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Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days

Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days

Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days

Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days

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Trip Length
Group Size
Min 2 Persons
Activity Type
Physical Level
Easy
Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days

This tour offers a brief but full experience in the Manu Cultural Zone, the area of the Amazon rainforest closest to Cusco. The journey involves a long but scenic trip by road, beginning in the high Andes and descending through different ecological zones. The route crosses a mountain pass over meters high before entering the cloud forest, a unique habitat known for its specific plants and animals.

The main focus of the trip is wildlife observation. After the initial road travel, you will transfer to a motorized boat to navigate the rivers and reach the jungle lodges. Activities are centered around a naturalist guide who will lead excursions to find local fauna. These include a boat trip on an oxbow lake to see unique birds and animals, and night walks to look for nocturnal species like caimans and frogs.

The tour’s final highlight is an early morning visit to a parrot clay lick. This is a riverbank location where various species of parrots, parakeets, and macaws gather to eat mineral-rich clay. After this activity, the tour concludes with the long return journey by boat and bus, arriving back in Cusco in the evening.

Manu Cultural Zone 3 Days See What each day looks like!

Trip Summary

  • Day 1: Cusco – Cloud Forest – Bambu Lodge A long bus journey from Cusco, crossing the Andes and descending through the cloud forest to the first jungle lodge.
  • Day 2: Bambu Lodge – Atalaya – Machuwasi Lake – Soga de Oro Lodge A short bus ride, followed by a boat trip to the main lodge. The afternoon includes a visit to Machuwasi Lake for wildlife viewing.
  • Day 3: Parrot Clay Lick – Atalaya – Cusco An early morning visit to a parrot clay lick, followed by the long return journey to Cusco by boat and bus.

Trip Details

  • Starting Altitude: (Cusco).
  • Highest Altitude: (Acjanaco Pass, by bus on Day 1).
  • Total Walking Distance: Not a trekking tour. Walking consists of short, slow-paced nature trails.
  • Overall Difficulty: Easy. The main challenge is the long travel time by bus and boat.
  • Sites to Visit: Ninamarca Pre-Inca Tombs, Cloud Forest, Atalaya River Port, Machuwasi Lake, Parrot Clay Lick.
  • Acclimatization: Acclimatization in Cusco before the tour is recommended to be comfortable during the initial high-altitude part of the drive.

Highlights

  • The journey from the high Andes down into the Amazon basin.
  • Searching for Peru’s national bird, the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, in the cloud forest.
  • A raft trip on Machuwasi Lake to see prehistoric-looking Hoatzin birds.
  • Night walks and boat rides to find caimans, frogs, and insects.
  • Observing hundreds of parrots and macaws at a clay lick.
  • Staying at lodges located within the jungle.

TripAdvisor Reviews

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Itinerary

DAY 1Cusco To Bambu Lodge

5:00 am We will pick you up from your hotel in a private bus. During the trip, the bus stops in interesting places like Ninamarca’s Chullpas, these are pre-Inca cemetery. The trip will be around 11 hours approximately; the highest pass on this road is msl. On this day, we travel over the Andes and over the famous cloud forest which has interesting flora and fauna like the Andean Cock of the Rock, Peru’s national bird. In the afternoon, we arrive at Asuncion Village. We will spend the night in Bambu Lodge with double rooms. Optional night walk.

After an early breakfast we continue our trip by bus to Atalaya, stopping on the way to see the place of the orchids. From Atalaya, we take the boat to the rustic Soga de Oro Lodge with private bathroom and hot shower. After lunch, we go to Machuwasi Lake where we go on a balsa raft exploring the lake. Here it is possible to see the prehistoric bird called Hoatzin and Capybaras. At night it is possible to see Caimans. The night is spent at the lodge. Optional night walk (to see insects, frogs, snakes etc.).

We leave very early to see the parrot lick which is located ten minutes down river from the lodge. The activity begins around 5:30 am with the blue-headed and yellow-crowned parrots. Also, the blue-headed and the chestnut-fronted macaws. The Parrots eat the clay which has minerals that helps the stomach digestion; that is the reason why hundreds of parrots, parakeets and small macaws come to this particular place. After, we continue our trip to Cusco. The trip will be 10 hours approx. first by boat and later by bus. We leave you in your hotels. Dinner by your own.

Included

  • Professional naturalist guide with telescope. An expert guide with spotting scopes to help you see distant wildlife.
  • Birding guide on request. A specialist guide for birdwatching can be arranged.
  • Private bus and boat transport. All ground and river transportation is included from Cusco and back.
  • Entrance fees. Includes payments for the cock-of-the-rock platform and Machuwasi Lake.
  • Cook & food (vegetarian on request) and drinking water. All meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 3 are included. Filtered water is provided.
  • Lodging. Accommodation for 2 nights in jungle lodges is included.
  • First Aid Kit, extractor (for poison). The guide carries a comprehensive first aid kit for emergencies.
  • Antidote for snake bite. An emergency antivenom is carried by the guide as a precaution.
  • Radio communication. For safety and coordination between staff.
  • Rubber boots. Provided at the lodge for walking on muddy trails.

Not Included

  • Binoculars. These are essential for wildlife viewing and are not included. You must bring your own.
  • Alcoholic drinks, sodas, etc. These can be purchased at the lodges at your own expense

What to bring

  • Mosquito repellent. A strong repellent with DEET is highly recommended.
  • Long sleeved shirts. Lightweight, breathable shirts to protect from sun and insects.
  • T-Shirts and Cotton socks. Bring several pairs of socks as they can get damp.
  • Hiking shoes. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes for the walks.
  • Sandals or light shoes. To wear around the lodge.
  • Rain gear. A rain poncho or waterproof jacket is essential as rain is possible anytime.
  • Sweater. For cool evenings or if a cold front moves in.
  • Long pants. Lightweight pants for hiking.
  • Binoculars. This is the most important item for wildlife viewing. 8×42 or 10×42 models are recommended.
  • Camera and extra batteries/charger. There may be limited opportunities to charge devices.
  • Dry bag back pack. To protect your electronics and personal items from rain and humidity.
  • Personal things like toothbrush, etc. Standard toiletries.
  • Hat, sun blocker, sunglasses. The sun can be strong.
  • Flashlight. A headlamp is best for night walks.
  • Water bottle (min. 1 l). To refill with drinking water provided at the lodges.
  • Day pack. A small backpack to carry your daily essentials.
  • Original Passport. Required for any checkpoints.
  • Money (Soles). For drinks, souvenirs, and tips for the guide and staff.

Travel Guide

How long to visit

This is a 3-day, 2-night tour. It is an express trip designed to give a taste of the Amazon. Be prepared for long travel days on the first and last day to maximize time in the jungle.

Recommendations
  • Bring the best binoculars you can afford or borrow. They will make a huge difference in your experience.
  • Pack clothes in a dry bag to protect them from humidity and rain.
  • Be patient. Wildlife viewing requires waiting quietly and listening to your guide. The animals operate on their own schedule.
Climate

The climate in Manu is hot and humid year-round.

  • Temperatures: Average daytime temperatures range from to ( to ).
  • Rain: Rain can occur at any time. The driest months are typically June to September, but you should always be prepared with a rain poncho.
  • Cold Fronts (“Friajes”): Occasionally, cold fronts from the south can cause temperatures to drop significantly for a day or two. A sweater or fleece is necessary for this possibility.
The Local People

This tour operates in the Cultural Zone of Manu, an area where indigenous communities live. You will see local people at the river port of Atalaya and near the lodges. The tour staff, including boat drivers and cooks, are often from these communities.

How to prepare for the tour

No specific physical training is needed. The main preparation is to pack appropriately. Make sure you have lightweight, long-sleeved clothing, effective insect repellent, and all the recommended personal items.

Recommended Age

This tour is suitable for people of all ages who are in reasonable health and can manage long periods of travel in a bus and boat. It is a good option for families with children who have an interest in nature.

How to acclimatize

The tour departs from Cusco (high altitude) and descends into the jungle (low altitude). Therefore, altitude sickness is not a concern during the main part of the tour. However, you should spend at least one or two days in Cusco before the tour begins to acclimatize to the high altitude for the initial part of the drive.

FAQS

Is this a physically difficult tour?

No, the tour is not physically demanding. The walks are generally short and on flat terrain. The main challenge is the long hours spent traveling by bus and boat.

What are the jungle lodges like?

The lodges are rustic but comfortable, designed to blend in with the environment. Rooms are typically shared by two people and have basic amenities. One of the lodges mentioned has private bathrooms and hot water.

What kind of wildlife is guaranteed to be seen?

No wildlife sightings can be guaranteed, as the animals are wild. However, this area is rich in biodiversity. You have a very high chance of seeing many species of birds (including parrots and hoatzins), monkeys, capybaras, and caimans.

Are there many mosquitoes in Manu?

Yes, there are mosquitoes and other biting insects, especially around dawn and dusk. It is essential to wear long sleeves and pants and use a strong insect repellent.

What is a “parrot clay lick”?

It is a specific place on a riverbank with exposed clay. Parrots, macaws, and parakeets gather there, usually in the early morning, to eat the clay, which helps them neutralize toxins from the seeds and fruits they eat.

Is there electricity or internet at the lodges?

Electricity is usually available for a few hours each evening, powered by a generator, allowing you to charge devices. There is generally no Wi-Fi or cellular service in the lodges.

Do I need any special vaccinations for this trip?

It is recommended to consult your doctor about vaccinations for travel to the Amazon, such as Yellow Fever. Prophylaxis for Malaria may also be recommended.

What is the food like on the tour?

A dedicated cook prepares a mix of Peruvian and international dishes using fresh, local ingredients. The food is plentiful and designed to be enjoyed in the jungle setting. Vegetarian and other dietary requests can be accommodated.

Is it safe to travel in Manu?

Yes, traveling with a certified guide and a reputable company is very safe. Guides are trained in first aid and carry communication devices. You should always follow your guide’s instructions, especially during walks and near wildlife.

What is the most important piece of equipment to bring?

Binoculars. Good quality binoculars are the single most important item to bring, as they will allow you to see wildlife that is far away in the trees or across the river.

WHY CHOOSE ANDES PATH PERU?

Andes Path Peru is a locally-owned and operated family travel agency and tour operator based in Cusco, built on many years of first-hand trekking experience. As a 100% Cusqueñian company with no external shareholders, we are deeply rooted in our community.

Our vision as a local company is to craft small, customized tours and treks that are exclusively operated by our team of local professionals. We are dedicated to providing a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.

We take great pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. We consider our staff to be our extended family and ensure they receive fair wages for their hard work. We are incredibly proud of our team! Without their dedication, we couldn’t offer the exceptional service and create the lifetime experiences our clients cherish.

Andes Path Peru understands the importance of trusting a reliable and honest operator to plan your adventure of a lifetime in Peru. We invite you to read our outstanding reviews and view our certificates of excellence on TRIPADVISOR! We also come highly recommended by publications such as Conde Nast Travelers and Lonely Planet.

SMALL GROUPS

To provide a more customized experience for our guests, Andes Path Peru has a strict policy of limiting our groups to a maximum of 8 people. This commitment to small group sizes is a key factor that distinguishes us from other companies that operate with much larger tour groups.

OUR TOUR GUIDES

We are incredibly proud of our guides! They are consummate professionals who are fluent in English. They possess a deep knowledge of and a true passion for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are committed to continuous professional and personal growth, constantly researching to ensure you receive accurate and recognized information about Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun-loving, engaging, and highly educated. Each guide holds a university degree in a relevant field such as Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.

OUR SUPER COOL PORTERS

Trekking with Andes Path Peru is a life-changing journey. We offer a fully portered experience where your comfort and enjoyment are our highest priorities. We are dedicated to making sure you have the best possible holiday in Peru, allowing you to interact with local people, explore breathtaking sites, and rediscover remote ancient Inca towns. Our porters will carry your gear, prepare delicious meals, set up your tents in quiet locations away from crowded campsites, and take care of you, allowing you to simply sit back and relax.

We provide the following equipment to our porters at no cost: a jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, comfortable duffel bags, a canteen, a supportive girdle to protect their backs, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All of our porters are hired from isolated communities, giving them the opportunity to improve their economic situation and help support their children’s education. We ensure that every one of our porters is treated like family!

OUR EQUIPMENT

The quality of our team (guides, cooks, porters, horsemen) and our top-of-the-line equipment truly makes Andes Path Peru stand out from the competition. For all of our adventure hikes, we include the following:

  • OUR TENTS: Enjoy a restful night’s sleep in our 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents. All our tents are 4-person models, but we only house 2 people in each, leaving plenty of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a small vestibule, giving you extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks to keep the interior clean.
  • OUR FOAM MATS: These are included to insulate and separate you from the cold ground.
  • AIR MATTRESSES: These can be rented for $20 USD.
  • OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent serves as a communal gathering place for meals. It’s a great time to sit back, relax, and chat with your fellow trekkers.
  • OUR TABLES & CHAIRS: The interior of the dining tent includes proper tables and chairs, and its design with two doors on opposite sides allows it to adapt to the day’s weather conditions.
  • DUFFEL BAGS: These will be provided to you during the briefing the night before the trek begins.
  • MORE: Pillows, backpack rain covers, souvenir t-shirts, and a biochemical portable toilet are all provided on the trek.

OUR SERVICE PROJECTS

At Andes Path Peru, we have always believed in the importance of giving back to the local, isolated communities. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we consistently run social projects and prioritize local hiring.

Andes Path Peru is proud to be able to support our local people. We do more than just employ them; we go back to our grassroots as they share with their families. We are delighted to have this holistic and supportive relationship with our highland employees and their families!

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