MANU
RESERVE ZONE
Tour Length: 8 days, 7 nights
(5 camping and 2 in lodge)
Activities : Ecological, Cultural.
Places to visit: Manu National Park
Minimun Number of Pax: 02 pax
ITINERARY
DAY
01: Manu Cultural Zone.- 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, the Spectacled Bear, Orchids,
Tree Ferns (one of the oldest living plants), mosses
and lichens. This cloud forest exists between 2000 and
3500 meters above sea level, and at least 50% of the
plant species found here are endemic to this region.
Overnight in our open air lodge "San Pedro".
DAY
02: Manu.- Today we wake up very early to
observe the Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruviana), Peru's
national bird. At about 5:00AM as many as several dozen
come together for an exhibition of a mating ritual dance
in a place called Lek. The males of vibrant reddish
orange feathers, 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 *2 and the to Atalaya Port. Here, we board
our covered, outboard motor boat and head down the Alto
Madre de Dios River for approximately 15 minutes toward
our private reserve of "Erika" where we will
hike through an interesting trail system in the transitional
area (between high jungle and low jungle). Overnight
in the lodge.
* 1 Optional: Descend with mountain bikes from the Cloud
Forest to Pillcopata (700 m.a.s.l
* 2 Optional: Here in Pilcopata town we will make all
the final settings for 1 ½ to 3 hour rafting
trip down the Kosñipata 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.
DAY
03: Boca Manu.- After breakfast we board our
canoe for a three-hour trip down the Alto Madre de Dios
River to Boca Manu's airstrip ( whe re
optional flights coming from Cusco may bring new members
to join our group. The plane flies over the Andes to
a narrow gravel landing strip in the jungle. Flight
takes approximately 45 minutes) Boca Manu village, located
at short distance from the confluence of the Manu River
and the Alto Madre de Dios River, is the last place
to buy your 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. Short walk around
the area.
DAY
04: Salvador Lake.- After registering in the
official tourist logbook at Limonal, the Park Rangers
Headquarters and having an early breakfast, we follow
the Manu River until we arrive Salvador Lake, our base
campsite (screened dining room, bathrooms, radio communication
is available). This canoe ride gives us the opportunity
to observe the immensity of the rainforest and the diversity
of bird life, reptiles and mammals. You will often see
animals sunning on beaches, or foraging for food in
the trees lining the riverbanks. We arrive early in
the afternoon and have lunch before setting off on a
jungle trail. Here, we will be on the lookout for wildlife
inside the rainforest and on Salvador Oxbow Lake, until
the sun goes down and we return to the camp. We explore
Salvador Lake by paddling quietly along on a catamaran
to observe unique species of birds, monkeys, caimans
and with luck, the Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis).
This endangered species can be seen swimming, fishing,
feeding and playing.
DAY
05: Red Howler monkey.- We wake up 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 chance to
catch wildlife in the pursuit of food and temperature
is very pleasant at this time of day. After relaxing
and swimming in the river we enjoy lunch along the riverbank.
Afterwards, we cross the river to walk an 8-km trail
to another oxbow lake called Otorongo. A strategically
located observation tower rises 15 meters above the
rainforest canopy overlooking the lake, giving us more
chances to observe wildlife including the Giant Otter.
Late in the afternoon we will use the catamaran (optional)and
with the help of flashlights we can observe the black
caimans rising from the depths of the lake and beginning
their search for prey. Return to the campsite.
DAY
06: Manu River.- Once again we wake up early,
enjoy a brief morning walk, have a relaxing breakfast,
then pack up the camp and descend the Manu River until
Boca Manu. This village is at a short distance from
the confluence of the Manu River and the Alto Madre
de Dios River, from here we descend the Madre de Dios
River arriving early in the afternoon after three hours
ride to Blanco Private reserve. Camp and spend one more
night in this magical Amazon jungle.
DAY
07: Boca Manu.- After a very early wake up,
we use a special camouflaged catamaran in front of the
"Collpa" macaw lick. We quietly observe the
various parrots feeding on the clay for mineral and
salt, supplements to their diet of seeds and fruits.
The brightly colored macaws usually wait patiently in
the surrounding trees until the smaller parrot species
have left the area. Slowly, the macaws come down to
the clay wall to feed. We need a lot of patience and
silence on the catamaran so as not to disturb them while
feeding. Around mid morning we board our canoe to return
to the airstrip at Boca Manu. At this point, those who
are returning to Cusco by plane will catch their flight.
This optional flight from Boca Manu to Cusco offers
spectacular views of the surrounding jungle and the
area's meandering rivers. The rest of the group continues
up the Alto Madre de Dios River to camp on an appropriate
beach in the Cultural Zone and enjoys the sites and
sounds of the jungle for one more night.
DAY
08: Atalaya.- Waking up very early, we continue
the trip by boat to Atalaya, where the bus will be waiting
for us and drive back up and out of Manu, arriving in
Cusco very late this night or the next early morning.
END OF OUR SERVICES.
IMPORTANT:
Briefing on Saturday prior to departure at 7:00pm. at
the agency, in order to meet the group and the guide,
receive last recommendations and answer questions
AIR
CHARTER ALTERNATIVE: DAY THREE: Arrive by plane
from Cusco to Boca Manu at mid morning. DAY SEVEN: Leave
Boca Manu and arrive in Cusco in the early afternoon.
TOUR
INCLUSIONS
INCLUDED:
-
Ground transportation (overland buses and 4WD vehicles)
- Boat
transportation (covered motorized boats)
- Specialized
and bilingual guides, 01 night in San Pedro open air
lodge, 01 night in Erika Lodge
- Full
mountain bike(optional) and rafting equipment
- Two-person
tents
- Sleeping
mattress, meals, dinning tent
- Cooking
tent
- First
aid Kit (including anti- ophidian shots) air charters
(optional - maximum 10kgr. of luggage per person)
- Paperwork
and payment for Park permits
- Radio
communication equipment in all lodges and campsites
- Satellite
telephone for emergencies.
- As
an additional service, we offer safety box for values
and storage for luggage in Cusco's main office.
DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS NOT INCLUDED
THINGS YOU SHOULD BRING ALONG FOR YOUR TRIP TO MANU:
Sleeping bag 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 height boots, and sandals Flashlight, enough batteries
(alkaline) and bulbs Wide brim hat (for sunny days),
sun glasses Towel, swimming suit, personal medicines
and/or supplies (e.g.: liquid for contact lenses.).
Day pack, and one back pack or duffel bag of luggage
per person Binoculars, Camera and film ASA 200 and 400
for the inner forest. One bottle of water for the first
day, plastic bags.
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