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The Biotrip From the Andes to the Amazon. Manu Peru

This five-night program provides a complete overview of the habitats and wildlife of all elevations along the road-and-river route from Cusco to the Manu lowlands. We travel in our expedition bus down the orchid-festooned cloud forest road to Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, which offers the world's finest viewing of these blazing scarlet birds. The following day, we drive and boat to Pantiacolla Lodge in the foothills of the Andes. On day three, we boat to Manu Wildlife Center and spend three nights there exploring the vast Manu lowlands.

This trip includes one visit each to the Macaw Clay Lick, the Tapir Clay Lick, a canopy platform, and a mature oxbow lake. On the last day, you fly out to Cusco.

Two fixed departure per week departing from Cusco.

The Bio Trip Manu

Duration: 6 days/5 nights
Fixed departures. WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY

This is one of the most interesting nature trips in the world. You will travel through the best transect from the highlands to the lowlands that includes different ecosystems with its particular flora and fauna like: Andes, Puna, Cloud Forest, Jungle highland and lowland.

Highlights of the tour: The Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Tapir lick and macaw clay lick and much more.

Day 1: Cusco/Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge
We pick you up by bus from your hotel, after your breakfast, and set off for the cloud forest. We pass over two Andean chains of almost 13,100 feet elevation through a steppe-like landscape, or Puna. On the way we pass stone Chullpas, or burial chambers, of the Pre-Inca people and will hope to catch sight of some of the bird species of the high Andes, including the Giant Hummingbird and Mountain Caracara.
We plan on a delicious boxed lunch at the edge of the cloud forest, Ajanaco, which if clear affords views over the cloud forest and the vast sprawling expanse of the lowland rain forest. From here the road suddenly descends the eastern slope of the Andes. We plunge downwards, past remnant patches of elfin forest, through swirling mist and cloud, to emerge in a forest of stunted, evergreen trees, festooned with mosses, lichens, bromeliads and other epiphytes. Nestled in this forest within a 2-minute walk of the road, and within earshot of a rushing mountain stream, lies the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, If there is time available, we will have a chance to briefly began our exploration of the surrounding forest before dinner. (Box Lunch,D)

Day 2: Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge/Pantiacolla Lodge
We need to get up before sunrise to visit the lek of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. Next, we spend some hours of the morning searching from the road looking for cloud forest birds, and with luck, Common Woolly Monkeys. Then continue by bus for Atalaya. After a 3-4 hour bus ride we reach the Alto Madre de Dios River, where we may have box lunch in Atalaya or choose to eat on the River. From here we switch over to a cargo canoe with a 55 hp or 65 HP outboard motor and continue for 1.5 - 2 hours on the Alto Madre de Dios River to the Pantiacolla Lodge. If there is time before dark you will be able to start you exploration of one of the 20 km of gridded forest trails which surround the lodge. (B, Box Lunch, D)

Day 3: Pantiacolla Lodge – Manu Wildlife Center
You can take a small hike on the Lodge trails before leaving early for Manu Wildlife Center. On the way we have wildlife viewing possibilities throughout the morning until you stop for a visit at an Indigenous Piro Indian Village. Later after passing the entrance to the Manu National Park, we take a break at Boca Manu. Now on the River Madre de Dios, after traveling today approximately 6 hours by boat, you arrive at Manu Wildlife Center. A Wildlife Center Reception and Orientation are planned before unpacking in your private bungalow and resting to escape the afternoon heat. Today, at one of the top ten wildlife lodges in the world, we begin your exploration through 48 kilometers, almost 30 miles, of diverse forest trails. (B, Box Lunch, D).

Day 4: Manu Wildlife Center
Rising before dawn, we take a 25 minute boat journey downstream to the only large parrot and macaw clay lick in the Manu area. From a floating catamaran blind we are afforded excellent views and photo opportunities of hundreds of medium-sized and large parrots arriving first at the lick, followed by the large Red-and-Green Macaws arriving to eat the clay.

Please note that :

• The clay lick activity reaches its best from August to October and decreases during the months of May and June.
• During the dry season (June-September) the water level on the river does not always allow for a floating blind and it will then be sitting on the ground.

After lunch at the Center we continue to explore the forest trails surrounding the lodge, and plan to spend the late afternoon up a 34 meter canopy platform. Here, we watch the last frantic activity in the rainforest canopy, or rush hour, before night settles.
We can return for dinner back at the Center, or pack our meal for the leisurely hike about 60-75 minutes through the night forest to the Amazon’s largest known Tapir clay lick. Here we climb a 17 by 17 foot observation platform perched almost 20 feet above the lick itself where we wait for the lumbering Tapirs to arrive. Then, using powerful flashlights we hope to observe and photograph them in action. Our scientific reports reveal that tapirs usually visit the clay lick between 9:00 pm and midnight; however, their activity continues until dawn. (B/L/D)

Day 5: Manu Wildlife Center
After another early morning departure by boat and short hike from the river, you have what promises to be an exciting visit to Blanco Oxbow Lake. This lake has populations of a variety of aquatic life and water birds, including the prehistoric-looking hoatzin and the possibility to see the resident family of giant otters.
After returning for lunch at the Center your guide is available to further explore the forest trails for more wildlife encounters. Alternatively, time is available to independently practice your abilities and experience this expanse of rainforest habitats on your own.
This evening, from the late afternoon until after Dinner, we offer an opportunity to search for caiman and other nocturnal life along the riverbank by boat. (B/L/D).

Day 6: Manu wildlife Center/Cusco
After early breakfast, we leave near dawn by motor canoe for the two hour return trip to the Manu landing strip, taking advantage of valuable early morning wildlife activity along the river. From here you fly to Cusco, where your jungle adventure ends. Arrival at Cusco Airport, reception and transfer to your hotel. (B).

Rates Minimum 2 passengers
Departures from Cusco: Wednesday and Saturday.

Prices per person in double accommodation with private bath.
Reduced rates available for bookings of 5 or more people.

What we include:

• Bus and boat transportation
• Airfare from Boca Manu to Cusco in new aircraft (Read more)
• Transfers from Cusco airport to hotel.
• Private bungalows with private bathrooms in Manu Wildlife center and Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge
• All meals and snacks
• Purified drinking water and juices
• Bilingual naturalist guide
• Visits to macaw and tapir clay licks, oxbow lake, canopy platforms and trail hikes.

More information:

Predeparture information : what to know before travel    Photo Gallery