MANU PARK 4D/3N

Trip Overview

DESCRIPTION

The Manu National Park concentrates the greatest biodiversity in the world, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. It is one of the centers with the highest concentration of ecosystems without human intervention. From 200 meters above sea level to 4100 meters above sea level. Throughout the area, there are diverse habitats such as the Andes, with its highlands, rain forest, cloud forest, and tropical forest. Each of these houses a different flora and fauna. Further on in the tropical zone, we find native communities, which have lived for hundreds of years.

Manu is currently visited by many professional biologists, in order to study and investigate its ecosystems and the numerous biodiversity. This is one of the most prolific environments in the world, giving rise to variations in climates and ecological levels. This is due to the terminations of the eastern mountain range of the Andes that go towards the Amazon plain. In this way, providing balance to those unique and unknown species many times. Fortunately, thanks to training, global interest, and the insertion of sustainable ecotourism, Manu preserves its habitats in an extraordinary way.

OVERVIEW

MANU PARK

DAY 1: CUSCO – NINAMARCA – PAUCARTAMBO – CLOUD FOREST – ECO-LODGE

Very early in the morning, we leave Cusco heading towards the beautiful landscapes of Manu Park. Firstly, we visit the Inca tombs of Ninamarca (so-called the “Fire Town”). Secondly, we stop in Paucartambo – a folklore colonial town, which name means in the Quechua native language the “Home for Rest of the Golden Oriole Birds”. After our Tour Guide shows us around, we continue having many stops on the way until we get to Acjanacu. This place is considered the gateway to the Manu biosphere and it also serves as a viewpoint offering a panoramic view of the Amazon.

On the way, we eat our box lunch. Later on, we descend passing many habitats observing native endemic flora and fauna. For instance, tree ferns (Cyatheaceae), orchids, Andean crested quetzals (Pharomachrus antisianus) and other colourful birds, monkeys, a variety of butterflies and insects. Especially, we may watch the Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus) in its habitat as well as some spectacled bears (Tremarctos ornatus). The latter two are quite unique and wonderful native species.

Finally, we reach our lodge near the community of Challabamba where we enjoy a welcome with a tropical drink made of local fruits. Not long afterwards, we are served dinner and then we go to experience our first night in the jungle.

DAY 2: ECO-LODGE – CLOUD FOREST – PILLCOPATA – ECO-LODGE

Another early morning wake-up awaits us. This time, we need to take advantage of the early time for birdwatching. Before breakfast, we follow paths around the lodge in search of endemic birds. For example, quetzals, toucans, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, manakin tanagers and golden orioles. On top of that, we might spot some woolly monkeys, cappuccino monkeys and insects. Then, we return to the lodge to enjoy a perfect tropical breakfast.

Afterwards, we are taken towards Pillcopata Town to accommodate ourselves in a nearby eco-lodge. Later, we start out trekking until we reach the native community of Huacaria. We can learn and share the lifestyle of the local natives, appreciate their crops and visit their knitting centre. We also get to know how the local people hunt, fish or use medicinal plants. Then, we are served lunch to later have a dip all together in a crystal-clear river. In the end, we return to the lodge near Pillcopata in order to enjoy a delicious tropical drink, dinner and well-deserved sleep.

DAY 3 MANU PARK: ECO-LODGE – AMAZON RAINFOREST – ATALAYA PORT – ECO-LODGE

After a delicious breakfast in our lodge, we ride for about 45 minutes to the Atalaya port. There, we change for a boat leading down the river for about an hour till we get to the third eco-lodge. It is located inside the Manu National Park on the Madre de Dios River banks.

Here is where we spend the day visiting pathways connecting diverse ecosystems. For example, forests, streams and lakes. We are able to see there one of the prehistoric species – hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin). Also, we can observe some native marine species as well as caymans, capybaras, squirrel monkeys and various bird species.

After sunset, we follow a path through the rainforest. In this way, we become a part of a magical night accompanied by the sounds of nocturnal animals. Once back in the lodge, we have a wonderful dinner and spend the last night in Manu Park.

DAY 4 MANU PARK: ECO-LODGE – PARROT CLAY-LICK – CUSCO

At daybreak, we need to visit a parrot clay-lick. For that reason, we wake up very early and board a boat taking us there. This place is very important for parrots (and not only for them) as clay helps them to get rid of toxins which they always gain by eating Amazon fruits. Parrots and parakeets fly in here every morning, forming a colourful spectacle with melodic sounds. That is why we have a perfect chance not only to appreciate them but take amazing pictures as well. This all accompanied by an explanation of our specialized Tour Guide.

Then, we get back to the lodge. We are served our last breakfast and afterwards, we need to say goodbye to local staff because a return way to Cusco City awaits us. First off, we board a motorboat taking us to a port. There, we change for a private vehicle bringing us to the city at around 6 pm. The Manu Park 4 Day Tour finishes by transferring you to your hotel.