Ultimate Amazon Jungle Tour
ENJOY THE MANU BIOSPHERE RESERVE IN 8 DAYS: UNFORGETTABLE JUNGLE TRIPS
8 Days | 6+ | Starts with 3 People | adventure | Available all year |
Tour Overview
Embark on an unparalleled journey to the Manu jungle, deep in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. Our Manu Biosphere Reserve tour offers an immersive 8-day experience departing from Cusco, taking you far beyond the standard tourist trails. Guided by expert naturalists, you will witness an astounding variety of wildlife, from playful monkeys and giant river ottersto elusive jaguars and vibrant macaws. Manu Explorers is committed to sustainable tourism, ensuring your Peru rainforest adventure contributes positively to conservation efforts and local communities. Discover why our expeditions are considered the best Amazon jungle tours in Peru.
Tour Highlights:
- Reserved Zone Immersion: Witness the peerless beauty of two Oxbow Lakes (Cochas) within the protected Manu Reserved Zone, offering premier wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Cloud Forest Marvels: Traverse the enchanting Manu National Park cloud forest, a sanctuary for unique flora and fauna.
- Cultural Zone Exploration: Discover the traditions and natural wonders of the Manu Cultural Zone.
- Giant Otter Encounters: Get up close with magnificent giant otters at Salvador Lake.
- Spectacular Clay Licks: Observe diverse fauna at a vibrant tapir clay lick and a colorful macaw clay lick.
Adventure-Packed Activities:
Our Manu National Park tour is designed for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Activities include:
- Expert Birdwatching: Spot hundreds of bird species, from macaws and toucans to quetzals and trogons.
- Thrilling Night Walks: Experience the jungle as it comes alive after dark.
- Deep Jungle Trekking: Hike through lush tropical rainforests with experienced guides.
- Scenic Boat & Catamaran Rides: Navigate the Alto Madre de Dios and Manu Rivers, including a catamaran tour on Cocha Salvador.
- Iconic Wildlife Spotting: Keep your eyes peeled for jaguars, giant otters, caimans, monkeys, and turtles along the Manu River.
- Macaw Clay Lick Visit: Witness the breathtaking spectacle of hundreds of macaws at the collpa.
Journey Through Manu’s Diverse Ecosystems:
Your adventure begins as we travel through picturesque locations like Huancarani, the pre-Inca cemetery of Ninamarka, Paucartambo, and Acjanacu—the official gateway to Manu Park. We then descend into the cloud forest, passing through Pilcopata and Atalaya Port, before embarking on river expeditions into the Manu Cultural Zone and the highly protected Manu Reserved Zone, culminating at the famous macaw clay lick area.
Logistics & Tour Information:
- Tour Type: Eco-friendly and Adventure.
- Focus: Birding, wildlife photography, nature exploration.
- Departure Dates: Daily departures available from March to January (Book your Manu adventure today!).
- Transport: Comfortable bus travel and exciting boat excursions.
- Group Size: Max 10 participants + 1 expert guide, ensuring a personalized experience.
- Extensions: Interested in staying longer or combining tours? Let us know for a customized itinerary.
Climate & Difficulty:
- Weather: The first day in the highlands is very cold. In the lowland jungle, expect warm to hot temperatures (90% humidity). A rain poncho is highly recommended.
- Difficulty: Most hikes are easy. However, the heat and humidity can be taxing, so prepare for an adventurous environment.
Accommodation:
Enjoy quality lodging throughout the trip. Most lodges offer private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Please note that at Casa Matsiguenka, facilities are shared. Some lodges provide hot showers and electricity, while others offer a more rustic, authentic experience. All rooms are double occupancy.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Pona Lodge – Gateway to Manu National Park
Your Manu jungle adventure begins with an early 5:00 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco via private transport. We will travel through the majestic Peruvian Andes, stopping briefly at the ancient Ninamarca funeral towers, an important pre-Inca archaeological site of the Lupaca culture. Our route then leads to Paucartambo, the "folklore capital" of Cusco, a colonial town rich in tradition. By midday, we will reach the official entrance of Manu National Park, one of the most protected natural areas in South America. Continuing through the misty cloud forest, we will arrive at a prime spot to observe the exotic Peruvian Cock-of-the-rock(Rupicola peruviana), Peru’s national bird, famous for its vibrant mating displays. We will spend our first night at the comfortable Pona Lodge, arriving around 5:00 PM. (Lunch + Dinner included).
Day 2: Pona Lodge – Yanayacu Lodge – Wildlife and Hot Springs
Following an early 6:30 AM departure, we head toward the Alto Madre de Dios River. Before reaching Atalaya Port, we will visit a dedicated hummingbird garden, offering incredible bird watching opportunities where you can see numerous species of hummingbirds, tanagers, barbets, King Vultures, and even marmoset monkeys. From Atalaya, our Manu rainforest tour continues by boat to relaxing natural hot springs, where we will unwind for about an hour. Afterward, we proceed to our next accommodation, Yanayacu Lodge, for the night. (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner included).
Day 3: Yanayacu Lodge – Parrot Clay Lick – Manu Reserved Zone – Casa Matsiguenka Lodge

Today is the highlight of your Manu National Park tour! Before entering the Manu Reserved Zone, we will visit an active parrot clay lick. Witness an incredible spectacle as various species of parrots, parakeets, and macaws gather to feed on mineral-rich clay—a fantastic opportunity for Amazon wildlife photography! Afterward, our jungle expedition continues from the crystal-clear waters of the Alto Madre de Dios River into the sediment-rich Manu River. After a brief stop at the Limonal ranger station, we will travel five hours upstream into the heart of the Manu National Park Reserved Zone.
The riverbanks, especially during the dry season, are teeming with nesting birds like herons, egrets, Orinoco geese, and skimmers. Keep a sharp eye out for sunbathing Black and White Caimans and breeding side-necked turtles. You may see sand-colored nightjars resting on logs, and there is a high chance of spotting the majestic Jaguar, the Amazon's largest feline. Many of our previous Manu tours have reported Jaguar sightings! We are also likely to see primates such as Red Howler monkeys and Squirrel monkeys. After a riverside lunch, we arrive at our Safari Lodge near Cocha Salvador. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring virgin rainforest trails and visiting Cocha Otorongo oxbow lake, where a 20-meter observation tower provides magnificent views of the wildlife. Our home for the next two nights is the authentic Casa Matsiguenka Lodge. (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner included).
Day 4: Manu Reserved Zone Full Day: Cocha Salvador & Cocha Otorongo
Today’s Manu adventure starts with an exciting 3-to-4-hour hike to Lake Otorongo. Here, we climb a 15-meter observation tower, perfect for spotting unique birds like the Hoatzin (shansho), diverse monkey species, and a dazzling array of colorful butterflies. We return to camp by canoe for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we explore Cocha Salvador Lake aboard a catamaran. This Amazon lake exploration offers rare chances to see incredible biodiversity, including Giant River Otters, Black Caimans, and various waterfowl. (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner included).
Day 5: Macaw Clay Lick – Manu Reserved Zone – Casa Matsiguenka
Another thrilling day in the Manu Reserved Zone! Today we visit a smaller but equally impressive Macaw clay lick. Here, you can observe large Red-and-green Macaws and Scarlet Macaws visiting the lick for minerals. This is a premier spot for birding in Manuand capturing professional-grade photos. (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner included).
Day 6: Manu Reserved Zone – Tapir Clay Lick – Night Wildlife Watching
Begin the day with an optional nature hike or another visit to an oxbow lake to hear the morning bird chorus. As the sun rises, look for hawks and birds of prey in the canopy. After lunch, we board our boat and navigate downstream toward Boca Manu, then upstream toward the famous Tapir Clay Lick. We will head to a strategically located blind deep in the jungle. This unique experience offers the best chance to see Tapirs in the wild at night, making for an unforgettable Amazon night safari. (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner included).
Day 7: Tapir Clay Lick – Pona Lodge – Return Journey
After breakfast, we navigate back up the Alto Madre de Dios River to Atalaya Port. Upon arrival, we transfer to Pona Lodge to spend our final night in the incredible Manu National Park rainforest. (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner included).
Day 8: Pona Lodge – Cusco – Farewell to the Amazon
SAY GOODBYE TO MANU! On our final day, we depart early from Pona Lodge toward Paucartambo. Our return journey takes us through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, arriving back in Cusco around 3:00 PM. (Breakfast + Lunch included).
- Tour guide in English and Spanish with spotting scope
- Transportation (bus and boat)
- Cook
- Three meals a day
- Mineral water
- All Nights in Lodge, a night in a blind might be included in the tour
- Fresh fruit
- Snacks
- Rubber boots
- Rain Ponchos
- Entrance fee to the Oxbow Lakes
- Entrance fee to Manu National Park
- Entrance fee to all the private Natural Reserves
- First aid kit
- Travel Insurance
- Firs breakfast
- Mineral water in the first day
- Last day Dinner
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips for the team
- Repellent with a minimum of 30% DEET .
- Binoculars/Binoculars (if you want your own pair)
- Camera with spare batteries
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Sunscreen
- Money
- Backpack
- Water bottle / cantinflora
- Sandals
- Shirts, socks
- Lightweight pants, shorts and suit/swimwear
- Hat
- toilet paper
- Dark clothes (for hiking days)
- Converter/adaptor for electricity (plugs are typically the 2 flat type found in the U.S.)
Hotels normally offer free storage if yours doesn’t we will be very happy to store your luggage for you.






