Manu Biosphere Reserve 7-Day Adventure

Trip Overview

For travelers willing to forgo modern travel, allow 2 days by canoe and car to get to the most remote jungle on the planet. Take your time and savor services from the entourage of support staff: a licensed guide, a private cook, a driver, and a boatman.

7 Days
$1534

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Day 1: Drive from Cusco to Lodge

0800 AM. Guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and begin drive from Cusco to the lodge. About 9 hours. The highest pass is 4000 msl. We travel through Qechua communities and farms, over the Andes Mountains and the enchanting cloud forest before descending into the Amazon basin. We get our first look at Peru's national bird, Andean Cock of the Rock . Arrive in Bambu lodge where your cook prepares dinner.

Day 2: Bambu Lodge - Casa Machiguenga

After breakfast, depart Bambu lodge for the 1 hour drive to the riverside village of Atalaya, with a stop to see native orchids. Continue to Atlaya where canoe is loaded and ride 9 hours to Casa Machiguenga for overnight. Your cook prepares meals in the canoe and again once you arrive at lodge.  The local Machiguenga people welcome you to the camp and show you to your cabin.  All buildings are elevated and rooms are screened. Each bed has linens and a mosquito net.  Without electricity, there are no lights, fans or refrigeration.  It's a short 2 minute walk to the bath house with private flushing toilets, open sinks and private showers. A cool shower is a relief from the sanguid heat, in spite of the fact that there is no hot water.

Day 3: Casa Machiguenga

Your cook will have breakfast ready. Join your guide to begin activities in the jungle. Walk to nearby oxbow lake where you are paddled around in hopes of seeing harpy eagle, otters, pre-historic looking hoatzin and opportunities for other wildlife viewing.  Walk through pristeen forests that have never been cut. Your guide is key to unlocking the secrets of the jungle. He will intentionally steer you to the known habitats of birds, mammals, amphibians, insects and plants. Back at the camp, individuals from the Machiguenga tribe will demonstrate skills needed to exist in the habitat in which they were born; weaving grass mats, shooting bow and arrow and creating fire from friction.  You will have the opportunity to test  your own expertise in these skills. 

Day 4: Casa Michaiguenga - Boca Manu

Depart Casa Machiguenga - exploring the area and wildlife viewing activities (by boat to Boca Manu) About 7 hours

Day 5: Boca Manu - Bambu Lodge

From Boca Manu lodge to port village of Atalaya. Meet up with van and drive to Bambu lodge
8 to 9 hours in motorized canoe - 1 hour by van to Bambu / Overnight in lodge 

Day 6: Bambu Lodge - Kanaku

Bambu lodge to mirador camping at kanaku (to watch the sun rise / best in June & July )
5 AM Observe - Gallito de las Rocas (cock of the rock)

Day 7: Kanaku Sunrise - Cusco

Rise before dawn and set out to see one of the most beautiful 
natural phenomena in the world: the sunrise at Tres Cruces de Oro (12,100 ft),
where the sun appears to "dance" in the sky. Continue by car to your hotel in Cusco (5 hrs drive)

 

Tour Options

7 Days

Days/Nights:
7 D / 6 N
Difficulty Level:
Easy
Departure:
Custom
Starting From$1534per person

Frequently Asked Questions

Coming soon! Send your questions to [email protected].

This Adventure Includes

    • All ground and boat transportation
    • All accommodations in rustic lodge, camps and hotels. (Some lodges may have shared bathrooms and showers
    • English-speaking licensed guide and assistants
    • Boatman and assistant
    • Cook and equipment
    • All meals/bottled water (B,L,D and snacks)
    • Entrance fees to Manu National Park

Not Included

    • Flights to Cusco
    • Hotels in Cusco (can be added on request)
    • Meals/bottled water in Cusco or in transit
    • Additional snacks, bottled drinks and alcohol
    • Trip to Machu Picchu (click here to see how to add on)
    • Binoculars or viewing devices
    • Travel insurance
    • Tips

Notes

    • Itinerary subject to change
    • Private trips only / minimum 4 people
    • Begins and ends in Cusco, Peru
    • Can be combined with a visit to Machu Picchu
    • Best time to travel is May through October
    • Very little access to electricity / solar panels useful for charging devices
    • No AC and no fans