Short itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Gallito de las Rocas – Bambu Lodge
- Early departure at 5:30 AM from Cusco, driving through Andean highlands reaching up to 4000 m.a.s.l.
- Stops at Ninamarca (Pre-Inca tombs) and Paucartambo, a historic folkloric town at 2950 m.a.s.l.
- Enter Manu National Park via Acjanaco (3560 m.a.s.l.), descending into the lush cloud forest.
- Walks to spot orchids, quetzals, toucans, colorful tanagers, and hopefully monkeys and spectacled bears.
- Visit San Pedro, a strategic spot to observe Peru’s national bird, the Cock-of-the-Rock, performing its mating rituals.
- Arrival at Bambu Lodge for overnight stay.
Day 2: Bambu Lodge – Soga de Oro Lodge
- Morning drive to Atalaya, enjoying local flora and fauna along the way.
- Board a motorized boat on the Alto Madre de Dios River to reach Soga de Oro Lodge.
- Guided walks on jungle trails to look for monkeys, birds, and peccaries.
- Visit Cocha Machuwasi to explore by traditional rafts and observe hoatzins, capybaras, and possibly caimans.
- Optional night walk to search for spiders, insects, frogs, and snakes.
- Overnight at Soga de Oro Lodge.
Day 3: Soga de Oro Lodge – Macaw Clay Lick
- Early morning boat trip (40 min) to a clay lick where parrots and macaws gather to feed on minerals.
- Use binoculars and scopes to watch up to six different parrot species.
- Return for breakfast, then explore trails again searching for monkeys, birds, and the giant ceiba pentandra tree.
- Learn about ethnobotany and medicinal plants along the trails.
- Optional fishing or swimming in the river in the afternoon.
- Another optional night walk before sleeping at Soga de Oro Lodge.
Day 4: Soga de Oro Lodge – Cusco
- After breakfast, return by boat to Atalaya where our transport awaits.
- Option to visit a local botanical garden with approximately 200 orchid species.
- Drive back to Cusco, with possible stops in the cloud forest to spot additional wildlife.
- Arrival in Cusco around 5:00 PM, drop-off at your hotel.
Included
- All meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- 3 nights’ accommodation (Bambu Lodge, Soga de Oro Lodge)
- Snacks throughout the tour
- Tourist transportation (bus and boat)
- Entrance tickets to Cocha Machuwasi
Not included
- Entrance to the botanical garden
- Tips for guides or lodge staff
Recommendations
- Bring light clothing for the jungle, a rain jacket, and swimwear.
- Use insect repellent and sunscreen.
- Have a flashlight or headlamp for night walks.
- Carry cash for small purchases or local tips.
- Keep an open mind to fully experience the unique sounds and biodiversity of the jungle.
