SUMMARY
Day 1
Cusco / Manu Cloud Forest / Eco Lodge
Day 2
Eco Lodge/ Hummingbird Garden/ Amazon Treehouse
Day 3
Amazon Treehouse / Expeditions Pekepeke / Rio Negro Camping
Day 4
Rio Negro/Amazon Treehouse
Day 5
Amazon Treehouse / Otorongo Cocha / Machiguenga House
Day 6
Salvador Cocha/Parrot Clay Lick/Night Walk
Day 7
Casa Machiuenga / Amazon Treehouse
Day 8
Amazon Treehouse / Cusco
ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco / Manu Cloud Forest / Eco Lodge
Cusco / Manu Cloud Forest / Eco Lodge
- Early morning pick-up from Cusco (around 5:00 a.m.)
- Drive through the Andes with a 2.5-hour journey to Paucartambo
- Stop in Paucartambo (2,906 m) to explore the colonial town and have coffee
- Continue to Acjanaco Pass (3,600 m), entrance to Manu National Park
- Scenic viewpoint over the cloud forest and Amazon basin headwaters
- Descent into the cloud forest with rich flora (orchids, ferns, epiphytes)
- Wildlife observation (hummingbirds, toucans, parrots, cock-of-the-rock, monkeys)
- Outdoor lunch prepared by the chef
- Continued exploration of the cloud forest
- Arrival at eco-lodge at dusk
Day 2: Eco Lodge/ Hummingbird Garden/ Amazon Treehouse
Eco Lodge/ Hummingbird Garden/ Amazon Treehouse
- Breakfast at the eco-lodge
- Visit to the hummingbird garden with opportunities to see hummingbirds and monkeys
- Transfer to Atalaya dock (end of road journey)
- Boat navigation for ~2 hours along the Madre de Dios River
- Scenic river journey with birdwatching opportunities
- Transfer to smaller boat (peke-peke) on the Palotoa River
- 50-minute boat ride upriver to the Amazon Treehouse
- Arrival at Amazon Treehouse lodge
- Night hike in search of nocturnal wildlife (tapirs, tarantulas, frogs, snakes, spiders, night monkeys)
- Experience of jungle sounds in complete darkness
- Overnight stay in treehouse accommodation with private rooms and basic amenities
Day 3: Amazon Treehouse / Expeditions Pekepeke / Rio Negro Camping
Amazon Treehouse / Expeditions Pekepeke / Rio Negro Camping
- Early morning jungle hike (25 minutes) to the parrot and macaw clay lick
- Observation of parrots, macaws, and occasional monkeys
- Return to Amazon Treehouse for breakfast on the garden balcony
- Guided jungle exploration in search of wildlife (peccaries, sloths, monkeys)
- Boat transfer to Río Negro, deep in the Manu jungle
- Arrival and setup of camping tents on the riverbank
- Dusk jungle expedition with flashlights and rubber boots
- Night hike in search of armadillos, rainbow boas, and other nocturnal wildlife
- River crossing and night exploration along the Río Negro (approx. 2 hours)
- Wildlife spotting (capybaras, caimans, possibly puma)
- Outdoor campfire dinner at the riverside camp
- Overnight camping in the Amazon rainforest
Día 4: Rio Negro/Amazon Treehouse
Rio Negro/Amazon Treehouse
- Breakfast at the Río Negro camp after the night expedition
- Pack up and return journey downriver to the Palotoa River
- River tubing experience on the Palotoa River (approx. 1 hour)
- Relaxed float downstream through the Amazon rainforest
- Wildlife viewing along the river (monkeys and birds)
- Arrival at Amazon Treehouse lodge
- Traditional jungle lunch prepared by the cook
- Afternoon guided hike from the lodge to explore medicinal and poisonous plants
- Nature interpretation walk in the surrounding rainforest
Día 5: Amazon Treehouse / Otorongo Cocha / Machiguenga House
Amazon Treehouse / Otorongo Cocha / Machiguenga House
- Early morning departure (5:00 a.m.) by peke-peke boat
- Boat navigation to the Madre de Dios River and entrance to Manu Reserved Zone
- Breakfast served on board while observing wildlife
- Approx. 4-hour boat journey along the Madre de Dios River
- Upstream navigation along the Manu River with wildlife spotting (jaguars, caimans, capybaras, birds)
- Riverbank wildlife viewing (herons, macaws, toucans, eagles, etc.)
- Lunch served on the boat
- Arrival at Otorongo Lagoon (oxbow lake)
- Visit to observation tower (20 m high)
- Guided hike around the lagoon and rainforest trails
- Observation of giant ceiba trees
- Final boat ride to Machiguenga Lodge
- Overnight stay at indigenous-owned rustic lodge
Día 6: Salvador Cocha/Parrot Clay Lick/Night Walk
Salvador Cocha/Parrot Clay Lick/Night Walk
- Morning visit to Laguna Salvador (Cocha Salvador)
- Catamaran navigation across the lake (approx. 2 hours)
- Wildlife viewing (giant otters, black caimans, turtles, hoatzin birds, monkeys)
- Visit to macaw clay lick and observation of feeding behavior
- Guided observation of macaws for about 1 hour
- Return to Machiguenga Lodge
- Lunch at the lodge
- Afternoon exploration of the “monkey zone” across the Manu River
- Wildlife search (woolly monkeys, spider monkeys, tamarins)
- Night walk with flashlights to observe nocturnal species (insects, toads, birds)
- Overnight stay at Machiguenga Lodge
Día 7: Casa Machiuenga / Amazon Treehouse
Casa Machiuenga / Amazon Treehouse
- Early morning boat departure (5:00 a.m.) in the dark
- Navigation along the Manu River with sunrise wildlife viewing
- Wildlife spotting (jaguars, capybaras, peccaries, caimans, turtles, tapirs)
- Breakfast served on board with panoramic river views
- Navigation through the Manu–Madre de Dios river confluence
- Continued boat journey along the Madre de Dios River (approx. 5 hours)
- Lunch served on the boat
- Arrival at the Palotoa River in the afternoon
- Transfer to smaller boat (peke-peke)
- Final 50-minute upriver journey
- Arrival at the Amazon Treehouse lodge
INCLUSIONS
Included
- Accommodation in lodges and camping equipment (tents and inflatable mattress included)
- All meals included except breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on the last day
- Breakfast and lunch included on the last day
- Vegetarian options available with advance notice
- Soft drinks, hot drinks, sparkling wine, and beer included with meals
- Excursions guided by expert naturalist guides
- Professional cook (chef) included
- Night hikes included
- Private transportation included (minivan and boat)
- Minimum group size: 2 people required to operate the tour
Not included
- Breakfast on the first day (10- 20 soles)
- Diner Last day
- Alcoholic beverages
- Water for the first day
- Snacks
- Souvenirs
Activities included
- Walk in the cloud forest (first day)
- Macaw, parrots and parakeet viewing at the clay lick
- Tubing in the Palotoa river
- Night walks with licensed naturalist guide
- Exploring wildlife
- View to Cocha Otorongo (tower) (Reserved Zone of Manu)
- Visit to Cocha Salvador (catamaran) (Reserved Zone of Manu)
- Exploration of river and jungle for Wildlife
- Hiking trails on (Reserved Zone of Manu)
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
Manu Tours Peru Packing List
IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR YOU?
The 8-day tour to the Manu Reserve is an adventure that involves traveling by minivan and boat for several hours, crossing the Andes, part of the cloud forest, and the vast lowland plain. We will descend into the cloud forest, and our journey will wind through potholes, curves, tunnels, and waterfalls. The views are spectacular. It involves traveling for several hours by boat, with breakfast and lunch on board. The lowland rainforest has a tropical climate, and expeditions involve being dirty and wet. All our lodges are rustic, clean, and accessible to anyone of any age. It is beautiful and full of wildlife.
MEETING AND PICKUP POINT
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco on the first day. Our guide will greet you, and the Bio Manu Expedition team will show you our private minivan. Pickup from outside Cusco will be by prior arrangement. This service is subject to an additional cost.
PICKUP TIME
Pickup time is early, at 5:00 a.m., to give us more time to enjoy the sights along the way. And, by leaving early, we also avoid traffic and other crowds of tour groups.
BRING YOUR OWN BINOCULARS.
We don’t want you to miss the spectacular beauty of the Manu Rainforest’s flora and fauna! Binoculars are a great way to simply observe! Our naturalist guides are equipped with binoculars and a telescope and will share them with you when necessary. Please note that while in your care, the binoculars or telescope are your responsibility, so please treat them with care, as you are responsible in case of damage or loss.
We recommend bringing your own binoculars! The waterproof VORTEX 10 x 42 binoculars offer a clear, extended view and bring the action closer.
TOUR AVAILABILITY
We typically run this tour from March to December. For January and February, please check availability, as it is the rainy season and trips will be scheduled only when it is safe to do so.
YOUR TRAVEL BACKPACK:
We recommend packing light for this 8-day Manu trip. Travel light and consider bringing layers instead of large jackets. Be selective and pack light. Choose quick-drying clothing, if possible. We will be in the jungle!
- A small backpack for all your essentials like a water bottle, camera, snacks and phone, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer
- 4 long-sleeved t-shirts
- 2-3 pairs of ultralight hiking pants
- 5 pairs of underwear
- 5 pairs of socks
- 1 wide-brimmed sun hat
- Flip-flops for the shower
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- 1 small ultralight towel
- Waterproof shoes/hiking sandals
- Swimsuit
- Flashlight/flashlight with extra battery
- Dark-colored clothing
USEFUL ITEMS
- Plastic bags for dirty and clean clothes, and for your camera/electronic devices.
- A flashlight or headlamp (for night hikes) with a battery
- Camera and battery charger, extra battery, and memory cards
TOILETRIES
- Biodegradable or organic soap (available in Cusco)
- Sunscreen
- DEET or other strong insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Baby wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet paper (in a plastic bag to keep it dry!)
- Personal medications for 8 days
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BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE
What Our Travellers Say
Verified reviews from TripAdvisor
Posted on Tripadvisor 悦桐 曾Verified Fantastic! Fantastic trip!! Really nice guide, fun jungle exploration and cool tubing! By the way, food is really tasty!Posted on Tripadvisor Adventure17148511439Verified Highly recommend Highly recommend it!!! The host provided truly warming assistance and guidance. The tour and memory with them is really great. Really appreciate that! The food here is good as well by the way. :)Posted on Tripadvisor Bas vVerified Great all in one experience! Some trips are once in a lifetime. This was one of those trips. Together, we took the plunge and traveled over 500 kilometers through the Peruvian Amazon in seven days with our private guide, Vidal. We became part of his family for a week, and he treated us accordingly. He taught us a great deal about the area, the animals and insects, the sounds, surviving in the jungle, taking night walks for several hours in the pitch black, and crossing waterways, both on foot and by boat. There was no internet and only 3 kilos of luggage (your choice). The activities were sometimes tailored to your level of activity, and there was plenty of opportunity for questions and friendly conversation. The tree houses were comfortable, and the entire setting of the "camp" was beautiful. We would recommend this seven-day trip to everyone. For us, three days would be too short due to the vast distances you have to cover to get from point A to point B. Vidal is a fantastic guide with an incredible amount of experience. He was born and raised in the jungle. He made our trip a great success!Posted on Tripadvisor Bas vVerified Best guide ever! Some trips are once in a lifetime. This was one of those trips. Together, we took the plunge and traveled over 500 kilometers through the Peruvian Amazon in seven days with our private guide, Vidal. We became part of his family for a week, and he treated us accordingly. He taught us so much about the area, the animals and insects, the sounds, surviving in the jungle, taking night walks for several hours in the pitch black, and crossing waterways, both on foot and by boat. We did not use internet and only 10 kilos of luggage ( this was our choice). The activities were tailored to your level of activity, and there was plenty of opportunity for questions and friendly conversation. The tree houses were comfortable, and the entire setting of the "camp" was beautiful. We would recommend this seven-day trip to everyone. For us, three days would be too short due to the vast distances you have to cover to get from point A to point B. Vidal is a fantastic guide with an incredible amount of experience. He was born and raised in the jungle. Many thanks Vidal and family!Posted on Tripadvisor Claudia RVerified Very personal, family-run experience We joined a 5-day tour into the Reserved Zone of Manu National Park, and it was an unforgettable experience. Because of external reasons, the planning had to be done very spontaneously, but Vidal managed to organize everything on very short notice. He involved his family right away, which made the whole experience feel very personal and well taken care of. The atmosphere during the entire trip was extremely relaxed, friendly, and full of laughter. Vidal grew up in the jungle and has deep knowledge of the local nature, wildlife, and environment. His English is very good, making explanations and conversations easy and enjoyable. The food was another highlight of the tour. Vidal’s wife, Daisy, cooked amazing vegetarian meals for us every day. Even during long boat rides, she managed to prepare fresh food – something we did not expect at all in such a remote place. Manu National Park is a truly unique and magical destination, and experiencing it with such a warm, knowledgeable, and well-organized team made the journey even more special. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for an authentic and memorable Manu experience.Posted on Tripadvisor MBS_0804Verified Amazing tour of Manu National Park! I had a wonderful time at the Amazon Treehouse! Vidal took our group on many amazing forest walks, where we saw macaws, capuchin monkeys, a white caiman, a bamboo rat, and many spiders and other insects, and he enlightened us on his indigenous culture’s ways. The treehouse accommodations were delightful, Daisy’s cooking was magnificent, and Romario was a terrific driver. I highly recommend for a first exposure to the Peruvian portion of the Amazon basin.Posted on Tripadvisor Cindy CletoVerified Unforgettable Manu National Park Tour! Amazing 4-day trip to Manu National Park. Vidal and Deysi were wonderful guides and hosts. We stayed in a beautiful tree house overlooking the forest and river, with tasty, fresh Peruvian food cooked for us throughout. Such a unique experience! The walks through the jungle were incredible, with Vidal spotting and showing us a variety of monkeys, birds and reptiles. Incredible opportunity to see wildlife where it belongs! We also had wonderful experiences like floating down the river, fishing and night walks. Unforgettable experience with an amazing Peruvian host! We've made friends for life. Would highly recommend. Thank you!Posted on Tripadvisor susang178Verified Magic adventure At Bio Manu we had an adventurous 4 days in the jungle sleeping in the treehouse, with night and day walks in the jungle and delicious meals. It was a great occasion to see many amazing trees, insects, birds, monkeys and even a caïman! We loved going down the river on inner tubes with nothing but the forest and its sounds around us. Many thanks to our wonderful guide and amigo Gabriel who took good care of us and showed us the magic of the jungle! All our best to the whole team at Bio Manu including Daisy, Vidal, Melia, Marco and our super driver Freddy. Thanks everyone! Susan and Raphaël (France)Posted on Tripadvisor Hélène AVerified Un séjour inoubliable ! Nous avons passé un séjour exceptionnel avec Vidal! Le logement se trouve dans un lieu paradisiaque, en pleine selva et loin des touristes, et le balcon de notre belle chambre donnait sur la rivière. Nous nous sommes régalés tous les jours, les plats étaient fins et délicieux, et nous avons découvert la cuisine péruvienne à chaque repas, bravo Lady !! Vidal est un guide hors pair, nous avons fait des excursions de jour et de nuit et avons vu plein d'animaux. Encore merci à toute l'équipe pour cette expérience que nous n'oublierons jamais 🥰Posted on Tripadvisor Clement2335Verified Amazing experience in the jungle It was an amazing experience ! Everything was great, it a dream come true to walk an explorer this incredible place! All the walks in the jungle, the activities and the meals were wonderful! Vidal and his family are truely kind and lovely people who will do everything possible to make your stay the most awesome experience possible. I will never forget them! Thank you so much again! I totally recommend you to come and discover this by yourself, do not hesitate !










