Trekking Amazon Rainforest Peru From Cusco to Puerto Maldonado | Cloud Forest, Lake Salvador, Macaw Clay Lick, and More
Trekking Amazon Rainforest Peru :Discover one of the most impressive ecotourism destinations on the planet with this 8-day tour of the Manu Reserve, a jewel of the Peruvian Amazon and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ideal for nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and environmentally conscious travelers.
Manu 8-Day Tour Summary Itinerary: Trekking Amazon Rainforest Peru
Start: Cusco (departure by bus)
End: Puerto Maldonado (return by plane)
Key Locations: Cloud Forest, Lake Otorongo, Lake Salvador, Macaw Clay Lick, Labyrinth, Blanquillo Clay Lick
Day 1 Excursion: Trekking Amazon Rainforest Peru Cusco Cloud Forest – Rainforest Lodge
We will depart early in the morning from Cusco in our comfortable bus to begin the Peru Amazon Wildlife Tour. We will ascend to the mountainous region of Paucartambo. On the way, we will visit the funerary towers or chullpas of Ninamarca. The bus will then descend through the mysterious cloud forest, filled with beautiful orchids, heliconias, and ancient ferns.
We will stop to witness the mating ritual of the Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus). There is also a chance to spot Amazonian birds such as the Amazonian Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus ornatus), trogons (Trogon sp.), and many other species. With luck, you may see the only bear native to South America—the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus).
In the afternoon, we will arrive at the village of Atalaya, where we will board a boat for a 30-minute ride along the Alto Madre de Dios River to our jungle lodge. The lodge offers showers and bathrooms.
Manu Jungle Trips
Day 2 Excursion: Trekking Amazon Rainforest Peru Rainforest Lodge – Boca Manu
After a delicious early breakfast, we’ll spend the day traveling by boat along the Alto Madre de Dios River. Along the way, we’ll see a variety of birds such as herons, egrets, kingfishers, and ever-present vultures—most notably the King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa), a majestic bird of the jungle.
In the afternoon, we will stop briefly at the village of Boca Manu for a refreshing cold drink. Then we’ll head to a nearby lodge to rest.
We will take guided walks to explore some of the trails in the area during this Amazon Peru Tour.
We’ll spend the night at the lodge with showers and bathrooms available.
Manu Jungle Trips –tour manu reserved
Day 3 Excursion: Trekking Amazon Rainforest Peru Boca Manu – Otorongo Lake
The boat journey continues, and you’ll understand why Manu is world-famous for its wildlife. Along the riverbanks, you may spot groups of turtles, white caimans (Caiman crocodilus), capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), and possibly even a jaguar (Panthera onca) resting on a log or stalking prey.
We’ll reach the Manu Reserved Zone and stay at the Casa Machiguenga, with rustic accommodations and a view of Otorongo Lake, where giant otters, birds, turtles, caimans, and capybaras can be seen. After lunch, we’ll explore various jungle trails.
We’ll walk through pristine primary rainforest with our guide to learn about the functions and secrets of the rainforest, observing the incredible biodiversity—many species still undiscovered or only partially studied (only about 50% have been researched).
In the afternoon, we’ll return to Salvador Lake and spend the night at the Otorongo campsite, on covered platforms with showers and bathrooms available.
Manu Jungle Trips
Day 4 Excursion: Trekking Amazon Rainforest Peru Otorongo Lake / Salvador Lake
After breakfast, the group will visit Salvador Lake, a 30-minute boat ride from Otorongo. Here, we’ll paddle silently on a catamaran to spot giant river otters fishing and playing, black caimans, and many unique birds like the Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin). You may also see various monkeys and, with luck, the mighty jaguar.
In Manu, wildlife has never been pressured by hunting or deforestation.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to our lodge or optionally camp at Lake Otorongo on covered platforms. Showers and bathrooms are available.
Manu Jungle Trips
Day 5 Excursion: Trekking Amazon Rainforest Peru Otorongo Lake – Boca Manu
We’ll wake to the call of howler monkeys (Alouatta seniculus) and enjoy a delicious breakfast before beginning our return journey along the Manu River. Along the way, we may see more wildlife sunbathing on logs or resting along the riverbanks.
In the afternoon, the group will arrive at the Boca Manu Lodge.
After lunch, we’ll go for more walks and, following dinner, enjoy a night activity to spot birds, night monkeys, and caimans around the lake.
Overnight at the lodge with showers and bathrooms available.
Manu Jungle Trips
Day 6 Excursion: Boca Manu – Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick
After breakfast, we’ll continue by boat along the Alto Madre de Dios River, spotting various bird species and small communities along the way. We’ll arrive at the Blanquillo Lodge, and in the afternoon, explore the jungle trails.
We’ll walk through primary, untouched forest, home to diverse wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, deer, capybaras, tapirs, wild pigs, and more. The area is rich with giant and medicinal trees.
After dinner, we’ll head out on a night walk, exploring various trails to observe animals, amphibians, vertebrates, and other nocturnal species.
Overnight stay in the jungle with showers and bathrooms available.
Manu Jungle Trips
Day 7 Excursion: Trekking Amazon Rainforest Peru Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick – Laberinto – Puerto Maldonado
Early in the morning, we will visit the famous Macaw Clay Lick (Collpa). From a floating hideout, we’ll witness dozens or even hundreds of parrots, parakeets, macaws, and other birds arriving noisily and filling the trees with vibrant colors.
This clay lick is a special place where macaws and parrots gather to consume mineral-rich clay, which helps neutralize the toxins found in their seed- and fruit-based diets.
Besides aiding digestion, collpas also play an important social role, serving as gathering points for communication, hierarchy building, and mating.
After this magical experience, we’ll continue by boat to Colorado and Laberinto, observing the region’s biodiversity and local livelihoods like gold mining and Brazil nut harvesting.
In the afternoon, we’ll arrive in Puerto Maldonado and spend the night at a hostel.
Manu Jungle Trips
Day 8 Excursion: Return – Puerto Maldonado / Cusco / Lima
In the morning, you’ll have two options: free time to explore Puerto Maldonado or a visit to an observation tower, where you’ll see wooden carvings that depict the daily life and traditions of local communities.
We’ll then transfer to the airport and take a flight back to Cusco, around 11:00 AM.
Please Note:
The exact itinerary and activities may vary depending on the tour provider and local conditions. Always check with your tour operator for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
