Manu Cultural Zone 3D/2N

Day 1: Cusco – Cloud Forest – Guadalupe Lodge

After Picking you up in Cusco, the beginning of the Manu Road passes through numerous dry innermountain valleys and picturesque villages. This gives you a quick overview of locals’ lifestyles and
colorful clothes. A brief call at Ninamarca will give you the possibility to explore the pre-Incas tombs
within this well archaeological site. The road includes various stops, so you can enjoy seeing the
surrounding landscapes varying from high mountains to humid forests.
The next stop will occur in the village of Paucartambo which features a beautiful arched colonial
bridge. From Paucartambo the altitude will keep on increasing and the setting gradually gets
enveloped by a cloudy mist. The road leads you to Acjanaco pass consisting of the main gateway to
Manu National Park. Once across Acjanaco Pass (3550 m / 11.647 ft) the environment dramatically
changes from dry to wet valleys. Do not miss the splendid view when looking down toward the
lowlands!
The lush and misty cloud forest surrounded by massive rocks and waterfalls is perhaps the most
fragile and threatened type of rainforest. In such an environment filled with lichens and mosscarpeted soil, spotting birds will be the main target. You will get the chance to stare at a large variety
of birds ranging from the Peruvian national bird, the brightly red Andean Cock-of-the-Rock if lucky the
wooly monkeys. The road will head down to the Guadalupe lodge (560 m./1837 ft).
Arrival to Guadalupe Lodge by 2:00 Pm for lunch and during the afternoon you will be able to explore
the loop trail that traverse the swamp forest in the search of the capuchin and night monkeys and
encounter interesting birds Such as; the blue and yellow macaws, woodpeckers, oropendolas among
others.

Day 2: Guadalupe Lodge – Alto Madre de Dios River – Machuwasy Oxbow Lake

This morning, we will wake up to the songs of Amazonian birds. We start the day traveling to Atalaya
port where you can appreciate the view of myriads of colorful birds, and the rich wildlife. The drive
goes along tropical plantations of papayas, bananas, etc. At Atalaya river’s deck, you will embark in a
motor boat and navigate down this crystalline river of Madre de Dios. After an hour of boat navigation
and somewhat 40 minutes of hiking you will be able to reach Machuhuasi Oxbow Lake, consisting of
wetlands of lush vegetation, hosting a large variety of birds (hoatzins, horned screamer, herons,
macaws) and larger animals (monkeys, river otter, caimans, and capybaras) over this location there is
a network of trails to explore which travers different habitats. The lake exploration and trail access could last 3 hours approximately, so snacks (fruits, crackers,
packed juice) will be provided by your guide. The lunch will be settled on the motor boat or along the
Madre de Dios River banks (our embarkation is roofed to prevent any sudden rain or intensive
sunshine) After a short nap.
Later you will ramble through the primary forest searching for some families of monkeys, and
toucans, and hiking you will be able to reach the giant Kapok tree that stands majestically on the
primary forest and adorning the landscapes with other colorful species.
In the way back to the lodge and depending on the wishes of the group and time, our participants
can visit the Hummingbird Garden for around 30 minutes, this is an optional activity, and entrance
fees are 10 soles per person. Overnight at Guadalupe Lodge (Private Toilets, Showers, WIFI)

DAY 3 : GUADALUPE NATURE RESERVE – PARROT CLAY LICK – CUSCO

A morning walk before breakfast to explore the foothill forest to look for the Wooly and Capuchin
monkeys, you could encounter some emblematic birds of the Amazon rainforest such as macaws,
toucans, woodpeckers, etc. The walk routes it’s a loop, then allowing you to explore the caves and
canyons to see animals that only live in darkness, spider scorpions, and different species of bats *
flashlights are needed Upon your return, your tasty breakfast will be ready, then you will need to
pack and start hitting the road again to Cusco. The way back will give more opportunities to glimpse
some more animals and discover the wildlife of the cloud forest and have impressive views of the
exuberant cloud forest with waterfall, and cascades. The arrival in Cusco should be around 4 pm. **
Please if you need an earlier arrival to Cusco let us know.

A final opportunity to enjoy the landscapes and biodiversity of Manu before returning to Cusco..