|
The Manu National Park
4D/3N
Description
Manu National Park, located in the
southeastern part of Peru (between the Cusco
Department in the north and the Madre de Dios
Department.) It is one of the largest tropical
parks in South America. The park extends from
the highlands to the jungle. It covers 2 million
hectares (4.5 million acres), and the territory
is rich in flora and fauna with a variety of
habitats including the high Andes, the cloud
forests, and the lowland tropical rain forests.
In 1977, Manu National Park was designated as a
World Biosphere Reserve since it shelters the
best existing example of biodiversity in a
protected rain forest area, as well as in the
cloud forest endemic areas. Here we can observe
the Giant Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis), the
Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger), the majestic
Jaguar (Panthera onca), the strange Spectacled
Bear (Tremarctos ornatus), the Tapir (Tapirus
terrestris), the Ocelot (Felis pardalis), as
well as, 13 different species of primates, and
an estimated one thousand species of birds
including seven species of Macaws.
At the same time,10% of the world's vascular
plant species, including several species of figs
and palms, and countless species of medicinal
plants, which are currently being catalogued by
scientists, grow in Manu National Park. A single
hectare of forest in Manu can hold up to 220
species of trees, while a hectare of temperate
forest in Europe or North America may only hold
20 tree species.
Manu National Park may be the most biologically
diverse and protected park on the planet.
Itinerary
For our guests that enjoy the jungle while
combining adventure sports, we have this
excellent option, and at the same time we can
see many different kinds of birds and mammals,
and a lot of plants.
There will be a briefing the night before
departure
Day 1 CUSCO CLOUD FOREST
We will leave Cusco early in the morning,
stopping to visit the interesting pre-Inca tombs
of Ninamarca, and the colonial town of
Paucartambo on the way to the Cloud Forest.
There the thick cloak of clouds provides
perpetual humidity and makes an ideal habitat
for epiphytic plants such as bromeliads. This
place is the habitat of the Cock of the Rock,
the Spectacled Bear, Orchids, Tree Ferns (one of
the oldest living plants), and different mosses
and lichens. At least 50% of the plant species
found here are endemic to this region. We will
spend tonight camping.
OPTIONAL: We can go from the high pass in the
road to the Cloud Forest by Front Suspension
Mountain Bike.
Day 2 CLOUD FOREST SHIPETEARI LODGE
After our first night in the Cloud Forest, we
have a pre-breakfast Walt to possibly watch the
spectacular Cock of the Rocks, displaying in a
mating ritual that daily takes place in a leek where
between eight to ten male individuals perform for a
female. Returning to our campsite for a hearty
breakfast, we prepare to continue our ride to the
village of Pilcopata, from where we will start our
hike to the native community of Huacaria. This is a
Huachipaire ethnic group that will share with us
their typical food and will allow us to hike their
trails and swim in their rivers. Late in the
afternoon we will return to Pilcopata for dinner and
overnight in a local lodge.
Day 3 MANU NATIONAL PARK
We will observe the ritual mating dance of the
Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruviana), Peru's
national bird. After breakfast we continue in our
overland transport down the narrow road between
waterfalls and canyons towards the town of Pilcopata.
After 30 minutes on the bus we will arrive to the
Port of Atalaya, to board our covered motorized boat.
We will head down the Alto Madre de Dios River for
approximately 30 minutes toward Shipeteari where we
will spend the next two nights. Later we will take
some short walks around the lodge.
OPTIONAL: We can do some rafting between Pilcopata
and Shipeteari Lodge and we will provide you all the
equipment.
Day 4 MANU NATIONAL PARK - CUSCO
We will wake up early to board our boat. After
five minutes ride, we will arrive at a small "Collpa",
which is a wall of clay in the riverbanks where many
species of parrots feed for mineral and salt
supplements to their diet of seeds and fruits. After
this colorful and noisy show we continue by boat to
Atalaya Port and then the bus will take us back to
Cusco, arriving late in the afternoon.
Included :
Specialized English/Spanish Speaking guide
2 nights in the Shipeteari Lodge
All land and river transportation
Camping equipment:
All meals
Rafting equipment
Mountain biking equipment
Safety box for values and storage for luggage
First aid kit .
We Recommend Bringing:
Personal sleeping bag
Binoculars, camera and film ASA 200 and 400 for the
inner forest
One pair of lightweight ankle height boots and
sandals
Warm clothing, long sleeve shirts and long pants (cotton)
100% waterproof rain gear (long poncho or rain wear)
Insect repellent (recommended with 50% Deet),
sunscreen lotion
Flashlight, enough batteries (alkaline) and bulbs
Wide brim hat (for sunny days), sunglasses
Towel, swimming suit, personal medicines and/or
supplies
Daypack, and one backpack or duffel bag of luggage
per person
One bottle of water for the first day, plastic bags.
Prices:
|
The Manu National Park |
PRIVATE
1 PAX |
PRIVATE
2, 3 PAX |
PRIVATE
4 + PAX |
SHARED |
|
4 Days /
3 Nights |
US$ 1450 |
US$ 650 |
US$ 480 |
US$ 490 |
*Prices For a Person in US Dollars
|
