Manu Camping + lodge tour reserve zone, different programs from Cusco
8 days
Difficulty: 1
COD: PE-126
Category: Jungle
Manu jungle/Nacional Reserve zone
With fixed departures
ManuNational Park, located in southeastern Peru, is one of the largest parks in South America. The area of the park encompasses parts of the Andean department of Cusco and the jungle department of Madre de Dios. Manu protects over 2 million hectares (4.5 million acres) of territory rich in flora and fauna species in a variety of habitats including high Andes, cloud forests, and lowland tropical rain forests.
Unesco officially recognizes this natural paradise as a world heritage site. In 1977 they designated ManuNational Park as a World Biosphere Reserve because it contains the best existing example of biodiversity in protected areas of rain forest, as well as endemic areas of cloud forest.
We can observe a variety of animals in their natural habitats, including: Giant Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis), Black Caiman (Melanosuchus Niger), the majestic Jaguar (Panthera onca), the strange Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus), the Tapir (Tapirus terrestris), the Ocelot (Felis pardalis), 13 species of primates, and an estimated one thousand species of birds including seven species of Macaws (Ara sp.).
Manu also contains 10% of the world’s vascular plant species, including several species of figs and palms, as well as countless species of medicinal plants that scientists are currently cataloguing. A single hectare of forest in Manu can have up to 220 species of trees, while a hectare of temperate forest in Europe or North America may only have 20 tree species. ManuNational Park may be the most biologically diverse and protected park on the planet.
Complete the fields to recommend us.
Day 1: Cusco-Cloud Forest Leaving Cusco we head over the Andes, in our specialized overland vehicles .Approximately mid-morning we visit the interesting tombs of Ninamarca, commonly known as "Chullpas". We stop at the beautiful Spanish colonial village of Paucartambo. Continuing, we climb to the highpoint of the Manu Biosphere at about 3,800 m, the Acjanacu pass, which marks the beginning of the Cultural Zone of Manu Biosphere Reserve. A thick cloak of clouds provides perpetual humidity and makes an ideal habitat for epiphytic plants such as bromeliads. This varied and fascinating world is home of the Cock of the Rock, the Spectacled Bear, Orchids, Tree Ferns (one of the oldest living plants), mosses and lichens. This cloud forest exists between 2000 and 3500 meters above sea level and at least 50% of the plant species found here are endemic to this region. Overnight in our open air lodge "San Pedro".(appr. 1,600 m).
Day 2: Cloud Forest-Atalaya-Manu River,Erika lodge
Today we wake up very early to observe the Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruviana), Peru's national bird. At about 5:00AM as many as several dozens come together for an exhibition of a mating ritual dance in a place called Lek. The males of vibrant reddish orange feathers, display their crest showing off and posturing for the females. The females, fewer in number, watch to select the most suitable males. After breakfast we continue in our overland transport *1 down the narrow road between waterfalls and canyons toward the town of Pilcopata *2 and the to Atalaya Port at 650 m
Here, we board our covered, outboard motor boat and head down the Alto Madre de Dios River for approximately 15 minutes toward our private reserve of "Erika" where we will hike through an interesting trail system in the transitional area (between high jungle and low jungle). Overnight in the lodge.
Free options
*1 Free Option: Here in Pilcopata town we will make the final settings for a 1 ½ river rafting (class I and II) trip down the Koshñipata River where we will have the opportunity for a dip and of course enjoy the spectacular view of the Koñeq Canyon.
*2New!!! Option: We walk through the trail that leads us to the observation platform located 15 feet above the mammal lick itself where we wait for the lumbering peccaries to arrive, we observe and photograph them in action. Important: The observation deppends on luck on availability and weather conditions.
*3 Free Option:Canopy zip down:At Erika Lodge, our guests traverse from tree to tree and platform to platform using pulleys on horizontal traverse cables zip lines), as they sail through the treetops of the tropical rainforest canopy, and over the trails far below. Expert guides assist you in this exciting journey through the different layers of the rain forests and explain what’s going on around you from the time you leave the ground, until you rappel back down to the forest floor.
Day 3 Lake Salvador and Lake Oxbow After breakfast we board our canoe for a three-hour trip down the Alto Madre de Dios River to Boca Manu's airstrip ( where optional flights coming from Cusco may bring new members to join our group. The plane flies over the Andes to a narrow gravel landing strip in the jungle. Flight takes approximately 45 minutes) Boca Manu village, located at short distance from the confluence of the Manu River and the Alto Madre de Dios River, is the last place to buy your fresh supplies and cold drinks before setting off again in the canoe. Now we enter the Manu River and the Reserved Zone, stopping in a white sand beach where we camp along the riverbank. We have a short walk around the area
Day 4: Salvador lake
Very early and after a ten minutes boat ride, we will arrive to a Parrot Lick “Collpa”, which is a wall of clay in the riverbanks, where many species of parrots such as the blue headed parrot, the white-eyed parakeet, the dusky-headed parrot the chestnut fronted macaw and others feed for mineral and salt supplements to their diet of seeds and fruits. After registering in the official tourist logbook at Limonal, the Park Rangers Headquarters and eating an early breakfast, we will continue travel up the ManuRiver for 4 hours approximately into the pristine heart of the reserve; we will leave the final traces of human habitation behind us.We arrive SalvadorLake, our base safari campsite (screened dining room, toilets / showers, solar panel system for some electricity and with radio communication available). Differences in wildlife abundance will be noted immediately we will begin to sight macaws, herons, kingfishers and cormorants frequently and improve our chances of encounters with capybaras, caimans, monkeys, and other wildlife, you will often see animals sunning themselves on beaches, or foraging for food in the trees lining the riverbanks. This canoe ride gives us the opportunity to observe the immensity of the rainforest. We arrive early in the afternoon and have lunch before setting off on a jungle trail although at this time of day mammals and birds are not as active as in the early morning, we will concentrate on the forest itself and discuss general rain forest ecology, return to the campsite.
Day 5: Lake Salvador-oxbow lake otorongo
We rise early in the morning, as the forest is awakened by the Red Howler monkey (Aloatta seniculus) declaring its territory. A morning walk before breakfast is a great way to catch wildlife in the pursuit of food, as the temperature is very pleasant at this time of day. We explore SalvadorLake by paddling quietly along on a catamaran, giving us the opportunity to observe unique species of birds, monkeys, caimans and with luck the Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis). This endangered specie can be seen swimming, fishing, eating and playing. After we enjoy lunch, we cross the river to walk a trail to another oxbow lake called Otorongo. This forest, which is estimated to be 200 to 300 years old and includes truly huge Ceiba trees and Strangler figs, and it, is home to several mammals that are occasionally encountered: Saddleback tamarins, Squirrel, Spider and Brown Capuchin Monkeys, the Collared and the white lipped peccaries. At the lake a strategically located observation tower rises 15 meters above the lake and the jungle floor, from the top you not only get spectacular view of the lake and the surrounding forest but also excellent opportunities to observe birds from the canopy, this also gives us more chances to observe wildlife including the Giant Otter. Back at SalvadorLake, late in the afternoon we will use the catamaran and with the help of flashlights we can observe the black caimans rise from the depths of the lake and begin their search for prey. Return to the safari campsite.
Dag 6: Boca lodge
Once again we wake up early, enjoy walking around SalvadorLake and then pack up and slowly go down stream the interesting ManuRiver. We continue to Boca Manu’s Village, situated a short distance from the confluence of the Manu and Alto Madre de Dios rivers. From here we descend the Madre de DiosRiver arriving Boca Lodge and spend one more night in this magical Amazon jungle. Possibility to do a short night walk through the forest to observe American bullfrogs, horned frogs, tree frogs and an incredible variety of colorful insects.
Day 7:
Around mid morning or before we board our canoe to return to the airstrip at Boca Manu. At this point, those who are returning to Cusco by plane will catch their flight. This optional flight from Boca Manu to Cusco offers spectacular views of the surrounding jungle and the area’s meandering rivers. The others continue up the AltoMadre de DiosRiver to camp on an appropriate beach in the Cultural Zone if for some chance we can not arrive Erika Lodge and enjoy the sites and sounds of the jungle for one last night.
Day 8: Return to cusco
Waking up very early, we continue the trip by boat to Atalaya, where the bus will be waiting for us and drive back up and out of Manu, arriving in Cusco very late this night or the next early morning.
End of our service.
departure
Important: Briefing on Saturday prior to departure at 7:00pm. at the agency, receive last recommendations and answer questions;
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
CUSCO/
CLOUD FOREST
CLOUD FOREST/ ATALAYA/
ERIKA
ERIKA/
BOCA MANU (PLANE)/
P.V. LIMONAL
P.V.LIMONAL/ SALVADOR
SALVADOR/
OTORONGO/
SALVADOR
SALVADOR
BOCA MANU
BOCA MANU (PLANE)
ATALAYA
CUSCO
8 DAYS
7 DAYS
Service includes
*Ground transportation (overland buses and 4WD vehicles)
*boat transportation (covered motorized boats),
*specialized and bilingual guides,
*01 night in San Pedro open air lodge, 01 night in Erika Lodge,
*full mountain bike(optional) and rafting equipment,
*two-person tents and sleeping mattress,
*meals, dinning tent, cooking tent,
*first aid Kit (including anti- ophidian shots)
*air charters (optional - maximum 10kgr. of luggage per person),
*paperwork for Park permits, radio communication equipment in all lodges and campsites,
*Satellite telephone for emergencies.
*As an additional service, we offer safety box for values and storage for luggage in Cusco's main office.
Not Incuded
*Entree to the nacional Park 150 sol (about 55 usd )
*alcoholic drinks
Health advice
There is an extremely low malaria risk in the Manu area and the occasional cases of malaria in the Alto Madre de Dios zone have proved to be completely curable. Use insect repellent and effective clothing to avoid being bitten.
Fixed departures
Pogram 8 Days/ 7 Nights (in and out by bus from Sunday to Sunday)
Program 7 Days / 6 Nights (in and out by bus from Monday to Sunday)
Departure from 7 persons. Ask our dates !
Not included: Entrance fee to the Reserved Zone of Manu National Park
(about US$ 55).
Not included: Sodas, alcoholic drinks, tips and first day breakfast.
Important to consider: Flight are from 2011 not possible anymore !
Things to bring with you on the trip to Manu
*Binoculars (imperative), Camera and film ASA 200 and 400 for the inner forest
*Flashlight with spare bulbs and batteries
*Sleeping bag + sheet
*Personal medicines and/or supplies (e.g.: liquid for contact lenses.)
*Day pack
*Long pants and long-sleeved shirts (thick and baggy fabric against mosquitoes)
*T-shirts
*Shorts/Bathing suit
*Towel
*Sweater or light jacket
*1 pair of hiking boots and 1 pair of light shoes and 1 pair of sandals
*Long cotton socks
*Rain gear
*Rubber boots (only in the rainy season, we can privide)
*Sunhat, sunglasses, sun block
*Insect repellent (with50% 'deet') and after bite
*Toilet-paper
*Plastic bags (to keep everything dry)
*Water bottle (with water for the bus ride into Manu)
*Copy of a valid passport
*Copy of yellow fever and tetanus vaccinations
*Money for soft drinks or beers and handicrafts at the Boca Manu landings strip
*Batteries for video cameras can be recharged on the second night of the trip, bring your own *recharger
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Tours for 4, 5 or 8 days.
The Galapagos Odyssey/ the Galapagos voyager/ Galapagos legend.
Promotion Prices are a personbased on 2 ...