Jungle Manu - 4D/3N
Manu Park extends from the highlands to the jungle. It covers 2 million hectares (4.5 million acres), and the territory is rich in flora and fauna with a variety of habitats including the High Andes, the cloud forests, and the lowland tropical rain forests.
Description
Manu National Park, located in the southeastern part of Peru (between the Cusco Department in the north and the Madre de Dios Department.) It is one of the largest tropical parks in South America. The park extends from the highlands to the jungle. It covers 2 million hectares (4.5 million acres), and the territory is rich in flora and fauna with a variety of habitats including the High Andes, the cloud forests, and the lowland tropical rain forests.
In 1977, Manu National Park was designated as a World Biosphere Reserve since it houses the best existing example of biodiversity in a protected rain forest area, as well as in the cloud forest endemic areas. Here we can find the Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), Black Caimans (Melanosuchus niger), the majestic Jaguar (Panthera onca), the strange Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus), the Tapir (Tapirus terrestris), the Ocelot (Felis pardalis), as well as thirteen different species of primates, and an estimated one thousand species of birds, including seven species of Macaws.
Also, 10% of the world's vascular plant species, including several species of figs and palms, and countless species of medicinal plants which are currently being catalogued by scientists, grow in Manu National Park. A single hectare of forest in Manu can hold up to 220 species of trees, while a hectare of temperate forest in Europe or North America may hold just 20 species of trees. Manu National Park may be both the most biologically diverse and protected park on the planet.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - San Pedro
At 5:30 a.m. we begin our trip from Cusco to Paucartambo. On the way, we will visit the Chullpas of Ninamarca, and have breakfast. Then we will continue to Paucartambo (a small Colonial Town), and visit it and its famous bridge; the Carlos III. Continuing our trip we will climb to the high pass of Ajanacu (at 11,500 Ft. or 3.500m). From there we will descend to San Pedro, arriving at approximately 4:30, spending the night on a platform campsite.
Note: Today we have crossed from the central chain of the Andes to the eastern chain. We can understand the differences in ecosystems, altitudes, changes of landscapes, and humidity because of the trade winds which reach the eastern chain from Brazil. This first day we should be lucky enough to see the famous Gallito de las Rocas (Cock of the Rock - Rupícola Peruviana), as well as some species of monkeys and birds.
Optional: Take the downhill ride on a mountain bike from Ajanacu to San Pedro.
Day 2: San Pedro - Pillcopata - Hucaria
At 5:30 a.m. we rise early to go see the Gallito de las Rocas, followed by breakfast. At about 8am we will continue the trip to Pilcopata, gradually descending into the upper lowland rainforest. We will see monkeys, fig trees and palm trees, as well as many medicinal plants. Once we reach the secondary rain forest we will encounter some local plantations of Coca, Pineapple, Yucca, etc. We will eat lunch in Pilcopata and in the afternoon we will visit the native community of Huacaria to learn about their traditions and the culture. This night we will sleep in a basic local hostel in Pilcopata.
Optional: The next day, we can do some River Rafting from Pilcopata to Atalaya’s port on the Alto Madre de Dios River
Day 3: Pillcopata - Atalaya - Amazonia Lodge
After breakfast we will take our bus to Atalaya, from where we will take our motor boat to cross to the other side of the river to the Amazonía Lodge. The lodge is located in the primary rainforest. In the evening, we will have a walking excursion to visit the trails and see the giant trees, cutting ants, various kinds of fish, and fourteen types of Colibríes. We will also climb the lodge tower and hopefully see some Woolly Monkeys and other interesting creatures. Camping.
Day 4: Return to Cusco
We will take the motorboat back to Atalaya where our bus will be waiting for us. We then will have our long trip back to Cusco, arriving at 9:30pm, approx. End of our services.
Included :
- Professional Jungle English Speaking Guide
- Ground and River transportation (Buses and Motor Boats)
- Camping equipment
- 1 night in a local Lodge
- All meals
- First Aid kit
- Optional: Rafting tour and Mountain Biking tour (ask about prices in our offices)
We recommend bringing :
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Sleeping Bag
- Warm clothing, long sleeve shirts and long pants (cotton)
- 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 spare bulbs
- Wide brim hat (for sunny days), sun glasses
- Towel, swimming suit, personal medicines and/or supplies
- Day pack, and one back pack or duffel bag of luggage per person
- One bottle of water for the first day, plastic bags
Contact Us
Jungle Trip Manu - 4D/3N
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