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DAY 01 CUSCO
/ SAN PEDRO (l/d)
 We
leave Cusco early in the morning in our specialized overland
vehicles. Approximately mid-morning we visit the interesting
tombs of Winamac, commonly known as "Chullpas".
We continue to Paucartambo, a picturesque Spanish colonial
town, and then to the Acjanacu pass, which marks the beginning
of the Cultural Zone of Manu Biosphere Reserve. Here, a thick
cloak of clouds provides perpetual humidity and makes an ideal
habitat for epiphytic plants such as bromeliads. This varied
and fascinating world is home of the Cock of the Rock, the
Spectacled Bear, Orchids, Tree Ferns (one of the oldest living
plants), mosses and lichens. This cloud forest exists between
2000 and 3500 m.a.s.l, and at least 50% of the plant species
found here are endemic to this region. Overnight in our open
air lodge "San Pedro".
DAY 02 SAN
PEDRO / ERIKA LODGE (b/l/d)
Today we wake up very early to observe the Cock of the Rock
(Rupicola peruviana), Peru's national bird. Around 05:00am
as many as several dozen come together for an exhibition of
a mating ritual dance in a place called Lek. The males of
vibrant reddish orange feathers, display their crest showing
off and posturing for the females. The females, fewer in number,
watch to select the most suitable males. After breakfast we
continue in our overland transport*1 down the narrow road
between waterfalls and canyons toward the town of Pilcopata
*2 and then to Atalaya Port. Here, we board our covered, outboard
motor boat and head down the Alto Madre de Dios River for
approximately 15 minutes toward our private reserve of "Erika"
where we will hike through an interesting trail system in
the transitional area (between high jungle and low jungle).
Overnight at the lodge.
*Optional
1: Descend with mountain bikes from San Pedro lodge
(1700 m.a.s.l) - Cloud Forest to Pilcopata- High Jungle
(700 m.a.s.l)
*Optional 2: A 3 hour rafting (Class I and Class
II) trip down the Kosñipata River where we will
have the opportunity for a dip and of course enjoy the
spectacular view of the Koñeq canyon, continuing
down the Alto Madre de Dios River to Erika Lodge. |
DAY 03 ERIKA
LODGE / RESERVED ZONE (b/l/d)
 After
breakfast we board our canoe for a three-hour trip down the
Alto Madre de Dios River to Boca Manu's airstrip. At Boca
Manu village, located at short distance from the confluence
of the Manu River and the Alto Madre de Dios River, is the
last place to buy your fresh supplies and cold drinks before
setting off again in the canoe. Now we enter the Manu River
and the Reserved Zone, stopping in a white sand beach where
we camp along the riverbank. Short walk around the area.
DAY 04 RESERVED ZONE (b/l/d)
After registering in the official tourist logbook at Limonal,
the Park Rangers Headquarters, and having an early breakfast,
we follow the Manu River until we arrive at Salvador Lake,
our base campsite (screened dining room, bathrooms, radio
communication is available). This canoe ride gives us the
opportunity to observe the immensity of the rainforest and
the diversity of bird life, reptiles and mammals. You will
often see animals sunning on beaches, or foraging for food
in the trees lining the riverbanks. We arrive early in the
afternoon and have lunch before setting off on a jungle trail.
Here, we will be on the lookout for wildlife inside the rainforest
and on Salvador Oxbow Lake, until the sun goes down and we
return to the camp. We explore Salvador Lake by paddling quietly
along on a catamaran to observe unique species of birds, monkeys,
caimans and with luck, the Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis).
This endangered species can be seen swimming, fishing, feeding
and playing.
DAY 05 RESERVED
ZONE (b/l/d)
 We
wake up early in the morning, as the forest is awakened by
the Red Howler monkey (Aloatta seniculus) declaring its territory.
A morning walk before breakfast is a great chance to catch
wildlife in the pursuit of food and temperature is very pleasant
at this time of day. After relaxing and swimming in the river
we enjoy lunch along the riverbank. Afterwards, we cross the
river to walk an 8-km trail to another oxbow lake called Otorongo.
A strategically located observation tower rises 15 meters
above the rainforest canopy overlooking the lake, giving us
more chances to observe wildlife including the Giant Otter.
Late in the afternoon we will use the catamaran (optional)
and with the help of flashlights we can observe the black
caimans rising from the depths of the lake and beginning their
search for prey. Return to the campsite.
DAY 06 RESERVED
ZONE (b/l/d)
Once again we wake up early, enjoy a brief morning walk, have
a relaxing breakfast, then pack up the camp and descend the
Manu River until Boca Manu. We arrive at Boca Manu midday,
this village is at a short distance from the confluence of
the Manu River and the Alto Madre de Dios River, and from
here we descend the Madre de Dios River arriving early in
the afternoon after three hours ride to Blanco Private Reserve,
camp and spend one more night in this magical Amazon jungle.
DAY 07 RESERVED
ZONE / BOCA MANU / CUSCO (b)
After a very early wake up, we use a special blind in front
of the "Collpa" macaw lick. We quietly observe the
various parrots feeding on the clay for mineral and salt,
supplements to their diet of seeds and fruits. The brightly
colored macaws usually wait patiently in the surrounding trees
until the smaller parrot species have left the area. Slowly,
the macaws come down to the clay wall to feed. We need a lot
of patience and silence on the blind so as not to disturb
them while feeding. Around mid morning we board our canoe
to return to the airstrip at Boca Manu. Flight to Cusco.
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