Manu National Park 3 Day Tour Adventure in the Peruvian Amazon

Day 1: Cusco - Paucartambo - Bambu Lodge

1. Chullpas de Ninamarca
   45m
   Our three-day Manu tour begins early at 5:30 a.m. when we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. From there, we’ll start our journey from the Andes down into the Amazon, passing through diverse and changing landscapes.
   
   First stop: Ninamarca
   Our first stop is the small village of Ninamarca, home to pre-Incan tombs built by the Lupaca people. Your guide will explain their history and cultural significance.
2. Paucartambo
   45m
   Next, we head to the colonial town of Paucartambo, located at 9,186 feet (2,800 meters) above sea level. You’ll get to see its historic church and traditional streets. It’s also a place where Quechua is still spoken, and many local traditions are preserved.
3. Tres Cruces
   30m
   Acjanaco Pass and Tres Cruces
   We’ll continue driving uphill to Acjanaco Pass at 11,646 feet (3,550 meters), which marks the entrance to Manu National Park. From there, we go even higher to the Tres Cruces viewpoint at 12,139 feet (3,700 meters), where you’ll enjoy a wide, scenic view of the Amazon Basin.
4. Paucartambo
   Pass by
   Cloud Forest and Short Hike
   Then we begin our descent into the cloud forest. We’ll stop for lunch surrounded by lush vegetation. After eating, we’ll take a short walk to look for birds—especially the Andean Cock of the Rock, Peru’s national bird. This area is great for spotting hummingbirds, trogons, and other colorful species.
5. Pass by
   Arrival in Pilcopata
   As the day ends, we’ll reach Pilcopata at 2,296 feet (700 meters), where we’ll spend the night in a comfortable jungle lodge.

Day 2: Bambu Lodge - Atalaya Port - Soga de Oro Lodge

1. Pass by
   The second day of our Manu tour takes you deeper into the Amazon, with new landscapes and chances to experience its rich wildlife.
   
   Morning in Pilcopata
   We’ll start early with a traditional Amazonian breakfast at the Bambu Lodge. Afterward, we head to the Atalaya Port, where we begin our boat journey along the Madre de Dios River.
2. 2h
   Boat Ride to the Jungle Lodge
   From Atalaya, we take a motorized boat down the river toward the Soga de Oro Lodge. This part of the trip is full of scenic views and wildlife sightings—perfect for birdwatching or nature photography. Along the riverbanks, you may spot various bird species and other animals going about their day.
   
   Arrival and Lunch at the Lodge
   Once we arrive, our team will help you settle into your jungle lodge. A homemade Amazonian lunch will be served, giving you the energy to explore more in the afternoon.
3. Manu National Park
   Pass by
   Afternoon Nature Walk and Lake Visit
   After lunch, we’ll walk the nearby trails to learn about the forest and its plants. One of the highlights is seeing medicinal plants, including the well-known San Pedro cactus.
   
   Later, we visit Machuwasi Lake, where we board a traditional wooden raft. Keep an eye out for birds like the hoatzin, reptiles, and black caimans quietly moving through the water.
   
   Optional Zip-lining and Night Walk
   If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try zip-lining through the forest canopy (optional). It’s a fun way to see the jungle from a new perspective.
   
   After dinner at the lodge, we’ll head out on a short night walk to observe nocturnal wildlife—frogs, insects, and other creatures that come alive after dark.
   
   Finally, we return to the lodge for a well-earned night’s rest.

Day 3: Soga de Oro Lodge - Atalaya Port - Cusco City

1. Manu National Park
   Pass by
   Our final day in the Amazon focuses on one of the jungle’s most fascinating natural events—the parrot clay lick.
   
   Early Morning at the Clay Lick
   We begin before sunrise with a short 10-minute boat ride to reach the clay lick site. Located within Manu National Park, this is one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles in the region.
   
   You’ll see dozens of colorful parrots and macaws gathering to eat the clay, which is rich in minerals. These minerals help the birds detoxify what they’ve eaten from the forest—an important part of their survival. Watching them in their natural behavior is both peaceful and exciting.
2. Manu National Park
   Pass by
   Breakfast and Return Journey
   After spending time at the clay lick, we return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast. Then, we begin our journey back to Cusco.
   
   We first travel by boat back to Atalaya Port, where our driver will be waiting. From there, we continue by van, retracing our route through the Andes.
   
   We expect to arrive in Cusco around 5:30 PM, bringing our three-day adventure through the Amazon to a close.

Pickup details

The day before the tour begins, we hold a brief 30-minute briefing session, where we provide travelers with all the relevant information about the itinerary, offer important recommendations, and answer any questions they may have so that they feel prepared and confident before the experience.

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels