GUACAMAYO EXPLORER 8 Day Bus/ Bus (Biosphere Reserved Zone Trip) Tapir, Caymans, Giant Otters & Macaw clay lick.

MANU, Paradise Natural by far the richest, most extraordinary biological transect in the Peruvian Amazon, or the world, starts in Cusco and runs northeast by road and river to the great Manu Wilderness. Manu offers by far the greatest quantity and diversity of animals and plants in the world. No other destination in Peru or beyond can compare with Manu Nowhere else can you enjoy a superbly intact transect of tropical habitats from Andean grasslands and cloud forests down to foothill and lowland forests.

DAY 1 CUSCO – BAMBU LODGE .- Early at 05:45 am pick up from your hotels in Cusco, first part of our excursion will take us through the majestic Andean mountains, after an 45 minutes we will find Huacarpay lake, a high Andean Lagoon that boasts heaps of flora and fauna typical of the Andean mountains a paradise to see birds. Afterwards we will arrive to Huancarani which contains the funeral towers of Ninamarca, a cemetery of the Lupaca Pre –Inca Culture, then we will reach Paucartambo, the famous traditional and folkloric town. At mid-day we will arrive at the entrance of Manu National Park and access to one of the most protected natural areas in South America. We will continue on our bus down a dirt road and on through the thick fog from which this section of the forest takes it name. Eventually we will arrive at the home of the exotic Peruvian National Bird, Gallito de las rocas, the “Cock of the Rocks”, to observe the social gathering that seems reminiscent of a large courtship. You will find that this is quite an amazing spectacle complete with an impressive array of sounds and colours that can only be found in the jungle. For our first night, we will stay in the BAMBU Lodge, where we will arrive at approx. 5:00 p.m

DAY 2 BAMBU LODGE – MAQUISAPAYOJ LODGE. - After breakfast we leave to Puerto Atalaya, on the way we will make a few stops to visit small native communities of Patria and Pillcopata. These communities are well-known to be producers of many varieties of jungle fruits even the famous Coca plant. Later, we will begin the boating portion of our journey in a river excursion on the Madre de Dios, or “Mother of God” River, one of the tributaries of the mighty Amazon River. During our day we will have the chance to observe many types of colorful birds such as parrots, macaws, oropendolas, vultures and others species. Hopefully, we will make some sightings of some jungle mammals such as monkeys or the famous capybaras (jungle rodents that are as much as 2.5 feet long Towards the late afternoon, we will arrive to our next sleeping destination, the Maquisapayoc or Oropendola lodge arriving approximately at 3:00 p.m. Here, we have showers and services available. (Walks at night optional)

DAY 3 MAQUISAPAYOJ LODGE .- At the crack of dawn we will go on an early morning trek through the jungle on our way to enjoy the one the Amazon Jungles most impressive spectacles, the amazing Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick. This is where hundreds of colorful parrots, Pericos and Guacamayos congregate to “lick” the clay thereby receiving its nutrients. In the afternoon, we will explore the primary forest around Maquisapayoj Lodge and in the evening we will spend the night at the tapir clay lick (it’s a place where the mammals congregate to eat minerals, according with some biologist in Manu, the toxins “poison produced within plants and seeds” ingested by mammals will be controlled by licking this clay rich in minerals and salts.

DAY 4 MAQUISAPAYOJ LODGE - CAPYBARA LODGE. - If we didn’t see macaws the day third we have the chance to return in the morning on day 4TH, we will go to one of the main areas of the Manu National Park, the Tourist Zone. For the next 5 to 6 hours, depending on the level of the water in the Manu River, we will sail down the robust river in our motor boat. Because of the lack of civilization in this part of the jungle it will make all that much easier for us to take notice of the rich wildlife to be found here. Animals such as Capybaras, Caymans, monkeys and with a little bit of luck, maybe we will be able to see the great, South American feline, the Jaguar, which may just resting in some place along the river. We will then arrive to our private area in the jungle, the Capybara Lodge where we will spend the 2 following nights. If there is sufficient time, we will hike a trail system nearby the camp site, your guide will offer you a full interpretation of the fauna and flora, the ecosystem, interaction and symbiosis in this fragile ecosystem of this complicated Tropical Amazonian forest. (Walks at night optional)

DAY 5 CAPYBARA LODGES. - We will begin with an early morning visiting one of the biggest lake in the park the stunning Salvador Lake, which is the natural habitat for any countless number of local species. This is the jungle at its best, boasting such animals as the Black Cayman and the Giant River Otters, both of which are endangered and at risk of extinction. This is one of the only areas in the entire world where we may see one, not in captivity, but instead in its natural environment. During the evening, we will continue on to see another lake, this one equipped with a lookout tower alongside used for viewing the immense lake from a birds-eye-view. This will be a fantastic opportunity to soak up the amazing views of Otorongo Lake. Then we will return to Capybara Lodge for dinner and deserved resting. (Walks at night optional)

DAY 6 CAPYBARA LODGE – I-MANU LODGE .- Today we have one more opportunity to explore de forest around Salvador Lake or around the lodge; maybe we will even have a chance to see a group of Tamarine Monkeys, which are the smallest monkeys in the entire world. Be aware of surroundings, because they could sneak up right behind you! Later after lunch we will take the boat and travel for four hours down stream the Manu River to I-Manu Lodge, on the way we might see some black caimans laying on the beach getting the sun heat, maybe we will be able to see the great, South American feline, the Jaguar, which may be just resting in the sun in some place along the river. At night, we will visit another system of trails with a completely different set of characteristics than the first one. Our guide will explain to us why and how locals are still using different plants of the jungle as traditional medicines and show us native plants from the area. Back to the camp ground at I-Manu Lodge.

DAY 7 I-MANU LODGE – BAMBU LODGE. Early in the morning, we will depart and move on in the direction of our last lodging Bamboo Lodge of the journey, In order to get there, we will travel for 6 hours with a stop in a beautiful place of hot spring, where we will spend some time to relax and swimming in the hot spring, from here it takes some more hours to get to Puerto Atalaya where we will take a car and drive for one hour an a half to Bamboo Lodge.

DAY 8 BAMBU LODGE – CUSCO. If for any reason on first day we didn’t see the Gallito de las rocas, Andean Cock of the Rock, today we have one more chance to visit the Lek of the famous Peruvian National Bird Gallito de las rocas, and enjoy the amazing show. Then back to Cusco.

WHAT IS INCLUDED.-

  • Qualified naturalist guide speaking English with telescope binoculars and own equipment.
  • Private Transport van to Atalaya Port and Return Atalaya to Cusco.
  • Transportación by equiped private boat Atalaya - Lake Salvador - Boca Manu.
  • Entrance fees and Paper work for Manu National Park.
  • Entrance fee to Cock of the rocks and Tapir lick lookout miradors.
  • Excursions at Salvador & Otorongo lakes, catamaran and watching towers.
  • Accommodations; Lodges & Tented Camp and beds with mosquitoes nets.
  • Full Board Meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner; vegetarian option by request )
  • Drinking water provided, Bottled water for cooking.
  • First Aid Kit, extractor for poison. Radio communication.
  • Manu birds and wildlife checking list

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED.-

  • Entrance fee to the Macaw Clay Lick US$50 pp
  • Binocular
  • Money for extra soft drinks and beers.
  • Personal items and medicines (gear, clothing, laundry, telephone calls, etc.)
  • Optional tips for the staff, tour guide, cook, motorists
  • Accommodation in Cusco not included.

CONFIRMED DEPARTURES on : Monday, Wednesday and Saturday (Year round.)

Group Price: US$ 995 per person. ( Minimum with 4 person )

Private Group: 2-3 Person US$ 1,390 per person.

* (Private Group is only due to the lack of participants in the tour or your desire.)

** Pre-departure briefing the night before of your trip at your hotel at 7.00 pm with your tour guide.

WHAT TO BRING: Lightweight, tightweave long cotton pants & long -sleaved cotton shirts preferably in green or tan colours, A fleece and a windbreaker are advisable for cool evenings. (Friajes) Light raingear (poncho) for sudden downpours, Sneakers (covered shoes) or other low heeled walking shoes are essential, A light hat and suntan lotion, Mosquitoes repellent is a must, preferably with deet. Asmall backpack for your personal ítems while you are hiking. A water bottle Good binoculars (it can be hired in Cusco) Flashlight or headlight with spare batteries, Pocketknife and a few energy snacks will be very useful. Personal gear long pants, bathing suit, sun glasses, Toiletries, (towel, soap, toilet paper, handkerchief, etc.) Cameras, 400 exp film, charger (bring extra batteries) protect in a plastic bags. Photocopy of passport, yellow fever vaccination is mandatory, essential on this trip. Extra money preferible in soles for drinks, handicrafts and tips. Photography: we recommend that you use film of 400 asa or higher for the darker areas under the canopy. Normal 100 asa can be used when out on the river or lakes. Protect your equipment against moisture with waterproof cases. Rubber boots for the wet season are provided by SAS.

SAS Travel - Cusco Peru
AWARD Dircetur 2005 & 2007 "Best Tour Operator"
Offices: Calle Garcilaso 270 & 244
Plaza San Francisco
Cusco - Peru Tel: + 51 84 249194 + 51 84 261920
Fax: + 51 84 225800 Telefax: + 51 84 249194
Emergencias + 51 84 234284 - Cell + 51 84 965 2232
e-mail: info@sastravelperu.com

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