I’ve always been desperate to experience the Amazon, but finding the time for a long expedition can be tough. That’s why this 3-day cultural journey through the Manu area has shot straight to the top of my hit list. It’s the perfect short and sweet adventure—a chance to dive into the lush jungle and its natural wonders without committing to a week-long trip. The plan is to explore the rich flora and fauna of the region, starting with a scenic drive from the Andes down into the vibrant heart of the rainforest.
I’m particularly excited about staying in a rustic lodge, complete with mosquito nets and all the necessary comforts, right in the thick of it. The thought of taking a boat down the river, spotting incredible wildlife, and witnessing the famous parrot clay lick at dawn is just magical. This trip feels like the ultimate way to get a taste of the Amazon’s soul, and I can’t wait to immerse myself in its wild beauty, even if it’s just for a few days.
To kick off this 3-day Manu tour, the day begins with an early morning pick-up from my hotel in Cusco (3,400m / 11,152 ft), between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m., in a comfortable private bus. Our first stop on this incredible journey will be the impressive Funerary Towers, or Chullpas, of Ninamarca, which sit at a lofty 3,750 meters (12,303 feet). After that, we’ll make a brief stop in the charming folkloric town of Paucartambo (2,906m / 9,534 ft), famous for its colonial bridge.
Next, we’ll head to the upper area of Paucartambo, to the Acjanaco sector, at a breathtaking altitude of 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). This spot marks the entrance to the legendary Manu National Park. From here, we’ll begin our descent through the mysterious cloud forest, a place teeming with an incredible diversity of wild flora and fauna. I’m so excited to see the beautiful orchids, heliconias, and primitive ferns. During a hike, we’ll have the chance to witness the fascinating mating ritual of the Cock-of-the-Rock. There’s also a possibility of spotting other birds like Trogons and Quetzals, and if we’re really lucky, even the elusive Spectacled Bear. In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at the picturesque village of Pilcopata, located at 550 meters (1,804 feet), where our cozy, typical lodge awaits. Tucked away from the town, it offers the perfect retreat with private bathrooms and showers.
After a delicious breakfast, we’ll continue our journey by bus to the port town of Atalaya, a 45-minute ride that will take us down to an altitude of 490 meters (1,607 feet). In Atalaya, we’ll board a boat for a 30-minute trip to the Paititi Lodge (400m / 1,312 ft), where we’ll spend the night in a typical setting with private bathrooms and showers. During the boat ride, I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for all kinds of animals in their natural habitat.
After enjoying a tasty lunch, our afternoon will be spent at Cocha Machuwasi. Here, we’ll take a ride on a typical catamaran to observe a huge diversity of birds, like the fascinating Shansho (Hoatzin), as well as monkeys, reptiles, dwarf caimans, and insects. We might even be lucky enough to spot some capybaras! In the evening, there’s an exciting optional Night Trekking program for those who want to explore the jungle after dark. Then, it’s back to the lodge for a comfortable and relaxing night’s sleep.
On the last day of our 3-day Manu tour, we’ll head out early in the morning for a 45-minute boat ride to the parrot clay lick. I can’t wait to see this mineral-rich clay wall where we can witness the astonishing gathering of 3 to 4 species of green parrots, who flock here in large numbers to feed on the natural salts.
After this incredible experience, we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast before continuing our journey. We’ll leave the boat in Atalaya and hop on the bus, passing through Pilcopata, Patria (500m / 1,640 ft), and Chontachaca (600m / 1,968 ft), as we cross the mysterious cloud forest once more on our way back to the Imperial city. During the bus tour, we’ll have another chance to delight in the stunning views of the cloud forest. We expect to arrive back in Cusco between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., bringing our unforgettable trip through Manu to a close.
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