Nature Tours and Ecotourism Peru
6 people
6 Days
The Tour to the Reserved Zone of Manu is a six-day expedition that departs from Cusco toward one of the most biodiverse natural areas on the planet. Throughout the journey, you will explore different ecosystems of the Manu National Park, from the Andean cloud forest to the lowland tropical jungle, where you can observe a wide variety of Amazonian flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
The trip combines road travel and boat navigation along the Alto Madre de Dios and Manu rivers. Along the way, you will visit the Chullpas of Ninamarca, the colonial town of Paucartambo, and the Cock-of-the-Rock viewpoint. You can also relax in the Hot Springs of Shintuya and enjoy wildlife watching of animals such as monkeys, caimans, giant otters, macaws, and other tropical birds.
Within the Reserved Zone, you will explore the Cocha Otorongo and Cocha Salvador lagoons, two ideal places for wildlife observation. You will also visit the Casa Matsiguenka, a lodge managed by native communities, where you will have an authentic experience with the local culture and its Amazonian traditions.
The itinerary concludes with a journey along the Manu River, where you can enjoy a tubing activity in our private ecological reserve before starting your return to Cusco. This tour is designed for those who wish to experience the Peruvian Amazon in an authentic way, combining nature, culture, and adventure in a single trip.
Departure from Cusco toward the Manu National Park with stops at the Chullpas of Ninamarca and the town of Paucartambo. Ascent to the Acjanaco Pass and walk through the Manu Biosphere viewpoint. You will descend into the cloud forest to observe birds such as the Cock-of-the-Rock and possibly spot the Spectacled Bear. Lunch in San Pedro. Arrival at Bamboo Lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Breakfast and transfer to the Atalaya port to begin navigation along the Alto Madre de Dios River. Bird and wildlife observation along the way. Stop at the Shintuya Hot Springs to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, arrival at Manu Rainforest Lodge (Dorado Lodge). Night walk in the jungle and overnight stay.
Entry into the Manu Reserved Zone and navigation along the Manu River with possible sightings of jaguars, caimans, and turtles. Visit to Cocha Otorongo, where giant otters can be observed from the observation tower. Accommodation at Casa Matsiguenka, managed by native communities.
Explore the tropical rainforest and navigate by catamaran on Cocha Salvador, home to giant otters, howler monkeys, and exotic birds. Visit the macaw clay lick and parrot area. Walk through the aguajal to observe Amazonian flora and fauna. Cultural afternoon with the Matsiguenka community, night walk, and second night at Casa Matsiguenka.
Early departure by boat along the Manu River with breakfast on board and possible sightings of jaguars and birds. Downriver navigation to Amazon Lodge, with stops to observe wildlife. Arrival in the afternoon, dinner, and optional night walk.
Breakfast and return navigation to Atalaya. Private transport back to Cusco, with lunch on the route and afternoon arrival.
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The first day of the Tour to the Manu Reserved Zone begins very early in Cusco, where our team will pick you up from your hotel at 5:30 a.m. in a private minivan. From there, you’ll start your journey towards the Manu National Park, considered one of the most biodiverse areas in the world.
Along the way, about an hour and a half from Cusco, you’ll visit the enigmatic Chullpas of Ninamarca, ancient pre-Inca funerary tombs that provide insight into Andean history. Then, you’ll continue to the picturesque colonial town of Paucartambo, known as the folkloric capital of Cusco. Here, you’ll enjoy a traditional breakfast in a local home while your guide shares cultural and historical details about this important place.
The journey continues upward to the Acjanaco Pass, located at an altitude of 4,000 m (13,123 ft). This site holds great spiritual significance, as ancient inhabitants used to offer chicha to the apus (mountain protector spirits). From this point, you’ll take a short walk to a viewpoint with spectacular vistas of the Manu Biosphere.
After that, we’ll begin the descent into the cloud forest, a fascinating environment full of life. This area shelters a great diversity of flora such as giant ferns, orchids, lichens, and epiphytes, while the fauna delights visitors with colorful birds like hummingbirds, toucans, trogons, tanagers, and quetzals. If luck is on your side, you might even spot the majestic Andean Spectacled Bear, an emblematic species of the Peruvian Andes.
During the trip, we’ll make short walks and strategic stops for birdwatching and to observe the wildlife of Manu National Park. Around midday, in the San Pedro area, our cook will be waiting for you with a picnic-style outdoor lunch.
In the afternoon, you’ll arrive at the Cock-of-the-Rock viewpoint (Rupicola peruviana), Peru’s national bird. Here, you’ll witness the males’ courtship display—a unique and unforgettable experience. This area is also home to the woolly monkey, a species typical of the cloud forest.
Around 5:00 p.m., we’ll reach the Bamboo Lodge, where you’ll be assigned your room equipped with mosquito nets, private bathroom, shower, electricity, and internet. After settling in and relaxing, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner while your guide explains the activities for the next day. You’ll spend the night surrounded by the magical sounds of the Manu tropical rainforest, welcoming you to this great adventure in the Peruvian Amazon.
After a peaceful rest in the middle of the jungle, you’ll begin the second day of the Tour to the Manu Reserved Zone with a delicious Amazonian breakfast at the Bamboo Lodge. Early in the morning, we’ll head to the Atalaya port, the starting point of your river journey. Here, you’ll receive rubber boots and life jackets for greater comfort and safety during the trip. You’ll also meet the boat driver and crew member who will join us as part of the team on this adventure through the Manu Amazon.
Once on board, we’ll navigate along the impressive Alto Madre de Dios River, one of the most important tributaries of the Peruvian rainforest. During the morning navigation, the chances of birdwatching and wildlife observation are very high, as animal life is especially active at this time. You may be amazed by monkeys jumping between treetops, macaws flying in pairs, kingfishers hunting, and even caimans basking in the sun along the riverbanks.
Around midday, we’ll arrive at the Shintuya Hot Springs, an ideal place to relax in its warm natural pools surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. These medicinal waters are famous among travelers for their revitalizing effect and offer a perfect break before continuing the expedition. You’ll also enjoy a picnic-style lunch here.
In the afternoon, we’ll resume our navigation towards our next accommodation: the Manu Rainforest Lodge (Dorado Lodge). The boat ride will allow you to continue admiring the vastness of the Manu tropical rainforest, home to countless species and considered a true natural sanctuary.
We’ll arrive around 4:00 p.m., and once at the lodge, you’ll be assigned your room equipped with a private bathroom, beds with mosquito nets, electricity, and internet. After a short rest, you’ll prepare for a night walk in the jungle—a unique experience that allows you to discover the wildlife that awakens after sunset: insects, amphibians, nocturnal birds, and even mammals searching for food.
The day will conclude with a dinner at the lodge and an informative talk with your guide about the next day’s activities. You’ll spend the night immersed in the sounds of the jungle, a constant reminder that you’re in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth: the Manu Biosphere Reserve.
The third day of the Tour to the Manu Reserved Zone begins early in the morning. After a light breakfast, we’ll board the boat again to continue our journey along the Alto Madre de Dios River. This first part of the day is perfect for bird and wildlife watching, as the early morning hours are when the fauna is most active.
Our first stop will be at Limonal, the official control post for entering the Manu Reserved Zone. Here, you’ll complete the registration required to access one of the most protected and biodiverse areas on the planet. From this point, we’ll navigate along the Manu River, considered the heart of the jungle and one of the most amazing places in the world for wildlife observation.
As we move through its waters, get ready for unforgettable moments: with a bit of luck, you might spot the majestic jaguar (Panthera onca) resting on the riverbanks or the impressive black caimans, which can reach up to 4 meters in length. It’s also common to see white caimans, turtles sunbathing on logs, and a great diversity of birds perched on branches or flying above the river.
After lunch, we’ll visit the famous Cocha Otorongo, a meander-shaped lake within the Manu Biosphere Reserve. This spot is perfect for giant otter watching, as these animals often play and fish in these waters. We’ll climb a 20-meter observation tower that offers a spectacular panoramic view of the aquatic ecosystem and its inhabitants (your zoom lens camera will be essential here).
Around 5:00 p.m., we’ll arrive at our accommodation, the Casa Matsiguenka, a lodge built with local materials and managed by indigenous communities from the area. This lodge is an authentic and sustainable space with capacity for 16 visitors and is located in a privileged spot right in the heart of the Manu Reserved Zone.
You’ll be assigned a room equipped with beds with mosquito nets and basic facilities. The electricity is generated by solar panels, ensuring an environmentally friendly stay. After settling in, you’ll have the option to join a night walk through the tropical rainforest of Manu, where we’ll look for frogs, spiders, snakes, and other fascinating nocturnal animals.
We’ll end the day with a shared dinner at the lodge. You’ll spend the night in the Peruvian Amazon, surrounded only by the authentic sounds of nature.
After enjoying a nutritious breakfast in the heart of the Amazon, you’ll begin another day of the Tour to the Manu Reserved Zone. Today you’ll explore the tropical rainforest of Manu, a unique setting where nature reveals itself in its purest form. During the journey by boat and on foot, you’ll have multiple opportunities for wildlife watching until reaching the impressive Cocha Salvador, one of the most emblematic lakes in the Manu National Park.
Once there, you’ll wait your turn to navigate on a catamaran that will take you across the calm waters of the lake. The main attraction of this area is the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), an endangered species considered the largest freshwater carnivore in the world. At Cocha Salvador, it’s common to observe entire families of otters playing, swimming, or fishing, as each individual consumes between 4 and 5 kilos of fish per day. Watching them feed along the shore is one of the most unforgettable experiences in the Manu Reserved Zone.
In addition to the otters, the lake is also home to howler monkeys (Alouatta sara), the elegant Agami heron, as well as caimans and a great variety of aquatic birds that inhabit this ecosystem.
After exploring Cocha Salvador, you’ll visit the Macaw and Parrot Clay Lick, a natural spot where these birds gather to consume minerals from the clay. Watching the colorful macaws in flight is a unique spectacle that showcases the richness of the Manu Biosphere.
We’ll return to the lodge for lunch and then continue with a walk through the aguajal, a type of Amazonian wetland that harbors great biodiversity of flora and fauna. Here, you’ll have the chance to see giant trees such as ficus and ceiba, as well as medicinal plants used by local communities. During this walk, we’ll look for some of the thirteen iconic species of monkeys, along with sloths, birds, and other animals that make this region one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet.
The afternoon will also include a visit to the Matsiguenka community, where you’ll learn about their customs, traditions, and deep connection with the forest. This cultural experience is a valuable opportunity to connect with the indigenous peoples who have lived in Manu for generations.
At nightfall, we’ll go on a night walk in the tropical rainforest of Manu lasting approximately two hours. During this exploration, you’ll be able to spot frogs, snakes, nocturnal birds, and mammals that only appear after dark, offering a new perspective on life in the jungle.
Back at the lodge, a comforting dinner and a briefing with your guide about the next day’s activities will await you. You’ll spend another night at the Casa Matsiguenka, surrounded by the unique sounds of the rainforest.
Early in the morning, we will say goodbye to Casa Matsiguenka to begin our return journey by boat. We will navigate along the Manu River, crossing the deep jungle, with great opportunities for wildlife observation. During the journey, while having breakfast on board, keep your eyes open — with some luck, you might spot the majestic jaguar resting on the riverbanks.
The navigation continues downstream, passing again through the Alto Madre de Dios River, where the shores often offer encounters with colorful birds, monkeys, turtles, caimans, and other animals from the Manu National Park. This part of the trip is perfect to enjoy the Amazonian landscape and appreciate the immense diversity that makes the Manu Reserved Zone the most biodiverse place in the world.
In the afternoon, we will arrive at our final accommodation: the Amazon Lodge, located in the heart of the Manu tropical rainforest. This lodge is a strategic point both for conservation projects and for travelers interested in birdwatching and exploring the local flora and fauna.
After settling in, you will enjoy a delicious dinner. Optionally, you can join a night tour through the jungle, ideal for discovering creatures that are active only after dark, such as frogs, snakes, insects, and nocturnal birds.
The day will end with your last dinner in the Amazon rainforest. You will spend the night at the lodge, surrounded by the natural sounds of the jungle — an unforgettable memory of this incredible adventure in the Manu Amazon.
The last day of the Tour to the Manu Reserved Zone will begin with breakfast at the Amazon Lodge, surrounded by the tranquility of the tropical rainforest. Afterwards, we will board the boat toward the Atalaya Port, where we will say goodbye to the boat driver and crew member who accompanied us throughout the expedition.
At Atalaya, our private transport will be waiting to begin the return journey to Cusco. Along the route, you will ascend once again through the landscapes of the Manu Biosphere, making a stop in the Ajanaco sector, where we will enjoy lunch while saying farewell to the Amazonian and Andean scenery.
After the break, we will continue the trip toward the imperial city of Cusco. The estimated arrival time is around 6:30 p.m., when we will drop you off directly at your hotel or, if you prefer, at the airport.
It is recommended to schedule your flight for the following day, as the return from the jungle may experience delays due to natural conditions or other external factors.
This concludes this incredible adventure in the Manu Amazon, a unique experience that combines nature, culture, and biodiversity in one of the most amazing destinations on the planet.
During your 6-day trip to Manu National Park, everything is carefully organized so you can enjoy the jungle without worries. From the moment you leave Cusco until your return, every detail has been planned for you to experience a comfortable, safe, and authentic adventure.
Although the Tour to the Manu Reserved Zone includes most essential services, there are some additional expenses that are not covered and should be considered before traveling:
Embarking on an expedition to the Manu means venturing into one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. The climate ranges from the cool Andean cloud forest to the hot lowland tropical rainforest, so packing smart is essential to make the most of this natural and cultural experience. Here’s a list of what you should bring for your 6-day trip to the Manu Reserved Zone.
If you are planning an expedition to the Manu Reserved Zone, one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, it is natural to have some questions. Below you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Manu tour, so you can travel prepared and make the most of this incredible adventure in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest.
The Manu Reserved Zone is located in southeastern Peru, within the Manu National Park, between the regions of Cusco and Madre de Dios. It is part of the Manu Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO for its extraordinary biodiversity. The main access point starts from the city of Cusco.
During the tour, the route ranges from 4,000 m a.s.l. at the Acjanaco Pass to 300 m a.s.l. in the lowland Amazon rainforest. This altitude variation allows you to see different ecosystems, from the Andean cloud forest to the tropical rainforest.
The best time to take the tour is between April and November, during the dry season, when rainfall is low and routes are in better condition. Between December and March is the rainy season, with higher humidity and swollen rivers, although wildlife remains active all year round.
The tour starts in Cusco, where you travel by private vehicle toward the cloud forest, then continue by boat along the Alto Madre de Dios, Manu, and Palotoa Rivers. The total journey combines road and river navigation, taking approximately 10 to 12 hours on the first day to reach the first lodge in the jungle.
The package includes 5 nights of accommodation in eco-lodges strategically located in different zones of Manu:
All lodges offer private rooms, mosquito nets, and bathrooms, with electricity provided by solar panels or generators.
The tour does not require previous trekking experience. The walks are moderate and short (1 to 3 hours) through jungle terrain. A basic physical condition is recommended to handle humidity, heat, and boat transfers. All excursions are guided and adjusted to the group’s pace.
Yes. It is recommended to get the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before your trip. You should also bring insect repellent with DEET or icaridin, as the Manu jungle is the natural habitat of tropical mosquitoes.
Yes, it is possible. The Manu River, inside the Reserved Zone, is one of the best places in Peru for jaguar (Panthera onca) sightings. Although not guaranteed, chances increase during the dry season (June to October) when animals rest near the riverbanks.
The weather is warm and humid in the lowland rainforest, with temperatures between 25°C and 35°C, and mild in the cloud forest, where it can drop to around 15°C. Rain is frequent in the afternoons, especially from December to March, so it’s recommended to bring a rain poncho and light quick-dry clothing.
During the tour, you can spot Amazonian mammals, birds, and reptiles such as giant otters, caimans, howler monkeys, toucans, macaws, sloths, and capybaras. In the Reserved Zone, you may also spot rarer species like the jaguar and the spectacled bear.
The itinerary includes a visit to the Casa Matsiguenka inside the Reserved Zone, where you’ll learn about the Matsiguenka community culture, their ancestral customs, their relationship with the forest, and their sustainable way of life.
Yes, although limited. Lodges such as Bamboo Lodge and Amazon Lodge have scheduled electricity and satellite internet, while Casa Matsiguenka uses solar panels and has no internet connection, allowing a true digital detox in nature.
The tour combines overland transfers from Cusco in a private minivan and motorboat navigation along the Alto Madre de Dios, Manu, and Palotoa Rivers. All transportation is operated by trained staff certified by SERNANP (Peru’s National Service of Protected Natural Areas).
Yes, as long as they are in good physical condition and used to nature. The tour is ideal for adventurous families, photographers, and wildlife lovers, but it is not recommended for children under 6 years old due to heat and long hours of navigation.
It is recommended to bring light quick-dry clothing, a rain jacket, trekking boots, a headlamp, hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, reusable bottle, poncho, and binoculars. It’s also useful to carry copies of your passport and cash, since there are no ATMs in the jungle.
Venture into the Peruvian Amazon and watch exotic birds, giant otters, and caimans as you explore the jungle
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