Early in the morning we leave Cusco in our private bus (Bus trip aprox. 10 hours). We ascend to the high mountain area at 4000m (13000 feet). After a short stop in Ninamarca, to see the pre-Inca cemetery, and Paucartambo village, we descend the eastern slopes of the Andes through the cloud forest with its lush vegetation (ferns, orchids, bromeliads etc.) to the lowland rainforest on the Madre de Dios River. You will enjoy spectacular views of the cloud forest and can see wildlife such as our national bird, the Cock of the Rocks (Rupicola peruviana), brilliantly colored Tanagers, Quetzals, Hummingbirds and possibly the first monkeys, e.g. the Woolly Monkey. We spend the night in a lodge in the cloud forest or in Pilcopata.

After an early breakfast continue 30 minutes by bus to Atalaya at 500m. Here we embark a 15-meter motorized canoe and go on a half hour journey down the Alto Madre de Dios River. We have the opportunity to see wildlife along the rocky banks of the river, such as Fasciated Tiger Herons, Purplish Jays, Skimmers, Vultures and some of the 13 species of monkeys that live in Manu. In the afternoon we walk on the trails around the lodge and visit Machuwasi Lake. Optional night walk to see caimans at the river. We spend the night in the Rio de Oro Lodge (double rooms).

Very early in the morning we travel by boat to see the parrot clay lick. This is a special place where parrots, parakeets and small macaws (Chestnut fronted Macaw and the rare Blue headed Macaw) go to eat minerals which help them with their digestion. After the natural show we take a walk on the nearby trails and climb up to a lookout from where we have a spectacular view over the Alto Madre de Dios River. You also can go fishing or have a bath in the river. The night is spent at the lodge. Optional night walk (to see insects, frogs, snakes etc.).

After breakfast we take the boat back to Atalaya where our bus is waiting and start the return trip to Cusco, where we'll arrive around 6 pm.