Manu Cultural Zone 3D/2N
Explore the Biodiversity of the Manu National Park in 3 days
The Manu National Park is famous worldwide for being a haven of impeccable biodiversity that lies in Southwestern Peru at the juncture of the Tropical Andes Mountains and the Amazon Basin. It is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world with thousands of tree and plant species, and currently holds the world record for diversity of amphibian species and reptiles within a protected area.
In 1977 UNESCO recognized Manu National Park as a ‘biosphere reserve’ and in 1987 the organisation declared it a Natural Heritage of Humanity. Today the pristine forest is still mostly untouched by human hands and is fiercely preserved by the indigenous people that inhabit the Yunga forest, mountain cloud forest, and lowland rainforest.
On this 3 day Manu Park Tour you will be treated to the comfort of the Guadalupe Lodge, the tranquillity of the Machuhuasi Lagoon, the colourful spectacle of the Parrot Clay Lick and a humble Amazonian Wildlife Rescue Center.
Route Highlights
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Itinerary
- Day 1 : Cusco – Guadalupe Nature Reserve
- Day 2 : Guadalupe Nature Reserve – River Boat Excursion
- Day 3 : Guadalupe Nature Reserve – Parrot Clay Lick – Cusco
DAY 1 : CUSCO – GUADALUPE NATURE RESERVE
Early morning pick up in private transportation from hotel in Cusco.
Your transport will then take you on a 7-hour journey, over 200 km, through the picturesque towns and valleys of the Peruvian Andes. Taking stops along the way at Lake Huacapay, the archaeological site of Ninamarca and the colonial bridges of Paucartambo.
The mountain road will take you over the Huachuqasa pass at 4,100 m / 13,451 ft and to Acjanaco pass at 3,550 m / 11,647 ft. After which you will descend into the cloud forest of the Manu National Park, which is home to the national bird of Peru, the ‘Gallito de las Rocas’, and the native South American ‘Glash Bear’. From here, the landscape changes dramatically, from dry and arid mountains to lush green jungle valleys.
As you enter the heart of the jungle, you will pass by glistening waterfalls and observe the unique flora and fauna of the region, including butterflies, giant ferns, orchids and monkeys. This part of the rainforest is also teaming with many tropical birds such as toucans, quetzales and parrots, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts.
After a long but beautiful journey, you will be happy to arrive at the Guadalupe Lodge which sits at an altitude of 560 m / 1,837 ft. Upon arrival you will receive a warm Amazonian welcome and check into your private room. The rest of the day is then yours to explore the loop trail that traverses the swamp forest around the lodge, in search of the resident capuchin monkeys, blue and yellow macaws, woodpeckers and oropendolas.
The evening will bring with it dinner at the lodge and a night relaxing in your room amongst the diverse sounds of the jungle.
DAY 2 : GUADALUPE NATURE RESERVE – RIVER BOAT EXCURSION
Day 2 will begin with an early wake up call and breakfast as the sun rises over the Guadalupe Lodge.
At 6am you will take a land vehicle to the Atalaya river port, passing by tropical plantations of papaya, banana, chocolate and coca. Expecting your arrival at the port will be a motor boat waiting to take you on a journey down the Madre de Dios River.
After 1 hour of navigating the beautiful waters and exotic landscape of the river, you will arrive at the entrance to the Machuhuasi Lagoon. This picturesque lake is surrounded by dense vegetation and extraordinary biodiversity and is a true haven of peace and tranquillity. Along the shores of the lagoon, you will have the opportunity to walk the trails and observe the local wildlife that inhabit the sanctuary including hoatzins, horned screamers, hawks, herons, capybara, kingfishers and monkeys. Your guide will also explain the medicinal importance that the native plants serve to the indigenous people.
Once you have truly immersed yourself in nature, you will be treated to a freshly prepared lunch on the shores of the lake, before returning by motor boat back to the Atalaya river port and onwards to the Guadalupe Lodge.
DAY 3 : GUADALUPE NATURE RESERVE – PARROT CLAY LICK – CUSCO
Day 3 will begin with an early wake up call at the Guadalupe Lodge.
As the sun rises and the rainforest wakes up around you, you’ll be transported by motor boat to the Parrot Clay Lick. Upon arrival, you will be treated to one of the most spectacular wildlife exhibits that the Manu National Park has to offer. If the weather conditions are favourable, the 50-meter-high steep side of the riverbank, becomes a daily stop for more than 15 species of parrots and macaws, who come to eat clay and gravel from the cliff side to help them digest their food.
Once you have befriended the tropical birds and bagged yourself a once in a lifetime experience, you will return to the Guadalupe Lodge to enjoy yourself a hearty breakfast and pack up your belongings. After which you will visit a Wildlife Rescue Center, which is run by a local Amazonian family in the heart of the Manu Biosphere Reserve.
Finally, you will begin the 7-hour journey back to the city of Cusco, through the breathtaking cloud forests and over mountain passes. Approximate arrival time in Cusco is 5pm.
Manu Cultural Zone tour inclusions
Included
- Professional English/Spanish speaking tour guide with telescope
- Transport from Cusco to Guadalupe Nature Reserve
- Excursions and Entrance tickets to Reserve
- Transportation by car and boat
- Return transport from Guadalupe Nature Reserve to Cusco
- 2 nights stay in private room at Guadalupe Lodge
- Accommodation includes: private toilet, hot shower, Wifi, balcony and garden view
- Food: 2 Breakfast, 3 Lunch, 2 Dinners
- Mineral drinking water and snacks
- Waterproof rubber boots
- 1 duffel bag per person
Not Included
- Binoculars
- Food not included in the itinerary
- Breakfast on Day 1 and Dinner on Day 3
- Alcoholic drinks or sodas
- Tips and Gratuities
Recommendations to bring
- Original passport – expiration date no less than 7 months
- Lightweight clothing with light colours
- Windbreaker, sunhat, sunglasses
- Sandals and swimsuit
- Water bottle or canteen
- Hiking shoes or boots
- Headtorch or Lantern
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen (high SPF)
- Antihistamine and anti-inflammatory tablets for mosquito bites
- Plastic boots and rain poncho (it rains a lot in the jungle)
- Medicine/personal effects (eg. contact lense liquid)
- A light backpack or briefcase
- Camera or phone camera
- Cash/coins – small denominations – soles & dollars
Packing List
ESSENTIAL ITEMS:
- Original Passport
- VALID STUDENT ID CARD (if booked as a student)
- Immigration card (delivered on the airport upon entering Peru)
- Good quality backpack (medium sized)
- Water storage bottle or canteen: Camelbak bottles are recommended, but all need to be sufficient to hold 1-2 litres
- Comfortable shoes, preferably light with good soles (waterproof goretex for rainy seasons
FOR YOUR BAGGAGE:
As flights have luggage limits per person, we recommend bringing only important and necessary items to the Amazon:
- 3 breathable t-shirts
- 3 long sleeve shirts
- 2 trousers
- 3 sets of underwear
- 3 pairs of socks
- 2 fleece
- 2 shorts
- 1 waterproof coat and pants “for rainy seasons”
- 1 wide brimmed sun hat
- Sandals and swimsuit
- Small quick-drying towel
- Portable battery charger for phone and cameras
TOILETRIES:
- Sunscreen
- Facial moisturizer
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc.
Additional Information
Where does the tour start and end?
- All ours tours begins with the pick up to the tourists at the door of their hotels “We pick up to our clients from any hotel located in the city of Cusco”, We recommend to stay close to the historical center of the city of Cusco, it will make it easier to find your hotel.
- All our tours ends at the door of the hotels, it means the tours will finish with transfer to your respective hotel located in Cusco.
How to prevent altitude sickness?
- The altitude sickness or soroche can cause you some discomfort during your visit such as dizziness, fatigue or nausea. Try to avoid alcoholic beverages and fatty foods before the visit.
- To reduce symptoms, try to acclimatize yourself one day before to the altitude of the city of Cusco. We recommend to drink infusions of coca leaf (natural plant used by the Incas) is an excellent option to avoid the actitude sickness.
How is the accommodation?
- For all the tours which include hotels. We offer hotels of 3* and 4* category, it has spacious and comfortable rooms, bathrooms, hot showers and bueffet breakfast. If the tourist like, you can change the accommodation to a better service. You just have to request it via email for an additional cost.
Which season is the best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu?
- The dry season months between April to December are the best time to come and visit Cusco. During those days the possibility of rain is very little, so the roads are not swampy and the landscapes can be better to enjoy and takes the best pictures. On the other hand, the months with the most rain are January, February and March.
What are the coldest months in Cusco Peru?
- The coldest season in Cusco are in the months from May to July. During this time the sun is strong in the day, but once it goes down or you spend much time in the shade, it can get very cold. It can go below zero at night, so warm clothes and Jackets are necessary to bring during these months.
How long in advance can I request the tour?
- We recommend to purchase the tours weeks or months in advance, this because the train and Machu Picchu tickets has a limit of spaces, dont wait until the lust minute to book your tour, other ways you will not be able to find spaces.
During the trip to Machu Picchu, where the big luggages will stay?
The train company that operates to Machu Picchu does not allow the traveler to carry a suitcase that weighs more than 7 kilograms. To go up and visit the city of Machu Picchu, it is recommended to carry a light and small backpack for your convenience; the rest of the luggages you can leave them without any problem at the storage of your hotel in Cusco, or you can also leave at our office in Cusco city, we have an storage too.
Very Important in case you want to book the Inca trail to Machu Picchu:
- CLASSIC INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS: If you want to book the Classic Inca Trail 4 days, you must to book early to get your desired date. Depending on the month you prefer to do the hike, you may need to book 6 months or more in advance, the limit of spaces for the inca trail 4 days is 400 people per each day.
- SHORT INCA TRAIL: If you are booking the 1 or 2 day Inca Trail, it is preferred that you also book in advance, however 2 to 4 month in advance would be good, the limit of spaces for the short inca trail is 200 people per each day.
When is the best season to hike the Inca Trail?
- The best time of year to do the inca trail is between May to October, with August and September being the best months of all. The trail is dry and the weather is lovely. During the rainy season between November to April the trail will be wet and can make it more difficult.
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