MANU TOURS
MANU TOUR ZONE RESERVED 4 DAYS
The Birdwatching Manu Cloud Forest 3 day Explore the remarkable bird diversity of Peru’s eastern Andes on a 3-day Manu Cloud Forest Birding Tour from Cusco. Following the scenic Manu Road, this compact birding itinerary travels from the high-Andean wetlands around Huacarpay Lake into the lush upper cloud forests of the Wayqecha area, where dramatic changes in elevation create a rich variety of habitats and birdlife. PERU BIRD
The journey combines roadside stops, forest trails, and canopy-level birding, giving participants opportunities to explore different layers of the montane ecosystem. Along the route, birders can search for high-Andean species, hummingbirds, tanagers, trogons, quetzals, flycatchers, and other cloud-forest birds, with mixed-species flocks providing some of the most productive birding encounters.
A major highlight is the opportunity to visit an Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek. With favorable conditions, visitors may observe males gathering at a traditional display site and performing their distinctive courtship behavior—a memorable experience for anyone interested in Andean wildlife.
Birding continues through moss-covered cloud forest, forest edges, and canopy habitats. A canopy walkway provides a different perspective on the forest and can be especially useful for locating birds that spend much of their time above the understory. An optional night walk may also be arranged for those interested in searching for owls, nightjars, and other nocturnal species.
Designed for travelers who want to experience the Manu Road and Peru’s cloud forests without committing to a longer Amazon expedition, this itinerary combines intensive birding with spectacular mountain scenery and comfortable lodge-based accommodation. It is suitable for both visitors experiencing the Manu region for the first time and experienced birders looking to explore the productive elevational gradient between Cusco and the upper cloud forest. MANU RESERVED
Depending on weather, season, bird activity, and time spent at different habitats, the itinerary can produce an estimated 120–160 species. The exact bird list will vary from trip to trip, but the combination of highland wetlands, montane forest, and cloud-forest habitats offers excellent potential for a diverse selection of Andean birds. TOUR TAMBOPATA MACAW CLAY LICK
Discover the spectacular Manu Road, the Kosñipata Valley, and the famous Andean Cock-of-the-Rock on a three-day journey from Cusco into one of Peru’s richest cloud forest ecosystems.
Leaving the highlands of Cusco behind, this unforgettable journey follows the dramatic road from the Andes toward the Amazon basin. Along the way, the landscape changes remarkably—from high-altitude wetlands and Andean grasslands to misty cloud forest filled with orchids, bromeliads, giant ferns, hummingbirds, toucans, tanagers, monkeys, and countless other species.
The highlight is a stay at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, a nature lodge in the Kosñipata Valley surrounded by the Bosque Nublado conservation area. Located at approximately 1,600 meters (5,250 feet) above sea level and about 165 kilometers (102 miles) from Cusco, the lodge provides an excellent base for exploring the cloud forest and searching for Peru’s spectacular national bird, the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruvianus). The journey from Cusco takes approximately eight hours, depending on road conditions, wildlife stops, and sightseeing along the route.
Depart early from Cusco and travel toward Huacarpay Lake, an important high-Andean wetland and a productive location for birdwatching. The lake and surrounding reedbeds provide opportunities to look for waterbirds and other species adapted to the elevations around Cusco.
After birding at Huacarpay, continue toward Paucartambo and ascend to Acjanaco Pass, reaching approximately 3,550 meters (11,650 feet). This spectacular mountain pass marks the transition toward the Manu region and provides an excellent opportunity to observe high-elevation species.
From Acjanaco, begin the descent into the Manu Cloud Forest along the famous Manu Road. The rapid change in altitude brings new habitats and bird species, so we make regular stops along forest edges, roadside vegetation, and other productive birding locations.
Arrive at Wayqecha Biological Station in the afternoon. Depending on conditions and arrival time, enjoy an introductory birding walk along the station’s forest trails, looking especially for mixed-species flocks and active understory birds.
Possible bird sightings: Andean Goose, Plumbeous Rail, Golden-headed Quetzal, Blue-banded Toucanet, mountain tanagers, hummingbirds, flycatchers, and other high-Andean species.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Wayqecha Biological Station
Begin before breakfast or at first light, when bird activity is typically at its highest. Spend the morning exploring the trails around Wayqecha Biological Station, birding across different elevations and forest habitats.
The cloud forest supports a remarkable variety of birds, and mixed-species flocks can provide some of the most productive encounters of the day. Keep an eye out for colorful tanagers, hummingbirds, fruiteaters, toucanets, flycatchers, and other forest specialists.
Later, explore the canopy walkway, which provides a different perspective of the cloud forest and can bring you closer to birds moving through the upper levels of the vegetation.
One of the highlights of the day is a visit to an Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek. Here, with patience and the guidance of your birding leader, you may observe displaying males gathering at a traditional courtship site. Their brilliant orange plumage and energetic displays make this one of the most memorable birding experiences in the Manu region.
Continue birding through the afternoon in suitable forest habitats. If conditions and logistics permit, an optional evening or night walk can be arranged to search for nocturnal wildlife and owls.
Possible bird sightings: Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Scaled Fruiteater, Long-tailed Sylph, Collared Inca, tanagers, flycatchers, cloud forest owls, toucanets, and other Manu cloud forest species.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Wayqecha Biological Station
Take advantage of the early morning activity with a final birding session around Wayqecha. This is an excellent opportunity to target species missed during the previous days and enjoy the forest before beginning the return journey.
After breakfast, start the drive back toward Cusco along the Manu Road, making strategic birding stops as the route passes through different elevations and habitats. The changing vegetation provides opportunities for additional hummingbirds, tanagers, flycatchers, raptors, and other Andean species.
Continue through the highlands toward Cusco, arriving in the city in the late afternoon.
Possible bird sightings: High-elevation hummingbirds, trogons, tanagers, flycatchers, Andean raptors, and other species associated with the Manu Road’s changing elevations.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
End of Tour: Cusco
Expect:
The Trip Manu Reserve to Puerto Maldonado : Explore the Heart of the Peruvian Amazon
Experience an unforgettable adventure in Manu National Park, one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations. Journey deep into the Peruvian Amazon and explore breathtaking ecosystems, including cloud forests, pristine rainforests, primary forests, rivers, lakes, lagoons, and the famous palm swamps (aguajales).
Discover an incredible variety of wildlife in its natural habitat, from colorful butterflies and birds to monkeys, macaws, giant otters, caimans, and countless other Amazonian species. Recognized as one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, Manu National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, photographers, birdwatchers, and ecotourism enthusiasts. macaw clay lick 2 days
Enjoy spectacular landscapes, rich flora and fauna, and an authentic jungle experience while exploring one of the world’s most important protected areas.
Manu Jungle Trips offers expertly guided tours led by knowledgeable local guides, providing a safe, authentic, and unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon.
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The Trip Manu Reserve to Puerto Maldonado : Explore the Manu Reserved Zone, the Macaw Clay Lick, and the Tapir Clay Lick
Over the course of six unforgettable days, you will experience one of the most extraordinary expeditions in the Peruvian Amazon. This itinerary has been designed for nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and adventure seekers, combining the cultural richness of southern Peru with the unparalleled biodiversity of Manu National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
Each day brings new experiences, from crossing the majestic Andes and the Cloud Forest to navigating Amazonian rivers and observing wildlife in one of the world’s best-preserved ecosystems. tour machupicchu
Your adventure begins early in the morning with departure from Cusco toward Manu National Park. The journey takes you through breathtaking Andean landscapes, passing traditional villages and ancient Quechua communities that continue to preserve their ancestral customs.
Our first stop is the charming colonial town of Paucartambo, famous for its traditional architecture and the renowned Virgin of Carmen Festival, one of Peru’s most important cultural celebrations. Here, you will also visit local artisan mask makers whose handcrafted masks are used during the region’s traditional dances.
We then continue climbing to Acjanaco Pass (3,565 m / 11,696 ft), the official gateway to Manu National Park. From here, we begin a spectacular descent into the Cloud Forest, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth.
Along the way, you may encounter:
By late afternoon, we arrive at Bamboo Lodge, located approximately 600 meters (1,970 ft) above sea level, where you will spend your first night surrounded by the enchanting sounds of the Amazon rainforest.
Meals included: Lunch and Dinner.
After breakfast, we begin our river expedition along the Alto Madre de Dios and Manu Rivers.
During the journey, we pass through the Limonal Control Station, where all visitors must register before entering the exclusive Manu Reserved Zone, one of South America’s most important protected areas.
The river offers excellent opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural habitat, including:
Capybaras
Black Caimans
Amazon River Turtles
Macaws
Parrots
Herons
Kingfishers
Tapirs
Peccaries
With a bit of luck, you may even spot the king of the Amazon—the magnificent Jaguar resting along the riverbanks.
Upon arrival at the exclusive Amazonia Lodge, owned and operated by the indigenous Matsiguenka community, you will enjoy a relaxing afternoon surrounded by pristine rainforest.
You will spend the next two nights here.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Today is dedicated entirely to exploring one of Manu National Park’s most iconic locations: the spectacular Cocha Salvador oxbow lake.
Early in the morning, we board a silent catamaran that allows us to explore the lake without disturbing the wildlife.
During the excursion, you may observe:
Cocha Salvador is considered one of the best places in Peru to observe the Giant River Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), an endangered species that can grow up to two meters (6.5 feet) in length.
After lunch, we enjoy a guided interpretive walk through primary rainforest.
Your naturalist guide will explain the fascinating relationships among towering rainforest trees, insects, medicinal plants, fungi, and wildlife that make up this incredibly complex ecosystem.
We will also search for more elusive species such as:
In the evening, we return to Casa Matsiguenka Lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
After breakfast, we travel approximately six hours downstream to Tapir Lodge.
Following lunch, we begin a 45 to 90-minute hike through primary rainforest trails.
Along the way, we may encounter:
Our destination is one of Manu’s most exclusive wildlife experiences: the famous Tapir Clay Lick.
Upon arrival, we settle into a specially designed observation platform where we will spend the night quietly waiting for the arrival of the Amazonian Tapir.
These impressive mammals regularly visit the clay lick to consume mineral-rich clay that supplements their diet.
The observation platform includes: manu culture zone tour
Besides tapirs, other nocturnal visitors may include deer, armadillos, peccaries, and several bird species.
This promises to be an unforgettable night deep in the Amazon rainforest.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Before sunrise, we return to the lodge for breakfast and then continue by boat to one of the most spectacular wildlife displays in South America: the Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick.
Around 5:30 a.m., the first Amazon parrots begin arriving, gathering in the treetops until they feel safe enough to descend.
Soon afterward, the stars of the show appear:
Dozens of macaws and hundreds of parrots descend simultaneously to feed on the mineral-rich clay, creating an unforgettable spectacle of vibrant colors, sounds, and movement.
Natural predators may also be seen nearby, including:
After the observation session, we return to Tapir Lodge to relax and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of this remarkable expedition.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Our final day begins with an approx imately two-hour boat ride to the community of Colorado.
From there, we continue by road along the Interoceanic Highway, enjoying our last views of the Amazon rainforest before arriving in Puerto Maldonado at approximately 11:00 a.m.
From Puerto Maldonado, you can take your flight to Cusco or Lima.
Important: Airfare is not included in the tour price.
The Best spectacular Andean canyon in Peru 2 days: Trek is an exciting adventure designed for travelers with a moderate level of fitness and some trekking experience. If you prefer a more leisurely pace with extra time to enjoy the scenery, we also recommend our 3 Day Colca Canyon Trek. tour machupicchu
On the first day, you’ll hike for approximately 7 hours, descending into and climbing through one of the world’s deepest canyons. Along the way, you’ll stop for a one-hour lunch break and take in spectacular mountain landscapes, traditional villages, and impressive viewpoints.
The second day starts before sunrise, allowing you to complete the final 3-hour ascent in the cool morning air. Reaching the top is a rewarding achievement, offering unforgettable panoramic views of the Colca Valley.
This trek combines adventure, culture, and nature, making it one of the best hiking experiences in southern Peru. Before booking, we invite you to read our guest reviews and discover why so many travelers choose this unforgettable journey.
Your adventure begins early, with pickup from your accommodation in Arequipa between 3:00 and 3:30 AM. From there, we travel for approximately three hours to Chivay, where you can enjoy a simple but energizing breakfast including bread, butter, jam, tea, coffee, and traditional mate.
After breakfast, we continue to the famous Condor Cross viewpoint, where you will have around 45 minutes to admire the breathtaking depth of the Colca Canyon and, if you’re lucky, watch the majestic Andean condors soaring overhead. raimbow mountain
From here, we drive a short distance to San Miguel (3,300 m), the starting point of the trek. The hike begins with a descent into the canyon toward the village of San Juan de Chuccho, where you will enjoy a freshly prepared lunch featuring vegetable soup, rice, potatoes, and alpaca meat. A vegetarian option is also available.
In the afternoon, the trail continues through the villages of Cosñirhua and Malata, offering incredible views of traditional Andean life and dramatic canyon landscapes. By late afternoon, you will reach Sangalle (1,900 m), also known as the Oasis and the lowest point of the trek. trips sandoval lake
Here, you can relax in natural spring-fed pools before enjoying a simple dinner of soup, pasta, and tea. You will spend the night in shared bamboo bungalows surrounded by the peaceful canyon environment.
The second day begins early at around 5:00 AM, when you start the challenging ascent out of the canyon toward Cabanaconde. After approximately three hours of uphill trekking, you will arrive in the village, where a light breakfast of bread, jam, butter, tea, coffee, and mate will be served.
After breakfast, we begin the journey back toward Chivay, stopping along the way to explore ancient pre-Inca and Inca agricultural terraces, as well as scenic viewpoints and traditional colonial villages.
One of the highlights of the day is a visit to the Yanque hot springs, where you can relax in naturally heated volcanic
waters for about one hour—perfect for recovering after the trek. tour al manu
We then continue to Chivay for lunch at a local restaurant, before beginning the return drive to Arequipa. Along the route, we descend from 4,830 meters to 2,325 meters, passing through the stunning landscapes of the Aguada
Blanca and Salinas National Reserve and the Pampa Cañahuas.
This protected area is home to South America’s iconic camelids: alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, and guanacos, which you may spot along the way.
Arrival in Arequipa is expected at approximately 5:30 PM, marking the end of your unforgettable Colca Canyon adventure.
Colca Valley and Canyon : Experience one of the most spectacular day trips in Peru with this carefully designed itinerary to the Colca Canyon. From the breathtaking flight of the condor to relaxing thermal baths and authentic Andean culture, this full-day tour offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Andes. tour amazon trips
2:45 – 3:15 AM | Hotel Pick-up in Arequipa
Your adventure begins վաղ in the morning with convenient pick-up from your hotel in the historic center of Arequipa. Traveling at dawn allows you to make the most of the day and witness the canyon in optimal conditions.
3:15 AM | Departure to Chivay
We head towards Chivay, the gateway to the Colca Valley. Along the scenic route, enjoy views of volcanic landscapes, high-altitude plains, and native wildlife.
8:30 AM | Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint
Arrive at the iconic Cruz del Cóndor, one of the best places in South America to observe the legendary Andean Condor in flight.
Watch these magnificent birds glide effortlessly above the canyon, using thermal air currents rising from the depths below. You’ll have around 45 minutes to take photos and fully enjoy this natural spectacle.
Cultural Stops and Scenic Views
10:00 AM | Andean Terraces & Maca Village
On the return journey, stop at panoramic viewpoints to admire the impressive agricultural terraces that have been used since pre-Inca times.
Visit the charming village of Maca, known for its colonial church and local traditions. Here, you can also taste traditional drinks such as the famous “Colca Sour.” tour titicaca lake
11:30 AM | Yanque Hot Springs (Optional)
Enjoy free time to relax in the soothing waters of the Yanque Hot Springs. With temperatures ranging from 35°C to 38°C, these natural pools offer a perfect moment to unwind surrounded by Andean landscapes.
Local Gastronomy Experience
12:30 PM | Lunch in Chivay
Return to Chivay for a delicious lunch featuring traditional Andean cuisine. Local dishes are prepared with fresh regional ingredients, offering a true taste of the highlands.
2:00 PM | Volcano Viewpoint & Pampa Cañahuas
On the way back to Arequipa, reach one of the highest points of the journey (approx. 4,800 meters above sea level), where you can admire volcanic formations and dramatic scenery.
Continue through the Pampa Cañahuas Reserve, part of the Aguada Blanca National Reserve. Here, observe native wildlife such as alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas in their natural habitat.
Return to Arequipa
5:30 PM | Arrival in Arequipa
After a full day of exploration, return to Arequipa. The tour concludes near the main square, leaving you with unforgettable memories of one of Peru’s most iconic landscapes.
