Detailed Tour Plan

Day 1: Cusco – Pona Lodge

We depart Cusco early in the morning in a private van, traveling along the Andean highland road toward Paucartambo, a charming colonial village. Along the way, we pass through impressive landscapes and small highland communities.

Breakfast in Paucartambo Village.

Leaving Paucartambo behind, we continue toward the entrance of the Manu Biosphere Reserve, crossing the Acjanaco Mountain Pass (3,550 m). From here, it is possible to enjoy spectacular views of the eastern slopes of the Andes and the Amazon rainforest canopy. As we descend, you will observe the fascinating transition from puna grasslands to the cloud forest of the Manu Biosphere Reserve.

Along the route, your guide will invite you on a gentle walk to look for some of the region’s most iconic wildlife, including Golden-headed Quetzals, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Amazonian Umbrella Birds, trogons, Blue-banded Toucanets, and many smaller birds such as tanagers and euphonias. You may also spot mammals such as Gray Woolly Monkeys and Large-headed Capuchin Monkeys.

Picnic lunch along the Manu Road.

In the late afternoon, we arrive at Pona Lodge.

Dinner at Pona Lodge.

Optional night walk after dinner to observe nocturnal animals and insects such as night monkeys, pacas, spiders, scorpions, tarantulas, frogs, and snakes.

Day 2: Pona Lodge – Atalaya River Port – Shintuya Hot Springs – Dorado Lodge

Breakfast at Pona Lodge.

After breakfast, we continue by van for approximately one hour, making several stops to observe local wildlife and enjoy scenic views of the Madre de Dios River before reaching Atalaya River Port. From here, we navigate downstream by outboard motorboat along the Madre de Dios River for about one and a half hours until we reach the medicinal thermal waters of Shintuya Hot Springs, where we enjoy a relaxing and refreshing bath.

Lunch will be served onboard the boat.

After lunch, we continue navigating downstream for approximately three more hours until we reach Dorado Lodge. After a short break, we explore one of the nearby forest trails in search of different monkey species, including the small and noisy Squirrel Monkey, the intelligent Brown Capuchin Monkey, the quiet Dusky Titi Monkey, and the rarely seen White-fronted Capuchin Monkey.

We return to the lodge for dinner.

Dinner at Dorado Lodge.

After dinner, we go on a night walk to search for nocturnal animals and insects such as night monkeys, pacas, spiders, scorpions, tarantulas, frogs, and snakes.

Day 3: Dorado Lodge – Parrot Clay Lick – Boca Manu Village – Tambo Blanquillo Lodge

Very early in the morning, we visit the Manu Parrot Clay Lick, a special site where many species of parrots, parakeets, and small macaws—such as Chestnut-fronted Macaws and Blue-headed Macaws—gather to consume small amounts of clay. The clay provides essential minerals and aids digestion by neutralizing toxins in their diet.

Breakfast at Dorado Lodge.

After breakfast, we navigate downstream on the Madre de Dios River for approximately two hours before stopping at Boca Manu Village. Here, we observe how local people build traditional wooden boats using sustainably harvested cedar from the Manu River.

Lunch will be served onboard the boat.

After lunch, we continue navigating downstream for approximately four more hours, watching for mammals along the riverbanks, until we reach Tambo Blanquillo Lodge.

Dinner at Tambo Blanquillo Lodge.

After dinner, we go on a night walk to observe nocturnal animals and insects.

Day 4: Manu Macaw Clay Lick – Blanco Oxbow Lake

Early in the morning, we take a 15-minute boat ride to the Manu Macaw Clay Lick, followed by a one-hour walk to reach the observation blind. From here, we observe parrots and parakeets feeding on the clay wall.

Breakfast will be served at the blind.

After breakfast, we remain at the blind to observe Red-and-Green Macaws arriving in pairs or small flocks. They perch in nearby trees while gathering in larger numbers before slowly descending to the clay wall to consume clay, which helps counteract the toxins and alkaloids found in the fruits and plants they eat.

Lunch at Tambo Blanquillo Lodge.

In the afternoon, we visit Blanco Oxbow Lake, where there is an excellent chance to observe a family of Giant River Otters swimming and feeding. The lake is also home to many bird species, including hoatzins, wattled jacanas, horned screamers, cocoi herons, ringed kingfishers, red-capped cardinals, yellow-rumped caciques, purple gallinules, and many others.

Return to the lodge by boat.

Dinner at Tambo Blanquillo Lodge.

Optional night walk.

Day 5: Manu Macaw Clay Lick – Camungo Oxbow Lake – Canopy Tower Platform

Optional early morning return to the Manu Macaw Clay Lick for another opportunity to observe parrots, parakeets, and macaws, with breakfast served at the blind. This activity is offered in case macaw sightings were limited the previous day.

Breakfast at Tambo Blanquillo Lodge.

After breakfast, we explore the Bamboo Trail and Blanquillo Lake on a three-hour walk, searching for birds, Giant Anteaters, and additional species of monkeys and mammals.

Return to the lodge for lunch.

Lunch at Tambo Blanquillo Lodge.

In the afternoon, we take a 15-minute boat ride to Camungo Oxbow Lake and explore the lake by wooden catamaran, observing Giant River Otters and bird species such as the Purus Jacamar.

Nearby, we have the opportunity to climb a 42-meter canopy tower, offering spectacular views of the rainforest canopy and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Dinner at Tambo Blanquillo Lodge.

Day 6: Tambo Blanquillo Lodge – Boca Colorado – Cusco or Puerto Maldonado

We depart very early in the morning, traveling downstream by boat along the Madre de Dios River for approximately five hours until reaching the town of Boca Colorado.

From Boca Colorado, we continue by four-wheel-drive vehicle for about one and a half hours to Puerto Punquiri, located on the banks of the Inambari River. We then cross the river by boat and continue by minivan either:

• To Cusco: approximately 10 hours

• To Puerto Maldonado: approximately 3 hours

End of the tour.