Nature Tours and Ecotourism Peru
12 people
3 Days
The Excursion to Manu National Park is the best option for those who want to discover in a short time the cultural and natural richness of the Peruvian Amazon. This 3-day and 2-night tour combines history, adventure, and nature, departing from Cusco towards one of the most biodiverse destinations on the planet. Throughout the journey, you will experience unique moments, from visiting colonial towns in the Andes to exploring the tropical rainforest of Manu, home to exotic birds, monkeys, caimans, and the famous cock-of-the-rock.
During the excursion to Manu from Cusco, you will visit archaeological sites such as the Chullpas of Ninamarca, the traditional town of Paucartambo, and the impressive Acjanaco viewpoint, the gateway to Manu National Park. Later, you will cross the cloud forest, where you can observe orchids, waterfalls, and unique bird species, as well as the chance to spot the spectacled bear.
The journey continues with hikes and boat rides along the Madre de Dios River, exploring the Machuwasi Lake and enjoying an authentic birdwatching tour in Manu, including macaws, parrots, and the unique hoatzin bird. You will also see coca plantations, fruit trees, and medicinal plants of the Amazon.
The experience culminates with a visit to the Parrot Clay Lick in Manu, one of the most impressive natural spectacles of the Peruvian jungle. There, you will observe hundreds of birds gathered in a colorful and unforgettable ritual. The Excursion to Manu National Park will allow you to enjoy three intense days of culture, adventure, and nature, perfect for travelers who want to make the most of their time in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest.
Departure from Cusco with stops at the pre-Inca tombs of Ninamarca and the colonial town of Paucartambo. Entrance to the Manu National Park through the Acjanaco viewpoint and hikes in the cloud forest to observe flora, birds, and, with some luck, the spectacled bear. Visit to the viewpoint of the Cock-of-the-rock.
Visit to the Hummingbird Viewpoint and exploration of Amazonian plantations with observation of monkeys and birds. Navigation along the Madre de Dios River to the lodge inside the jungle. In the afternoon, hike and raft ride at Machuwasi Lake with sightings of caimans, capybaras, and birds such as the hoatzin. Night walk in search of Manu’s wildlife.
On this day, you will witness the Parrot Clay Lick and observe parakeets, parrots, and macaws in their natural habitat. Return along the river and optional visit to a wildlife rescue center before heading back to Cusco through the cloud forest.
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The 3-day excursion to Manu National Park from Cusco begins very early, with pickup from your hotel at 6:00 a.m. by our guide in private transportation. From there, you will start this exciting journey to one of the most biodiverse destinations on the planet.
You will travel for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, crossing picturesque inter-Andean valleys until you reach the Chullpas of Ninamarca, pre-Inca tombs of great historical value. Here, the guide will provide you with information about this important archaeological site, your first cultural immersion before entering the Amazon rainforest of Manu.
Continuing the adventure, in about 30 minutes we will arrive at Paucartambo, a charming colonial town famous for its traditional houses, its local museum, and the colorful masks and costumes used during the festivity of the Virgen del Carmen. You will also enjoy a typical breakfast in a local home.
After breakfast, we will continue for about 40 minutes to the Acjanaco Viewpoint, located at 4,000 m (13,123 ft), the checkpoint and official entrance to Manu National Park. Here, you will register and enjoy panoramic views of the cloud forest and mountains such as Tres Cruces.
From Acjanaco, you will gradually descend through the cloud forest, taking walks to observe flora, waterfalls, orchids, and birds such as toucans, trogons, and quetzals. With a bit of luck, you may spot the elusive spectacled bear, an emblematic species of Manu.
In San Pedro, our cook will be waiting with a fresh and nutritious lunch. Afterwards, we will continue to the Cock-of-the-Rock Viewpoint, where you can enjoy a photographic spotting of Peru’s national bird in its natural habitat. You will also have the chance to observe capuchin and woolly monkeys.
Finally, we will arrive at our lodge in Pilcopata around 5:00 p.m., with private rooms equipped with mosquito nets. After freshening up, you will enjoy a typical Amazonian dinner and an informative talk about the following day’s activities. The day ends resting with the unique sounds of the Manu Biosphere.
On this second day of our Excursion to Manu National Park, you will wake up to the unique sounds of the Amazon rainforest. After getting ready, you will enjoy a typical breakfast at the Pilcopata Lodge to begin a day full of nature and culture.
We will load the luggage into the vehicle and, after 20 minutes of travel, arrive at the Hummingbird Viewpoint, a special place to observe different bird species. During the guided walk, you will learn about Manu’s medicinal plants, Amazonian fruit trees, and a traditional coca plantation. With some luck, you may spot spider monkeys, tamarins, and other species typical of the jungle.
The adventure continues towards Atalaya (600 m / 1,968 ft), where we will board a motorized boat. Here you will receive rubber boots and life jackets for your safety. From this point, we will navigate the Madre de Dios River towards the lodge inside the jungle, while observing birds, animals, and taricayas in their natural habitat.
Upon arrival at the lodge, you will settle into your room with mosquito nets. The accommodation provides solar energy to charge devices (a portable charger is recommended) and basic internet. Then, you will enjoy a lunch with local flavors.
In the afternoon, we will cross the river to Machuwasi Lake, a natural gem surrounded by biodiversity. After a 30-minute walk, you will be able to spot parrots, macaws, caimans, capybaras, and the unique prehistoric bird hoatzin. The tour includes a peaceful ride on a wooden raft, ideal for photographing birds and insects. We will also climb a viewing tower to appreciate panoramic views of Amazonian wildlife.
At nightfall, we will return walking in a unique night safari experience, searching for caimans, snakes, nocturnal birds, and other creatures that emerge after sunset. An unforgettable experience in direct contact with nature.
Back at the lodge, you will enjoy a typical Amazonian dinner and rest surrounded by the unmatched sounds of the Manu jungle.
On our last day of the Excursion to Manu National Park from Cusco, we will rise early to experience one of the most spectacular sights: the Parrot Clay Lick in Manu. At 5:00 a.m., we will board the boat and navigate for 40 minutes along the Alto Madre de Dios River until reaching the natural observation point.
We will position ourselves in front of the clay lick, at a safe distance, to enjoy the sighting of hundreds of birds. If weather permits, you will see parakeets, parrots, and macaws feeding on the mineral-rich clay. This natural spectacle, filled with unique colors and sounds, is essential for the diet and digestion of these species.
After this experience, we will return to the lodge for breakfast. Then we will pack our belongings and take the boat back to Atalaya, where a minivan will drive us back to Cusco.
Along the way, you will have the option to visit a wildlife rescue center, where volunteers explain how animals such as capuchin monkeys, macaws, and tapirs arrived there. This activity is optional but highly recommended for those seeking a cultural experience connected to the conservation of Amazonian wildlife.
We will continue the journey along the winding road that crosses the cloud forest once again, stopping at the Acjanaco sector for lunch and to say goodbye to the landscapes of the Manu Biosphere Reserve. From there, an approximate 3-hour drive will take us back to the city of Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel or at the airport.
Important recommendation: if your return flight is on the same day, it is best to schedule it after 9:00 p.m. During the rainy season (November to March), delays may occur due to landslides or unexpected events along the route. The safest option is to book your flight for the following day.
During your 3-day Excursion to Manu National Park from Cusco, everything is arranged so you can enjoy a complete experience in the Amazon jungle without worrying about logistics. Here’s what’s included:
Although most services are covered in the package, there are some aspects you should keep in mind:
To fully enjoy your experience in the Peruvian Amazon, it’s essential to pack light, practical gear suited to both Andean and jungle climates. Here’s the full list of essentials for a safe, comfortable, and hassle-free trip.
Before starting your adventure to Manu National Park, it’s natural to have some questions about the experience. To make sure you have all the information clear and enjoy the tour with peace of mind, we’ve prepared a list of the most common questions travelers usually ask.
The tour starts in the city of Cusco, with pickup from your hotel. From there, you travel through the inter-Andean valley, passing sites such as the Chullpas of Ninamarca and the colonial town of Paucartambo before entering Manu National Park at the Acjanaco viewpoint.
The best time is during the dry season (April to October), when roads are in better condition and wildlife sightings in the cloud forest and Amazon jungle are more frequent.
You may spot the Andean cock-of-the-rock (Peru’s national bird), capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys, caimans, capybaras, taricayas, hummingbirds, the hoatzin, and, with luck, the spectacled bear in the cloud forest.
Yes, on the first day there is a stop at the Chullpas of Ninamarca, a pre-Inca archaeological site, combining Andean culture with the Amazon experience.
Visits to the Hummingbird Viewpoint, Amazon plantations, boating on the Madre de Dios River, and exploring Machuwasi Lake on rafts, spotting caimans, capybaras, and birds like the hoatzin.
The Parrot Clay Lick is a clay wall where parrots, parakeets, and macaws feed on minerals. It is visited on the third day, navigating from the lodge along the Alto Madre de Dios River.
Overnights are spent in rustic lodges in Pilcopata and Atalaya, with comfortable beds, mosquito nets, and private bathrooms. Electricity comes from solar panels, so bringing portable chargers is recommended.
The hikes are easy to moderate, suitable for any traveler in normal physical condition. They take place in the cloud forest, Machuwasi Lake, and Amazonian trails around Pilcopata.
It’s not mandatory, but the yellow fever vaccine is recommended, along with bringing mosquito repellent for extra safety.
The ride takes approximately 4 hours in private transport, with stops at Ninamarca and Paucartambo.
Motorized boats with roofing, life jackets, and local crew are used, safe for transfers to the lodge and the Parrot Clay Lick.
Yes, you pass through communities such as Paucartambo and Atalaya, and in Pilcopata you’ll see coca plantations, fruit trees, and medicinal plants.
Sightings of the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) are occasional and depend on luck. The best area is the cloud forest near Acjanaco and San Pedro.
Travelers are provided with professional guides, rubber boots, life jackets, and a first aid kit. Protocols from SERNANP are followed for entry into Manu.
Return is by boat to Atalaya and then by private transport overland, once again crossing the cloud forest. It is recommended to schedule flights after 9:00 p.m. or the next day.
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