From Cusco: 3-Day Manu Amazon Jungle Expedition & Photos

Discover the Manu Amazon Jungle on a 3-day expedition from Cusco. Visit the Pre-Inca Chullpas of Ninamarca, see the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, and explore the Amazon's wildlife.
Day 1: Cusco – Cloud Forest – Pilcopata

Begin your adventure with a hotel pickup in Cusco at 5:30 AM. Travel along the Manu Highway, crossing scenic Andean valleys, traditional villages, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. Stop at Ninamarca to explore the fascinating pre-Inca funerary towers (Chullpas).

Continue to the charming colonial town of Paucartambo, famous for its beautiful arched bridge. From here, the road climbs toward Acjanaco Pass (3,550 m / 11,647 ft), the official gateway to Manu National Park.

After crossing the pass, descend into the misty cloud forest. This unique ecosystem is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. Birdwatching is one of the highlights, with opportunities to spot the spectacular Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Peru's national bird, as well as woolly monkeys if you're lucky.

The journey continues downhill to Pilcopata (670 m / 2,198 ft). Upon arrival (approximately 4:30 PM), check into a comfortable hotel featuring a private bathroom, hot shower, and Wi-Fi. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore the town at your own pace.

Day 2: Pilcopata – Lodge

After breakfast, travel to Atalaya Port, where you'll begin to appreciate the region's incredible biodiversity. Along the drive, pass tropical plantations growing papayas, bananas, and many other local fruits.

At the port, board a motorized boat and begin navigating the crystal-clear waters of the Alto Madre de Dios River, surrounded by spectacular rainforest scenery. During the river journey, observe a remarkable variety of wildlife, including herons, vultures, cormorants, and many other bird species before arriving at the jungle lodge.

After enjoying a delicious lunch, hike to Lake Machuwasi, where you'll explore the lake on traditional rafts. This peaceful wetland offers excellent opportunities to observe wildlife, including hoatzin (a prehistoric-looking bird), caimans, monkeys, capybaras (with a bit of luck), and numerous bird species. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 3: Lodge – Paucartambo – Cusco

Early in the morning, board your boat and head to the Macaw Clay Lick, a riverbank where different species of parrots and macaws gather every morning to feed on mineral-rich clay. Species commonly seen include the blue-headed parrot, white-eyed parakeet, chestnut-fronted macaw, and several other colorful parrots.

After this unforgettable wildlife experience, return to the lodge for breakfast before packing your belongings. Then, travel by boat back to Atalaya Port, where your private vehicle will be waiting to begin the return journey to Cusco.

Lunch will be served along the way. During the drive back, have more chances to spot wildlife and enjoy spectacular views of the cloud forest, lush vegetation, and beautiful waterfalls. Arrival in Cusco is expected between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM.

Para garantir a disponibilidade, reserve o mais cedo possível. A reserva antecipada vale a pena considerar especialmente se você estiver planejando a viagem durante a alta temporada, como feriados ou fins de semana.

Esta excursão você pode cancelar sem custo até 24 horas antes do início da viagem. Se você cancelar após 24 horas ou não comparecer à excursão, ainda será cobrado o preço total da atividade. Chegar atrasado na coleta ou partida será considerado como não comparecimento.