5 Day – Manu Reserved Zone Tour (5 Days)
Manu Reserved Zone
Embark on an unforgettable 5-day adventure into the heart of the Manu National Park Reserved Zone, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. From Cusco, travel through the Andes, cloud forests, and deep Amazon rainforest while exploring rivers, lagoons, and pristine jungle habitats.
The journey includes wildlife encounters with monkeys, giant river otters, caimans, colorful birds, and the possibility of spotting rare Amazon species such as jaguars and tapirs. Highlights include Otorongo Lagoon, Cocha Salvador, a parrot clay lick, jungle hikes, night explorations, and stays in remote rainforest lodges.
Over 5 days and 4 nights, experience the incredible transition from high Andes landscapes to the untouched Amazon wilderness, guided by expert naturalists through one of Peru’s most spectacular ecosystems.
Duration
5 Days
Difficulty level
2/5
Languages
Spanish, English
Guide
Included in the service
Transfers
All transfers included
What’s Included?
It is included:
- All meals included (except breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day)
- Vegetarian options available with advance notice
- Soft drinks, hot drinks, sparkling wine, and beer included with meals
- Accommodation in lodges included
- Guided excursions with expert naturalist guides
- Professional cook (chef) included
- Night hikes included
- Private transportation provided (boat and minivan)
- Breakfast and lunch included on the last day
Minimum group size: 2 people required to operate the tour
Not included:
- Breakfast on the first day (10- 20 soles)
- Diner Last day
- Alcoholic beverages
- Water for the first day
- Snacks
- Souvenirs
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco / Cloud Forest / Amazon Treehouse
- Early morning pick-up from Cusco and drive through the Andes
- Stop in Paucartambo (coffee break and colonial village visit)
- Visit to Acjanaco Pass with panoramic views of the Amazon basin
- Descent into the cloud forest with wildlife and waterfall viewing
- Arrival at Atalaya dock
- Boat journey along the Alto Madre de Dios River
- Wildlife observation during the river trip
- Transfer to smaller boat (peke-peke) on the Palotoa River
- Final boat ride to the Amazon Treehouse lodge
Day 2: Amazon Treehouse/ Otorongo Lagoon / Casa Machiguenga
- Early morning boat departure (peke-peke) and transfer to larger boat on the Upper Madre de Dios River
- Breakfast on board while watching sunrise and wildlife
- Navigation along the Manu River (high biodiversity area)
- Wildlife watching (jaguar, black caiman, white caiman, turtles, birds)
- Boat journey through Manu National Park
- Guided hike to Otorongo Lagoon
- Observation tower visit over the lagoon
- Jungle walk to see giant ceiba trees
- Final boat ride to Casa Machiguenga Lodge
- Overnight stay at the lodge in the Manu Reserve
Day 3: Cocha Salvador / Parrot Clay Lick / Night Exploration
- Catamaran exploration of Salvador Lagoon
- Wildlife watching (giant river otters, black caimans, hoatzin birds)
- Guided trail walk back to Machiguenga Lodge
- Jungle hike in the “monkey zone” forest
- Lunch at the lodge
- Night walk along the Manu River banks
- Nocturnal wildlife observation (frogs, insects, caimans, capybaras)
- Overnight stay at Machiguenga Lodge
Día 4: Casa Machiguenga / Amazon Treehouse
- Early morning boat navigation on the Manu River
- Wildlife watching (jaguar, capybaras, black caimans, tapirs)
- Breakfast and lunch on board the boat
- Navigation through the Manu–Madre de Dios river confluence
- Transfer to smaller boat (peke-peke) on the Palotoa River
- Arrival at the Amazon Treehouse lodge
- Night jungle hike in swamp area
- Nocturnal wildlife and sensory rainforest experience in darkness
- Overnight stay at the Amazon Treehouse
Día 5: Amazon Treehouse / Cusco
- Traditional breakfast at the Amazon Treehouse
- Boat ride by peke-peke back to the Madre de Dios River
- Navigation to Atalaya dock
- Wildlife viewing en route (capybaras and waterfowl)
- Road transfer from Atalaya to Cusco
- Lunch stop along the way
- Arrival in Cusco around 5:00 p.m.
Extra Details
IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR YOU?
The 5-day tour to the Manu Reserve is an adventure that involves traveling by minivan and boat for several hours, crossing the Andes, part of the cloud forest, and the vast lowland plain. We will descend into the cloud forest, and our path will wind through potholes, curves, tunnels, and waterfalls. The views are spectacular. As we descend, the temperature rises. The lowland rainforest has a tropical climate. All our lodges are rustic, clean, and accessible to anyone of any age. It is beautiful and full of wildlife.
MEETING AND PICKUP POINT
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco on the first day. Our guide will greet you, and the Bio Manu Expedition team will show you our private minivan. Pickup from outside Cusco will be arranged by prior arrangement. This service is subject to an additional cost.
PICKUP TIME
Pickup time is early, at 4:00 a.m., to give us more time to enjoy the sights along the way. And, by leaving early, we also avoid traffic and other crowds of tour groups.
BRING YOUR OWN BINOCULARS.
We don’t want you to miss the spectacular beauty of the Manu Rainforest’s flora and fauna! Binoculars are a great way to simply observe! Our naturalist guides are equipped with binoculars and a telescope and will share them with you when necessary. Please note that while in your care, the binoculars or telescope are your responsibility, so please treat them with care, as you are responsible in case of damage or loss.
We recommend bringing your own binoculars! The waterproof VORTEX 10 x 42 binoculars offer a clear, extended view and bring the action closer.
TOUR AVAILABILITY
We typically run this tour from March to December. For January and February, please check availability, as it is the rainy season and trips will be scheduled only when it is safe to do so.
YOUR TRAVEL BACKPACK:
We recommend packing light for this 5-day Manu trip. Travel light and consider bringing layers instead of large jackets. Be selective and pack light. Choose quick-drying clothing, if possible. We will be in the jungle!
- A small backpack for all your essentials like a water bottle, camera, snacks and phone, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer
- 4 long-sleeved t-shirts
- 2-3 pairs of ultralight hiking pants
- 5 pairs of underwear
- 5 pairs of socks
- 1 wide-brimmed sun hat
- Flip-flops for the shower
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- 1 small ultralight towel
- Waterproof shoes/hiking sandals
- Swimsuit
- Flashlight/flashlight with extra battery
- Dark-colored clothing
USEFUL ITEMS
- Plastic bags for dirty and clean clothes, and for your camera/electronic devices.
- A flashlight or headlamp (for night hikes) with a battery
- Camera and battery charger, extra battery, and memory cards
TOILETRIES
- Biodegradable or organic soap (available in Cusco)
- Sunscreen
- DEET or other strong insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Baby wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet paper (in a plastic bag to keep it dry!)
- Personal medications for 5 days