MANU NATIONAL PARK

Manu National Park, located in southeastern Peru, is one of the largest parks in South America. The area of the park encompasses parts of the Andean department of Cusco and the jungle department of Madre de Dios. Manu protects over 2 million hectares (4.5 million acres) of territory rich in flora and fauna species in a variety of habitats including high Andes, cloud forests, and lowland tropical rain forests.

UNESCO officially recognizes this natural paradise as a world heritage site. In 1977 they designated Manu as a World Biosphere Reserve because it contains the best existing example of biodiversity in protected areas of rain forest, as well as endemic areas of cloud forest.

Humans have altered the majority of forests in the world. Fortunately, Manu has remained intact and untouched by civilization. Thus, we can observe a variety of animals in their natural habitats, including: Giant Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis), Black Caiman (Melanosuchus Niger), the majestic Jaguar (Panthera onca), the strange Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus), the Tapir (Tapirus terrestris), the Ocelot (Felis pardalis), 13 species of primates, and an estimated one thousand species of birds including seven species of Macaws (Ara sp.).

Manu also contains 10% of the world’s vascular plant species, including several species of figs and palms, as well as countless species of medicinal plants that scientists are currently cataloguing. A single hectare of forest in Manu can have up to 220 species of trees, while a hectare of temperate forest in Europe or North America may only have 20 tree species.

Manu National Park may be the most biologically diverse and protected park on the planet.

Manu National Park – Cultural Zone 3 days / 2 nights Itinerary

DAY 01: We leave Cusco early in the morning in one of our vehicles. Approximately mid-morning we visit the interesting tombs of Ninamarca, commonly known as “Chullpas”. We continue to Paucartambo, a picturesque Spanish colonial town, and then to the Acjanacu pass, which marks the beginning of the Cultural Zone of Manu Biosphere Reserve. Here, a thick cloak of clouds provides perpetual humidity and makes an ideal habitat for epiphytic plants such as bromeliads. This varied and fascinating world is home of the Cock of the Rock, Spectacled Bear, Orchids, Tree Ferns (one of the oldest living plants), mosses and lichens. This cloud forest exists between 2,000 and 3,500 m.a.s.l. and at least 50% of the plant species found here are endemic to this region. Overnight at our “Orquídeas de San Pedro Lodge”.

Day 02: Today we wake up very early to observe the Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruviana), Peru’s national bird from a platform. The male birds are a vibrant reddish orange, and as many as several dozen come together for an exhibition of a mating ritual dance in a place called Lek. The males display their crest, showing off and posturing for the females. The females, fewer in number, watch to select the most suitable males. After breakfast we continue in our vehicle (*1) down the narrow road between waterfalls and canyons toward the town of Pilcopata (*2) and then to Atalaya Port. here we board our covered, outboard motor boat and head down the Alto Madre de Dios River for approximately 15 minutes toward our private reserve of “Erika” a comfortable / rustic lodge owned also by Manu Ecological Adventures where we will hike through the interesting trail system that this transitional area between high and low jungle offers. Overnight at the lodge.

*1 Optional: Descend with mountain bikes from our San Pedro Lodge (1700 m.a.s.l.) Cloud Forest to Pilcopata (700 m.a.s.l.) – only for very experienced people – depends on availability and weather conditions.

*2 Free Option: Here in Pilcopata town we will make the final settings for a 1 ½ river rafting (class I and II) trip down the Koshñipata River where we will have the opportunity for a dip and of course enjoy the spectacular view of the Koñeq Canyon. Continuing down the Alto Madre de Dios River to Erika Lodge.
*3 New!!! Option: We walk through the trail that leads us to the observation platform located 15 feet above the mammal lick itself where we wait for the lumbering peccaries to arrive, we observe and photograph them in action. Important: The observation deppends on luck on availability and weather conditions.

DAY 03: This day we will get up very early to board our boat and after five minutes arrive to a Parrot clay Lick called “Collpa” on the riverbanks, where many species of parrots such as the blue headed parrot, white-eyed parakeet, feed for mineral and salt supplements to their diet of seeds and fruits. After that will visit a small lake near to the Alto Madre de Dios River, here we are going to have the chance to see the Hoatzin, a primitive bird, white caimans, many species of birds, insects, etc immediately after we continue to Atalaya where the bus will drive us to Cusco city, arriving late in the afternoon.

*4 Free Option: Canopy zip down: At Erika Lodge, our guests traverse from tree to tree and platform to platform using pulleys on horizontal traverse cables zip lines), as they sail through the treetops of the tropical rainforest canopy, and over the trails far below. Expert guides assist you in this exciting journey through the different layers of the rain forests and explain what’s going on around you from the time you leave the ground, until you rappel back down to the forest floor.

END OF OUR SERVICES.

SERVICES INCLUDED:
Specialized and bilingual guide, 01 at Orquideas de San Pedro Lodge, 01 night in Erika Lodge, meals (vegetarian option is also available), first aid kit including anti-ophidian shots, all land and river transportation, safety box for values and storage for luggage.

THINGS YOU SHOULD BRING ALONG ON A TRIP TO MANU
Binoculars
Warm clothing (in case of a cold front), long sleeve shirts and long pants (cotton)
100% waterproof rain gear (long poncho or rain wear)
Insect repellent (at least 50% Deet), sunscreen lotion
One pair of lightweight ankle height boots and sandals
Flashlight, enough batteries (alkaline) and bulbs
Wide brim hat and sun glasses for sunny days
Towel, swimming suit personal medicines and/or supplies (liquid for contact lenses for example)
A day pack and one back pack or duffel bag of luggage per person
Camera and films (ASA 200 and 400 for the inner forest)
One bottle of water for the first day, plastic bags.
Daily departures minimum 2 participants.

Price per person : S/. 975.00.

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info@ecotrailperu.com