licks, this is the definitive Amazon experience.

Trip Highlights

• Manu Reserved Zone: Exclusive access to the most protected part of the park.

• Salvador Oxbow Lake: Encounter Giant River Otters and Black Caiman from a silent catamaran.

• Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick: Witness hundreds of Red-and-green Macaws at the largest lick in the region.

• The Tapir Lick: Spend a night at a camouflaged blind to see the South American Tapir.

• Andean Cloud Forest: Descent from 4,000m to 300m, passing through the home of the Cock-of-the-Rock.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: From the Andes to the Cloud Forest

We depart Cusco early, climbing through the Andes to the colonial town of Paucartambo. We then reach the "Acjanaco" pass, the gateway to Manu National Park. As we descend the eastern slope of the Andes, we enter the misty Cloud Forest. We’ll stop to search for the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Peru’s national bird) during their lekking dance and keep an eye out for Woolly Monkeys.

• Overnight: Pona Lodge.

Day 2: Into the Heart of Manu (The Reserved Zone)

After a scenic drive to Atalaya Port, we board our motorized riverboat. We navigate the Madre de Dios River before entering the Manu River. As we cross into the Reserved Zone, the wildlife becomes more visible: Caimans sunning on beaches, turtles, and perhaps the elusive Jaguar.

• Overnight: Casa Matsiguenka (Eco-lodge within the Reserved Zone).

Day 3: Salvador Oxbow Lake – The Giant Otter Sanctuary

Today is dedicated to exploring Cocha Salvador, the most beautiful oxbow lake in Manu. On a silent catamaran, we’ll look for a resident family of Giant River Otters. This ecosystem is also home to Agami Herons and Black Caimans. In the afternoon, we hike through primary forest to learn about medicinal plants and the complex "Liana" networks of the jungle.

• Overnight: Casa Matsiguenka.

Day 4: Downstream to the Tapir Clay Lick

Leaving the Reserved Zone, we head downstream toward the Blanquillo area. This transition zone is rich in birdlife. Upon arrival at the Tapir Clay Lick, we’ll head to a specially designed, camouflaged observation platform. Here, we wait in silence for the South American Tapir, the largest land mammal in the Amazon, to come and eat mineral-rich clay under the cover of darkness.

• Overnight: Tapir Lodge.

Day 5: The Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick – A Symphony of Color

At dawn, we head to the world-famous Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick. From a hidden blind, you will witness one of nature's greatest spectacles: hundreds of Red-and-green Macaws, Parrots, and Parakeets descending to the red clay cliffs. The noise and color are overwhelming. In the afternoon, we explore the forest trails or visit a nearby canopy tower for a bird's-eye view of the jungle.

• Overnight: TapirLodge.

Day 6: Journey to Puerto Maldonado & Departure

After a final jungle breakfast, we take a fast boat downstream toward Colorado. From there, we transition to a private vehicle for the drive to Puerto Maldonado. The tour concludes with a transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima or Cusco, or to your hotel in the city.