Manu Biosphere Reserve is, quite simply, one of the best wilderness destinations on the planet, boasting an astonishing biodiversity, unrivalled bird-watching opportunities … and even uncontacted tribes. A World Natural Heritage Site since 1987, Manu Reserve is the size of Wales and includes a wide range of habitats as it starts on the eastern slopes of the Andes and descends into the lowland rainforest.

Surprisingly accessible from Cusco area, this five day tour of Manu is a naturalist’s dream.

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Day 1:  Cusco – Posada San Pedro:

Leaving Cusco, we make the spectacular drive up and over the Andes and into Manu Biosphere. It is a full day’s drive, but we make stops along the way, such as in the historic village of Paucartambo, and to enjoy the views of the Vilcanota and Urumamba mountain ranges. The highpoint of the journey is at the Ajcanacu Pass (3,530 m /11,600 ft) after which, we descend into cloud forest.

You will spend your first night in the camping huts of Posada San Pedro.

Meals Included:  Lunch / Dinner

Day 2: Posada San Pedro - Atalaya – Boca Manu:

Today, we drive you by bus, through tropical lowland rainforest, to the small village of Atalaya. Here we transfer you into a motorised canoe to navigate down the turbulent Alto Madre de Dios River to Boca Manu.

As night falls, we make camp on one of the river beaches.

All Meals Included

Day 3: Boca Manu – Manu River - Lake Salvador:

Today, we take you by canoe up the Manu River, to go deeper into the heart of the Manu Reserve.

We reach our campsite near Lake (Cocha) Salvador, in the afternoon. This is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Manu basin, and we will have the chance to explore it by catamaran, on the look-out for a family of giant otters, along with a huge variety of colourful birds and numerous species of monkey and caiman. If we are really lucky, we may even see an ocelot or a jaguar.   

All Meals Included

Day 4: Lake Salvador: Lake Otorongo:

A five-hour hike through the virgin rainforest brings us to Lake Otorongo and a 20m (65ft) high observation platform that overlooks the lake.

We overnight back at our Lake Salvador campsite.

All Meals Included

Day 5: Lake Salvador - Boca Manu – Cusco:

After a final walk through the forest surrounding Lake Salvador, we return back down the Manu River.

At Boca Manu, we return to Cusco over the rainforest and the Andes by light aircraft.

Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast only

For the really keen bird-watchers or naturalists, this tour can be done in 7-day and 9-day versions, for almost the same price. Email us at info@chimuadventures.com for more information.

Looking for something cheaper? Have a look at our Short Amazon Tour which visits the marvellous Tambopata National Reserve.