The National Park (Reserved Zone) is a unique habitat from which scientist refer as a living laboratory because of the great biodiversity in flora and fauna. Only in an area along the Manu River can tourists visit the Manu National Park and observe wildlife in its natural way of living. The Reserved Zone covers a vast extension of primary forest and is dedicated to only two activities: tourism and research. Because of that the flora and fauna is almost untouched.
On the National Park Tour you spend more time on the boat - driving up the Manu River and coming back 2 days later - and visit 2 oxbow lakes inside the Park to observe Giant Otters. You have more options to see animals on the riverbanks (while traveling by boat).
On both tours (Blanquillo or National Park) you have the same opportunities to see animals.

Early in the morning we leave Cusco in our private bus (Bus trip aprox. 12 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. In the afternoon we arrive to Atalaya (500m), from where it is only 15 minutes by boat to our Rio de Oro Lodge (double rooms). Optional night walk.

We get up early to visit the small parrot clay lick 10 minutes downstream. After observing parrots, parakeets and small macaws (Chestnut fronted Macaw and the rare Blue headed Macaw) we have breakfast and continue our journey in a 15-meter motorized canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios River (7 to 8 hours). We can enjoy the changing landscape and have the opportunity to see the wildlife along the rocky banks of the river, such as Fasciated Tiger Herons, Purplish Jays, Skimmers, Vultures, caimans and some of the 13 species of monkeys that live in Manu. In the afternoon we arrive to Maquisapayoj Lodge ("Place of the Black Spider Monkey"). We spend the night in Maquisapayoj Lodge (double rooms). Optional night walk (to see insects, frogs, snakes etc.).

Early in the morning we take the boat to the big Macaw Clay Lick in Blanquillo. From the blind we can observe flocks of macaws (Ara chloroptera, - macao), parrots and parakeets congregating to eat the clay, which is essential for their digestion. We have breakfast at the blind. Afterwards we walk back to the river and we travel upriver for one hour to return to Maquisapayoj. In the afternoon we walk about 1 ½ hours through primary rainforest to the Mammal Salt Lick, where we spend the night on an elevated platform (with mats and mosquito nets) to observe tapirs or other mammals during the night. If you prefer you can spend the night in the Lodge close to the river.

Today we travel about 8 to 9 hours upriver into the Reserved Zone of Manu National Park. We stop at Limonal Guard Station where our permit is checked. During this boat trip we look out for animals along the banks of the Manu River. White Caimans (Caiman crocodylus) sunning on the beaches, fish in the shallows, turtles and plenty of colorful birds such as Black Skimmers and Terns may bee seen. And there is always the possibility of seeing larger animals such as Capybara, Tapir and Jaguar. In the afternoon we arrive at Albergue Casa Matsiguenka, where we spend two nights in double rooms. The lodge is built in the typical machiguenga style. Optional nightwalk (to see insects, frogs, snakes etc.).

We leave early for a day trip to explore Cocha Salvador (oxbow-lake) by catamaran looking for Giant River Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis), Caimans, Hoatzins and monkeys. In the afternoon we go for a walk on some of the trails through the forest. You can climb the 18 m observation tower at Cocha Otorongo; a good place to observe birds and enjoy the scenery. We spend the night at Albergue Matsiguenka, where we can meet the Machiguenga indians. Optional night walk.

Today we start early to travel 6 hours down the Manu River to the village of Boca Manu, with ideal conditions to see the amazing wildlife. In Boca Manu we have a short stop and the participants of the 6 day tour take a flight back to Cusco. Afterwards we make our way back upriver on the Alto Madre de Dios River for another 3 hours. This night we camp on the beach at Yanayacu, on the riverbanks of the Rio Alto Madre de Dios.

Commercial flight in a jet plane from Puerto Maldonado:
As a special service we can offer you a flight from Puerto Maldonado in a jet plane to Cusco or directly to Lima! If you are interested please request the respective itinerary and prices.

Today we continue travelling upriver always looking for wildlife. We make a stop for a swim at Aguas Calientes (hot springs) and continue to Rio de Oro Lodge, close to Atalaya, where we spend the night. We can walk on some of the trails in the afternoon or have a night walk.

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.