Pricing
EXTRAS & UPGRADES
- Binoculars Rental – $5 USD per person per day (Professional waterproof 8×42 binoculars — absolutely essential for birdwatching and wildlife spotting in the jungle. Without binoculars, many species will be visible only as distant shapes in the canopy. Available at our Cusco office — please request at the time of booking)
- Night Walk in the Cloud Forest or Jungle – $15 USD per person (A guided after-dark expedition with torches searching for tarantulas, scorpions, tree frogs, armadillos, boa constrictors, night monkeys, and caimans along the river. Available on Day 1 and Day 2 of the itinerary)
- Night Boat Excursion on the River – $15 USD per person (Drift silently along the Madre de Dios or Manu River in a motorized canoe after dark, with headlamps scanning the riverbanks for the eyeshine of caimans, caimans, giant river otters, and nocturnal birds. Utterly unforgettable)
- Macaw Clay Lick Visit – Included as optional (Hundreds of scarlet, blue-and-yellow, and red-and-green macaws descend at dawn to eat the mineral-rich clay lick each morning. Subject to weather conditions — overcast or rainy mornings may reduce macaw activity. Included in itineraries that reach the Reserved Zone)
- Andean Cock-of-the-Rock Lek Observation – Included (Peru’s spectacular national bird performs its elaborate mating display at dawn in the cloud forest. Your guide will take you to the lek — the dedicated viewing platform — early on Day 1. No extra cost)
- Hummingbird Garden Visit – Included (A magical garden along the Manu Road hosting up to 20 different hummingbird species, as well as woolly monkeys and king vultures. Included as a standard stop on the morning of Day 2)
- Visit to Matsiguenka Indigenous Community – Included (Spend time at the Casa Matsiguenka Lodge, owned and operated by the indigenous Matsiguenka people using traditional building techniques. Their local guides walk you through private trails and the interactive interpretation center)
- Tapir Clay Lick Night Vigil – $20 USD per person (An optional night in a specially designed camouflaged jungle hide overlooking a mineral salt lick, watching tapirs, deer, porcupines, and other nocturnal mammals emerge to feed. One of the rarest wildlife experiences in all of Peru — please request at the time of booking)
- Catamaran Ride on Cocha Salvador – Included (A quiet paddled catamaran exploration of the pristine Salvador Oxbow Lake, home to Giant River Otters, black caimans, Hoatzin birds, and multiple monkey species. Included for tours that reach the Reserved Zone)
- Shintuya Natural Hot Springs Stop – $4 USD per person (Warm medicinal thermal baths along the Alto Madre de Dios River, available as a relaxing stop en route to the jungle lodges on Day 2. Cash only, paid to the local community)
- Upgrade to Treehouse Lodge Accommodation – from $40 USD per person per night (Available at certain lodges along the route. Sleep above the jungle floor in a traditional-style treehouse with private bathroom, hot shower, and mosquito nets. Please request at the time of booking to confirm availability)
- Return to Cusco by Plane (Puerto Maldonado) – from $120 USD per person (Upgrade your return on Day 5 to a 40-minute flight from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco instead of the 7–9 hour overland journey. Highly recommended for travelers with connecting flights. Subject to availability — must be booked in advance)
- Ninamarka Pre-Inca Funeral Towers Visit – Included (Ancient Lupaca culture stone chulpas (burial towers) dating back over 500 years, visited on the drive from Cusco on Day 1. No extra cost — a fascinating archaeological stop before the cloud forest descent)
Pricing & Availability – Manu National Park Peru 5 Days
The Manu National Park 5 Days / 4 Nights tour is available from March through November — the peak rainy season (December–February) makes the Manu Road and river access unreliable and is not recommended. The 5-day itinerary combines the Cultural Zone and the edge of the Reserved Zone, visiting the Cloud Forest, Macaw Clay Lick, Cocha Salvador, and the Casa Matsiguenka Lodge along the Manu River. A minimum of 2 travelers is required for private service and 3–5 for group service. A non-refundable deposit of 50% per person is required at booking to secure all required SERNANP government permits. The remaining balance is due one week before departure. Pickup from your hotel in Cusco is at 5:30–6:00 AM on Day 1. Book at least 4–8 weeks in advance as Reserved Zone permits and lodge spaces are strictly limited. Only government-authorized operators are permitted to access the Manu National Park Reserved Zone.
GROUP SERVICE
- $950 USD per person (minimum 3 participants — Cultural + Reserved Zone combination)
- $750 USD per person (minimum 3 participants — Cultural Zone only)
- Discount of $50 USD per person for groups of 5 or more persons
PRIVATE SERVICE
- $1,250 USD per person – 2 persons
- $1,100 USD per person – 3 to 4 persons
- $950 USD per person – 5 to 6 persons
- $850 USD per person – 7 or more persons
DISCOUNTS
- Students (18–25 years old): Discount subject to Peruvian government SERNANP permit requirements. A valid ISIC card or university ID is required at the time of booking. Please contact us at booking to confirm the applicable amount.
- Under 18 years old: Discount available. Please send a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Children under 12 years old: Special rates available. The tour is suitable for children in good health who can handle long boat journeys and jungle conditions. Consult us before booking.
Important Notes: The Manu National Park 5-day tour is the most popular duration for first-time visitors to the Manu, combining a manageable itinerary with access to some of the park’s most iconic wildlife experiences — including the Macaw Clay Lick, Cocha Salvador Giant Otters, Cloud Forest birdwatching, and the Matsiguenka indigenous community. Unlike the 7-day deep Reserved Zone expedition, the 5-day format keeps river boat time more moderate (~5–6 hours total), making it suitable for a wider range of travelers. Essential items include: insect repellent with minimum 40% DEET, quality binoculars, rubber boots (provided), dark-colored clothing, flashlight with spare batteries, rain poncho, and sunscreen SPF 50+. There is no electricity or WiFi inside the park. Travel and medical insurance covering emergency evacuation is strongly recommended. Tips for guides, boat operators, cooks, and lodge staff are optional but warmly appreciated.
Travel Guide
When to Visit
The best time to visit Manu is during the dry season, from April to October. During these months, there is less rain, river levels are lower, and trails are less muddy. The wet season, from November to March, sees more rain, but the forest is often more active with fruiting trees attracting wildlife.
Recommendations
- Book your tour well in advance, especially during the high season (June-August).
- Pack light and use a backpack or duffel bag instead of a suitcase.
- Be prepared for basic facilities. This is not a luxury tour; the focus is on nature.
- Always follow your guide’s instructions, especially during walks and wildlife encounters.
Climate
The tour covers two major climate zones. The first day involves travel through the high Andes, which can be very cold, especially at the pass. The jungle climate is hot and humid year-round. Days are warm, and nights can be slightly cooler. Rain showers are common, so waterproof gear is essential.
Local People
The areas you will visit are sparsely populated. The local communities are often involved in conservation, sustainable agriculture (like Brazil nuts or fruit), and eco-tourism. Be respectful when interacting with local people and always ask for permission before taking photographs.
How to Prepare for the Tour
No specialized training is needed, but you should be in good health. Prepare for the heat and humidity by bringing lightweight, breathable clothing. Acclimatizing to the altitude in Cusco is the most important physical preparation. Mentally, prepare to be disconnected from technology and immersed in nature.
Recommended Age
This tour is generally recommended for travelers 12 years of age and older. The long travel days, basic accommodation, and jungle environment may be challenging for younger children. All participants should be able to handle walking on uneven terrain.
How to Acclimatize
Acclimatization is crucial because the tour starts in Cusco (3,400m) and crosses a high pass (over 4,700m). To prevent altitude sickness, it is mandatory to spend at least two to three days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting the tour. During this time, drink plenty of water, avoid heavy meals and alcohol, and rest.
FAQS
What is the accommodation like?
Accommodation is a mix of basic jungle lodges with shared rooms and bathrooms, and nights spent camping in two-person tents in the reserve.
Are there many mosquitoes?
Yes, mosquitoes and other insects are common in the jungle. It is essential to use insect repellent with DEET and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially at dawn and dusk.
Is there electricity or internet?
There is limited or no electricity in the lodges and no electricity at the campsites. Internet access is not available during the tour. Bring power banks to charge your devices.
What will the weather be like?
The weather is variable. On the first day, you will cross a cold, high-altitude pass. In the jungle, it will be hot and humid, with average temperatures between 24°C and 30°C (75°F – 86°F). Rain is possible at any time.
Is the water safe to drink?
Do not drink tap water. The tour team will provide purified or bottled water for drinking.
What level of physical fitness is required?
A moderate level of fitness is required. You should be able to walk for a few hours at a time on uneven jungle trails and be comfortable with long travel days by bus and boat.
What should I do if I have dietary restrictions?
Please inform us of any dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or allergies, at the time of booking so the cook can prepare accordingly.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Due to the long travel times and basic conditions, this tour is generally recommended for travelers aged 12 and older.
What currency should I bring for extra expenses?
It is a good idea to bring some Peruvian Soles (PEN) in small denominations for minor purchases, drinks, or tips.
Is luggage size limited?
Yes, space on the boat is limited. Pack only what is essential for the 5 days in a duffel bag or backpack, not a large suitcase. You can store your main luggage at your hotel in Cusco.
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!
