Overview of the 4-Day Manu Cultural Zone Tour

Embark on an enriching 4-day Manu Cultural Zone tour, departing from Cusco. Explore pre-Inca tombs in Ninamarca, the colonial charm of Paucartambo, and descend into the Cloud Forest teeming with endemic flora and fauna. Witness the mesmerizing courtship dance of the Cock-of-the-Rock, encounter spectacled bears, and marvel at ancient ferns and orchids. Stay at the  lodge for a captivating experience. Day two promises the spectacle of the Cock-of-the-Rock’s mating dance and a scenic journey to Pilcopata. Optional activities include mountain biking and rafting. Explore the Erika Lodge nestled by the Alto Madre de Dios River for the next two nights. Day three offers a nature walk, swimming in natural pools, and a boat ride to discover the rich wildlife. Conclude the tour on day four with a visit to a clay lick to observe vibrant parrot species before heading back to Cusco. Immerse yourself in the biodiversity and cultural wonders of the Manu region.

Important aspects:

• Explore the Amazon rainforest: Hike ancient trails, observe the unique flora and fauna of the region, and swim in crystal clear rivers and lagoons.
• Visit Manu National Park: Manu National Park is one of the most biodiverse parks in the world. Here you will see a great variety of animals, such as jaguars, pumas, tapirs, caimans, monkeys, exotic birds and much more.
• Get to know the culture of the local communities: Visit native communities and learn about their customs, traditions and gastronomy.

Additional information:

• Distance: 150 km approximately.
• Duration: 4 days.
• Difficulty: Moderate.

Manu Cultural Zone: 4-Day Itinerary 

Discover the beauty and natural richness of the Amazon rainforest on this 4-day tour to the Manu Cultural Zone. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, a great variety of flora and fauna, and learn about the culture of the local communities.

Day 1: Enchanting Cloud Forest Exploration

Departing early from Cusco, we explore the intriguing pre-Inca tombs of Ninamarca, the colonial city of Paucartambo, and descend into the Cloud Forest. This diverse and fascinating world, home to the Cock-of-the-Rock, spectacled bear, orchids, ancient tree ferns, mosses, and lichens, is perpetually humid due to a thick layer of clouds, creating an ideal habitat for epiphytic plants like bromeliads. At least 50% of the plant species here are endemic to this region. Our accommodation for the night is at the lodge.

Day 2: Captivating Rituals and Jungle Descent

We witness the ritual mating dance of the Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruviana), Peru’s national bird, from a platform called a “lek.” After breakfast, we continue by bus (Option 1 *) along a narrow road amid waterfalls and canyons to the town of Pilcopata (Option 2 *) After a 30-minute bus ride, we reach the Atalaya Port, where we board our motorboat, starting our descent along the Alto Madre de Dios River for approximately 30 minutes to our private reserve, “Erika Lodge,” where we spend the next two nights. (Option 1 *) Optional: Mountain bike descent from San Pedro Lodge (1700 m.a.s.l.) Cloud Forest to Pilcopata-High Jungle (700 m.a.s.l.) (Option 2 *) Optional: 1-hour rafting on the Kosñipata River, offering the opportunity for a refreshing dip and spectacular views of the Koñeq Canyon. Continuing on the Alto Madre de Dios River to Erika Lodge.

Day 3: Wildlife Wonders and River Adventures

The rich wildlife diversity around the lodge is due to the broad range of altitudes in this beautiful location. Immediately after breakfast, we embark on a walk where our guide enlightens us about insects, medicinal plants, trees, reptiles, mammals, and more. Before returning for lunch, we have the chance to swim in natural pools formed in the river near the lodge. In the early afternoon, a short boat ride takes us to a small lake near the Alto Madre de Dios River, offering opportunities to spot the primitive Hoatzin bird, black caimans, various bird species, insects, and more. This marks our last night in this marvelous Amazon rainforest. We will stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 4: Parrot Paradise and Return to Cusco

We wake up early to board our boat. After a five-minute journey, we reach a small “Collpa,” a clay wall near the riverbank where numerous parrot species feed on minerals and salt supplements for their diet of seeds and green fruits. Following this vibrant and colorful spectacle, we continue by boat to the Atalaya port and then take the bus back to Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon.

Included:

• Bilingual jungle expert guide
• One night at San Pedro Orchids Lodge
• Two nights at Erika Lodge
• Chef
• Meals, with a vegetarian option available
• Water supply from the second day onwards
• First aid kit including antivenom vaccines
• All ground and river transportation, including round-trip transfer from the hotel in Cusco
• Optional rafting equipment
• Mountain biking equipment
• Specialized guide and equipment for the Canopy tour
• Safe box for valuables
• Luggage storage at the central office in Cusco.

Not Included:

• Entrance fee to Manu National Park
• Meals: Breakfast on day 1 and dinner on day 4
• Water on day 1
• Tip for the guide.

Essentials for 3-Day Manu Cultural Zone Tour:

• Binoculars, Camera, and film ASA 200 and 400 for the inner forest
• Backpack
• Warm clothing (in case of cold weather), long-sleeved shirts, and long pants (cotton)
• 100% waterproof rain gear (long poncho or rain suit)
• Insect repellent (at least 50% DEET)
• Sunscreen
• A pair of lightweight ankle-high boots and sandals
• Flashlight, batteries (alkaline), and sufficient bulbs
• Wide-brimmed hat (for sunny days), sunglasses
• Towel, swimsuit, personal medications, and/or supplies (e.g., contact lens solution).
• A daypack or backpack, and one piece of luggage or duffel bag per person.
• A water bottle for the first day
• Plastic bags.