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.

We then continue toward the entrance of the Manu Biosphere Reserve, reaching the Acjanaco Mountain Pass (3,550 m), where we enjoy panoramic 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. Your guide will lead a gentle walk along the road in search of iconic bird species such as the Golden-headed Quetzal, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Amazonian Umbrellabird, trogons, Blue-banded Toucanet, and many smaller birds including tanagers and euphonias. There is also a chance to spot 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 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 – Machuwasi Lagoon – Dorado Lodge

Breakfast at Pona Lodge.

After breakfast, we continue by van for approximately one hour, making interesting stops to observe local wildlife and enjoy views of the Madre de Dios River before reaching Atalaya River Port.

From Atalaya, we navigate downstream by motorized boat along the Madre de Dios River for about 30 minutes to reach Machuwasi Lagoon, the first navigable lagoon along the river. We walk for about one hour before reaching the lagoon, then explore it on a balsa wood raft, enjoying the surrounding scenery and observing bird species such as Hoatzins, Horned Screamers, Yellow-rumped Caciques, Orange-backed Troupials, flycatchers, and many other birds.

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

After lunch, we continue navigating downstream for approximately three more hours until reaching Dorado Lodge. After a short break, we explore one of the forest trails in search of monkeys such as the energetic Squirrel Monkey, the intelligent Brown Capuchin Monkey, the quiet Dusky Titi Monkey, and the rarely seen White-fronted Capuchin Monkey.

Return to the lodge for dinner.
Dinner at Dorado Lodge.

After dinner, we enjoy a night walk to observe nocturnal animals and insects such as night monkeys, pacas, spiders, scorpions, tarantulas, frogs, and snakes.

Day 3: Dorado Lodge – Casa Matsiguenka Lodge

Early morning departure as we look for wildlife along the riverbanks, including capybaras, red brocket deer, and—with luck—jaguars, giant anteaters, and many bird species. We travel downstream on the Madre de Dios River for approximately two hours until reaching its confluence with the Manu River, then navigate upstream to Limonal Ranger Station to register and enter Manu National Park.

At the ranger station, there is time to use the restroom and stretch.
Breakfast served onboard.

We continue traveling throughout the day, observing wildlife along the riverbanks and surrounding forest, including side-necked river turtles, black and white caimans, birds such as Neotropic Cormorants, Great Egrets, Kingfishers, and mammals such as monkeys, capybaras, tapirs, and possibly the spectacular jaguar resting on sandbanks.

Lunch served onboard.

We arrive at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge in the early afternoon. After a short rest, we take a guided walk through the primary rainforest to gain our first impression of the pristine environment of Manu National Park. On the return walk in the evening, we search for nocturnal animals and insects.

Dinner at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge.

Day 4: Casa Matsiguenka Lodge – Salvador Oxbow Lake – Otorongo Oxbow Lake

Very early in the morning, we visit Salvador Oxbow Lake, paddling quietly in a catamaran. Here, we may observe the famous family of giant river otters, black caimans, and rare birds such as Hoatzins (Opisthocomus hoazin), Agami Herons, and White-throated Toucans, as well as several monkey species.

Return to the lodge for breakfast.
Breakfast at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge.

Later, we take a 1.5-hour hike in search of wildlife, especially the rare Monk Saki Monkey, as well as peccaries, deer, anteaters, and a small macaw clay lick visited by Red-and-green Macaws.

Lunch at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge.

In the afternoon, we navigate the Manu River downstream to visit Otorongo Oxbow Lake. We climb a viewing tower to enjoy panoramic views of the lake and its wildlife, then walk along forest trails back to the river. A one-hour boat ride returns us to Casa Matsiguenka Lodge, offering another chance to spot a jaguar along the riverbanks.

Dinner at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge.

Day 5: Casa Matsiguenka – Boca Manu Village – Dorado Eco Lodge

We depart Casa Matsiguenka Lodge very early in the morning, navigating downstream along the Manu River for one last opportunity to observe the undisturbed wildlife found only in the Manu rainforest.

Breakfast served onboard.

Our final stop on the Manu River is at Limonal Ranger Station to check out of the park. We then continue to the confluence of the Manu and Madre de Dios rivers and make a brief stop in Boca Manu Village, where we observe the traditional artisanal construction of wooden boats, the village’s main economic activity.

Lunch served onboard.

After lunch, we navigate upstream on the Madre de Dios River for approximately three hours to reach Dorado Lodge. Free time to relax, swim in the river, or enjoy the sunset by a campfire.

Dinner at Dorado Lodge.

Optional night walk to observe nocturnal insects and visit a camouflage shelter for a chance to spot the Brazilian tapir.

Day 6: Dorado Eco Lodge – Shintuya Hot Springs – Pona Lodge

Very early in the morning, we visit the Manu Parrot Clay Lick, where parrots, parakeets, and small macaws such as Chestnut-fronted Macaws and Blue-headed Macaws gather to consume mineral-rich clay that aids digestion.

Breakfast at Dorado Lodge.

After breakfast, we travel by boat back toward Atalaya River Port, watching for wildlife along the riverbanks. We stop at the Shintuya Hot Springs, where we enjoy a relaxing medicinal bath.

Lunch served onboard.

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

Day 7: Pona Lodge – Cusco

Breakfast at Pona Lodge.

After breakfast, we return to Cusco through the cloud forest, with final opportunities to observe wildlife, including monkeys and birds such as 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.