Complete 6-Day Manu National Park Tour Itinerary

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.

Day 1: Cusco – Paucartambo – Cloud Forest – Bamboo Lodge .

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:

• Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Peru’s National Bird)
• Quetzals
• Mountain Toucans
• Woolly Monkeys
• Wild Orchids
• Giant Tree Ferns
• Tropical Butterflies

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.

Day 2: Bamboo Lodge – Alto Madre de Dios River – Manu Reserved Zone – Casa Matsiguenka Lodge .

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 Casa Matsiguenka 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.

Day 3: Exploring the Manu Reserved Zone – Cocha Salvador .

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:

• Giant River Otters
• Black Caimans
• Herons
• Cormorants
• Hawks
• Eagles
• Capuchin Monkeys
• Squirrel Monkeys
• Howler Monkeys
• Hoatzins
• Freshwater Turtles

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:

• Emperor Tamarins
• Spotted-backed Tamarins
• White-lipped Peccaries
• Tropical Frogs
• Giant Insects

In the evening, we return to Casa Matsiguenka Lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 4: Manu Reserved Zone – Tapir Lodge – Overnight at the Tapir Clay Lick .

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:

• Toucans
• Macaws
• Spider Monkeys
• Howler Monkeys
• Butterflies
• Ancient Rainforest Trees

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:

• Sleeping mats
• Mosquito nets
• Blankets
• Basic restroom facilities

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.

Day 5: Tapir Clay Lick – Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick – Tapir Lodge .

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:

• Scarlet Macaw
• Blue-and-Yellow Macaw
• Red-and-Green Macaw

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:

• Hawks
• Eagles
• Ocelots

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.

Day 6: Tapir Lodge – Puerto Maldonado – Flight to Cusco or Lima .

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.