Manu National Park - Cultural Zone
Cusco - Cloud Forest - Guadalupe Nature Reserve - Rainforest
Duration
4 Days
Max. Altitude
11.647 ft - 3.550 m.
Activities
Photography, Wild Life, Bird Watching, Medicinal Plants, Traditions, History.
Difficulty
Mild
Transport
Van, Boat and Canoe
Tour Description
A magnificent wildlife and cultural experience to admire the Manu National Park Cultural Zone through diverse ecosystems with stunning views of the Andes and the cloud forest, through the mountains and diverse ecosystems mountain hill forest, foothills, etc. The tour gives the opportunity to visit oxbow lakes system of trails, parrot clay lick, caves to look for spiders and bats. Our Guadalupe lodge its carefully designed from tranquility and chances to observe the blue and gold macaws at close range, our guides will do their best to share their knowledge and interpret the great diversity of life forms and natural settings in the rainforest.
Trip Highlights
- Guided in the colonial village of Paucartambo.
- Descent to the cloud forest and walk along the road.
- Visit of the pre-Inca cemetery ruins at Ninamarca.
- Observe the Blue and yellow macaws and other parrots.
- Spotting the amazing cock-of-the-rock, considered our national bird.
- Oxbow lake exploration on local rafts.
- Motor boat ride along the Alto Madre de Dios river.
Itinerary
1st Day
2nd Day
3rd Day
4th Day
1st Day
Cusco – Guadalupe Lodge
From 11.647 ft to 1.837 ft
Leaving Cusco in the morning the beginning of the Manu Road passes through numerous dry inner-montane valleys during the trip along the small road you can enjoy the native villages and locals going about their lives in their colorful attires We will stop briefly at the Ninamarca which is an arqueological site with its pre-incas tombs.
We travel at leisure making several stops including many photos opportunities exploring the high-elevation mountains, continuing on we visited the village of Paucartambo with its beautiful arched colonial bridge. From Paucartambo we climbed yet again and gradually became enveloped in a cloudy mist soon we arrived at Acjanaco pass and gateway to Manu National Park.
Once across Acjanaco Pass (3550 m / 11.647 ft) the environment changed dramatically passing from dry valleys to wet and also the view looking down toward the lowlands is stunning.
The lush and misty cloud forest surrounded by massive rocks and waterfalls is perhaps the most fragile and threatened type of rainforest, which is the kingdom of lichens, moss our main target will of course the Peruvian national bird the brightly red Andean Cock of the Rock displays daily for female but the tanager flock here are also incredible and some colorful birds such as mountains toucans, quetzals.
As we descend we’ll head straight down to(560 m/ 1837 ft) Overnight, Guadalupe Lodge.
2nd Day
Guadalupe Nature Reserve
1.837 ft
On this morning we will visit to the Parrot clay lick along the road and other interesting birds like the great potto walking along the Palm forest its alos to observe the Blue and yellow macaws and other interesting parrots and parakeets.
After these activities you will be happy to come back to our lodge , enjoy the delicious typical breakafast made of fresh tropicals fruits with nice view of our garden wthat later we will learn about the different medicinal and traditional plants such as; Coca leaf, Cacao “Chocolate Tree” Bambo water , annatto etc.
after this morning activities we can swimming along the Guadalupe river , the water that flows downstream its unpolluted and cristalline which emerges out from the park core.
During our afternoon time depending of the group whishes we can explore the fascinating canyon and caves to look and spot some rare creatures of the darkness such as bats and spider scorpions that its located in the vicnity of the Lodge after this interesting activity we can walk for couple of hours along the bamboo forest where the monkeys have seen several time and ending the day looking for the caimans along the creeks.
3rd Day
River Boat Expedition and Oxbow Lake
1.625 ft
At dawn we will wake up with the singing of the Amazonian birds and have the chances to walk around our garden after having breakfast we will start our journey to the Atalaya port where will appreciate many colourful birds and beautiful views, once we arrive at Atalaya river port we will get board our motor boat with good save equipment and navigate down this crystalline river of Madre de Dios.
Then we continue by boat and travel an hour to get close to the wildlife at the known, Machuhuassy Oxbow Lake enjoy those beautiful wetlands with its lush vegetation, variety of birds such as; hoatzins (primitive bird), horned screamer, hawk, herons on a lucky day some monkeys and even capibaras can be seen during activities.
This lagoon its reachable by boat and a 2 kilometers walk into the forest after this explorations we will enjoy a traditional lunch cooked by our professional cheff while we are floating on the wooden canoe down the Madre de Dios river.
At mid-afternoon, we start walking through the primary forest searching families of monkeys, peccaries as well as giant kapok trees, during this hike our expert guide will explain about medicinal plants, reptiles, mammals, etc.
After this exploratory walk we will board our motor boat and return to the to Guadalupe Lodge.
4th Day
Guadalupe Nature Reserve – Cusco
From 1.837 ft to 11,200 ft
We will certainly visit the Parrot Clay Lick allowing the weather condition, which is also a good activity in our rainforest trip.
After breakfast we will get ready for packing and we go briefly to visit the wild animals rescued center which is runs by a local family in Manu and this will be chances to see more animals after that we make our way back to Cusco, we may take glimpses of colorful birds again and also we will enjoy the breathtaking views of the exuberant cloud forest again and crossing rushing creek which are originated in the mountain peaks.
we will arrive to Cusco at around 5:00 PM.
Included:
- Naturalist Guide.
- Tour Transport (van and Boat).
- Entrances fees.
- 3 meals a day.
- 3 nights lodge at Guadalupe Lodge (Private Toilets and Hot showers, electricity, rocking seat that overlooks the garden).
- Mineral water + Snacks.
- Rubber boots + Duffel bags.
Not included:
- Tips, Extra expenses.
- Binocular, Alcoholic drinks,
- First Breakfast and last day dinner.
- Original passport.
- Binoculars.
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- Small back pack and confortable shoes.
- Rain jacket or poncho (December – April).
- Three complete change of clothing.
- Sport sandals or water shoes.
- Personal hygiene products.
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun.
- Sun block (sun protection cream).
- Insect repellent.
- Snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, etc.
- Camera, plenty of film and batteries.
- Sunglasses
- Extra Money (soles).
- Swimwear.
Altitude
As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Over several days at high altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air.
With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office and we will help you get to a doctor.
Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea. Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the coca plant contain alkaloids which helps bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicines, such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude.
Weather
Of course weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December – just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, please make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho and waterproof gloves.
Also prepare for four seasons. Many of the treks through the Andes involve many micro-climates and you will need to be prepared for all seasons. Layers are always key as they are easy to adjust to the different temperatures. And evenings will always be cold, so please be prepared with a warm, winter-weight jacket.
Can I design my own trip?
Absolutely. If you want you can change the program according your interest, just let us know and the Neotropic Travel Designer is going to give you more options.
Are flights included?
Unfortunately no. Neotropic Peru does not include flights for this trip.
How many people will be part of my tour group?
Our organized itineraries like this 4 Day tour through Cusco region are typically done as individual bookings. While others may join you if interested in the same day, the groups will always be small up to 12 people max. Private groups are very easily accommodated as well.
Can I bring my luggage to Manu?
All larger luggage should stay in Cusco and can be stored either at your hotel or with us at our deposit.
Which Vaccines Do I Need for Peru?
Vaccines for Peru vary based on your specific itinerary. A Passport Health travel specialist will help you decide which vaccines are best for you. The CDC and WHO have recommended that travelers receive the following vaccines:
- Yellow Fever
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
Related Tours
