Manu Naturschutzgebiet

[die Tourbeschreibung ist momentan nur auf Englisch verfügbar]

Day 1:

Leaving Cusco by BUS at 6:OO AM by bus for Pillcopata. First we visit Laguna Huacarpay for breakfast in the High Andes. Further on we visit the burial towers of Ninamarka, and after about 4 and a half hours from Cusco arrive at Paucartambo, a beautiful folkloric Spanish Colonial town in the Cusco Andes. Then we arrive to "Acjanaco" (the start of Manu Park) where we begin the descent into the mysterious Cloud Forest, which has a massive sample of flora and fauna, such as beautiful Orchids and Begonias and the presence of the Cock of the Rocks (Rupicola peruviana). We have the chance of watching the famous mating ritual dance of this, the National Bird of Perú, as well as Trogons (Trogon sp.) and on a lucky day, the only bear of South America, the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus ornatus). Then we arrive at the village of Pillcopata where we will spend our first night of the tour.

Day 2:

After sharing breakfast we continue by bus for approx 1 hr arriving at the River port of Atalaya, where we board our motor-boat continuing down the Alto Madre de Dios River. After Approx 2 hours more by boat, with a few interesting stops while traveling down the river. We arrive in the afternoon to Rain forest Lodge. This day will allow us to observe different species of monkeys, an impressive diversity of birds and maybe the spectacular Condor of the jungle, King of the Vultures. Tonight, we stay at Manu Rainforest Lodge, exclusive accommodation and facilities for SAS Travel passengers. Note: All times are approx depending on weather and river conditions.

Day 3:

Early in the morning after breakfast we continue our journey visiting the Native Community of Diamante, if you are interested in handicrafts and meeting the local people, crafts can be purchased from the people of Diamante community as an opportunity to appreciate their culture and lifestyle. Continuing the tours to Tourist Zones of Manu National Park. Now we travel up the Manu River, at least 4-5 hours, carefully searching for more wildlife. Today we hope you will see many more different species of birds and animals like White Caimans, the Capybara, (world's largest rodent) brilliant birds and on an especially lucky day, adult Black Caiman or even a pair of Jaguar.

By late afternoon, we arrive at the river edge of Lake Salvador. Usually we stay at our Renaco Tented Camp. Normally we have time for hikes around dinner and in the night. In our campsite you'll find platform shelters for your camping equipment, a general area for meals and socializing, showers and nice toilets. If impossible to stay at Renaco Tented Camp we use Matchiguenka Lodge which includes the same amenities while still rustic, cozy and intimate in its surroundings of the Jungle of Manu. Exclusively managed by indigenous Matchiguenka, original caretakers of the Manu wilderness.

Day 4:

Early walk searching for wildlife is available or simply enjoying the sounds of the awakening jungle to hike after breakfast. A trail system presents in the area of Salvador is impressive, can shows different types of animals; birds, mammals, reptiles, etc.

For the afternoon we have the options to visit a tower where is possible to see the canopy and its fauna.

In our night walk (optional for those who don't want to look for Scorpions, Tarantulas and other creepy crawlies), well be accompanied by the music of the jungle frogs, toads, crickets and owls.

Day 5:

Considered the most dynamic of the places that we will visit. We explore the Lakes Otorongo and Salvador, the most important lakes where we can find a huge diversity of animals and flora. With our guide's explanation we will learn the secrets of the tropical forest. We go into the forest along observation trails to appreciate 13 diverse species of monkeys and other incredible animals characteristic of this place and to understand the importance of preserving our planet. Following our guide's indications and with luck we will be able to see some big vertebrates such as the Giant Otters, Tapir and some Peccaries. We spend the third night at Salvador Lake, where we will be entertained with the incredible stories of our guide and crew about this unforgettable place.

Day 6:

Very early in the morning we leave Lake Salvador to continue our adventure traveling down the Manu river to reach Boca Manu (approx 4 hrs) On this day it is still possible to find the famous Jaguar as we search along the beaches to find them perhaps resting placidly after their lunch. At Boca Manu part of the group may take the flight back to Cusco around noon.