Caiman in the Manu Amazon rainforest
MORE TIME IN THE JUNGLE NIGHT WALK

Manu Jungle Tour 4 Days / 3 Nights: Cloud Forest & Amazon Rainforest

  • 4 Days / 3 Nights
  • Cusco · Paucartambo · Pilcopata · Manu, Peru
  • From $490 USD ≈ S/ 1,691
Alto Madre de Dios River in Manu, Peru
Macaws in the Peruvian Amazon
Peccary in the Manu jungle

More time in the Manu rainforest: a full day at the lodge for the parrot clay lick, forest hikes, a night walk and an optional canopy zipline.

DURATION 4 Days / 3 Nights
MAX ALTITUDE 3,750 m (Ninamarca)
DIFFICULTY Easy / Moderate
GROUP SIZE Groups of 2 to 10 travelers
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Experience Overview

The 4-day / 3-night Manu jungle tour is the most complete way to experience the cultural zone of the Manu Biosphere Reserve. Beyond crossing the Andes and the cloud forest and cruising the Alto Madre de Dios River, you spend an entire day in the rainforest: a parrot clay lick at sunrise, an interpretive hike through primary forest, an optional canopy zipline and an exciting night walk to discover insects, frogs and the wildlife that wakes up after dark.

Many scientists consider Manu the most biodiverse place on Earth: more than 1,000 bird species (about 10% of the world’s total), some 160 mammal species, over 150 amphibian species and up to 250 tree species in a single hectare have been recorded here.

Tour Highlights

  • The chullpas of Ninamarca, Paucartambo and the cloud forest, home of the Andean cock-of-the-rock.
  • A boat ride on the Alto Madre de Dios River and a raft trip across Lake Machuwasi.
  • A parrot and parakeet clay lick at sunrise.
  • A 2 to 3-hour forest hike and a night walk.
  • Hummingbird watching before the journey back.

What to Pack for Manu

  • Long-sleeved shirts and lightweight pants (preferably light colors), a warm jacket for the Andean stretch and a rain poncho.
  • Hiking shoes, sandals, a hat, sunglasses and a swimsuit.
  • Insect repellent with 40% DEET or higher, sunscreen and any personal medication.
  • Flashlight with spare batteries, binoculars, camera and plastic bags to protect your gear from humidity.
  • Original passport and cash in Peruvian soles.

Signature Highlights

A complete journey from the Andes down to the Manu lowland rainforest.
A full day in the jungle with a clay lick, hikes and an optional canopy zipline.
Night walk to spot insects, frogs and reptiles.
Raft trip on Lake Machuwasi with hoatzins, caimans and monkeys.
Andean cock-of-the-rock in the cloud forest.
Naturalist guide with binoculars and spotting scope.
STEP BY STEP

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Each day has been carefully planned to optimize acclimatization and avoid peak tourist hours.

DAY 01

Cusco – Ninamarca – Paucartambo – Acjanaco – Cloud Forest – Pilcopata

⛰ 3,750 m a.s.l. ⏱ Full day by vehicle ⛺ Guesthouse in Pilcopata

We leave Cusco before dawn, visit the chullpas of Ninamarca and stop for breakfast in Paucartambo. We enter the park at Acjanaco and descend through the cloud forest looking for the Andean cock-of-the-rock, monkeys and orchids. We arrive in Pilcopata for dinner and a good night’s rest.

DAY 02

Pilcopata – Atalaya – Alto Madre de Dios River – Lake Machuwasi

⛰ 500 m a.s.l. ⏱ Full day ⛺ Jungle lodge

A morning forest walk, with an optional visit to a coca plantation and a wildlife rescue center. At Puerto Atalaya we board our boat and cruise the Alto Madre de Dios River, birdwatching along the way. We explore Lake Machuwasi by raft, looking for hoatzins, caimans, monkeys and capybaras. Overnight at the lodge.

DAY 03

Parrot Clay Lick – Forest Hike – Optional Canopy Zipline – Night Walk

⛰ 450 m a.s.l. ⏱ Full day ⛺ Jungle lodge

At sunrise we take a boat (approx. 40 minutes) to the clay lick, where parrots and parakeets eat clay to aid their digestion. Back at the lodge for breakfast, we set off on a 2 to 3-hour forest hike to learn about medicinal plants and giant trees. In the afternoon, enjoy the optional canopy zipline and a swim in the river. After dark, we head out on a night walk in search of insects, frogs and reptiles.

DAY 04

Lodge – Atalaya – Cloud Forest – Cusco

⛰ 450 m a.s.l. ⏱ Full day ⛺ Return to Cusco

After breakfast we watch hummingbirds near the lodge and cruise back to Atalaya. We start the return drive, crossing the cloud forest once more, with lunch along the way. Arrival in Cusco between 17:30 and 18:30.

FULL TRANSPARENCY

What's Included in the Expedition

✓

Included Luxury Services

  • Pickup from your hotel in Cusco, plus all ground and river transportation throughout the tour.
  • Bilingual naturalist guide (Spanish / English).
  • Lodge accommodation with mosquito nets (see itinerary).
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary (vegetarian option on request) and purified drinking water.
  • Binoculars, spotting scope and first-aid kit.
  • 1 night at a guesthouse in Pilcopata and 2 nights at a jungle lodge.
✕

Not Included

  • Breakfast on day 1 and dinner on the last day.
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.
  • Canopy / zipline (optional).
  • Travel insurance and tips.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP

Optional Upgrades & Perks

Complement your journey with exclusive comfort experiences and panoramic summits.

Rainforest canopy zipline

Zipline above the forest canopy, finishing with a 20 m rappel.

+ $35 USD ≈ S/ 121
WE ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions about Manu Jungle Tour 4 Days / 3 Nights: Cloud Forest & Amazon Rainforest

What animals can I see in Manu?

In the cultural zone you’ll commonly spot the Andean cock-of-the-rock, monkeys, caimans, capybaras, hoatzins, macaws, parrots, butterflies, frogs and insects. Mammals such as jaguars or giant otters are much harder to see.

When is the best time to visit Manu?

The dry season, from May to September, brings less rain and better road conditions. From October to April it rains more, but the rainforest is at its greenest and bird activity is high.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccine?

Vaccination is recommended at least 10 days before your trip. Please check with your doctor or local health center.

What is the difference between the cultural zone and the reserved zone?

The cultural zone, where this tour takes place, is home to local communities and can be explored in just a few days. The reserved zone lies inside the national park and requires tours of 6 days or more.