ITINERARY
Day 1 Cusco
Collection at airport and transfer to hotel. 1900hrs – full briefing on the following itinerary
Day 2 Cusco to San Pedro Lodge
 We leave Cusco early in the morning in our specialized overland vehicles. Approximately mid-morning we visit the interesting tombs of Ninamarca, commonly known as “Chullpas”. We continue to Paucartambo, a picturesque Spanish colonial town, and then to the Acjanacu pass, which marks the beginning of the Cultural Zone of Manu Biosphere Reserve. Here, a thick cloak of clouds provides perpetual humidity and makes an ideal habitat for epiphytic plants such as bromeliads. This varied and fascinating world is home of the Cock of the Rock, Spectacled Bear, Orchids, Tree Ferns (one of the oldest living plants), mosses and lichens. This cloud forest exists between 2,000 and 3500 masl. and at least 50% of the plant species found here are endemic to this region. Overnight in “Orquideas de San Pedro Lodge”.
Drive time 8 hours (reference only)
Day 3 San Pedro Lodge to Erika lodge
Today we wake up very early to observe the Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruviana), Peru’s national bird from a platform. The male birds are a vibrant reddish orange, and as many as several dozen come together for an exhibition of a mating ritual dance in a place called Lek. The males display their crest, showing off and posturing for the females. The females, fewer in number, watch to select the most suitable males. After breakfast we continue in our overland transport (*1) down the narrow road between waterfalls and canyons toward the town of Pilcopata and then (*2) to Atalaya Port. Here we board our covered, outboard motor boat and head down the Alto Madre de Dios River for approximately 45 minutes toward our private reserve of “Erika” a comfortable 12 room lodge owned by Manu Ecological Adventures where we will hike through the interesting trail system that this transitional area between high and low jungle offers. Overnight in the lodge.
(*1) Free Option
Descend with mountain bikes from our San Pedro Lodge (1700 masl - Cloud Forest) to Pilcopata (700 masl High Jungle).
(*2) Free Option
Here in Pilcopata town we will make the final settings for a 1 ½ or 3 hours river rafting (class I and II rapids) trip down the Koshñipata River where we will have the opportunity for a dip and of course enjoy the spectacular view of the Koñeq Canyon. Continuing down the Alto Madre de Dios River to Erika Lodge.
Drive time 3 hours to Atalaya port
Boat journey 45 minutes to Erika lodge
Day 4 Erika Lodge to Boca Manu
 After breakfast (*3) we leave Erika Lodge and board our canoe for the four-hour ride down the Alto Madre de Dios River to Boca Manu’s airstrip. During our voyage we may see bird species typical of the river or forest edge such as: Black Skimmer, Pied Lapwing, Capped Heron, Jabiru Stork, and several species of kingfishers, swallows and flycatchers. Boca Manu’s village is situated a short distance from the confluence of the Manu River with the Alto Madre de Dios River where you can buy your last fresh supplies and cold drinks before setting off again in the canoe. Now we enter the Manu River and the Reserved Zone, stopping in a white sand beach where we camp along the riverbank or overnight at basic lodge Safari Sajino dependant on water level of the river.
*3 Free Option: New!!! Canopy tour: At Erika Lodge, our guests traverse from tree to tree and platform to platform using pulleys on horizontal traverse cables zip lines), as they sail through the treetops of the tropical rainforest canopy, and over the trails far below. Expert guides assist you in this exciting journey through the different layers of the virgin rain forests and explain what’s going on around you, from the time you leave the ground, until you rappel back down to the forest floor.
Day 5 Boca Manu to Salvador Lake
 Very early and after a ten minutes boat ride, we will arrive to a Parrot Lick “Collpa”, which is a wall of clay in the riverbanks, where many species of parrots such as the blue headed parrot, the white-eyed parakeet, the dusky-headed parrot the chestnut fronted macaw and others feed for mineral and salt supplements to their diet of seeds and fruits. After registering in the official tourist logbook at Limonal, the Park Rangers Headquarters and eating an early breakfast, we will continue travel up the Manu River for 4 hours approximately into the pristine heart of the reserve, we will leave the final traces of human habitation behind us. We arrive Salvador Lake, our base safari campsite (screened dining room, toilets / showers and radio communication is available). Differences in wildlife abundance will be noted immediately we will begin to sight macaws, herons, kingfishers and cormorants frequently and improve our chances of encounters with capybaras, caiman, storks, ducks and other wildlife, you will often see animals sunning themselves on beaches, or foraging for food in the trees lining the riverbanks. This canoe ride gives us the opportunity to observe the immensity of the rainforest. We arrive early in the afternoon and have lunch before setting off on a jungle trail although at this time of day mammals and birds are not as active as in the early morning, we will concentrate on the forest itself and discuss general rain forest ecology, return to the campsite or basic lodge Safari Sajino.
Day 6 Salvador Lake to Otorongo Lake
We rise early in the morning, as the forest is awakened by the Red Howler monkey (Aloatta seniculus) declaring its territory. A morning walk before breakfast is a great way to catch wildlife in the pursuit of food, as the temperature is very pleasant at this time of day. We now explore Salvador Lake by paddling quietly along on a catamaran, giving us the opportunity to observe unique species of birds, monkeys, caimans and with luck the Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis). This endangered species can be seen swimming, fishing, eating and playing.
 After lunch, we cross the river to walk an 8-km trail to another oxbow lake called Otorongo. This forest, which is estimated to be 200 to 300 years old, includes truly huge Ceiba trees and Strangler figs, and is home to several mammals that are occasionally encountered: Saddleback tamarins, Squirrel, Spider and Brown Capuchin Monkeys, the Collared and the white lipped peccaries. At the lake, a strategically located observation tower rises 15 meters above the lake and the jungle floor, which, from the top you not only get spectacular view of the lake and the surrounding forest but also excellent opportunities to observe birds from the canopy, this also gives us more chances to observe wildlife including the Giant Otter. Back at Salvador Lake, late in the afternoon we will use the catamaran and with the help of flashlights we can observe the black caimans rise from the depths of the lake and begin their search for prey. Return to the safari campsite.
 Day 7 Salvador Lake to Juan de Dios Lodge
Once again we wake up early, enjoy walking around Salvador Lake and then pack up and slowly go down stream along the interesting Manu River. We arrive at approximately 1500hrs to ‘Valley Island’ that belongs to a Native family and here it is possible to do a short walk through the forest to observe American bullfrogs, horned frogs, tree frogs and an incredible variety of colorful insects. We continue to Boca Manu’s Village, situated a short distance from the confluence of the Manu and Alto Madre de Dios rivers. From here we descend the Madre de Dios River arriving at Juan de Dios Reserve and spend one more night at the Lodge in this magical Amazon jungle. Possible short night walk
Boat journey 6 hours.
Day 8 Juan de Dios Lodge to Boca Manu and onward flight to Cusco
Around mid morning we board our canoe for the final stretch of river to the airstrip at Boca Manu. The flight to Cusco from Boca Manu offers spectacular views of the surrounding jungle and the area’s meandering rivers. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes.
On arrival into Cusco, assistance and transfer to the hotel.
Day 9 Cusco to Lima
Usually a mid morning flight back to Lima and transfer to your hotel. A member of our office team will met you at the airport and assist you with any arrangements you might need.
End of our services
Price per person in US Dollars $820.00
Single supplement available on request
If required, we can arrange accommodation in Lima and flights to and from Cusco:
Private collection at Lima international airport and transfer to hotel, one night’s accommodation and transfer back to airport including return flights to Cusco.
Price per person in US Dollars $300.00 (valid through March 31st 2008)
INCLUDED
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Cusco.
- All transport and transfers where noted in the programme
- Overland buses and 4wd vehicles for Manu
- Specialized English - Spanish speaking guide
- Camping equipment (two – person tents, roll matt, tables and chairs).
- First aid kit, including anti ophidian shot.
- Flight Boca Manu - Cusco
- Radio communication
- Satellite phone for emergencies
NOT INCLUDED
- Gratuities per person USD 20.00
- International airport tax USD 33.00
- Domestic airport tax Lima USD 6.05
- Cusco USD 4.28
- Boca Manu USD 30.00
- Entry to the park USD 50.00
Equipment needed for a trip in Manu
Sleeping bag – these can be hired in Cusco
Binoculars, Camera and film ASA 200 and 400 for the inner forest.
Digital photography – On leaving Cusco, there are no facilities to recharge camera batteries.
Warm clothing (in case of a cold front), long sleeve shirts and long pants (cotton)
100% waterproof rain gear (long poncho or rain wear)
Insect repellant (at least 50% Deet), sunscreen lotion
One pair of lightweight ankle boots and sandals
Flashlight, enough batteries (alkaline) and bulbs
Wide brim hat (for sunny days), sun glasses
Towel, swimming suit, personal medication and supplies (liquid for contact lenses, for example).
Day pack, and one back pack or duffel bag of luggage per person
One bottle of water for the first day, plastic bags.
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