Service:
Premium
Type of Activity:
Type of walk:
Private Tour & Semi-Private Tour
Level:
The Manu National Park Tour 3 Days / 2 Nights is a unique experience to observe exotic birds such as the cock-of-the-rock, visit macaw clay licks, explore cloud forests filled with orchids, and navigate Amazonian rivers surrounded by native flora and fauna. The tour also includes contact with local communities, allowing travelers to learn about ancestral customs and participate in responsible tourism.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 | CUSCO (3,300 MASL) – PAUCARTAMBO – CLOUD FOREST – PILCOPATA INN (600 MASL)
Manu National Park Tour 3 Days
- We begin the trip very early, departing from Cusco, heading towards the eastern Andes.
- Along the way, we cross impressive high Andean valleys, Quechua villages, and viewpoints with spectacular views of the mountain range.
- We visit archaeological sites and pre-Incan tombs from the Lupaca culture, a civilization that predates the Incas.
- We arrive at the picturesque colonial town of Paucartambo, known for its colonial bridge and festivities. We visit its small but interesting local museum.
- The journey continues with a descent down the eastern slope of the Andes into the cloud forest, a transitional ecosystem between the mountains and the jungle that is home to hundreds of species.
- In this area, we will make stops to observe flora and fauna: orchids, tree ferns, bromeliads, and birds such as hummingbirds, toucans, and especially the Cock-of-the-Rock, Peru’s national bird, which we may see during its mating ritual.
- There is also the possibility of spotting the Spectacled Bear, one of the few South American bears.
- We have lunch in the forest and in the afternoon continue to Pilcopata, where our first lodge is located: Pilcopata Inn.
- Dinner and overnight amidst tropical greenery.
Walking distance: 2–3 km (interpretive walks in the cloud forest)
Minimum altitude: 600 m
Maximum altitude: 3,300 m
Climate: Cold in the morning, hot and humid in the afternoon
Overnight: Pilcopata Inn Lodge
DAY 2 | PILCOPATA – PUERTO ATALAYA – AMAZON MANU LODGE (450 MASL)
Manu Park 3-Day Tour
- After an early breakfast, we will take a guided tour of a traditional coca leaf plantation, where we will learn about its cultural and medicinal importance in the Amazon.
- Afterward, we will visit a wildlife rescue center, a temporary home for rehabilitated animals such as monkeys, parrots, turtles, and other Amazonian species.
- We head to Puerto Atalaya (500 m above sea level), located on the banks of the Alto Madre de Dios River.
- We board a motorboat and navigate the river on a route filled with tropical landscapes. During the journey, we observe birds such as herons, cormorants, kingfishers, vultures, and, if lucky, monkeys or capybaras on the banks.
- We arrive at the Lodge, where we settle in and enjoy a typical jungle lunch.
- In the afternoon, we walk to Lake Machuwasi, a tranquil lagoon ideal for wildlife watching. Here, we navigate on homemade rafts in search of species such as the Hoatzin, a prehistoric bird, and mammals such as monkeys, sloths, capybaras, and even caimans at sunset.
- Return to the lodge, dinner, and a free night in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
Walking distance: 3–5 km
Minimum altitude: 450 m
Maximum altitude: 600 m
Climate: Humid, warm during the day and mild at night
Overnight: Lodge
DAY 3 | MACAW LICK – RETURN TO CUSCO
Manu Park 3-Day Tour
- We depart very early (before dawn) by boat to visit the macaw clay lick, a clay wall on the riverbank where dozens of parrots and macaws congregate every morning.
- From a vantage point, we observe species such as the blue-headed parrot, the white-eyed parakeet, the chestnut-fronted macaw, and others, feeding on the mineral-rich clay that helps them neutralize toxins in their diet.
- After this unforgettable experience, we return to the lodge for breakfast.
- We pack our belongings and board the boat back to Puerto Atalaya, where we take our transportation to Cusco.
- During the land trip, we stop for lunch en route, while enjoying the scenery on the way back.
- Arrival in Cusco at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Walking distance: 1–2 km
Minimum altitude: 450 m
Maximum altitude: 3,300 m
Climate: Warm in the morning, mild on the return trip
Overnight: Not included (return to Cusco)
INCLUDES
Includes – Manu National Park Tour 3D/2N
Transportation:
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco (downtown area)
- Private ground transportation Cusco – Paucartambo – Pilcopata – Puerto Atalaya
- Riverside transportation by motorboat on the Alto Madre de Dios River (round trip)
- Return by land from Puerto Atalaya to Cusco
Accommodation:
- 1 night at Pilcopata Inn, an eco-lodge in a cloud forest area
- 1 night at a lodge in the heart of the tropical rainforest
- Private or shared rooms with beds, mosquito nets, and basic bathrooms
Meals:
- All meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners
- Snacks and fruit during the hikes
- Options for vegetarians and special diets (with advance notice)
Excursions and activities:
- Visit to the village of Paucartambo and its museum
- Interpretive hikes through the cloud forest
- Bird and wildlife watching: Cock-of-the-Rock, monkeys, macaws, and capybaras
- Rafting on Lake Machuwasi
- Visit to the macaw clay lick
- Observation of flora such as orchids, ferns, and bromeliads
Guide and assistance:
- Bilingual naturalist guide specializing in Amazonian fauna, flora, and culture
- Informative talks on ecology, Andean worldview, and conservation of Manu
- Permanent assistance throughout the tour
Safety and logistics:
- First aid kit
- Life jackets during navigation
- Official permits to enter the cultural zone of Manu National Park
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations – Manu National Park Tour 3D/2N
The Manu National Park tour 3 days/2 nights is a unique experience that takes you from the Andes to the Peruvian Amazon rainforest, passing through the cloud forest and areas of great biodiversity. To fully enjoy this adventure, we recommend taking the following tips into account:
Appropriate Luggage and Clothing
- Wear light, long-sleeved clothing, ideal for protection from the sun and insects in the jungle.
- Pack a waterproof jacket or poncho, as tropical rain showers can occur in the Manu cultural zone at any time.
- Wear hiking shoes or waterproof boots, ideal for hiking in wet and muddy terrain.
- Don’t forget a small backpack to carry your personal belongings during daily excursions.
Health and Personal Protection
- Use high-effective insect repellent and biodegradable sunscreen to protect both your skin and the natural environment.
- Bring a reusable bottle or canteen; the use of disposable plastics is discouraged.
- If you have any medical conditions, inform your guide and bring your own medications.
- Travel insurance that covers medical care and evacuation is recommended.
Exploration and Photography
- A camera with a good zoom will be your best ally for capturing the landscapes of Manu National Park and unique moments in the cloud forest or the macaw clay lick.
- Bring extra batteries and waterproof protection for your electronic equipment.
Before You Travel
- Acclimatize to Cusco at least one day before departure, especially if you’re coming from lower altitudes.
- Avoid heavy meals or alcohol the night before the tour.
- Have your valid ID or passport on hand; it is required to enter the Manu cultural zone.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions – Manu National Park 3D/2N Tour
1. Do I need hiking experience to take this tour?
Trekking experience is not required to participate in the 3-day Manu tour, but it is important to be in good physical condition. Some hikes are long and take place on natural trails, so basic stamina and a love of nature are recommended.
2. What health conditions are recommended?
Anyone in stable health can take this trip. If you have any medical conditions, such as respiratory problems, high blood pressure, or severe allergies, it is essential to bring your medication and notify the tour operator in advance.
3. What type of accommodation is offered during the tour?
During the tour, you will sleep in eco-lodges, located near the jungle. They are simple but comfortable spaces with beds, mosquito nets, and basic amenities. In some cases, rooms may be shared with other travelers.
4. What should I bring to Manu National Park?
It is recommended to bring:
- Light, long-sleeved clothing
- Raincoat or rain poncho
- Hiking boots or sturdy footwear
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Headlamp with batteries
- Reusable water bottle and snacks
- Camera or cell phone with extra battery
5. Is this a safe tour?
Yes, the tour is safe. The guides who accompany the groups are trained in first aid and know the area well. In addition, environmental and safety protocols are followed for each activity. The important thing is to always follow their instructions.
6. What weather will I encounter during the trip?
The weather varies depending on the altitude. In the cloud forest, it can be cool and humid, while in the lowland jungle, it is often hot and humid. Rainfall can occur at any time, so you should always wear waterproof clothing.
7. Are meals included?
Yes, the tour package includes all meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all three days. If you have any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free), you can indicate this when booking so the menu can be tailored to your needs.
8. What is the best time to visit Manu National Park?
Although Manu National Park is open year-round, the best time to take the tour is between May and October, when the weather is drier and the trail conditions are optimal. The rainy season is between November and March, which can make access to some areas difficult.
DEPARTURE DATES
Confirmed Departures
PRICES
Adult: $365 per Adult
Student: $365 per Adult
Available Equipment:
Trekking poles: These help maintain balance and reduce impact on the knees during long ascents and descents.
Thermal sleeping bags: These are designed to withstand the low temperatures of the Salkantay area, ensuring a comfortable and warm rest.
Waterproof jackets: These protect from wind and rain, ideal for changes in altitude.
Headlamps: Recommended for early departures and for moving safely around the camp.
