6 day -Manu National Park from Cusco – Manu Amazon Peru
Manu Reserved Zone
Discover the incredible biodiversity of the Manu National Park on a 6-day journey from Cusco into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. This adventure takes you through the Andes, cloud forests, and remote rainforest landscapes, combining river expeditions, jungle hikes, and wildlife observation in the Manu Reserved Zone.
Travel from the highlands to the Amazon by road and boat, passing through spectacular ecosystems filled with orchids, waterfalls, tropical birds, monkeys, caimans, and other rainforest species. Explore Cocha Juarez and Cocha Salvador, visit macaw and parrot clay licks, navigate pristine rivers, and experience unforgettable night walks searching for Amazon wildlife.
With overnight stays at the Amazon Treehouse and Casa Matsiguenka Lodge, this tour offers a deeper immersion into one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, surrounded by untouched rainforest and guided by experienced naturalists.
Duration
6 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 (please notify us in advance; vegetarian options available).
- Naturalist guide, professional chef, driver.
- Private car, motorboat, Peke Peke (motorized canoe for small rivers)
- Accommodation in a treehouse (with private bathroom, hot shower, mosquito net, and Wi-Fi) Accommodations at Casa Machiguenga Lodge
- Entrance tickets to Manu National Park
- Rubber boots
Not included:
- Breakfast on the first day
- Dinner on the last day
- Alcoholic beverages
- Water on the first day
- Snacks
- Souvenirs
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Paucartambo – Cloud Forest - Amazon treehouse
- Early morning pick-up from Cusco (around 4:30 a.m.) and departure toward Manu National Park
- Breakfast stop in the traditional town of Paucartambo
- Ascent to Acjanaco Pass (4,000 m / 13,123 ft), the highest point of the journey and entrance to the Manu Biosphere Reserve
- Scenic descent into the cloud forest, with chances to see birds, orchids, waterfalls, and monkeys
- Arrival at Atalaya Port (650 m / 2,132 ft) and transition from road to river transport
- Boat navigation along the Madre de Dios River for about 2 hours with wildlife viewing along the banks
- Transfer to a smaller boat on the Palotoa River for deeper jungle access
- Final 1-hour boat ride through the rainforest to reach the Amazon Treehouse lodge
- Arrival at the lodge surrounded by primary Amazon rainforest
Day 1 Statistics:
- Distance: ~300 km total
- Highest altitude: 4,000 m (13,123 ft)
- Lowest altitude: 650 m (2,132 ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: AMAZON TREEHOUSE – COCHA JUAREZ - CASA MACHIGUENGA – RESERVED ZONE
- Sunrise breakfast on board the boat along the Madre de Dios River
- Wildlife observation along the riverbanks (birds, turtles, caimans, possible jaguar sightings)
- Navigation along the Manu River through a high-biodiversity area
- Visit to Cocha Juarez with observation tower and birdwatching opportunities
- Arrival at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge in the heart of the rainforest
- Overnight stay surrounded by Amazon jungle sounds
Day 2 Statistics:
- Boat travel: ~11 hours (Madre de Dios & Manu Rivers)
- Highest altitude: same as river level (no major variation)
- Lowest altitude: same as river level (no major variation)
- Difficulty: Easy
Day 3: CASA MACHIGUENGA LODGE – COCHA SALVADOR – MACAWS CLAY LICK
- Breakfast at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge
- Catamaran exploration of Cocha Salvador (lake wildlife viewing)
- Observation of giant otters, monkeys, and diverse bird species
- Jungle trekking around the lake and surrounding rainforest
- Visit to macaw clay lick area (Salvadorcillo River)
- Night walk to observe nocturnal Amazon wildlife
- Overnight stay at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge
Day 3 Statistics:
- Distance: Local exploration (lake paddling + short hikes)
- Highest altitude: same as lodge level
- Lowest altitude: same as lodge level
- Difficulty: Moderate
Día 4: CASA MACHIGUENGA – TREEHOUSE LODGE
- Early morning departure from Casa Matsiguenka Lodge
- Boat navigation along the Manu River with wildlife viewing (jaguars, caimans, capybaras, birds)
- Scenic river journey through pristine rainforest
- Arrival at Amazon Treehouse Inn in the afternoon
- Night exploration of the jungle (amphibians, snakes, nocturnal mammals)
- Overnight stay at the Amazon Treehouse
Day 4 Statistics:
- Distance: Boat-based travel + short walks
- Highest altitude: 500 m (1,640 ft)
- Lowest altitude: 350 m (1,148 ft)
- Difficulty: Easy
Día 5: TREE HOUSE – PARROT CLAY LICK – JUNGLE WALK
- Breakfast at the Amazon Treehouse Inn
- Visit to the parrot clay lick to observe large flocks of birds
- Return to the lodge and breakfast on the garden balcony
- Guided jungle trail walk in search of wildlife (sloths, armadillos, caimans)
- Swamp area exploration for rainforest species
- Sunset preparation and night excursion in the jungle
Day 5 Statistics:
- Distance: 5 km on foot
- Highest altitude: 550 m (1,804 ft)
- Lowest altitude: 400 m (1,312 ft)
- Difficulty: Easy
Día 6: Amazon Treehouse - Cusco
- Breakfast at the Amazon Treehouse
- Boat navigation back to Atalaya Pier
- Private transport from Atalaya to Cusco
- Stop in Paucartambo for lunch
- Arrival in Cusco around 6:00 p.m.
Day 6 Statistics:
- Distance: ~300 km (186 miles)
- Highest altitude: ~3,600 m (11,155 ft)
- Lowest altitude: ~650 m (2,132 ft)
- Difficulty: Easy
Extra Details
Manu Tours Peru Packing List
- Small daypack
- Dark-colored clothing (to blend in)
- Sun hat
- Long-sleeved shirts to protect against mosquito bites
- Swimsuit and flip-flops
- Ultralight towel
- Mosquito repellent (50% DEET)
- Sunscreen
- Flashlight with extra batteries / headlamp
- Binoculars (Vortex 10×42, Swarovski 8×42, or Nikon 8×42). Rental available.
- Camera with spare battery and memory card
- Water bottle
- Rain poncho, jacket, and pants
HELPFUL ITEMS
- Plastic bags for clean and dirty clothes, cameras, and electronic devices
TOILETRIES
- Biodegradable soap
- Wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper (stored in a resealable bag to keep dry)
- Personal medications
- Extra cash