DAY 1: Cusco-Cloud Forest
Leaving Cusco we head over the Andes, stopping for a coffee at the beautiful colonial village of Paucartambo. Continuing, we climb to the highpoint of the Manu Biosphere at about 3,800 m before descending to the cloud forest. In these mysterious surroundings we take a hike to the lek of the incredible cock-of-the-rock, to see the 'performance' of the males right under our eyes. We spend our first night in the Lodge Posada San Pedro (appr. 1,600 m).
DAY 2: Cloud Forest-Atalaya-Manu River
At daybreak we continue by bus to tropical lowland rainforest. Here at the small village Atalaya at 650 m, we change into a motorized canoe to navigate down the turbulant Alto Madre de Dios River to Boca Manu. As night falls we make camp on one of the beaches.
DAY 3 & 4: Lake Salvador and Lake Otorongo
On the morning of the third day we turn up the Manu River . From this vantage point we will have great views of riverside birds, sunbathing caiman, and the enormous aquatic guinea pig, the capybara. We reach our campsite deep inside Manu in the afternoon. This will be our base for the next two days. During this time, we will hike through virgin forest and explore one of the most beautiful lakes of the Manu basin, Lake Salvador , by catamaran. There is a chance to see a huge variety of colourful birds, numerous species of monkey and with luck, a family of giant otters. A five hour hike through the forest takes us to Lake Otorongo and a 20 metre-high observation platform that overlooks the lake. At night we can explore the forest by torchlight or go moonlight caiman spotting on the lake.
DAY 5: Lake Salvador-Boca Manu
After a final walk through the forest surrounding Lake Salvador , we return back down the Manu River . At Boca Manu you return to Cusco by light aircraft.
Entrance fee (approximately $50 pp for 2006)
Sleeping bag (can be rented in Cusco at $2 per day)
Soft drinks and beers
New airport tax for those returning by plane from Boca Manu to Cusco
Qualified naturalist guide speaking English and Spanish
Transportation by private bus from Cusco to Cloud Forest to Atalaya
Transportation by private boat from Atalaya to Lake Salvador to Boca
Flight from Boca Manu to Cusco.
All Meals
Tents and mats
Manu guide book
Paper work for park entrance
Prices from
US$ 1214.29 (per person based in double occupancy)
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