DAY 1 : Cusco – Guadalupe Lodge
Your full-day excursion begins with an early morning pickup from Cusco. The journey on the Manu
Road first traverses’ arid valleys and traditional villages, providing initial insight into local culture.
We stop at Ninamarca to explore the site’s pre-Inca tombs. The route features multiple scenic
stops, allowing you to observe the landscape’s transition from high-altitude mountains to humid
forest. Next, we visit Paucartambo, notable for its colonial arched bridge. Beyond this point, the
ascent continues, and the environment becomes gradually enveloped in mist. Upon reaching
Acjanaco Pass, the entrance to Manu National Park, the setting dramatically shifts from dry to wet
valleys, offering a commanding panoramic view over the Amazonian lowlands. The remainder of
the drive is through the Cloud Forest, an ecologically rich zone of mist, waterfalls, and mosscovered terrain. This area provides excellent opportunities for observing diverse fauna, including
various monkey species and numerous birds. Key sightings often feature the Andean Cock-of-theRock (Peru’s national bird), alongside tanagers, toucans, and quetzals. The day concludes with the
descent and overnight stay at Guadalupe Lodge (560 m / 1,837 ft).
DAY 2 : Guadalupe Lodge – El Dorado Lodge
Awaken to the melodic chorus of Amazonian birds as you enjoy breakfast surrounded by nature’s
soundtrack. By mid-morning, you’ll transfer to Atalaya Port, where vibrant birdlife and lush
scenery paint a captivating welcome.
From the riverbank, embark on a scenic boat journey along the crystalline waters of the Madre
de Dios River. As you navigate downstream for approximately five hours, keep your camera ready
— capybaras, sunbathing caimans, and flocks of exotic birds often make appearances along the
riverbanks.
Upon arriving at El Dorado Lodge, you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore one of the region’s
most impressive natural spectacles: the nearby macaw clay lick. In the afternoon, venture into
the surrounding primary forest in search of monkey troops, elusive peccaries, and a visit to the
mammals’ clay lick for a close-up glimpse of rainforest fauna in action.
DAY 3 : El Dorado Lodge – Casa Matsigenka
Fuel up with an early breakfast—we’ve got an exciting day ahead! We’ll board our motorboat and
cut through the crisp, clear waters of the Madre de Dios River.
Our primary mission begins as we reach the iconic junction with the Manu River. After a quick stop
at the Limonal Ranger Station for the official park check-in, we push upriver right into the heart of
the reserve. This specific stretch of water offers the best chance in the entire park to spot the
legendary Jaguar. While this magnificent cat remains elusive, we’ll be scanning the banks with
intense focus, determined to catch a glimpse of the Amazon’s ultimate predator.
Just a few bends later, prepare for the rainforest to explode with activity! The ecosystem
intensifies dramatically: every sandbar becomes a stage, hosting countless swallows, butterflies,
and a vibrant collection of riverside creatures. Keep your cameras ready, as this is true Amazonian
wildlife viewing at its peak.
Our navigation concludes at the tranquil Casa Machiguenga Lodge. Tucked just away from the
Manu River and deep within the park’s core, this pristine setting will be our base for the next few
nights.
For those whose adventure doesn’t end at sundown, we offer optional night walks to explore the
fascinating world of the rainforest after dark!
DAY 4 : Casa Matsigenka (Lake Exploration,Trails Network,Macaw Clay Lick)
CasaMatsigenka (LakeExploration,TrailsNetwork,MacawClayLick)
Our morning focuses on Salvador Oxbow Lake, renowned for its resident family of Giant River
Otters. These gregarious carnivores are often seen fishing, playing, or sunbathing on floating logs.
We’ll use a comfortable floating catamaran equipped with chairs—perfect for paddling silently
around the lake and maximizing wildlife sightings. Beyond the otters, keep watch for the distinctive
Hoatzin, plus various herons, raptors, colorful macaws, oropendolas, and caciques along the lake’s
edge.
The surrounding forest offers excellent wildlife tracking. We’ll search the trails for additional
primate species like white-fronted capuchins and pygmy marmosets.
During the midday, we’ll explore the Terra Firme Forest via a network of flat, leisurely trails. This
area, known for trees like the towering Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa), is an exceptional spot to
encounter active troops of monkeys. A major highlight awaits as we hike to the macaw clay lick, a
dramatic natural spectacle where brilliant Red-and-green Macaws congregate.
We return for overnight accommodation at the Casa Machiguenga Lodge. (Note: Access time for
Salvador Lagoon is subject to availability.)
DAY 5 : Casa Machiguenga – El Dorado Lodge
This morning begins with a farewell to Casa Machiguenga as we re-board our boat for the journey
back down the Manu River. Along the way, we stop at the Otorongo Oxbow Lake trailhead to
explore a section of truly pristine rainforest. Here, we hike trails leading to a canopy platform
overlooking the lake, ideal for spotting aquatic wildlife and alligators. Visitors will also walk near
the massive root system of one of the largest Kapok trees. Returning to the boat, the river trip
remains an exciting opportunity for spotting the magnificent Jaguar, with numerous sandbars alive
with nesting birds and turtles basking on logs. After about four hours, we make a brief, mandatory
stop at the Limonal Ranger Station for check-out. We’ll enjoy lunch served on the boat before
arriving at the comfortable Dorado Lodge by mid-afternoon, allowing time to explore the
surroundings. An optional night walk is available based on the group’s wishes.
DAY 6 : El Dorado Lodge – Guadalupe Lodge
A visit to a local Macaw Clay Lick near the lodge. Witness dozens of medium-sized Macaws, Parrots,
and Parakeets gathering to gorge on vital minerals from the exposed clay—a vibrant, noisy, and
unforgettable display!
After the lick, we board our boat for the five-hour journey back. We’ll travel up the fast-flowing,
braided, and clear waters of the Upper Madre de Dios River toward Atalaya. This is your last chance
to spot the world’s largest rodent, the massive Capybara, along the riverbanks. Keep a keen eye
on the skies, too, as we maintain watch for powerful raptorslike Kites and Eagles, alongside various
Vultures and other interesting riverine birds.
Our wilderness navigation concludes upon reaching Atalaya Port, where civilization awaits. From
there, we take a short one-hour overland transfer to the Guadalupe Lodge. You’ll have time to
relax before dinner, and for one final adventure, an optional night walk is available to explore the
fascinating forest surrounding the lodge after dark.
DAY 7 : Guadalupe Lodge – Cusco
Start your final day with a captivating morning walk through the foothill forest before breakfast.
We’ll be actively searching for playful Wooly and Capuchin monkeys while keeping an eye out for
iconic Amazonian birds like vibrant macaws, toucans, and woodpeckers.
The loop trail offers a unique detour into the forest’s hidden world: the caves and canyons. Bring
your flashlights to explore these dark habitats, home to creatures like spiders, scorpions, and
various bat species.
Upon your return, a delicious, well-earned breakfast will be ready. After packing up, we hit the
road back to Cusco. The return journey is not merely transit—it’s another chance for discovery!
We’ll drive through the breathtaking cloud forest again, offering impressive views of lush
mountains, waterfalls, and cascades, providing extra opportunities to spot wildlife we might have
missed on the way in. We are scheduled to arrive in Cusco around 4:00 PM. (Please notify us if you
require an earlier arrival time.)
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9 Days - 8 Nights
