Leaving Cusco early, we will pass through the pre-Inca tombs of Ninamarca, the colonial town of Paucartambo known as the region’s folklore center. The next stop is Acjanacu (3,530m/11,870ft) which is the entrance to the Manu Biosphere, where we will see the amazon Basin. After that, we’ll descend through   different   ecological levels such as the puna, the elfin forest, down   into the lush Cloud Forest, along the way we may see endemic flora and fauna such as, butterflies, giant tree ferns and orchids, monkeys, birds like toucans, tanagers, etc. The Cloud Forest is home of Peru’s National bird which is “the Cock of the Rock” (Rupicola peruviana) and the spectacled bear (tremarctus ornatus) -the only bear found in South America. We spend the night at a comfortable Lodge.                                 (L,D)

DAY 02. –  PILCOPATA TOWN – PRIVATE RESERVE BLANQUILLO, LODGE

After a hearty breakfast, we have 1 hour ride to Atalaya (500m rainforest) where we will board our boat that will take us for 8 hours to the private Reserve of Blanquillo. During our journey we may see a variety of birds on the trees as well as caimans and tapirs on the riversides. At night we have chance for a night walk, during which we will hear various sounds of the amazonian night like the Night Monkey the world’s only nocturnal primate, the Kalinowski Rat, numerous species of frogs, Great Potoos and the Pigmy Owl, among many others inhabitants of the night. We spend the night in lodge. (B,L,D)

DAY 03. – PRIVATE RESERVE BLANQUILLO - BOCA MANU, LODGE

Before breakfast, we will go down the river to a camouflaged platform positioned to 90m/300ft of distance from the Collpa which is a rich deposit of natural minerals and clay on the wall of the river. From here, we can observe different species of Parrots and also the Macaws giving a colourful show and an impressive uproar. After breakfast and this unforgettable show, we will continue up the Madre de Dios river to our Lodge in Boca Manu (280m altitude). Where there will be the possibility for a hike after lunch. Lodge

DAY 04 -05. –BOCA MANU – SALVADOR LAKE, MATSHIGUENKA NATIVE LODGE 2 NIGHTS

On the morning of the fourth day we turn up the Manu River. From this vantage point we will have great views of riverside birds, sunbathing caiman, and the enormous aquatic guinea pig, the capybara. We reach the Matshiguenka native lodge deep inside Manu in the afternoon. This will be our base for the next two days. During this time, we will hike through virgin forest and explore one of the most beautiful lakes of the Manu basin, Lake Salvador, by catamaran. There is a chance to see a huge variety of colourful birds, numerous species of monkey and with luck, a family of giant otters. We also visit the Lake Otorongo and a 20 metre-high observation platform that overlooks the lake. At night we can explore the forest by torchlight and the caiman spotting on the lake.             (B,LD)

DAY 06. – MATSHIGUENKA LODGE – BOCA MANU, LODGE

After a final walk through the forest surrounding Lake Salvador, at mid day we return back down the Manu River to Boca Manu. Lodge.

 

DAY 07. – BOCA MANU – CAMPING RIVER SIDE

Early we go to the landing spot in Boca Manu where we will say goodbye to people that took the option of returning to Cusco by plane. The rest of the group continue their trip along the river Alto Madre de Dios, to our campsite on the Alto Madre de Dios riverside  or to Atalaya port where the bus will be waiting for us, in this case we will travel to our lodge in Pilcopata where we will spend our last night.          (B,L,D)

 

DAY 08. – CAMPING PLACE -PILCOPATA - CUSCO
On our final day. After breakfast our bus will take us back to Cusco, arriving in the afternoon.      (B,L)