Manu Cultural Zone 4D/3N
Explore the Biodiversity of the Manu National Park in 4 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 4 day Manu Park Tour you will be treated to the comfort of the Guadalupe Lodge, the tranquillity of the Machuhuasi Lagoon, a swim in the Guadalupe River, a nocturnal Caiman Hunting experience, the colourful spectacle of the Parrot Clay Lick and a pay a visit to a humble Amazonian Wildlife Rescue Center.
Route Highlights
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Itinerary
- Day 1 : Cusco – Guadalupe Nature Reserve
- Day 2 : Guadalupe Nature Reserve – Cave Exploration
- Day 3 : Guadalupe Nature Reserve – River Boat Expedition
- Day 4 : Guadalupe Nature Reserve – Parrot Clay Lick – Cusco
DAY 1 : CUSCO – GUADALUPE NATURE RESERVE
Early departure from Cusco in the morning, the beginning of the Manu Road passes through
numerous dry inner-mountain valleys and picturesque villages. This gives you a quick overview
of locals’ lifestyles and colorful clothes. A brief stop at Ninamarca ruins will give you the
possibility to explore the pre-Incas tombs within this well archaeological site as the journey
includes few stops, so you can enjoy seeing the surrounding landscapes varying from highmountains. Next stop will occur in the village of Paucartambo which features beautiful arched
colonial bridge and also chances for breakfast. The altitude will keep on increasing and the
setting gradually gets enveloped by a cloudy mist.
The road leads you to Acjanaco pass consisting in the main gateway to Manu National Park,
once across the 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 rainforest! The lush and
misty cloud forest surrounded by massive rocks and waterfalls is perhaps the most fragile and
threatened type of rainforest. In such environment filled with lichens and moss-carpeted 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 as well as some other colorful birds.
We will arrive to Guadalupe Lodge around the midafternoon and having time to explore the
trails of the palm forest circuit to look for the capuchin and nights monkeys, blue and yellow
macaws, toucans, leaf cutter ants and other small reptiles, meals and accommodation at
Guadalupe lodge (560 m./1837 ft)
DAY 2 : GUADALUPE NATURE RESERVE – CAVE EXPLORATION
In the morning, you we will explore the foothill forest to look for the wooly monkeys and some
birds such toucans and macaws. You will head back to the lodge where a delightful breakfast
awaits you full of fresh tropical fruits. From then, you will be guided through the garden and will learn about the different medicinal and traditional plants such as coca leaf, cacao, bamboo
water, annatto, etc. As this time of the day, put on your swimsuits and enjoy a dip in the
Guadalupe river.
This crystalline and unpolluted current flows downstream from the core of the park. In the
afternoon, depending on the group’s wishes, there is a possibility of discovering a fascinating
canyon and its caves which house some rare species of bats, spiders and scorpions. Ultimately,
a walk within the bamboo forest will enable you to spot some monkeys. The day is ending with
the observation of caimans along the creeks.
DAY 3 : GUADALUPE NATURE RESERVE – RIVER BOAT EXCURSION
Enjoy waking up and taking breakfast with the singing of Amazonian birds. You will be
transferred to the Atalaya port where you can appreciate the view of myriads of colorful birds
and a rich wildlife and drives goes along tropical plantations of papayas, bananas, chocolate
and Coca Leaves.
At Atalaya river’s deck, embark in a motor boat and navigate down this crystalline river of
Madre de Dios. After an hour, you will reach Machuhuassy Oxbow lake, consisting in wetlands
of lush vegetation hosting a large variety of birds (hoatzins, horned screamer, hawk, herons)
and animals (monkeys and capybaras). This place is only reachable by boat followed by a 2-
kms walk. While you are having the tour, our local cook will prepare a traditional lunch that you
will enjoy when returning on the Madre de Dios river.
In the mid-afternoon, you will ramble through the primary forest searching for some families
of monkeys, peccaries as well as giant kapok trees, in the meantime, you will be provided with
some explanations about medicinal plants, reptiles as well as mammals. During the return to
the lodge, we have an optional visit to the Wild-Animals Rescue Centre, Dinner and Overnight
at Guadalupe
DAY 4 : GUADALUPE NATURE RESERVE – PARROT CLAY LICK – CUSCO
Your morning walks along the bamboo forest and the garden then enjoy a tasty breakfast and
get ready to pack as you will soon start hit 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 having impressing views of the exuberant cloud forest with
waterfall, cascades. The arrival in Cusco is about midafternoon.
What’s included in the Manu Cultural Zone tour?
Included
- Specialized Local Guide (Bilingual) with spotting scope
- Private ground Transportation and motor Boat
- 3 nights at Guadalupe Lodge (private toilets, WIFI, hot showers, mosquitonet)
- Entrance tickets to the attraction
- Meals Dinner from day 1st to Lunch day 4th
- Snacks & Purified Water
- Free Storage Room in Cusco
- Rubber Boots
Not Included
- Alcoholic Drinks
- Nights on Single Supplement
- Day 1st Breakfast / Dinner day 4th
- Gratitude
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:
- 4 breathable t-shirts
- 4 long sleeve shirts
- 3 trousers
- 4 sets of underwear
- 4 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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