MANU OTORONGO 7 Day Bus/Plane - (Biosphere Reserved Zone Trip) Tapir, Caymans, Giant Otters, Macaw & Tapir clay lick.

MANU, Paraiso 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 – I-MANU LODGE. Very early we will leave in the direction to Puerto Atalaya; on the way we will make a few stops to visit the 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 motor 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 be witness to observe many types of colorful birds such as macaws, parrots, 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 ft long Towards the late afternoon, we will arrive to our next sleeping destination I-MANU LODGE, there will be showers and services available.

DAY 3 I-MANU LODGE – CAPYBARA LODGE.- Today 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 river 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 the sun some place along the river. We will then arrive to our private area in the reserved zone, the Capybara Lodge where we will spend the 2 following nights. If there is sufficient time, we will take a trail 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 4 CAPYBARA LODGE. 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 Lake Otorongo. Then it is back to the Capybara Lodge for dinner and sleep. (Walks at night optional)

DAY 5 CAPYBARA LODGE – MAQUISAPAYOJ 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 motor boat and travel for four hours down stream the Manu River to MAQUISAPAYOJ 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 just resting in the sun 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 Maquisapayoj lodge.

DAY 6.- MAQUISAPAYOJ LODGE – COLORADO TOWN 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 Macaw Clay Lick. This is where hundreds of colorful parrots, Pericos and Guacamayos congregate to “lick” the clay thereby receiving its nutrients. The activity finishes at noon. In the afternoon we will travel To Colorado town where we will spend the night or reach Puerto Maldonado for a more confortable lodge.

Day 7. COLORADO TOWN - PUERTO MALDONADO - AIRPORT (FLY TO CUSCO OR LIMA). Very early, we will leave in the direction to PUERTO MALDONADO AIRPORT where we fly back to Cusco or Lima..

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 the 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.
  • Manu birds and wildlife checking list . Radio communication.

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$ 1,160 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 at 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, camera 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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