Manu Cultural Zone 4D/3N

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 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 – CAVE EXPLORATION

Day 2 will begin with an early wake up call and breakfast as the sun rises over the Guadalupe Lodge.

After breakfast you will embark on a bird watching activity in the palm forest to see if you can spot the South American Ghost Bird, the Great Pooto or Nyctibius Grandis. In addition, you will be treated to the sights and sounds of the blue and yellow macaws and an abundance of colourful parakeets.

Once you have filled your heart with Amazonian bird song, you will return to the Guadalupe Lodge to enjoy yourself a hearty breakfast of fresh tropical fruits amidst the backdrop of the jungle. Throughout which you will learn about the medicinal properties of the native plants such as coca leaf, bambo water, cacao and annatto.

After breakfast you are free to swim in the Guadalupe River, which flows alongside the lodge from the center of the reserve. Then you will return to camp for a well earned lunch.

The afternoon will bring with it an opportunity to explore the fascinating canyons and caves situated in the vicinity of the lodge, where you will have the chance to observe cave dwelling animals that prefer to live in darkness. These include spiders, centipedes, spider-scorpions, and different species of bats. You are also welcome to grab your flashlight and boots and navigate your way through the intricate network of tunnels that envelope the caves.

After your caving experience, you will be invited to join your guide for a stroll through the bamboo forest to befriend the local monkeys that live there.

As the night falls, you will enjoy an Amazonian dinner at the lodge and then embark on a nocturnal caiman hunt, as their eyes light up the darkness along the river.

DAY 3 : GUADALUPE NATURE RESERVE – RIVER BOAT EXCURSION

Day 3 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 4 : GUADALUPE NATURE RESERVE – PARROT CLAY LICK – CUSCO

Day 4 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.