Journey deep into the most protected area of Manu National Park on this 8-day expedition. From the misty cloud forests of the Andes to the wildlife-rich lowland rainforest, you’ll explore the Reserved Zone a pristine sanctuary accessible to only a few. Search for jaguars along the riverbanks, paddle alongside giant river otters on Cocha Salvador, and witness the vibrant spectacle of macaw clay licks. This is the ultimate immersion into the most biodiverse corner of the planet.

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

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Destination: Manu National Park (Reserved Zone & Cultural Zone)
Start/Finish: Cusco / Cusco
Activity Level: Moderate (Jungle hiking, boat travel)
Best For: Wildlife photographers, nature lovers, birdwatchers.

Introduction

Experience the ultimate Manu National Park Jungle Tour, meticulously designed to highlight the Reserved Zone of Manu. This unforgettable journey takes you through the breathtaking Peruvian Cloud Forest, the vibrant High Jungle, and the biodiversity-rich Amazon Lowlands.

As a premier destination for eco-tourism and adventure travel, Manu is a global biodiversity hotspot. Book your Manu National Park expedition today to explore one of the world’s most pristine rainforest ecosystems!

Tour Highlights

• Wildlife Viewing: Search for the elusive Jaguar, Giant River Otters, and Black Caimans.

• Birdwatching: Witness the Cock-of-the-Rock (Peruvian National Bird) and the spectacular Macaw Clay Lick.

• Indigenous Experience: Stay at the authentic Casa Matsiguenka Lodge.

• Unique Ecosystems: Journey from the Andes Mountains to the deep Amazon Rainforest.

Detailed 8-Day Manu Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco to Pona Lodge – Cloud Forest & Cock-of-the-Rock

Your Manu adventure begins with a 5:00 AM pickup from your Cousco hotel.

• Cultural Stop: Visit the Ninamarca Funeral Towers (Pre-Inca site) and Paucartambo, the folkloric capital of Cusco.

• The Cloud Forest: Enter the Manu National Park and hike through the misty high jungle.

• Wildlife: Witness the vibrant Cock-of-the-Rock courtship display at a local lek.

• Overnight: Pona Lodge (Comfortable jungle accommodation).

Day 2: Pona Lodge to Tapir Clay Lick – Hummingbirds & Hot Springs

Travel deeper into the High Forest toward the Madre de Dios River.

• Birding: Visit a specialized Hummingbird Garden (14-19 species).

• Relaxation: Soak in the natural Manu Hot Springs.

• Night Observation: Experience a night at the Tapir Clay Lick to spot the Amazon's largest land mammals.

Day 3: Manu Reserved Zone – The Jaguar Quest

Today marks the start of your Manu Reserved Zone tour as we navigate the iconic Manu River.

• Boat Expedition: 5-hour journey upstream with opportunities to spot Black Caimans and side-necked turtles.

• Jaguar Spotting: This stretch is world-famous for sightings of sunning Jaguars.

• Giant Otters: Visit Cocha Otorongo Oxbow Lake to find families of endangered Giant River Otters.

• Stay: Overnight at the indigenous-owned Casa Matsiguenka Lodge.

Day 4: Full Day Exploration of the Reserved Zone

Deep-dive into the Amazon’s biodiversity with full-day lake explorations.

• Cocha Salvador: Navigate this nutrient-rich oxbow lake via catamaran to see Hoatzin birds and monkeys.

• Canopy Tower: Ascend an observation tower for panoramic views of the Amazon canopy.

• Nocturnal Walk: Discover Olingos, Kinkajous, and nocturnal tree frogs.

Day 5: Macaw Clay Lick – An Avian Spectacle

A highlight for any Peru birdwatching tour.

• The Lick: Witness hundreds of Red and Green Macaws and Scarlet Macaws gathering at the clay cliffs.

• Jungle Exploration: Deep jungle trekking to identify medicinal plants and ancient trees.

Day 6: Reserved Zone to Papaya Lodge – Caimans & Tapirs

Begin the return journey downstream while maintaining a sharp eye for wildlife.

• River Wildlife: Final chances for Jaguar and Turtle searching along the riverbanks.

• Mammal Blind: Spend the night at a strategic platform blind near a Mammal Clay Lick for nocturnal sightings.

Day 7: Alto Madre de Dios River – Scenic Boat Journey

Navigate the Alto Madre de Dios River back toward the Andes.

• Photography: Capture the stunning Amazonian scenery and diverse birdlife.

• Final Night: Return to Pona Lodge for your farewell dinner in the jungle.

Day 8: Return to Cusco via the Sacred Valley

• Morning Birding: Look for Quetzals and Mountain Toucans.

• The Drive: Retrace your steps through the Sacred Valley.

• Arrival: Conclude your Manu National Park 8-day expedition in Cusco at approximately 3:00 PM.