Exploring Manu Cultural Zone

AMAZON BIRDING – THE ULTIMATE IN WILDLIFE TOURS IN MANU

Manu National Park has the highest biodiversity of any protected area in the world. The unparalleled beauty of this trip is in the landscape and variety of habitats ranging from orchid-draped cloud forest where Spectacled Bears and Cock-of-the-Rocks still exist unbothered, to pristine Amazon rainforest with 13 primate species and oxbow lakes frequented by Giant Otters. A trip to Manu is a trip to one of the world´s great wilderness areas where wildlife is still plentiful and over 1000 species of birds have been recorded. Add to this a breathtaking visit to Machu Picchu and you have a trip of a lifetime.

EXPLORE MANU CULTURAL ZONE: Cloud forest & Parrot clay lick at upper Manu rainforest.

Day 1: Cusco to Paradise Lodge (Lower Manu-cloud forest 1400m).

Today we will leave early, first driving through scenic intermontane valleys. We will make selected stops for the Lupacas Pre-Inca cemetery and Paucartambo village. Reaching a high mountain pass at Ajanaco, we will begin our journey into a vast intact wilderness area as we descend along the sinuous road that will take us to the Manu foothills. Along the extraordinary altitudinal transect that this remarkable road represents, new wildlife species continually appear whilst others drop out. Initially, the steep Andean slopes are clad in stunted forest, temperate shrubbery and wet paramo, and here we may well encounter such high-elevation species as Mountain Caracara, Shining Sunbeam and Moustached Flower-piercers. A little lower down, where the magnificent cloudforests begin, we shall look out for the beautiful Orchids and the famous Andean cock-of-the-Rock at the Lek, proclaimed as Peru´s national bird. With a little luck we will see a Woolly Monkey and Brown capuchin Monkeys. We will stay for one night at the Paradise Lodge. Optional night walk in Lower Manu-cloudforest. L:D.

Days 2: Paradise Lodge to Amazonia Lodge 500m(1,750 feet)

After a final morning in the cloudforests we will descend further down the Manu road to the comfortable Amazonia Lodge with one lake which are easy to see the White Caiman and Smooth-fronted Caiman, plenty of trails and canopy tower. Today we will visit a Coca farm, Orchid Garden and with a modicum of luck we will find a Military and Blue-headed Macaws. Later we will cross the Alto Madre de Dios river to Amazonia Lodge. Our base for the next two nights stay, with optional night walks. B:L:D.

Days 3: Parrot Clay Lick & Machuwasi Lake.

Early start to visit the small Parrot and Macaw Clay Lick, 25 minutes downriver along the Madre de Dios river bank. We will see Chestnut-Fronted Macaw, Blue-Headed Macaw, Dusky-Headed Parakeet, White-Eyed Parakeet, Blue-Headed Parrot and Yellow-Crowned Parrot. Parrots & Macaws are known to ingest clay because of its negative charge, binds potential toxins such as alkaloids and phenolics, it has been thought to prevent diarrhea, help treat intestinal parasites and supply vital minerals, parrots & macaws feed on plant material, particularly seeds and fruits, vegetation that is poor in sodium content. Clay lick soil had sodium concentrations the reason why parrots & macaws seek out specific clay licks. Then we will board our motorized canoe that we will take us to Machuwasi Lake. We will explore the lake for Hoatzins, Tanagers, Oropendolas and Horned Screamer and more. Night at Amazonia Lodge, with a optional night walk. B:L:D.

Not far from the lodge is a Macaw & Parrot Clay Lick visited by raucous groups of Blue-headed Macaws in the early morning.

Days 4: Amazonia Lodge to Cusco

After a final morning in the rainforest, we will travel back to Cusco picking up species we may missed. B:L.

TOUR INFORMATION

PRICE: $590 per person. (min. 2 passengers) based in double occupancy.

INCLUDED:

  • All Lodging
  • Meals
  • Transpotation
  • Expert bilingual Natural History guide
  • Hotel transfer and entrance fees.

NOT INCLUDED: Personal expenses.

TRIP CONSIDERATIONS

Walking: The walking effort is easy to moderate. 
Climate: Rather variable. At high altitudes conditions range from cool to decidedly cold in the early morning. At middle elevations many days are dry and sunny, and overcast.

ACCOMMODATION: The jungle lodges are comfortable but simple; some do not have full-time electricity, but provide a generator for a few hours a day to charge batteries. Amazonia Lodge has shared bathroom facilities. Paradise Lodge consists in double rooms with a private toilet and shower facilities. Hot and cold water is always available and all toilets facilities are flush.

Wildlife Photography: Opportunities are worthwhile.

What to Bring
We advise you to bring:

  • Besides from Binoculars and photo-equipment (the important Wildlife Enthusiast stuff) we advise:
  • Flashlight for night walk
  • Light day pack
  • A bottle or canteen to carry water on outings
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • T-shirts and a long-sleeved shirt
  • Jeans or other cotton pants are comfortable, as well as quick-drying nylon ones
  • Cotton socks
  • Light jacket, water resistant, or poncho
  • Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
  • Sandals for after hours
  • Hat that will not come off in windy boat rides and sunglasses
  • Plastic bags for camera, clothes, etc
  • Personal toiletries (shampoo, towel, etc)

NOTE: In rainy season we provide umbrella and rubber boots in many popular sizes for rainy days.

Amazon Birding look forward to welcoming and guiding you soon!
Last minute bookings will be accepted but you must be aware that there is the possibility that we will not get space at the Lodge or tour that you need.

PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS.

AMAZON BIRDING: Conservation through ecotourism.

PHOTOS GALLERY – EXPLORING MANU CULTURAL ZONE