Excursion to Manu National Park from Cusco 4d/3n
- 10k reviews 4d/3n
Book with us the Excursion to Manu National Park from Cusco – 4 days, 3 nights — with this tour, you will discover the beauty of the Peruvian tropical rainforest. This park is located in the southwest of Peru, spanning the provinces of Paucartambo and Manu (in the departments of Cusco and Madre de Dios).
Manu National Park was established on 29 May 1973 and covers an area of 1,716,295 hectares. It is Peru’s first protected Amazonian area. Since 1977, it has held the title of Biosphere Reserve, granted by UNESCO, and in 1987, it was declared a Natural World Heritage Site.
The park is home to an immense variety of flora and fauna. Studies have recorded approximately 221 species of mammals, more than 1,025 species of birds, around 140 species of amphibians, 50 species of snakes, 40 species of lizards, 6 species of turtles, 3 species of caimans, 210 species of fish, and 1,307 species of butterflies. It is also estimated that around 30 million species of insects inhabit the park.
Among the largest mammals in Manu National Park are the jaguar, black tiger, collared peccary, tapir, white-lipped peccary, deer, capybara, woolly monkey, red howler monkey, black spider monkey, and white-fronted capuchin monkey, among others.
Join us on this adventure to Manu National Park, and we will turn your trip into an unforgettable experience that will change your life!
Itinerary
- 5:40 Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco, followed by a vehicle journey to Paucartambo.
- Estimated travel time by vehicle: approximately 2 hours.
- The city of Cusco is located at 3,400 m a.s.l. (11,154 ft).
- During this stretch, you will visit the pre-Inca tombs of Ninamarca.
- 8:00 Arrival in Paucartambo.
- Enjoy a local breakfast in Paucartambo.
- The town of Paucartambo is located at 2,906 m a.s.l. (9,534 ft).
- Visit the village and the Paucartambo site museum.
- 11:00 Journey by vehicle from Paucartambo to the Cloud Forest.
- This forest is a unique ecosystem with a great variety of species, including orchids, ferns, monkeys, and Andean cock-of-the-rock birds.
- Additionally, you will connect with nature, observe flora and fauna, appreciate the scent of moist earth, and feel different textures of leaves.
- 13:00 Local lunch in the Cloud Forest.
- After lunch, you will continue your journey by vehicle to the town of Pillcopata.
- Along this route, you will visit:
- Two waterfalls.
- Flora observation points.
- Fauna observation points, where you may spot the Andean cock-of-the-rock and spectacled bears.
- 17:00 Arrival at our lodge in Pillcopata.
- Local dinner with vegetarian options in Pillcopata.
- Optional night walk.
- 21:00 Overnight stay at the lodge in Pillcopata.
- 7:00 Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the lodge.
- 8:30 Embark on a 40-minute walk in the Manu Biosphere and take part in the following activities:
- Visit a coca leaf plantation, an orchid garden, and a wildlife rescue centre.
- Observe local bird species such as the woodpecker, toucan, and sapphire-spangled hummingbird, as well as a diverse range of flora including orchids, bromeliads, and ferns.
- 10:00 Vehicle ride to Atalaya town.
- Atalaya is located on the banks of the Alto Madre de Dios River at 500 m a.s.l. (1,640 ft).
- 11:00 Boat ride from Atalaya to our lodge.
- Boat ride down the Alto Madre de Dios River to our lodge.
- Along the way, you will spot various bird species such as herons, vultures, and cormorants.
- 13:00 Arrival at the lodge.
- Local lunch with vegetarian options available.
- 14:00 Visit a Swamp.
- This is an ideal spot for observing toucans, woodpeckers, macaws, and other bird species.
- 18:00 Night walk to observe caimans in their natural habitat.
- 19:00 Return to the lodge + dinner.
- 20:00 Optional fishing activity.
- 21:00 Overnight stay at the lodge.
- 4:30 Wake up to the song of the birds.
- 5:00 Boat ride to the Macaw Clay Lick.
- Enjoy the spectacular landscape.
- Observe the famous macaws and various species of parrots, such as the blue-headed parrot and the white-eyed parakeet.
- 8:00 Return to our lodge + local breakfast.
- 10:00 Forest walk
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
- During this walk, you will observe a wide variety of flora and fauna.
- 13:00 Return to our lodge + lunch.
- 14:00 Optional activities: Zipline and Rappel.
- 15:00 Hike to Machuwasi Lake.
- Upon arrival, you will board a rustic raft to observe local species such as the prehistoric hoatzin bird, caimans, monkeys, and capybaras.
- 18:00 Night walk to search for insects and amphibians
- 19:00 Return to our lodge + dinner.
- 20:00 Overnight stay at the lodge.
- 7:00 Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the lodge.
- 8:20 Observe various bird species, such as hummingbirds, around our lodge.
- 9:30 Return journey by boat to the town of Atalaya.
- 10:30 Travel by vehicle from Atalaya to the city of Cusco.
- 14:00 Lunch on the return route.
- 18:30 Arrival in Cusco and end of the tour near the Plaza de Armas.
Price
Group tours:
- $310 per person.
- * $ = american dollars.
- Group = shared service with other tourists.
- * If your group is large, contact us for discounts.
Details
Included:
Day 1: Cusco + Cloud Forest + Pillcopata
| Included | Group Tours |
| Flight or bus tickets to get to Cusco | ❌ |
| Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco | ✅ |
| Breakfast | ❌ |
| Lunch and dinner with vegetarian options | ✅ |
| Professional guide authorised by the Government | ✅ |
| Tourist vehicle for transfers/tours | ✅ |
| First aid kit | ✅ |
| Expenses not mentioned | ❌ |
| Overnight stay in a tourist lodge | ✅ |
Day 2: Pillcopata – Atalaya – Swamp – Fishing
| Included | Group Tours |
| Breakfast, lunch and dinner with vegetarian options | ✅ |
| Professional guide authorised by the Government | ✅ |
| Tourist vehicle and boat for transfers/tours | ✅ |
| Equipment for Fishing | ✅ |
| First aid kit | ✅ |
| Expenses not mentioned | ❌ |
| Overnight stay in a tourist lodge | ✅ |
Day 3: Macaw Clay Lick + Zipline + Machuwasi Lake
| Included | Group Tours |
| Breakfast, lunch and dinner with vegetarian options | ✅ |
| Professional guide authorised by the Government | ✅ |
| Tourist boat for transfers/tours | ✅ |
| Equipment for Zipline and Rappel | ✅ |
| First aid kit | ✅ |
| Expenses not mentioned | ❌ |
| Overnight stay in a tourist lodge | ✅ |
Day 4: Return to Cusco
| Included | Group Tours |
| Breakfast and lunch with vegetarian options | ✅ |
| Dinner | ❌ |
| Professional guide authorised by the Government | ✅ |
| Tourist vehicle and boat for transfers/tours | ✅ |
| First aid kit | ✅ |
| Expenses not mentioned | ❌ |
| Return transfer to Cusco | ✅ |
| Return transport to your country (flights, buses) | ❌ |
| Hotel | ❌ |
Caracteristics of our guides:
- They are graduates of the National University of San Antonio Abad del Cusco and other educational institutions.
- All have completed first aid courses.
- They are 100% responsible, professional, experts in ecotourism, and Amazonian biodiversity.
- They speak fluent Spanish and English.
Tourist Lodge
This Amazon tour includes two spectacular lodges. The first is located in Pillcopata, while the second is nestled deep in the tropical rainforest, near the Alto Madre de Dios River. Both lodges offer private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and mosquito nets. Most importantly, our lodges are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings of Manu National Park, ensuring minimal visual impact on the environment.
Meal
We provide local food with vegetarian options available at no extra cost. Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions on the booking form and remind your guide upon arrival at the lodge.
Equipment for Zipline and Rappel
For the Zipline and Rappel activities, our guide will provide you with the necessary safety equipment: harness set, lifelines, pulley, and helmet.
Binocular
Our guide will have a professional binocular in hand to observe the different wildlife species in Manu National Park.
More details:
Type of tour:
- 100% group tours (shared service with other tourists).
- Group size: 5 to 20 tourists per group. We usually handle small groups.
Schedules of the tours: Please, see itinerary.
Language of the guided tour: Spanish and English simultaneously.
Accessibility: Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
What do I bring?
- Basic:
- Valid original passport.
- Extra cash in US dollars or Peruvian soles preferably.
- Personal medication.
- Sunscreen factor 70 or more.
- Water bottle.
- Insect repellent.
- Personal care products.
- Clothing:
- Hiking boots and ankle-high shoes.
- Sandals for walking around the lodge.
- Light-coloured cotton long trousers.
- Bermuda shorts.
- Light-coloured cotton long-sleeve shirts.
- Waterproof jacket.
- Rain poncho.
- Hat to protect your face and neck.
- UV-protection sunglasses.
- Equipment:
- Small backpack (10 – 15 liters).
- Recommended:
- Camera equipment (bring your long lens).
- Power bank.
- Binoculars.
- Swimwear.
- Towel.
- Headlamp with extra batteries.
- Snacks: energy bars, sweets, chocolates, nuts, etc.
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Notes
Before you go to Manu National Park
The best time to take the tour
Visit it during the dry season, which lasts from April to November. May and October offer the best weather conditions.
Is this for me?
Recommended for all travellers seeking adventure in the Peruvian jungle. No acclimatisation is needed as it is located at 183 m a.s.l. (600 ft).
Minimum age
There is no minimum age limit, but we recommend children aged 5 and above.
Visiting Manu National Park independently
It is not possible to tour Manu National Park independently. The park authorities require that visitors enter with at least a professional guide to ensure the protection of the Manu Biosphere and the safety of visitors. Hiring a travel agency like Inkan Milky Way provides the advantage of experienced guides who are highly knowledgeable about Manu National Park.
Mobile phone coverage
There is sporadic mobile phone coverage; however, there is no internet signal.
The climate
The climate in at Manu National Park is very warm.
Difference Between Manu National Park and Tambopata National Reserve
Manu National Park is located in the departments of Cusco and Madre de Dios and is one of the largest natural areas in the country. It features a great variety of altitudinal zones and an incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna.
The entire park covers an area of 1,716,295 hectares and has been protected by the Peruvian state since 1977.
In 1987, UNESCO designated this park as a Biosphere Reserve and declared it a Natural World Heritage Site.
The park is home to a vast number of wild flora and fauna species, with records indicating approximately 221 species of mammals, over 1,025 species of birds, around 140 species of amphibians, 50 species of snakes, 40 species of lizards, 6 species of turtles, 3 species of caimans, 210 species of fish, and 1,307 species of butterflies. It is also estimated that there are around 30 million species of insects.
Among the largest mammals found in the park are the jaguar, black tiger, collared peccary, tapir, white-lipped peccary, deer, capybara, woolly monkey, red howler monkey, black spider monkey, and white-fronted capuchin monkey, among others.
The Tambopata National Reserve covers an area of 274,690 hectares (1,061 square miles) of pure nature. To give you a better idea, it is similar in size to the iconic Yosemite National Park in the United States.
Tambopata is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, home to over 1,000 species of butterflies, 100 species of mammals, 600 species of birds, and hundreds of species of trees and plants. During your visit, you are likely to see monkeys, parrots, macaws, caimans, toucans, and much more.
A natural reserve is always smaller than a national park with the same classification and focuses on a specific high-value area. Both are particularly fragile and highly sensitive to human intervention.
Store your luggage at our office
During your trip, you can store your main luggage at our office in the city of Cusco. You can leave it safely and free of charge.
You can also leave your luggage at your hotel, as most hotels offer this service. Please do not leave any valuable item in your luggage; store them in the hotel safe and get a detailed receipt.
Lost property
Please pay close attention to your belongings. You are solely responsible for all your belongings during the tour.
Tips (gratuity)
Leaving a tip during Manu National Park tour is common; the guides and lodge staff appreciate it. Although they receive fair wages, an extra tip is always welcome as they work hard to provide an excellent experience. Typically, all collected tips are shared among the entire team.
Pick-ups and schedules
- All pick-up and transfer times are approximate and will be coordinated one day before the tour.
- Your guide will arrange all the details for the start time of the hike one day before the event.
- The arrival times at the attractions are approximate.
- All start and end times of the hike are approximate.
Vehicle type and seats
- All vehicles are:
- 100% tourist-class and super comfortable.
- Authorised by the Peruvian Ministry of Transport.
- Your booking secures a seat on the bus, but not necessarily a specific seat number.
- Travel companions or couples sit together 99% of the time; on rare occasions, seating may vary as part of the tour dynamics.
Tourist boats
- Authorised by the Peruvian Ministry of Transport.
- The boats are 100% suitable for wildlife and flora observation.
- Capacity: 10 to 20 passengers.
Terms
We are an upfront team: As a traveler, you have the right to information before making a purchase. We don’t hide any information from you. The more informed you are, the better you’ll enjoy your trip.
Operability
Manu National Park is open all year round; however, we recommend visiting during the dry season, which lasts from April to November. May and October offer the best weather conditions.
This tour is subject to changes without prior notice due to weather conditions, strikes, or any other events that may affect the normal operation of the tour.
Additional costs
There may be additional costs without prior notice due to political instability, strikes, landslides, etc.
Delays
There may be delays in the hike without prior notice due to political instability, strikes, weather conditions, etc.
Modification of itinerary
There may be changes to the itinerary (places to visit along the route) without prior notice due to landslides, safety reasons, strikes, political instability, illnesses, or unforeseen circumstances.
Rescheduling travel date
Can I reschedule my visit to Manu National Park?
Yes, but you must request it at least 7 days in advance.
Can I reschedule my visit to Manu National Park if there are strikes?
- If the strike is 100% confirmed and we are absolutely sure it will affect the tour, we will reschedule your visit to Manu National Park.
- We remain optimistic—despite announced strikes, we will do our best to carry out the tour as originally planned. In many cases, announced strikes do not take place, and even when they do, they often do not impact the tour.
Cancellations
Cancel at least 7 days in advance for a partial refund, otherwise there will be no refund.
Refunds
- Inform us at least 7 days in advance for a partial refund.
- We do not issue refunds for delayed flights, landslides, bad weather, or strikes that affect the tour.
- A 15% administrative fee will be charged based on the total amount paid.
- We do not provide a breakdown of costs incurred during the tour.
- We will process your refund within 7 business days.
Refund process:
- We will preferably refund you via PayPal; otherwise, we will use Western Union.
- When sending your refund, we do not include the usual PayPal or Western Union fees. These money transfer companies will charge their respective commissions on your refund.
- The money transfer commission charged by PayPal or Western Union is approximately 5%.
- If you paid by card, we will refund you less than 5% of the total payment you made. This is due to the 5% fee charged by the banks.
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