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The
Manu National Park 9D/8N
Description
Manu National Park, located south east of
Peru (between the North of the Cusco Department
and the Madre de Dios Department. It is one of
the largest tropical parks in South America. The
park comes from the Highlands, until the Jungle.
It has 2 million Hectares (4.5 million acres),
the territory is rich in flora and fauna species
with a variety of habitats including high Andes,
cloud forests, and lowland tropical rain forests.
In 1977 Manu National Park was designated like a
World Biosphere Reserve since it shelters the
best existing example of biodiversity in rain
forest protected areas, as well as cloud forest
endemic areas. There, 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), 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, are grown 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. Hydrospeed Peru
Manu National Park may be the most biologically
diverse and protected park on the planet.
Itinerary
For our guests who are fan of nature and
birdwatching, we provide an option for a 9 day
tour deep in the manu National Park Reserve.
Wecan also combine this tour with Rafting or
Mountain Biking Trips.
Briefing the night before the departure.
Day 1 CUSCO CLOUD FOREST
An early departure from Cusco ( Cuzco ) is
necessary to prepare for the full day's activity
from the highlands down into the lush Cloud
Forest. Leaving Cusco ( Cuzco ) , we'll pass
through the town of Paucartambo, known as the
region folklore center. The next stop is the
vantage point of Tres Cruces (3, 950m/12,950ft)
for an overview of the Amazon Basin. After
spending some time here, we'll descent through
different ecological floors. Along the way, we
may see varies types of endemic flora and fauna
such as butterflies, flowers, giant tree ferns
and orchids, monkeys, Andean deer, birds of all
kinds like Oropendolas and tanagers. Late in the
afternoon we'll arrive to the San Pedro area,
home of Peru's National Bird the Cock of the
Rocks and the Spectacle bear -the only bear
found in South America- Overnight at our Open-air
platform.
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 CAMPSITE AT THE NATIONAL PARK
Today, after breakfast we still have a
45-minute ride to Atalaya where we will board
our canoe that will take us to our lodge of
"Buena Vista" situated on the banks of the
mighty Alto Madre de Dios River. Here we will
spend the day exploring the surrounding area and
very interesting trails that will show us this
amazing eco system and have the opportunity to
swim in the river. After dinner we will
experience various sounds of the Amazonian night
like the Musmuqui, 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. Campsite.
Day 4 CAMPSITE AT THE NATIONAL PARK
After a comfortable night sleep in our lodge,
we have a pre-breakfast walk to watch a strange
pre-historic looking bird the Hoatzin.
Now the expedition begins in earnest. We'll
board our motorized boat (with cushioned seats,
life jackets and a roof for sun and rain
protection) to start the journey down the upper
Madre de Dios River towards the Reserved Zone of
Manu National Park. As we adjust gradually to
this exciting jungle environment, we'll see the
last range of the Andes, the Pantiacolla
Mountains, looming ahead in the distance. There
may be time to stop and visit the ethnic group
of Machiguenga at their village of Shepitiari.
Here we will have the opportunity to observe
their culture and typical way of living.
Continuing our boat ride we'll arrive to Boca
Manu to continue our campsite already in the
Reserved Zone of the Park. We'll set up our camp
and have dinner. That night, we'll take
flashlights and walk along the riverbank. The
lakes are full of eye shines of the large Black
Caimans and if we are lucky, we may encounter an
Olingo, Kinkajou or even an Ocelot on the trails.
The nighttime noises of the tree frogs and
insects in the forest certainly are an
experience not to be forgotten. Campsite.
Day 5 CAMPSITE AT THE NATIONAL PARK
The day starts with a short pre-dawn walk to
hear the chorus of the birds, monkeys, and
insects as they greet the day and call to
delimit their territories. As the sun rises, the
eastern skies turn a pale yellow. We might spot
a bat falcon on other predatory birds watching
patiently from the treetops as we wait for
breakfast. Beaches, specially in a dry season
are loaded with resting birds and feeding herons,
Egrets Orinoco Geese, Terms ands Skimmers only
to mane a few.
Afterwards the expeditions proceeds upstream,
heading toward the earth of Manu National Park, have
a first stop at the Limonal The Pak Rangers Station
register and sing in our permits. From this point on,
we are journeying through primary forest where only
indigenous tribes live. We'll begin to se more birds
such us Kingfishers, Toucans, Herons, Macaws,
Parrots, Jabirus and possibly spot some mammals,
like the tapir, capybara, several varieties of
turtles and the caimans. We maybe spot a jaguar on
the river edges. At mid afternoon we will arrive at
the Caiman Camp, our base for the newts two days
inside the forest by he riverbank, nears the Cocha
Salvador. (Here we have and screen in dining room,
bathrooms, showers and platforms to sep up our tens)
Before dark we, we'll make a short hike to get
account with this green paradise. Returning to camp,
a delicious dinner we'll waiting for us. A night
hike we'll the end of this exiting journey on the
Reserve Zone of the Manu National Park. Campsite.
Day 6 CAMPSITE AT THE NATIONAL PARK
We have an early morning start with for the 4 a
5 hours walk along the right bank of the river to
visit oxbow lake, Cocha Otorongo. This gives the
opportunity to see other species of birds and
mammals that are unique in this area. It is a
particularly good trail for the Woolly Monkey.
Several species of butterflies, in a multitude of
colors will float past the trail. The Peruvian
Amazon boasts more than 4,000 species of butterflies,
with Manu itself having 1,200 species. A short hike
along trails leading through the forest brings us to
the lake. Here there is a observation platform to
watch birds and wildlife out over the water. In a
half an hour boat ride we return to our base camp
for lunch.
In the afternoon is fully dedicated to exploring the
area near the oxbow lake Cocha Salvador, Several
trail wind through the forest of ficus, palm and
rubber trees. We'll see several species flowering
plants, birds and mammals. We will explore other
areas, observing the footprints and droppings of
jungles mammals. Your guide will explain some of the
basics of rainforest ecosystems and point out some
of the medicinal plants of the area used by local
indigenous groups. We may cross paths with a heard
of Peccaries specie of wild boar found here. At the
lake, there is a catamaran available for padding out
to the lake's center to quietly observe the wildlife
on the shores. That we'll take flashlights and
explore the jungle looking for a nocturnal monkeys,
rodents, etc. Campsite.
Day 7 CAMPSITE AT THE NATIONAL PARK
This day we continue downstream, crossing the
Manu River passing its smaller tributary, the
Piquen. We will arrive at Boca Manu where the river
joins the Alto Madre de Dios. From this another tree
hours further down the river to reach the lodge at
Blanquillo, where we will sleep in a comfort of
mosquito-netted beds set out site raised wooden
structures with natives-style thatches roofs. Along
the way, we can talk to local people fishing on the
riverbank. This is a great opportunity to observe
the customs. We'll also visit the Cocha Blanquillo
with the various animals including a family of giant
otters and birds such us a Harmed Screamer. Campsite
one more night.
Day 8 CAMPSITE AT THE NATIONAL PARK
Before breakfast we head down to the river (above
five minutes) to a position across from the 90m/100m
Macaw lick, a natural mineral rich clay deposit on
the riverbank. From a small floating platform
camouflaged with palm leaves to prevent us from the
disturbing the birds, we can watch medium sized
blue-headed parrots and smaller parakeets arrive
noisily pair by pair, to find the treetops above the
link. Then the largest Red an Green Macaws will came
in a spectacular show. After breakfast we work our
way back up to the Madre de Dios River to the
airstrip near Boca Manu. Early in the morning flocks
of birds pass over the boat and we may see a
Capybara, the world's largest rodent. In Boca Manu
we say good bye to part of the group that flies back
to Cusco ( Cuzco ) . The rest of the group continues
up stream the Alto Madre de Dios River setting up
camp late in the afternoon in a beach of the river.
Day 9 CAMPSITE AT THE NATIONAL PARK - CUSCO
This is our last day in the rain forest. Our
boat will take us to Atalaya where our vehicle is
waiting for ride back to Cusco ( Cuzco ) , arriving
late at night. Lunch included.
OPTIONAL: If you want to return by Plane From Boca
Manu Airport , Additional 125$
Included :
Specialized and English/Spanish Speaking guide.
Ground transportation (overland buses or 4WD
vehicles)
Camping equipment
02 nights in local Lodges
All meals
First Aid kit
All land and river transportation
Rafting equipment
Mountain Biking Equipment
Rafting Equipment
Safety box for values and storage for luggage
We Recommend to Bring:
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), sun glasses
Towel, swimming suit, personal medicines and/or
supplies
Day pack, and one back pack 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 |
|
9 Days /
8 Nights |
US$ 2750 |
US$ 2340 |
US$ 1850 |
US$ 995 |
*Prices For a Person in US Dollars
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