Itinerary
Cusco To Bambu Lodge
5:00 am We are leaving in a private bus stopping in interesting places like Ninamarcas Chullpas, these are pre-Inca cemetery. The trip will be around 11 hours approximately; the highest pass on this road is 4000 msl. On this day, we travel over the Andes and over the famous cloud forest where we observe the display of the male Andean Cock of the Rocks also call Peru’s national bird, after lunch we explore slowly looking for woolly monkey, brown capuchin, quetzals, toucans which inhabit the cloud forest. Later, in the afternoon we arrive to Asuncion village. We will spend the night in Bambu lodge with double rooms. Optional night walk.
Bambu Lodge To Hummingbird Lodge In Boca Manu
After an early breakfast, we continue our trip by bus to Atalaya on the way we will stop to see the place of the Orchids. From Atalaya we take our motorize boat towards Boca Manu, in the way we will see interesting birds like herons, vultures macaws and many flycatchers along the banks of the alto Madre de Dios River. The night is spent at the Hummingbird Lodge. Optional night walk (to see Tarantulas, insects, frogs, snakes etc.)
Hummingbird Lodge To Maquisapayoj
After breakfast, we continue with our boat trip for approximately 2 hours. During the boat ride, we have the best options to see the famous Jaguar, Capybaras, Caimans sleeping on the beach, Herons fishing at the edge of the Madre de Dios River, Macaws, Toucans, Vultures, Eagles and other species of birds which will show up along our trip. We spend the night at the Maquisapayoj lodge with private bathroom and hot shower. Optional night walk.
Maquisapayoj Macaw And Tapir Lick
4:40 am we go to the macaw clay lick, the trip is 40 minutes by boat and 15 minutes walking to the especial observation platform. The activity begins around 5:30 am with the small parrots and later the big macaws. The Parrots eat the clay which has minerals that helps the stomach digestion that is the reason why hundreds of parrots parakeets and macaws come to this particular place.
After lunch, we walk through primary rain forest for 1.40 hours to the Tapir lick; here there is an especial observation platform to see Tapir (Tapirus terrestris). The tapirs are usually active at night for this reason we have mosquito nets with mattress and blankets to spend the night.
Blanco And Camungo Lake
Very early we visit Blanco lake, here we look for the family of the Giant river otters that uses very often this lake, also this is an interesting place to observe the prehistoric bird called hoatzin, snail kite, brown throated three toed sloth, red howler monkey, squirrel monkey, white fronted capuchin, brown capuchin and other species that inhabit this lake. After lunch, we visit Camungo Lake we will climb on the 42 meters tower; this is a very good place to observe the marvelous toucans. We go on the catamaran and have another chance for the Giant River Otters. Return to the lodge and have another option for the tapir in case we did not have luck the night before.
Maquisapayoj Trails
On this day, we explore the trails of the lodge, we look for black spider monkey, monk Saki, emperor and saddle backed Tamarin, also with a very good explanation about the medicinal plants and trees which are used for lumber. Again we can have another last option for the tapir in case we did not have luck.
Maquisapayoj To Cusco Or Puerto Maldonado Cusco Or Lima
Early in the morning, we start with our return trip to Cusco, first by boat to Colorado village and then by car to Puerto Carlos, after crossing the Inambari River, we take our private bus to Cusco, we will be arriving around 19:00 hours and leave you at your hotel. For the people who wants to fly, from Puerto Carlos we take them by another car two and half hours to Puerto Maldonado airport and take the last flight arriving to Cusco Around 15:00 hours transfer and dinner by your own.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Professional naturalist guide with telescope: A bilingual guide with biological expertise and a high-power scope for better wildlife viewing.
- Birding guide on request: A specialized guide focused on bird identification can be requested in advance.
- Private boat and bus transport: All transportation from Cusco and back is included.
- Return flight ticket if you have pay for that program: If you choose the flight option, the ticket from Puerto Maldonado is included.
- Entrance fees to Macaw clay lick, Tapir lick, Blanco & Camungo lakes: All park and attraction fees are covered.
- Cook & food (vegetarian on request) and drinking water: All meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7, plus safe drinking water.
- Camping equipment and Lodging: Includes all nights in lodges and the equipment for the overnight stay at the tapir lick.
- First Aid Kit, extractor (for poison): The guide carries a comprehensive first aid kit for emergencies.
- Bite Away for mosquito bites: A device for treating insect bites is available.
- Antidote for snake bite: The guide carries an anti-venom kit for emergency use.
- Radio communication: Used for safety and logistics in remote areas with no cell service.
- Rubber boots: Provided for use on muddy jungle trails.
- Binocular: These are essential for wildlife viewing and are not included. You must bring your own or check about rental options.
- Alcoholic drinks, sodas, etc.: These must be purchased separately at the lodges.
- Airport tax aprox 6 USD: A local airport tax must be paid in cash at the Puerto Maldonado airport if you choose the flight option.
Prices
EXTRAS & UPGRADES
- Binoculars Rental – $5 USD per person per day (Professional waterproof 8×42 binoculars — absolutely essential for birdwatching and wildlife observation in the Reserve. Available for rent at our Cusco office. Please request at the time of booking to ensure availability)
- Shintuya Natural Hot Springs Stop – $4 USD per person (A warm medicinal thermal spring along the Alto Madre de Dios River, included as an optional stop on Day 2. A relaxing soak before the deeper jungle section of the tour. Cash only, paid to the local community)
- Night Walk / Night Boat Excursion – $15 USD per person (An after-dark guided expedition into the jungle or along the river with torches, searching for nocturnal wildlife including tarantulas, tree frogs, caimans, night monkeys, armadillos, and boas. One of the most memorable experiences of the entire tour. Please request at the time of booking)
- Canopy Observation Tower – Included as optional (A 20–45 meter tall metal or wooden observation tower at Cocha Otorongo and Cocha Blanco, offering panoramic views of the rainforest canopy and the oxbow lakes below. Ideal for birdwatching macaws, parrots, toucans, and eagles. No extra cost — part of the itinerary)
- Catamaran Ride on Cocha Salvador – Included (A quiet paddled catamaran exploration of the pristine Salvador oxbow lake, home to the critically endangered Giant River Otters (river wolves), black caimans, turtles, Hoatzin birds, and multiple monkey species)
- Tapir Lick Night Vigil – Camouflaged Hide – $20 USD per person (Spend a night in a specially designed camouflaged jungle hideout at the mineral salt lick, watching tapirs, deer, porcupines, and other nocturnal mammals emerge from the forest to feed. One of the rarest and most extraordinary wildlife experiences available anywhere in Peru. Please request at the time of booking)
- Macaw Clay Lick Visit Upgrade – Included (The Blanquillo and Matsiguenka Macaw Clay Licks are among the largest in the world. Hundreds of scarlet, blue-and-yellow, and red-and-green macaws descend at dawn to eat the mineral-rich clay. Included in the standard itinerary)
- Ninamarca Pre-Inca Cemetery Visit – Included as optional (Ancient Lupaca culture funeral towers dating back over 500 years, visited on the drive from Cusco to the cloud forest on Day 1. No extra cost — a fascinating archaeological stop on the road to the Amazon)
- Upgrade to Treehouse Lodge Accommodation – from $60 USD per person per night (Some operators offer exclusive Amazon treehouse accommodation right in the heart of the rainforest — an unforgettable experience sleeping above the jungle floor with private bathroom and hot shower. Contact us at the time of booking to check availability)
- Return by Plane from Puerto Maldonado – from $120 USD per person (Instead of the long overland return journey to Cusco (~7–9 hours), upgrade your return to a 40-minute flight from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco. Subject to availability — must be requested at the time of booking, as flights sell out quickly)
- Paucartambo Colonial Town Stop – Included (The folkloric colonial capital of Cusco, with its famous stone bridge, colorful traditional dress, and Quechua-speaking communities. Included as a stop on Day 1 on the drive from Cusco into the Amazon)
Pricing & Availability – Manu Biosphere Reserve 7 Days
The Manu Biosphere Reserve 7 Days / 6 Nights tour is available from March through November only — the rainy season (December–February) makes the Manu Road and river access extremely difficult and is not recommended. A minimum of 2 travelers is required for private service and 3–5 travelers for group service. A non-refundable deposit of 50% per person is required at the time of booking to secure all required government permits from SERNANP (National Service of Natural Protected Areas). The remaining balance must be paid at least one week before departure. Pickup from your hotel in Cusco is at 6:00 AM on Day 1. Book at least 4–8 weeks in advance, as permits and lodge spaces in the Reserved Zone are strictly limited. Only government-authorized operators are permitted to access the Manu Reserved Zone.
GROUP SERVICE
- $1,290 USD per person (minimum 3 participants)
- Discount of $50 USD per person for groups of 5 or more persons
PRIVATE SERVICE
- $1,600 USD per person – 2 persons
- $1,470 USD per person – 3 to 4 persons
- $1,290 USD per person – 5 to 6 persons
- $1,150 USD per person – 7 or more persons
DISCOUNTS
- Students (18–25 years old): Discount subject to Peruvian government requirements for the Manu National Park permit. A valid ISIC card or university ID is required. Please contact us at the time of booking to confirm eligibility and the applicable discount amount.
- Under 18 years old: Discount available. Please send a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Children under 12 years old: Special rates available. The Manu Reserved Zone is suitable for children in good health who can handle long boat rides (6–8 hours) and jungle conditions. Please consult us before booking.
Important Notes: The Manu Biosphere Reserve is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site (1987) and is home to more than 1,000 bird species, 200 species of mammals, 140 amphibian species, 13 monkey species, and 15,000 flowering plant species — making it the most biodiverse protected area on Earth. Access to the Reserved Zone is strictly controlled by the Peruvian government and is only permitted through SERNANP-authorized tour operators. All permits are processed on your behalf as part of this package. The tour involves long travel days — the drive from Cusco to the trailhead takes approximately 7 hours each way, and boat journeys along the Madre de Dios and Manu rivers total 10–12 hours over the course of the tour. Rubber boots, mosquito repellent, and professional binoculars are essential. Travel and medical insurance covering emergency evacuation is strongly recommended. Tips for guides, cooks, boat operators, and lodge staff are optional but warmly appreciated.
Inquire now
Ready to experience Machu Picchu? Let our expert team take care of every detail, from tickets and trains to transportation and guiding, so you can just focus on enjoying one of the world's most impressive destinations. With years of experience, personalized assistance, and hundreds of happy travelers each year, we make your visit simple, safe, and unforgettable. Book your Machu Picchu tour today and secure your spot in Peru's most iconic wonder before availability runs out.
Need more information?
If you have questions or want to customize your experience, our local experts are ready to help you 24/7.
