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 to Paucartambo, a colonial village. Along the way, we pass impressive landscapes and small highland communities.

Breakfast in Paucartambo Village.

After leaving Paucartambo, 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 observe the fascinating transition from puna grasslands to the cloud forest.

Our guide leads a gentle walk along the road, searching for iconic bird species such as the Golden-headed Quetzal, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Amazonian Umbrellabird, trogons, Blue-banded Toucanet, as well as smaller birds like tanagers and euphonias. We may also see monkeys such as the 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 – Boca Manu – Tambo Blanquillo Lodge

Breakfast at Pona Lodge.

After breakfast, we continue by van for about one hour, making stops to observe local wildlife and enjoy views of the Madre de Dios River, before reaching Atalaya River Port. From here, we travel downstream by motorized boat along the Madre de Dios River toward Tambo Blanquillo Lodge.

Lunch served onboard the boat.

After lunch, we continue navigating downstream, watching for mammals along the riverbanks, until reaching Tambo Blanquillo Lodge.

Dinner at the lodge.

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

Day 3: Manu Macaw Clay Lick – Camungo Oxbow Lake – Canopy Tower

Early in the morning, we take a short 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 pairs or small flocks, perching in nearby trees before gradually descending to the clay wall. The clay helps neutralize toxins and alkaloids found in the fruits and plants that make up their diet.

Lunch at Tambo Blanquillo Lodge.

In the afternoon, we take a 15-minute boat ride to Camungo Oxbow Lake, where we explore the area by wooden catamaran in search of 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.
Optional night walk.

Day 4: Tambo Blanquillo – Casa Matsiguenka Lodge

We wake up very early in the morning to enter the Manu Reserved Zone.

Breakfast at Tambo Blanquillo Lodge.

From Tambo Blanquillo Lodge, we navigate upstream on the Madre de Dios River for approximately five hours until reaching the Manu River. We stop at Limonal Ranger Station to register and enter Manu National Park, with time to use the facilities and stretch our legs.

Lunch served onboard.

Throughout the day, we observe wildlife along the riverbanks and surrounding forest, including side-necked river turtles, black and white caimans, bird species such as Neotropic Cormorants, Great Egrets, and Kingfishers, as well as mammals like monkeys, capybaras, tapirs, and—with luck—the spectacular jaguar resting along the riverbanks.

Arrival at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge in the late afternoon.

Dinner at the lodge.

In the evening, we go on a night walk to search for nocturnal animals and insects.

Day 5: Casa Matsiguenka Lodge – Salvador Oxbow Lake – Otorongo Oxbow Lake

Very early in the morning, we visit Salvador Oxbow Lake, paddling quietly by catamaran. Here, we may observe the famous family of Giant River Otters, black caimans along the shore, and rare birds such as Hoatzins (Opisthocomus hoatzin), Agami Herons, and White-throated Toucans.

Return to the lodge for breakfast.

After breakfast, we take a guided hike along a 1.5-hour trail in search of monkeys—especially the rare Monk Saki Monkey—as well as peccaries, deer, anteaters, and a small macaw clay lick frequented by Red-and-Green Macaws.

Lunch at the lodge.

In the afternoon, we navigate downstream on the Manu River to visit Otorongo Oxbow Lake. For a better view of the scenery and wildlife, we climb an observation tower overlooking the lake before returning to the river and navigating back to Casa Matsiguenka Lodge, with another chance to spot a jaguar along the riverbank.

Dinner at the lodge.

Day 6: Casa Matsiguenka – Boca Manu Village – Dorado Eco Lodge

Early morning departure downstream along the Manu River, enjoying one last opportunity to observe untouched rainforest wildlife.

Breakfast served onboard.

We stop at Limonal Ranger Station to sign out of the park. After reaching the confluence of the Manu and Madre de Dios Rivers, we continue for a short distance to Boca Manu Village, where we learn about the traditional artisanal boat-building, the main economic activity of the community.

Lunch served onboard.

In the afternoon, we navigate upstream on the Madre de Dios River for approximately three hours until reaching Dorado Lodge. Time to relax by the river, swim, or enjoy the sunset by a campfire.

Dinner at the lodge.
Optional night walk with a chance to see the Brazilian Tapir.

Day 7: Dorado Eco Lodge – Shintuya Hot Springs – Pona Lodge

Early in the morning, we visit the Manu Parrot Clay Lick, where parrots, parakeets, and small macaws gather to consume mineral-rich clay.

Breakfast at Dorado Lodge.

After breakfast, we travel by boat upstream toward Atalaya River Port, watching for wildlife along the riverbanks such as capybaras, red brocket deer, giant anteaters, and—with luck—a jaguar. We stop at the Shintuya Hot Springs to enjoy a relaxing medicinal bath.

Lunch served onboard.

After lunch, we continue upstream to Atalaya River Port, where a minivan takes us to Pona Lodge for the final night.

Dinner at Pona Lodge.

Day 8: Pona Lodge – Cusco

Breakfast at Pona Lodge.

After breakfast, we return to Cusco through the cloud forest, making one final walk along the road in search of monkeys and birds such as the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, tanagers, quetzals, trogons, and many other species.

Picnic lunch along the Manu Road.

Arrival in Cusco in the late afternoon.