Birds and Nature in Manu Park Cultural 3 Days 2 Nights
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Accommodation
- Lodge
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Group Size
- 15 People
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Max Altitude
- 3,560 m / 11,680 ft
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Physical Level
- Easy
The Manu Tour 3 Days gives a great first impression of one of Peru’s most bio diverse places with plentiful cloud forest and views of the Amazon rainforest, as well as many rare species of animals and real jungle accommodations. This journey is all about nature and culture, where you can see the Andes of Cusco and visit various spectacular places in the Manu Biosphere Reserve.
Visit the beautiful colonial town of Paucartambo, where you will pass through the entrance to Manu National Park through Acjanaco Pass before getting into the majestic cloud forest that is flourishing with orchids, giant ferns, bright tropical birds, and, if you are lucky, the mysterious Spectacled Bear. Then, you will travel into lowland rain forests where oceans, lakes, and dense forests serve as a perfect environment for monkeys, macaws, parrots, caimans, capybaras, as well as hundreds of breeds of tropical birds.
As part of your trip, you will enjoy luxury jungle lodges that offer private bathrooms, utilize both land and motorized boat travel, and observe the rainforest with experienced local guides. Visit the Parrot Clay Lick, use catamarans to explore Machuwasi Lake, seek wildlife during optional nighttime excursions and learn about the incredible wildlife diversity that makes Manu one of the most important protected ecosystems on Earth.
The Manu Tour 3 Days is perfect for those looking for a convenient Amazon experience involving wildlife watching, rain forest exploration, cozy lodging, and original nature experience departing from Cusco.
US$ 380 / person
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- Flexible Dates
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Hightlights
The Manu Park tours from Cusco are a short option that allows us to get to know one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, in the ecosystems of the Andes, cloud forest, hill forest and Amazon plain. A sample of plants, birds, insects, reptiles and mammals can be observed during the Manu Park tours from Cusco. The visiting area on the Manu Park tours from Cusco includes the buffer zone of the Manu National Park (commonly known as the cultural zone).
Manu Tour 3 Days Highlights
- Journey from the Andes into the Amazon rainforest in just three days.
- Explore the spectacular Cloud Forest and Manu Biosphere Reserve.
- Visit the colonial town of Paucartambo and Ninamarca Chullpas.
- Observe the famous Cock of the Rock in its natural habitat.
- Navigate the Madre de Dios River by motorized canoe.
- Visit Machuwasi Lake aboard a traditional catamaran.
- Discover the colorful Parrot Clay Lick.
- Spot monkeys, tropical birds, caimans, capybaras, orchids, and native wildlife.
- Stay in comfortable jungle lodges with private rooms and bathrooms.
- Travel with experienced local naturalist guides.
Manu Tour 3 Days at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco – Paucartambo – Cloud Forest – Pilcopata
Leave Cusco early in the morning and travel across the Andes to the picturesque town of Paucartambo before entering the breathtaking Cloud Forest through Acjanaco Pass. Visit the ancient Ninamarca funerary towers, admire orchids, giant ferns, waterfalls, and search for the colorful Cock of the Rock, Peru’s national bird. Continue descending into the Amazon foothills until reaching your comfortable jungle lodge in Pilcopata for your first night surrounded by nature.
Day 2: Pilcopata – Atalaya – Machuwasi Lake – Paititi Lodge
Continue deeper into the Amazon rainforest by road to Atalaya before boarding a motorized canoe along the Madre de Dios River toward Paititi Lodge. During the journey, keep an eye out for monkeys, colorful birds, and other wildlife. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Machuwasi oxbow lake aboard a traditional catamaran, searching for hoatzins, caimans, capybaras, reptiles, and numerous bird species before spending the night immersed in the rainforest.
Day 3: Parrot Clay Lick – Cloud Forest – Return to Cusco
Wake up before sunrise for a boat excursion to the impressive Parrot Clay Lick, where hundreds of green parrots gather every morning to feed on mineral-rich clay. After breakfast, begin the return journey by boat to Atalaya and continue by vehicle through the Cloud Forest, enjoying another opportunity to observe wildlife and lush tropical scenery before arriving back in Cusco in the early evening.
Why Choose Uros Expeditions for Your Manu Tour 3 Days?
At Uros Expeditions, we believe that exploring the Amazon should be comfortable, authentic, and responsibly operated. Our Manu Tour 3 Days is carefully designed to combine wildlife encounters, knowledgeable local guides, comfortable accommodations, and seamless logistics, allowing you to fully enjoy one of the world’s most biodiverse destinations without worrying about the details.
- Experienced Naturalist Guides – Explore the Manu region with professional guides who specialize in Amazon wildlife, birdwatching, flora, and local ecosystems.
- Comfortable Jungle Lodges – Stay in carefully selected lodges with private rooms and bathrooms, providing comfort while remaining surrounded by nature.
- Excellent Wildlife Opportunities – Maximize your chances of spotting the Cock of the Rock, monkeys, parrots, macaws, hoatzins, caimans, capybaras, butterflies, and many other rainforest species.
- Small Group Experience – Travel in smaller groups for a more personal experience, better wildlife observation, and greater interaction with your guide.
- Complete Transportation Included – Enjoy comfortable tourist transportation from Cusco, river navigation by motorized boat, and all scheduled transfers throughout the tour.
- Authentic Amazon Experience – Discover the incredible transition from the Andes to the Cloud Forest and finally into the Amazon rainforest, experiencing several ecosystems in a single journey.
- Responsible & Sustainable Tourism – We support responsible travel practices that respect local communities, wildlife, and the fragile ecosystems of the Manu Biosphere Reserve.
- 24/7 Local Assistance – Our local operations team is available throughout your journey to ensure a safe, smooth, and memorable adventure.
Manu Tour 3 Days at a Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Paucartambo – Cloud Forest – Pilcopata
Your Manu adventure begins early in the morning as we leave Cusco behind and travel across the breathtaking Andes toward the Peruvian Amazon. Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic mountain views, traditional Andean villages, and beautiful valleys before arriving in the colorful colonial town of Paucartambo, a place rich in history and local traditions.
Our first stop is the archaeological site of Ninamarca, where ancient pre-Inca funerary towers stand on the hillside overlooking the valley. After exploring this fascinating site, we continue to Acjanaco Pass, the official entrance to Manu National Park. At more than 3,500 meters (11,480 ft), this viewpoint marks the dramatic transition from the Andes to the Amazon rainforest.
As we descend into the mystical Cloud Forest, the scenery changes completely. The mountains become covered with dense vegetation, orchids, giant ferns, mosses, and cascading waterfalls. This ecosystem is one of the best places in Peru to observe wildlife, including hummingbirds, butterflies, monkeys, and, if we’re lucky, the spectacular Cock of the Rock, Peru’s national bird, displaying its vibrant orange feathers.
In the afternoon, we continue deeper into the Amazon foothills until reaching the peaceful village of Pilcopata. After checking into our comfortable jungle lodge, you’ll have time to relax, enjoy dinner, and experience your first evening surrounded by the unforgettable sounds of the rainforest.
Day 2: Pilcopata – Atalaya – Madre de Dios River – Machuwasi Lake – Paititi Lodge
Wake up to the sounds of the jungle and enjoy a hearty breakfast before continuing toward Atalaya, where our Amazon river adventure begins. From here, we board a motorized canoe and travel along the beautiful Madre de Dios River, one of the Amazon Basin’s most important waterways.
As we cruise through the rainforest, keep your eyes on the riverbanks and treetops. This area is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including monkeys, colorful parrots, macaws, herons, kingfishers, turtles, and countless tropical birds. Every bend in the river offers a new opportunity to discover the extraordinary biodiversity that makes Manu one of the richest ecosystems on the planet.
After arriving at Paititi Lodge, you’ll settle into your accommodation and enjoy lunch before heading out for another exciting wildlife experience.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit the peaceful Machuwasi Oxbow Lake aboard a traditional catamaran. Floating quietly across the lake allows us to observe wildlife without disturbing its natural habitat. Look for the unique Hoatzin, black caimans, capybaras, turtles, reptiles, and a remarkable variety of bird species that thrive around the lake.
As the day comes to an end, return to the lodge for dinner and relax beneath a sky full of stars while listening to the sounds of the Amazon. Depending on weather conditions, there may also be an opportunity for a short night walk to discover frogs, insects, spiders, and other fascinating nocturnal creatures.
Day 3: Parrot Clay Lick – Return to Cusco
Before sunrise, we’ll take a short boat ride to visit one of the Amazon’s most fascinating natural attractions—the Parrot Clay Lick. Every morning, hundreds of green parrots gather along the riverbank to feed on mineral-rich clay, a natural behavior that helps them neutralize toxins from the fruits and seeds they eat. Watching this colorful spectacle in the early morning light is one of the highlights of the tour.
After returning to the lodge for breakfast, we begin our journey back to Atalaya by boat before continuing by private vehicle toward Cusco.
The drive back offers another chance to enjoy the incredible landscapes of the Cloud Forest. We’ll make several stops at scenic viewpoints where you can admire the dramatic transition between the Amazon rainforest and the towering Andes while keeping an eye out for wildlife that may appear along the route.
After three unforgettable days exploring one of the world’s most biodiverse destinations, we arrive back in Cusco in the early evening. This journey through Manu leaves you with incredible wildlife encounters, spectacular landscapes, and memories that will stay with you long after your adventure comes to an end.
Included/Not Included
What’s Included
- Private ground transportation throughout the tour.
- Private river transportation by motorized boat.
- Professional English-speaking naturalist guide.
- High-quality binoculars and spotting telescope for wildlife observation.
- All meals during the tour (except breakfast on Day 1), including snacks.
- Purified mineral drinking water throughout the expedition.
- Comfortable jungle lodge accommodation with private bathroom.
- Professional cook preparing fresh local meals.
- Experienced boat captain and professional support staff.
- Comprehensive first aid kit and safety equipment.
- Entrance fees to all attractions and protected areas included in the itinerary.
- Solar-powered battery charging available at the lodge.
- One pair of rubber boots for jungle walks.
What’s Not Included
- Breakfast on the first day.
- Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and bottled water on the first day.
- Personal expenses and gratuities (optional).
What to Bring
- Warm clothing for the early mornings, as temperatures can be cool along the river.
- Lightweight waterproof jacket or rain gear.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Binoculars (recommended for wildlife watching).
- High-SPF sunscreen.
- Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries.
- Sun hat or cap.
- Long-sleeved shirts and lightweight long pants for protection against insects.
- Mosquito repellent containing at least 10% DEET.
- Sandals, swimwear, and a quick-dry towel.
- Personal toiletries, including toilet paper.
- Extra cash for personal expenses, souvenirs, or optional purchases.
Prices
Travel with a small group from Cusco to the Manu Biosphere Reserve and discover one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Journey through the cloud forest, explore the Amazon rainforest by boat, visit Machuwasi Lake and the Parrot Clay Lick, and keep an eye out for monkeys, macaws, caimans, capybaras, and many other species with the help of experienced local guides.
This shared tour is an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience the Amazon in a comfortable and well-organized way while sharing the adventure with other nature lovers. If your itinerary includes overnight accommodations, you can also upgrade your lodge to one of our premium or luxury options. Contact us for available upgrades before confirming your reservation.
Travel Info
Manu National Park
Due to its diversity and biological richness, it was recognized as a natural heritage of humanity in 1987, and previously (in 1977) UNESCO recognized it as a core biosphere reserve area.
Manu National Park is a natural reserve where you can see Orinoco geese, the golden-headed quetzal, the white-throated jacamar, the Andean toucan, the cock-of-the-rock (national bird of Peru), among others.
10% of the world’s plant species are also protected by mine. There are more than 220 species of trees, 1000 species of birds, 1200 species of butterflies and 200 species of mammals per hectare of Manu.
It is probably the protected park with the greatest biological diversity in the world.
People are interested in this region not only for its flora and fauna or its beautiful nature. It is home to more than 30 Quechua-speaking agricultural communities.
The park was established on May 29, 1973 and is one of the best nature tourism destinations. The Peruvian Amazon has never been on public display like in Manu National Park, a World Heritage Site.
Here everything seems to be in its purest form: 221 species of mammals, thousands of species of birds and a variety of climatic conditions, from low tropical jungles to cold punas above 4000 meters above sea level. Local residents also live in Manu and preserve their traditions; some are in complete voluntary isolation.
Although there are still mysteries to discover, what Manu shows us is brilliant and unforgettable.
The Manu Park tours from Cusco are a short option that allows us to get to know one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, in the ecosystems of the Andes, cloud forest, hill forest and Amazon plain. A sample of plants, birds, insects, reptiles and mammals can be observed during the Manu Park tours from Cusco. The visiting area on the Manu Park tours from Cusco includes the buffer zone of the Manu National Park (commonly known as the cultural zone).
Admire the impressive Manu National Park
Manu National Park was established on May 29, 1973 and is considered one of Peru’s natural reserves, an important source of flora and fauna and home to the richest biodiversity in the world.
The Manu National Park is located in the Province of Paucartambo in Cusco and the Province of Manu in Madre de Dios and has an area of 1,716,295.22 hectares and covers the entire Manu River basin. Located in the heart of the Amazon, it is full of all kinds of strange fauna and beautiful landscapes surrounded by diverse flora. It is also home to more than 30 indigenous communities who fight every day to protect their homes while welcoming visitors. As for local fauna, 222 species of mammals have been identified in the Manu National Park, including the otorongo, black tiger, sachavaca, peccary, deer, ronsoco and the black maquisapa monkey. In addition, 1,005 types of birds live in Manu, such as the harpy eagle, jabirú, roseate spoonbill, jungle goose and the cock-of-the-rock. On the other hand, it has the world record in diversity of amphibians and reptiles, 155 and 132 species, respectively. Finally, it is home to more than 50 species of snakes, 40 species of lizards, 6 species of turtles, 3 species of alligators and 210 types of fish.
The flora of Manu National Park is impressive and unique. The aguajale forests are one of the most outstanding ecosystems, where you can witness the aguaje palm trees and the huasaí. There is evidence of at least 4,385 identified flora species. In one hectare of land there are up to 250 species of trees. Manu National Park offers tourists various interesting attractions. For example, the Tres Cruces viewpoint offers a special sunrise panorama at more than 3,600 meters above the Amazon plain. On the other hand, you can visit one of the most famous tropical research centers: the Cocha Cashu Biological Station. Another attractive option is the Interpretation Center located at the ´El Limonal´ surveillance post. Peruvian authorities, such as the National Protected Areas Service (SERNANP), try to protect the most representative sample of biodiversity in the tropical forests of southeastern Peru. Additionally, promote the development of these dazzling parks by recognizing and protecting their cultural diversity.
The Manu Park tours from Cusco are a short option that allows us to get to know one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, in the ecosystems of the Andes, cloud forest, hill forest and Amazon plain. A sample of plants, birds, insects, reptiles and mammals can be observed during the Manu Park tours from Cusco. The visiting area on the Manu Park tours from Cusco includes the buffer zone of the Manu National Park (commonly known as the cultural zone).
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