MANU NATIONAL PARK EXPEDITION  (12 days / 11 nights)

ITINERARY

DAY 01.- arrive in lima and transfer to the hotel. PM. City tour, overnight in lima

DAY 02.- Early in the morning, transfer to the Airport and flight to Cusco, then transfer to the hotel. PM. City tour in Cusco. You will visit the famous cathedral, qoricancha or sun temple, saqsayhuaman, qenqo, tambomachay and pucapucara.

DAY 03.- full day tour to the sacred Valley of the Incas, today you will have the nice opportunity to visit the local marked of Pisaq, then we have a nice lunch in Urubamba city, in the afternoon we enjoy the monumental archeological site of Ollantaytambo. Late in the afternoon we go back to Cusco city.

DAY 04.-   We leave Cusco early in the morning in our specialized overland vehicles. Approximately mid-morning we visit the interesting tombs of Ninamarca, commonly known as "Chullpas". We continue to Paucartambo, a picturesque Spanish colonial town, and then to the Acjanacu pass, which marks the beginning of the Cultural Zone of the Manu Biosphere Reserve. Here, a thick cloak of clouds provides perpetual humidity and makes an ideal habitat for epiphytic plants such as bromeliads. This varied and fascinating world is home of the Cock of the Rock, the Spectacled Bear, orchids, tree ferns (one of the oldest living plants), mosses and lichens. 

The cloud forest is found between 2000 and 3500 meters above sea level, and at least 50% of the plant species found here are endemic to this region. We spend the night in our open air Lodge "San Pedro".

DAY 05.-  Today we wake up very early to observe the Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruviana), Peru's national bird. At about 5:00AM we observe and exhibition of a mating ritual dance in a place called Lek. The males of vibrant reddish orange feathers display their crest showing off and posturing for the females. The females, fewer in number, watch to select the most suitable males. After breakfast we continue in our overland transport down through the narrow road between waterfalls and canyons toward the towns of Pilcopata and Atalaya Port.

Here, we board our covered, outboard motor boat and head down the Alto Madre de Dios River for approximately 25 minutes towards our private reserve of "Erika" where we will hike through an interesting trail system in the transitional area (between high jungle and low jungle). Overnight in the lodge.

* 1 Optional:  Descend with mountain bikes from the Cloud Forest to Pillcopata (700 m)

* 2 Optional:  Here in Pilcopata town we will make all the final preparations for a 1 ½ to 3 hour rafting trip down the Kosñipata river where we will have the opportunity for a dip and of course enjoy the spectacular view of the Koñeq Canyon. Continuing down the Alto Madre de Dios river to Erika Lodge

DAY 06.-  After breakfast we board our canoe for a three-hour trip down the Alto Madre de Dios River to Boca Manu's airstrip ( where optional flights coming from Cusco may bring new members to join our group. The plane flies over the Andes to a narrow gravel landing strip in the jungle. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes) Boca Manu village, located a short distance from the confluence of the Manu River and the Alto Madre de Dios River, is the last place to buy your fresh supplies and cold drinks before setting off again by canoe. Now we enter the Manu River and the Reserve Zone, stopping at a white sand beach where we camp on the riverbank. Short walk around the area.

New!!! * 3 Optional Canopy Tour:  Our guests traverse from tree to tree and platform to platform Using pulleys on horizontal cables, they sail through the treetops of the tropical rainforest canopy and over the trails far below. Expert guides assist you in this exciting journey through the different layers of the virgin rain forest and explain what’s going on around you, from the time you leave the ground, until you get back down to the forest floor.

DAY 07.-  After registering in the official tourist logbook at Limonal, the Park Rangers Headquarters and having an early breakfast, we follow the Manu River until we arrive at Salvador Lake, our base campsite (screened dining room, bathrooms, radio communication is available). This canoe ride gives us the opportunity to observe the immensity of the rainforest and the diversity of bird life, reptiles and mammals. You will often see animals sunning themselves on beaches, or foraging for food in the trees lining the riverbanks.

We arrive early in the afternoon and have lunch before setting off on a jungle trail. Here, we will be on the lookout for wildlife inside the rainforest and on Salvador Oxbow Lake until the sun goes down and we return to the camp. We explore Salvador Lake by paddling along quietly on a catamaran to observe the unique species of birds, monkeys, caimans and with luck, the Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis). This endangered species can be seen swimming, fishing, feeding and playing.

DAY 08.-  We wake up early in the morning, as the forest is awakened by the Red Howler Monkey (Aloatta seniculus) declaring its territory. A morning walk before breakfast is a great chance to catch wildlife in the pursuit of food and the temperature is very pleasant at this time of day. After relaxing and swimming in the river we enjoy lunch along the riverbank. Afterwards, we cross the river to walk an 8-km trail to another oxbow lake called Otorongo.

A strategically located observation tower rises 15 meters above the rainforest canopy overlooking the lake, giving us more chances to observe the wildlife including the Giant Otter. Early evening we will use the catamaran (optional)and with the help of flashlights we can observe the black caimans rising from the depths of the lake and beginning their search for prey. Return to the campsite.

DAY 09.-  Once again we wake up early, enjoy a brief morning walk, have a relaxing breakfast, then pack up the camp and follow the Manu River until Boca Manu. This village is at a short distance from the confluence of the Manu River and the Alto Madre de Dios River, from here we go down the Madre de Dios River arriving early in the afternoon after three hours ride to Blanquillo Private Reserve. Camp and spend one more night in this magical Amazon jungle.

Day 10.- Around mid morning we board our canoe to return to the airstrip at Boca Manu. At this point, those who are returning to Cusco by plane will catch their flight. This optional flight from Boca Manu to Cusco offers spectacular views of the surrounding jungle and the area's meandering rivers. The rest of the group continues up the Alto Madre de Dios River to camp on a  beach in the Cultural Zone and enjoy the sites and sounds of the jungle for one more night.

DAY 11.-  Waking up very early, we continue the trip by boat to Atalaya, where the bus will be waiting to drive us back up and out of Manu. Arrival in Cusco is very late this night or early the next morning.

DAY 12.- Transfer to the airport and flight to Lima

END OF OUR SERVICES.

IMPORTANT :   Briefing will be on the Saturday prior to departure at 7:00pm. at the agency, in order to meet the group and the guide, go over the itinerary and answer questions.

AIR CHARTER ALTERNATIVE:

DAY 06 :  Arrive mid morning by plane from Cusco to Boca Manu.

DAY 10 :  Leave Boca Manu and arrive in Cusco in the early afternoon.

SERVICES INCLUDE :  all the transfer in Lima, Cusco, city tour in lima and Cusco with all the entrance tickets, transportation, tour guide, full day tour in the sacred valley of the Incas with all the entrance tickets, private transportation, tour guide and lunch, 02 domestic flight lima Cusco/Lima, and hotels in lima and Cusco, Ground transportation (overland buses and 4WD vehicles), boat transportation (covered motorized boats), specialized and bilingual guides, 1 night in San Pedro open air lodge, 1 night in Erika Lodge,  mountain bike  (optional) and rafting equipment, two-person tents, sleeping mattress, meals, dining tent, cooking tent, first aid Kit (including anti- ophidian shots), air charters (optional - maximum 10kg. of luggage per person), paperwork and payment for park permits, radio communication equipment in all lodges and campsites, satellite telephone for emergencies. As an additional service, we offer safes for valuables and storage for luggage in Cusco's main office.

NOT INCLUDED: Airport taxes, Tips, Personal expenses, Travel insurance and meals unless described in the program

THINGS YOU SHOULD BRING ALONG FOR YOUR TRIP TO MANU

·         Sleeping bag

·         Warm clothing, long sleeve shirts and long trousus (cotton)

·         100% waterproof rain gear (long poncho or rain wear)

·         Insect repellant (at least 50% Deet), sunscreen lotion

·         One pair of lightweight ankle height boots, and sandals

·         Flashlight, enough batteries (alkaline) and bulbs

·         Wide brim hat (for sunny days), sun glasses

·         Towel, swimming suit, personal medicines and/or supplies (e.g.: liquid for contact lenses.).

·         Day pack, and one back pack or duffel bag of luggage per person

·         Binoculars, camera and film ASA 200 and 400 for the inner forest.

One bottle of water for the first day, plastic bags.

<<RESERVATIONS>>

Address: Lucrepata, Urbambilla A-1 Cercado Cusco - Telf: +51 84 248457 or +51 84 984756439

Emails: aldrin42@hotmail.com  & info@peruvianadventures.com