Manu Amazon Expeditions 4 days

Manu Amazon Expeditions – 4-Day Adventure

This four-day Manu Amazon Expeditions is one of the most popular ways to explore the Peruvian Amazon, offering a comprehensive experience of this remarkable rainforest without requiring a lengthy time commitment. Manu is divided into three zones: the Reserved Zone, the Core Zone, and the Cultural Zone. Our tour focuses on the Reserved and Cultural Zones, while the Core Zone is dedicated to research and conservation Peruvian Amazon .

The park’s proximity to Cusco makes it an ideal post-Machu Picchu destination, allowing you to experience the Amazon after visiting the Sacred Valley or the Inca Trail. The Amazon Manu region is home to numerous indigenous communities who have lived in harmony with the rainforest for centuries, and during your journey, you’ll have the chance to learn about their unique way of life.

Day 1: Cusco to Mazuco – The Journey Begins Manu Amazon Expeditions.

Prepare for a thrilling day of travel as we embark on an 11-hour journey through one of the most stunning landscapes in Peru. Our first stop takes us to Pituhuaylla Pass at 4,750 meters above sea level, the highest point of our expedition. From here, we begin our descent, passing through high-altitude savannahs and tropical forests. As we continue downward, the scenery transforms into a lush cloud forest, abundant with ferns, orchids, and bromeliads, before arriving in the lowlands near the Inambari River. peru birding 

In the afternoon, we reach Mazuco (500 m.a.s.l.), a small village known for its gold mines. Here, we will rest for the night in a comfortable, private twin room at a local hostel.

Optional Activity: Take part in a nocturnal nature walk to spot the region’s incredible biodiversity, including frogs, insects, and other nocturnal creatures that have adapted to the Amazon environment.

Day 2: Mazuco to Maquisapayoq Lodge -Manu Amazon Expeditions .

After breakfast, we make our way to a nearby port for a brief 10-minute boat ride across the Inambari River. Once on the other side, we continue our journey by vehicle to Puerto Colorado, where a motorboat awaits to take us up the Madre de Dios River for a 4-hour ride through the heart of the Amazon. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife  Manu along the riverbanks, including 13 species of monkeys, herons, vultures, caimans, and crocodiles.

In the late afternoon, we arrive at Maquisapayoq Lodge, nestled in a region known for its population of red-faced spider monkeys. We’ll settle into our private rooms and enjoy the evening surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest.

Optional Activity: Explore the rainforest on a night walk and discover its nocturnal residents, from insects to frogs and snakes.

Day 3: Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick & Camungo Lake

Rise early this morning for an unforgettable visit to the famous Blanquillo Clay Lick, where large flocks of macaws, parrots, and parakeets gather to consume mineral-rich clay, which helps them digest their food and detoxify. Watch as these vibrant birds swoop down from the sky in spectacular displays.

Following this, we explore the surrounding trails, where our guide will point out the diversity of wildlife that inhabits this area, including monkeys, birds, frogs, spiders, and butterflies. Afterward, return to the lodge for a delicious lunch.

In the afternoon, we visit Camungo Lake, where a boat ride offers opportunities to see giant river otters and a variety of birds. Then, we head to a nearby observation tower (42 meters high) to enjoy panoramic views of the Amazon and capture incredible photos.

Later, we embark on a unique rainforest adventure to observe tapirs at their clay lick. We’ll spend the night in a hidden observation platform, only meters away from the lick, surrounded by nature’s sounds. Our platform is equipped with cushions and mosquito nets for comfort.

Optional Accommodation: If you prefer, you can choose to stay overnight in a nearby lodge with twin rooms.

Day 4: Return Journey from Maquisapayoq to Cusco

This is the final day of our adventure. We start early and enjoy a hearty breakfast before departing Maquisapayoq Lodge. We board our motorboat and sail back down the Madre de Dios River to Puerto Colorado, where we switch to a land vehicle for the journey back to Cusco. Expect to arrive in Cusco by late evening, around 6:30 – 7:00 pm.

Discover the Wonders of the Manu Rainforest

Manu National Park, one of the wildest and most biologically rich regions on Earth, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and spans over 1.5 million hectares. This park is home to an astonishing variety of flora and fauna, ranging from jaguars and harpy eagles to rare plant species found nowhere else on the planet.