Trekking Amazon Rainforest Peru – 8D/7N

¿WHAT WE EXPECT?

Manu National Park – Trekking the Amazon Rainforest, Peru An Immersive 8-Day Jungle Adventure

Descend Through the Living Landscapes of Peru

Embark on a magical and transformative 8-day journey through the heart of Manu National Park, one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. This unforgettable adventure begins at 3,900 meters above sea level in the Andean highlands, gradually descending to just 200 meters in the depths of the Amazon rainforest.

• Along the way, you’ll travel through an incredible mosaic of ecosystems:
• High Andean Punas
• Misty Cloud Forests
• Secondary and Primary Rainforests
• Untouched Amazon Jungle

This expedition is ideal for nature lovers, wildlife photographers, adventurers, and ecotourism enthusiasts seeking a deep connection with the natural world.

 Manu’s Mega Biodiversity: A Wildlife Paradise

Prepare to witness a breathtaking array of species in their natural habitats. Guided by expert local naturalists, you’ll explore jungle trails rich with life and ancient ecological knowledge.

Wildlife You May Encounter:

• Mammals: Jaguars, capybaras, monkeys, tapirs
• Birds: Macaws, toucans, hoatzins, and the vibrant Andean cock-of-the-rock
• Reptiles & Amphibians: Camouflaged frogs, snakes, and lizards
• Insects: Rare butterflies, beetles, and other colorful arthropods
• Flora: Orchids, bromeliads, vines, and towering tropical trees

 Medicinal Plants & Ancestral Knowledge

One of the rainforest’s most powerful treasures is its vast pharmacopoeia of medicinal plants, many of which have been used by Indigenous communities for generations.

During your journey, you’ll:

• Discover the properties of cat’s claw, chuchuhuasi, and ayahuasca
• Learn how these plants are used in traditional medicine and rituals
• Understand the cultural significance of ancestral healing practices that continue to this day

 Rivers, Lakes, and Magical Cochas

Your route will wind through a variety of stunning aquatic landscapes:

• Crystal-clear jungle rivers
• Hidden ravines and waterfalls
• Lakes and tranquil cochas teeming with wildlife

Tropical swamps and marshes

These waters are home to giant river otters, alligators, turtles, and a rich diversity of aquatic birds. It’s the perfect setting to slow down and immerse yourself in the jungle’s serene rhythm.

 Responsible Tourism in the Manu Biosphere Reserve

This tour is designed with a strong commitment to sustainability and conservation. We:

• Work exclusively with certified local guides
• Support native communities through fair-trade tourism practices
• Help protect the fragile Amazon ecosystem through responsible travel principles
• By joining this journey, you’re not just exploring the rainforest—you’re actively contributing to its preservation.

 Ready for Your Manu Jungle Adventure?

Experience one of the world’s last truly wild places on a trip that is authentic, educational, and transformative. Discover the depth of the Peruvian Amazon, learn from its people and ecosystems, and leave with a renewed connection to nature.

DETAILED TOUR ITINERARY:

WHAT TOUR SERVICES:

Included in the Amazon Rainforest Trekking:

• A professional naturalist Tour Guide;
• Motorboat transportation;
• Private vehicle land transportation;
• Entrance fee to the Blanquillo Macw clay-lick;
• Meals: 7x breakfast, 7x lunch, 6x dinner and drinking water (Please note: vegetarian option upon request for no extra cost!);
• Accommodation: 4 nights in lodges, 2 nights in a campiste, 1 night in a hostel;
•  kitchen tent, kitchen equipment and a gas bottle);
• First aid kit, including a poison extractor, mosquito bite treatment and an antidote for a snake bite;
• Radio communications;
• Rubber boots.

Not included in the Trekking Amazon Rainforest Peru :

• A flight from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco or Lima;
• Airport departure taxes;
• Travel insurance;
• Vaccination;
• Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the seventh day (in Puerto Maldonado);
• Drinks;
• Tips to local staff.

What to take with you to the Tour .

• Mosquito repellent (DEET 35 recommended as a MINIMUM),
• Original passport   ,
• Small backpack ,
• Long sleeved cotton shirts (preferably green coloured)
• Long cotton trousers  ,
• Cotton long socks (to be put into your trousers),
• Comfortable walking shoes ,
• Sandals or light shoes ,
• Rain gear (e.g. rain poncho),
• Sweater (for the beginning of the tour in Andes and the cloud forest only),
• Swimsuits;
• Binoculars (we also rent it)   ,
• Camera and its charger take  for tour  ,
• Plastic bags to be used for clothes and a camera  ,
• A hat as a protection against the Sun  .,
• Toiletries,
• Small towel,
• Toilet paper,
• Antibacterial gel,
• Sun cream,
• Sunglasses ,
• Flashlight (with spare bulb and batteries),
• A bottled water (1 litre as a minimum),

ABOUT LODGE:

From Cusco to Puerto Maldonado

Cloud Forest, Lake Salvador, Macaw Clay Lick, and More

Discover one of the most impressive ecotourism destinations on the planet with this 8-day tour of the Manu Biosphere Reserve—a jewel of the Peruvian Amazon and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ideal for nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and environmentally conscious travelers, this journey offers full immersion into one of the world’s richest ecosystems.

 8-Day Manu Tour Itinerary Summary

• 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

 Explore the Manu Rainforest: Unparalleled Biodiversity

Located in southern Peru, the Manu Biosphere Reserve is home to over 1,000 bird species, 200 mammal species, and a vast array of tropical flora. This high-impact ecological and cultural journey offers full immersion in a largely untouched rainforest—from monumental tree roots to the morning chorus of macaws.

 Natural Architecture of the Rainforest: Roots, Trees, and Adaptations

The Manu rainforest serves as a living laboratory of ecological adaptation, showcasing diverse plant strata and unique forest structures:

 Plant Layers & Forest Composition

Herbaceous Plants and Palms: A dense understory of ferns, shrubs, and tropical flowers.

Giant Trees: Towering up to 45 meters, these form the forest’s canopy and shelter toucans, monkeys, and reptiles.

Epiphytes and Lianas: Air-dwelling plants and vines that climb and hang from trees, maximizing access to sunlight.

 Unique Root Structures

Buttress Roots: Large, flared roots that provide stability and microhabitats for small animals.

Stilt or Wading Roots: Common in flood-prone areas, adding a dramatic visual character to the forest floor.

Shallow Roots: Like those of the Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa), which absorb nutrients from the nutrient-rich topsoil.

 Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick: A Birdwatcher’s Dream

One of the tour’s highlights is the Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick, a mineral-rich clay wall where:

Hundreds of macaws, parrots, and parakeets gather each morning.

Visitors can watch from a specialized viewing hide for minimal disturbance.

The sunrise spectacle of vibrant colors and sounds is unforgettable.

 Lakes and Ecosystems of Manu

During the tour, you’ll explore key aquatic ecosystems and transitional habitats:

Lake Otorongo: Best for spotting giant otters and aquatic birds.

Lake Salvador: Inhabited by caimans, monkeys, and a wide variety of bird species.

Lakes Blanco and Camungo: Ideal for photo safaris and botanical exploration.

You’ll also move through ecological transition zones, from the misty Andean Cloud Forest to the lush lowland Amazon rainforest—experiencing firsthand the dramatic biodiversity gradients of the region.

 Why Choose This Tour?

•  Sustainable and responsible tourism
•  Certified local naturalist guides
•  Multi-modal transportation: bus, boat, and plane
•  Amazonian eco-lodges and camps
•  Ideal for nature and wildlife photography

 Travel Tips & Recommendations

• Wear light, waterproof clothing in neutral colors
• Use insect repellent and eco-friendly sunscreen
• Bring binoculars and a camera with a long zoom lens
• Prepare for early mornings and variable weather

Respect local customs and wildlife at all times

 Book Your Manu National Park Adventure

This journey through the Peruvian Amazon is more than a tour—it’s a rare opportunity to reconnect with nature and witness one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Live an authentic, educational, and transformative experience in the heart of the rainforest.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs):

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Peru Amazon Wildlife Trips – 8 Days

Day 1 Excursion: Cusco – Cloud Forest – Rainforest Lodge

Departure from Cusco by private bus to Paucartambo.

• Visit the Ninamarca chullpas.
  Descent through the cloud forest with the opportunity to observe:
  the Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruvianus) during its mating ritual.
  Species such as Amazonian birds (Trogons, Cephalopteros ornatus), and the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus).
  Arrival in the village of Atalaya. Boat trip to the lodge.
  Services: Showers and restrooms available.

Day 2 Excursion: Rainforest Lodge – Boca Manu

Early breakfast and boat trip along the Upper Madre de Dios River.
Birdwatching such as herons, kingfishers, and the Great Horned Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa).
Brief stop at Boca Manu to refresh.
Hikes to explore local trails.
Overnight at a lodge with showers and restrooms.

Day 3  Trekking Amazon Rainforest Peru Excursion: Boca Manu – Cocha Otorongo

Navigation on the Manu River with the possibility of observing:
Turtles, white caimans, capybaras, and the jaguar (Panthera onca).
Arrival at Casa Machiguenga overlooking Cocha Otorongo.
Observation of giant otters, caimans, and local birds.
Walk through primary rainforest, exploring unique flora and fauna.
Overnight at a camp with covered platforms, showers, and restrooms available.

Day 4 Excursion: Cocha Otorongo – Cocha Salvador

Boat trip to Cocha Salvador.
Catamaran trip to observe:
Giant otters, black caimans, monkeys, and rare birds such as the hoatzin (Opisthcomuns hoatzin).
Return to the lodge or camp at Lake Otorongo (optional).
Services: Showers and restrooms available.

Day 5 Excursion: Trekking Amazon Rainforest Peru Cocha Otorongo – Boca Manu

Wake up to the sound of red howler monkeys (Alouatta seniculus).
Wildlife observation on the return trip along the Manu River.
Hikes along trails in Boca Manu.
Nighttime activity for caiman, night monkey, and bird watching.
Overnight at the lodge with showers and restrooms.

Day 6 Excursion: Trekking Amazon Rainforest Peru Boca Manu – Blanquillo – Macaw Clay Lick

Navigation on the Upper Madre de Dios River, with local wildlife viewing.
Arrival at the Blanquillo lodge.
Hike through primary forests to observe large and small animals, birds, and medicinal trees.
Nighttime activity to explore amphibians, reptiles, and other vertebrates.
Overnight at the lodge with showers and restrooms.

Day 7 Excursion: Trekking Amazon Rainforest Peru Macaw Clay Lick – Labyrinth – Puerto Maldonado

Early morning observation at the famous Macaw Clay Lick:
Watch parrots, parakeets, and macaws feeding on mineral-rich clay.
Continue by boat to Puerto Maldonado, observing biodiversity and local activities (mining, Brazil nut harvesting).
Overnight in a hostel in Puerto Maldonado.

Day 8 Excursion: Puerto Maldonado – Cusco or Lima

Free option:
Explore Puerto Maldonado.
Visit the observation tower to learn about local activities.
Transfer to the airport for return to Cusco or Lima.

Note:
Activities may vary depending on local conditions or the operator. Check with your travel agency to confirm details.