Detailed Tour Plan

Day 1: Cusco – Pona Lodge

We depart from 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 impressive landscapes and small highland communities.

Breakfast in Paucartambo Village.

After breakfast, we continue toward the entrance of the Manu Biosphere Reserve, reaching the Acjanaco Mountain Pass (3,550 m). From here, we enjoy spectacular views of the eastern slopes of the Andes and the Amazon rainforest canopy. As we descend, we witness a dramatic transition from puna grasslands to the cloud forest.

We stop for a guided walk along the road to look for wildlife such as the Golden-headed Quetzal, Cock-of-the-Rock, Amazonian Umbrellabird, trogons, Blue-banded Toucanet, as well as tanagers, euphonias, and monkeys including Gray Woolly Monkey and Large-headed Capuchin Monkey.

Picnic lunch along the Manu Road.

In the late afternoon, we arrive at Pona Lodge.
Dinner at the lodge.

Day 2: Pona Lodge – Atalaya River Port – Machuwasi Lagoon – Dorado Lodge

Breakfast at Pona Lodge.

After breakfast, we continue by van for about one hour, stopping to observe wildlife and enjoy views of the Madre de Dios River, before arriving at Atalaya River Port. From there, we travel downstream by motorized boat for about 30 minutes to reach Machuwasi Lagoon.

We walk along a one-hour trail to the lagoon and then explore it by balsa wood raft, observing birds such as Hoatzin, Horned Screamer, Yellow-rumped Cacique, Orange-backed Troupial, flycatchers, and many others.

We return to the river for lunch served onboard the boat.

After lunch, we continue downstream for approximately three hours until reaching Dorado Lodge. After a short rest, we explore nearby trails in search of monkeys such as Squirrel Monkey, Brown Capuchin, Dusky Titi Monkey, and the rarely seen White-fronted Capuchin Monkey.

Dinner at Dorado Lodge.

Night walk to observe nocturnal wildlife such as night monkeys, pacas, spiders, scorpions, tarantulas, frogs, and snakes.

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

Early morning visit to the Parrot Clay Lick, where parrots, parakeets, and small macaws such as Chestnut-fronted Macaw and Blue-headed Macaw gather to consume mineral-rich clay.

Breakfast at Dorado Lodge.

After breakfast, we navigate downstream for about two hours to Boca Manu Village, where we observe how local people build traditional wooden boats using eco-logged cedar.

Lunch served onboard.

After lunch, we continue navigating for four more hours, observing wildlife along the riverbanks, until reaching Tambo Blanquillo Lodge.

Dinner at the lodge.

Optional night walk to observe nocturnal animals and insects.

Day 4: Manu Macaw Clay Lick – Blanco Oxbow Lake

Early morning boat ride to the Manu Macaw Clay Lick, followed by a one-hour walk to the observation blind.

Breakfast served at the blind.

We wait for Red-and-Green Macaws to arrive in small groups, eventually congregating in large numbers to feed on the clay wall, which helps neutralize toxins in their diet.

Lunch at Tambo Blanquillo Lodge.

In the afternoon, we visit Blanco Oxbow Lake, with chances to observe Giant River Otters and birds such as Hoatzin, Wattled Jacana, Horned Screamer, Cocoi Heron, Ringed Kingfisher, Red-capped Cardinal, and Purple Gallinule.

Dinner at the lodge.
Optional night walk.

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

Early morning return to the macaw clay lick as a second opportunity for sightings.

Breakfast at the blind.

Later, we explore forest trails near the lodge, searching for additional species of birds and monkeys.

Lunch at the lodge.

In the afternoon, we travel by boat to Camungo Oxbow Lake and explore it by wooden catamaran, looking for Giant River Otters and birds such as the Purus Jacamar. Nearby, we climb a 42-meter canopy tower for panoramic views of the rainforest.

Dinner at the lodge.

Day 6: Tambo Blanquillo – Casa Matsiguenka Lodge

Early departure toward the Manu Reserved Zone.

Breakfast at Tambo Blanquillo Lodge.

We navigate upstream to the Limonal Ranger Station to register entry into Manu National Park. Lunch served onboard.

Throughout the day, we observe wildlife along the riverbanks, including side-necked turtles, black and white caimans, capybaras, tapirs, numerous bird species, and with luck, a jaguar.

Arrival at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge in the late afternoon.

Dinner and night walk.

Day 7: Salvador Oxbow Lake – Otorongo Oxbow Lake

Very early morning visit to Salvador Oxbow Lake, paddling quietly by catamaran to observe Giant River Otters, black caimans, and rare birds such as Hoatzins, Agami Herons, and White-throated Toucans.

Return to the lodge for breakfast.

Guided hike searching for monkeys, including the rare Monk Saki Monkey, peccaries, deer, and anteaters.

Lunch at the lodge.

In the afternoon, we visit Otorongo Oxbow Lake, climbing a tower for panoramic views before returning to the lodge by boat.

Dinner at the lodge.

Day 8: Casa Matsiguenka – Boca Manu – Dorado Lodge

Early morning departure downstream with breakfast onboard.

Stop at Limonal Ranger Station to sign out of the park.

Brief visit to Boca Manu Village.

Lunch onboard.

Continue navigating upstream on the Madre de Dios River to Dorado Lodge. Time to relax by the river.

Dinner at the lodge.
Optional night walk and tapir observation.

Day 9: Dorado Lodge – Shintuya Hot Springs – Pona Lodge

Early morning visit to the parrot clay lick.

Breakfast at Dorado Lodge.

Boat journey upstream to the Shintuya Hot Springs, where we enjoy a relaxing medicinal bath.

Lunch onboard.

Continue to Atalaya River Port, then travel by van to Pona Lodge.

Dinner at the lodge.

Day 10: Pona Lodge – Cusco

Breakfast at Pona Lodge.

Return to Cusco through the cloud forest, with stops for wildlife observation, including Cock-of-the-Rock, tanagers, quetzals, and trogons.

Picnic lunch along the road.

Arrival in Cusco in the late afternoon.