River winding through the Manu Amazon rainforest
BIOSPHERE RESERVE ANDES TO AMAZON

Manu Jungle Tour 3 Days / 2 Nights from Cusco: Andes to Amazon

  • 3 Days / 2 Nights
  • Cusco · Paucartambo · Pilcopata · Manu, Peru
  • From $390 USD ≈ S/ 1,346
Caiman in the Manu Biosphere Reserve, Peru
Macaws in the Amazon rainforest of Manu
Frog spotted on a Manu jungle tour

From the Andes to the Amazon in 3 days: cloud forest home to the Andean cock-of-the-rock, a boat ride on the Alto Madre de Dios River, Lake Machuwasi and a parrot clay lick.

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

Experience Overview

Manu National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet and has been a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site since 1987. It protects roughly 1.7 million hectares that drop from 4,000 m Andean grasslands down to the Amazon lowlands, sheltering more than 1,000 bird species, some 160 mammal species and thousands of plants.

The 3-day / 2-night Manu jungle tour explores the cultural zone of the Manu Biosphere Reserve, home to local communities. In a single trip you pass through every ecological zone: Andean valleys, the cloud forest where the Andean cock-of-the-rock (Peru’s national bird) lives, and the lowland rainforest of the Alto Madre de Dios River.

Tour Highlights

  • The pre-Inca chullpas (burial towers) of Ninamarca and the colonial town of Paucartambo.
  • Entry through Acjanaco into the cloud forest: orchids, ferns, bromeliads and, with luck, the spectacled bear.
  • A wildlife rescue center and coca plantations in Pilcopata.
  • A boat ride on the Alto Madre de Dios River from Atalaya.
  • Lake Machuwasi by raft: hoatzins, caimans, monkeys and capybaras.
  • A parrot clay lick at sunrise.

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

Travel from the Andes down to the lowland rainforest of the Manu Biosphere Reserve.
Spot the Andean cock-of-the-rock in the cloud forest.
Boat ride on the Alto Madre de Dios River.
Raft trip across Lake Machuwasi.
Parrot clay lick at sunrise.
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 very early and cross Andean valleys to the pre-Inca chullpas of Ninamarca. After visiting the colonial town of Paucartambo, we enter Manu National Park at Acjanaco (approx. 3,500 m). We then descend through the cloud forest, looking out for orchids, ferns and birds such as the Andean cock-of-the-rock, with lunch along the way. We reach Pilcopata (600 m) 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

After breakfast we visit a coca plantation and a wildlife rescue center. We continue to Puerto Atalaya and board a boat on the Alto Madre de Dios River, watching for herons, cormorants and vultures. A short walk takes us to Lake Machuwasi, which we explore by raft in search of hoatzins, caimans, monkeys and capybaras. Overnight at a lodge deep in the rainforest.

DAY 03

Parrot Clay Lick – Atalaya – Cusco

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

At sunrise we visit a clay lick, where parrots and parakeets feed on mineral-rich clay. After breakfast we cruise back to Atalaya and begin the drive back to Cusco, with lunch on the way. Estimated arrival in Cusco: 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 1 night 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 circuit 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 3 Days / 2 Nights from Cusco: Andes to Amazon

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.