8 Day Tour Manu Biosphere Reserve

Day 1: Cusco - Rio de Oro Lodge

From Cusco, it will take about 11 hours by bus to the Rio de Oro Lodge. While descending the slopes of the Andes through the cloud forest and into the rainforest, you will get some magnificent views of the Andes and probably see some birds and maybe even some Woolly monkeys. When reaching Atalaya, we will board a boat that will take us in 15 minutes to the lodge. The group can then enjoy a night walk around the lodge to discover the nocturne animals.

Day 2: Rio de Oro - Maquisapayoj Lodge

This day, we will start with the first tour even before breakfast. By canoe, we will go to a small parrot clay lick located at about 20 minutes downstream; where we can see small macaws (Blue-headed macaw and Chestnut fronted Macaw). Afterwards, we will have breakfast and prepare ourselves for a 7/8 hour journey downstream on the Alto Adre de Dios River by motorized canoe. During this journey, we will have opportunities to see some of the 13 species of monkeys that live in this area, caimans, and some birds like the Tiger Herons, Skimmers and vultures. On our arrival at the Maquisapayoj Lodge, you will have free time (Optional night walk).

Day 3: Macaw Clay Lick and Camungo Lake and Tower

Early in the morning, again before breakfast, we will leave the lodge by boat for the big Macaw Lick in Blanquillo. Here, we have the opportunity to observe flock's of Macawas, parrots and parakeets. Breakfast will be served while at the blind. In order to spot more types of birds and animals, we will explore the trails in Blanquillo. Lunchtime will be provided. After lunch, we will visit Camungo Oxbow Lake by wooden catamaran, where we might see the Giant River Otter and different species of birds. Close to this lake, you will have the opportunity to climb a 42-meter high canopy, where you will have excellent helicopter views over the rainforest below. In the afternoon, on the way to the Maquisapayoj Lodge, we will walk one and a half hours through the rainforest in order to reach the Mammal Salt Lick. Here we will spend the night on an elevated platform to observe tapirs and other mammals coming here at night to feed. This platform is protected from mosquitoes and other insects by nets; or guests are welcome to sleep at the lodge close to the river if they prefer.

Day 4: Blanco Lake (Blanquillo) and Maquisapayoj Tapir Lick

When all the animals have returned to their shelter to rest, at dawn, we will head back to the lodge for our breakfast. After breakfast, we will have another opportunity to see the Giant River Otters this time on the Cocha Blanco, in case you missed them yesterday. Besides the otters, you might see different species of birds, caimans and monkeys. In the afternoon, we can either return to Maquisapayoj to explore the trails over there for animals or we can visit another oxbow lake in the area and look for the Giant River Otters. We will spend this night, once again, on the elevated platform at the Mammal Salt Lick, or at the lodge near the river if guests prefer this option.

Day 5: Exploring Maquisapayoj

After breakfast, we will explore the trails around Maquisapayoj looking for insects, birds and monkeys. This night will be spent on the elevated platform at the Mammal Salt Lick again, or guests can go back to the lodge near the river if desired.

Day 6: Travelling Upriver by Boat

Today, we will continue further upriver by boat. Our campsite tonight will be on a beach called Yanayacu, located on the Alto Madre de Dios River. If we arrive here early, we might have the possibility to visit a local village called Diamente.

Day 7: Yanayacu Beach to Rio de Oro Lodge

This day, we'll continue further up river and make a stop to swim in some hot springs.While traveling by boat on the river, we'll have plenty of opportunities to see wildlife. The night will be spent at the Rio de Oro Lodge and in the afternoon, you can visit the Machuwasi Lake and explore some trails around the lodge.

Optional night walk.

Day 8: Return to Cusco

We will have breakfast at the lodge and afterwards, a boat will take us back to Atalaya, where our bus will be waiting. Around 6:00 PM, we will be back in Cusco.

There is no refund for expenses such as money transfer fees and other expenses related to your booking.

In the case of cancelling the tour on the departure date or abandoning it after tour starts, there is no refund. If the client decides not to participate in parts of the tour´s activities, there is no refund either.

ATP is not liable for expenses for additional hotel/ lodge nights and meals not specified in the individual trip itinerary.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance in your country, especially for cases of illness, injury, theft, natural disasters, labour strikes, acts of God, war, earthquake, flooding and others.

ATP reserves the right to cancel any trip prior to departure for any reason whatsoever, including insufficient signup or problems that may seriously affect or impede trip operations such as natural disasters, labour strikes, acts of God, war, earthquake or flooding. The refund of all payments received that have not yet been used for trip operation shall release ATP from any further liability.

In case a Manu flight is cancelled due to weather conditions or by the airline for other reasons and you have to stay an extra night in Manu, any additional expenses have to be covered by the client. If it becomes necessary to return by land, there is no refund for the flight ticket.