Manu Cultural Zone 4d/3n

Introduction

On the various tours that we offer you will pass through different habitats of the Andes: cloud forest and lowland rainforest. In Manu you have the best opportunities to observe wildlife on the trails or along the Manu, Madre de Dios and Blanco Rivers.
You have the chance to see the Giant Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) in oxbow-lakes, Black and White Caimans (Melanosuchus niger, Caiman crocodylus), Harpy Eagles (Harpia harpyja), Jaguar, Giant Anteaters, Collared Peccaries, Tapirs (Tapirus terrestris), Capybaras, deer, 13 species of monkeys, Toucans (10 species), Macaws (7 species), Storks and an incredible number of other colourful birds.
Manu is famous for its Biodiversity. So far more than 1000 species of birds have been registered, more than 200 species of mammals among them 13 species of monkeys, and 15,000 species of flowering plants 

Itinerary

DAY 01:

We leave Cusco early in the morning in our specialized overland vehicles. Approximately mid-morning we visit the interesting Pre- Inca 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 2000 and 3500 meters above sea level and at least 50% of the plant species found here are endemic to this region. Overnight in our Orchids lodge “San Pedro”.

• Meals provided: All meals

DAY 02:

Today we wake up very early to observe the Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruviana), Peru’s national bird. The male birds are a vibrant reddish orange and about 5:00am. as many as several dozen come together for an exhibition of a ritual mating dance in a comfortably installed on an observation platform 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 by bike down the narrow road between waterfalls and canyons toward Pilcopata town (*1) for 2 hours approximately (*2). A 30 minutes bus ride to the port of Atalaya where we will board our covered outboard motor boat and head down the Alto Madre de Dios River for approximately 30 minutes toward our private reserve of “Erika Lodge” where we will spend the next two nights. Short walk around the lodge.

* 1 Optional: Descend with mountain bikes from San Pedro Lodge (1700 m.a.s.l.) - Cloud Forest to Pilcopata- High Jungle (700 m.a.s.l.).

• Meals provided: All meals

DAY 03:

Erika Lodge is located in a transition zone between high and low jungle (600 m.a.s.l. to 1,150 m.a.s.l, 1,200 to 3,450 feet) encompassing different habitats. This altitude range explains the high diversity of wildlife found around this lodge, so immediately after breakfast, we will start walking near the riverbanks, during the hike our guide will talk about insects, medicinal plants, trees, reptiles, mammals, etc. Early afternoon we will start a short ride by boat to 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. Short night walk. This will be our last night in the wonderful amazon jungle. Overnight in the lodge.

• Meals provided: All meals

DAY 04:

This day we will get up very early to board our boat, and after five minutes, we will walk for another 30 minutes approximately though a very nice trail to observe and talk about the interesting flora, such as sensitive plants, heliconias, frut plantations, etc. until we arrive to Machuwasi Lake where with the help of a telescope and observe great egrets, tucanets, carpenters, Keskadees, cardinals, etc. After this we will take the boat to Atalaya where the bus takes us out of Manu, arriving Cusco late in the afternoon.

• Meals provided: All meals
• Estimated time: 9-10 hours

* Departure and arrival times are approximated.

* Season: July – December

What is included:

• Professional Guide specialized in Manu
• Cook
• Food (three meals per day, vegetarian on request)
• Private bus lodge Medical supplies.
• Camping equipment and lodge camps
• Captain and river rafting equipment,
• Mountain biking equipment.

What is not included:

• Tips for the guide
• sleeping bag
• Extra spends

What you need to bring/carry:

• Binoculars, camera and films (ASA 200 and 400 for the inner forest)
• 100% waterproof rain gear (long poncho or rain wear)
• 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
• Towel, swimming suit
• Personal medicines and/or supplies (liquid for contact lenses for example) .

RATES 2010
Manu Cultural Zone 4d/3n
Price USD	430.00**

**Minimum: 2 passengers