Manu Jungle Tours in Peru: Explore the Amazon Rainforest

3 Days & 2 Nights

3-Day Amazon Rainforest Short Break from Cusco

Our short 3-day trip to Manu is an excellent way of getting to know the life in the Peruvian Amazon jungle either before or after visiting Machu Picchu. On your visit you will be accompanied throughout by a local nature guide who speaks English. You will visit the cultural buffer zone of the Manu National Park and will have the opportunity to observe many species of butterflies and monkeys plus animals such as sloths. You will also have the chance to witness the spectacular early morning concentration of macaws and parrots at a clay lick on the banks of the Palotoa river.

NOTE: The program includes long journeys both in bus and in boats and there can sometimes be last minute changes to the program due to climatic conditions.

Overview
• Start: Cusco
• End: Cusco
• Style: Original
• Type: Adventure
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Age Minimum: Children of 10 with their parents, 18 without parents.
• Group size: Minimum 2 Maximum 9

3 Days & 2 Nights

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco to Cloud Forest – Rivers Madre de Dios and Palotoa – Robles Treehouse Lodge

At Dawn:
We shall collect you from your hotel between 4 and 4.30 a.m. before travelling in our minivan through the Andes for about 2½ hours until we reach the town of Paucatambo. This is a traditional Andean town which preserves much of its historical Inca Culture and Customs.

During the Morning:
We shall stop for breakfast in Paucatambo between about 7.30 and 8.30 a.m. After that we shall continue our journey for another hour until we reach the highest mountain pass (Acjanaco) at 3,650m.a.s.l. From there we shall begin our descent through the verdant cloud forest. On this journey we will be on the watching out animals such as Woolly monkeys, Andean Cock of the Rock birds (the national bird of Peru), quetzals and many others besides.

Around Midday:
At about 12.30 p.m. we shall reach a humming bird center, at an altitude of 700m. Whilst our cook prepares a delicious lunch, we shall have around 40 minutes to enjoy the humming birds feeding alongside monkeys and a variety of birds, including, if we are lucky, king vultures. You can witness this marvelous spectacle from the comfort of a chair at the lunch table. After lunch we shall travel for a further 30 minutes to the river port of Atalaya.

In the Afternoon:
We shall reach the river port of Atalaya around 3 p.m. After packing our things on the boat, we shall begin a journey of one hour and forty minutes along the upper Madre de Dios river. We should have the chance to see animals such as the capybara sat on the riverbanks and if we are lucky tapirs too. When we reach the entrance to the tributary of the river Palotoa we shall change onto a smaller boat, called a Peke Peke. We shall use this to travel upstream for about 40 minutes. On this journey we may also see more howler monkeys and colorful parrots and macaws. Our destination is the Robles Treehouse Lodge.

At Night:
Soon after arrival at around 6 p.m. we shall go on a nocturnal trek lasting about 1½ hours. This will take us into the jungle where we will be able to hear and/or see animals such as crickets, frogs and toads, tarantulas and many other spiders, snakes, owls and with luck sloths and nocturnal monkeys. Dinner will be upon return from the walk, at 7.30 p.m. We shall also use this time to outline the agenda for the next day.

The night will be spent at the Robles Treehouse Lodge.

Day 2: Parrot and Macaw Clay Lick – Jungle Walks – Lake Huito – River Tubing

At Dawn:
We shall leave at 5.30 a.m. to take a short 15-minute walk to a view point for a parrot and macaw clay lick, which is located on the opposite bank of the Palotoa river. This should provide us with a spectacular early morning show as hundreds of these colorful birds congregate shortly after dawn each day to eat the nutrient and salt rich clays. We should also see toucans flying amongst the trees and if we are lucky, we could see otters fishing close to the river banks.

During the morning:
We shall have breakfast at 7.30 a.m. in our dining area, which affords panoramic views over the Palotoa river. After a short rest we will head into the jungle on foot once more. We will be on the lookout for animals such as monkeys, sloths and peccaries and a wide variety of birds including toucans. Our guide will also point out some of the interesting trees and other plants in both the pristine jungle and the bamboo woodlands.

Around midday:
At around 12.30 p.m. our cooks will provide you with a great meal, following which you will be able to enjoy a short siesta.

In the afternoon:
We shall begin our next activity at 3 p.m. We call this activity "river tubing" and it consists of floating down the river Palatoa for an hour on large rubber inner tubes from a point up river of our lodge. Part of the route goes through semi rapids, whilst other sections are very calm – ideal for contemplating the lush vegetation on either river bank. Given that the temperatures in Manu are generally around 35°C in midafternoon this is an ideal activity. Once we get back to our lodge there will be time available for swimming in the crystal-clear water of the river. After the swim we shall get ourselves ready before heading off on foot to visit the Huito lake. Once there we hope to see the prehistoric hoatzin bird along with monkeys and other aquatic birds around the lake.

At night:
At 6 p.m. we shall go on our final nocturnal walk into the jungle, each with rubber boots and a torch. Once more we shall be on the lookout for animals such as spiders, crickets and other insects, owls and sloths – whatever mother nature can offer. One of the highlights is always when we stop still and switch off all of the torches. The extraordinary mix of sounds is amazing and always has an impact on our visitors. We shall also visit the Huito lake again with the aim of spotting caimans. This experience is not to be missed. We will be accompanied throughout by a professional guide who is an expert in the Manu jungle.

Dinner will be at 7.30 p.m. and once again we shall run through the agenda for the next day.

The night will be spent at the Robles Treehouse Lodge.

Day 3: Boat Trip Back – Cloud Forest – Return to Cusco

At Dawn:
Following breakfast at 5.30 a.m. we shall head down river by Peke Peke. After a journey of around 25 minutes, we shall reach the point where we change onto the larger river boat at the end of the Palotoa river. Along the way we shall be looking out for wildlife along the river banks.

During the morning:
At about 7 a.m. we shall head back up the Upper Madre de Dios river. Morning is the best time to see the wildlife on and close to the river so we shall ensure that we have our eyes open for a last chance to see animals such as capybaras and tapirs.

Once we reach the port of Atalaya at about 9.30 a.m. we will rejoin our waiting minivan in order to return to Cusco via the cloud forest, which will offer us another opportunity to see the iconic Andean Cock of the Rock bird as well as different species of monkey. We shall also see many waterfalls as we begin to say goodbye to the jungle.

At Midday:
Lunch will be in Paucatambo after a journey of about 5 hours. Tea and coffee will be available.

In the Afternoon:
This is the saddest part of the tour, having to say goodbye once we reach Cusco at around 5 p.m. Thanks for choosing to travel with us!!

Additional Information & Tour Details

TOUR PRICES
The tour prices will vary according to the program that you wish to reserve as these vary from 2 to 8 days. Other things which will affect the prices include the type of service required, the size of the group and whether you form a private group or will be part of a shared one. Also, they will depend upon whether your tour is taken in the peak or non-peak season. Even factors such as government policies and major changes to the cost of living can alter prices so it is always best to check with us first.

We are a tour operator which runs our own tours. We neither pass on our clients to other tour agencies nor receive tourists from other agencies to top up groups with tours which have already been agreed and organized. We will run trips for groups as small as two people and are always reliable once a reservation is made.

MEETING POINT AND PICK UP
You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco on day one. Our Guide will meet you and show you to our private minivan. The tour begins and ends in the city of Cusco. If you're based outside of Cusco - in Pisac, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo for example, you will be picked up much earlier to be brought to the city of Cusco to join the tour at its departure point. Please contact us to coordinate. This service would have an additional cost, and the schedule of pick up would have to be arranged in advance.

TIME OF PICK UP
Based on the advice of our customers who have traveled with us, and our own experience, we leave early! Time of pick up will be at 4:00 AM in the morning, in order to have an early start and more time to enjoy the places of interest on the way. In this way we also take advantage of the fresh morning to see more wildlife out. This also helps to avoid traffic and other tour groups.

BRING YOUR OWN BINOCULARS
We don't want you to miss out on the spectacular beauty of the flora and fauna of the Manu rainforest! While your zoom is a great way to catch animals at a distance, binoculars are a great way just to watch! Our naturalist guides take a binocular and telescope with them and will share with you when this is necessary! Please note, while in your care, the binoculars or telescope are your responsibility, so please treat them with care as you are liable in the event of any damage or loss.

But we recommend that you bring your own binoculars! The VORTEX 10 x 42 water resistant binoculars offer extended clear viewing and bring the action in close.

AVAILABILITY OF TOUR
We normally run this tour from March to December. For January and February, please inquire for availability as it is the rainy season and trips will be scheduled only when it is safe.

YOUR TRAVEL BACKPACK
We recommend economizing on your luggage for this short trip to Manu of 3 days. Travel light and think about bringing light layers instead of big jackets. Be selective and pack light. Choose quick dry clothing, if possible. We will be in the jungle!

• A small daypack for all your essentials like water bottle, camera, snacks and phone
• 1 long sleeved t-shirt
• 1 ultra-lightweight pair of hiking pants
• 2 sets of underwear
• 2 sets of socks
• 1 wide-winged Sun Hat
• Flip flops for the shower
• Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
• 1 small ultra-light towel
• Waterproof shoes/hiking sandals like TEVAs
• Swimming suit/Bathers
• Torch/flashlight with extra battery
• Dark-colored clothing

USEFUL ITEMS
• Plastic bags for dirty and clean clothes, and for camera/electronics.
• A hand or head lamp (torch for night hikes) with battery
• Camera and Battery charger

TOILETRIES
• Biodegradable or Organic Soap (available in Cusco)
• Sunscreen
• DEET or other strong insect repellent
• Hand Sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Toilet paper (in plastic bag to keep dry!)
• Personal medication for 3 days

INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
Manu Rainforest Peru tour rates include all meals (vegetarian, vegan, and kosher options are available with prior notice), hot drinks, beer served with one lunch, and a Pisco Sour served with one dinner.

The rates also include accommodation in comfortable lodges, all excursions led by specialized naturalist guides, a professional chef, the entrance fee to Manu National Park, day and night walks, and all transportation (minivan and boat). We also use a traditional PEKE PEKE boat, a small local motorized boat used to navigate the Palotoa River.

As part of your Amazon adventure, the tour also includes river tubing (floating down the river using an inflatable tube) and kayaking on the Palotoa River.