Manu Biosphere Reserve to Blanquillo Lodge and Macaw Clay Lick 8D/7N

DETAILED PROGRAM

DAY 1: CUSCO – RAINFOREST LODGE

We leave Cusco early in the morning in our private vehicle, crossing the spectacular Andes Mountains toward the charming colonial town of Paucartambo. After a short walk through its picturesque streets, we continue to Ajanacu Pass (3,560 m), the official entrance to the Cultural Zone of Manu National Park. Descending through the cloud forest, we begin our first wildlife excursions in one of Peru's richest ecosystems for birds and orchids. Along the trails we have excellent opportunities to observe the Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan (Andigena hypoglauca), Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager (Anisognathus igniventris), Golden-headed Quetzal (Pharomachrus auriceps), Masked Trogon (Trogon personatus), Blue-crowned Motmot (Momotus coeruliceps), colorful hummingbirds and numerous orchid species. Later in the afternoon we visit one of the famous Cock-of-the-Rock leks, where Peru's national bird, the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruvianus), performs its spectacular courtship display. Along the forest trails we may also encounter the Gray Woolly Monkey (Lagothrix cana), butterflies and many fascinating cloud forest plants. In the evening we arrive at our private Rainforest Lodge, where we spend our first night surrounded by the sounds of the cloud forest.

DAY 2: RAINFOREST LODGE – BONANZA ECOLOGICAL RESERVE

After breakfast we continue by private vehicle to Atalaya Port, stopping at scenic viewpoints overlooking the vast Amazon Basin and visiting a traditional coca plantation. At Atalaya we board our comfortable motorized boat and begin our journey along the Alto Madre de Dios River. During the navigation we frequently observe birds such as the Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata), Cocoi Heron (Ardea cocoi), Great Egret (Ardea alba), Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) and numerous raptors soaring above the river. We stop at the natural hot springs of Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy a relaxing bath before continuing downstream. In the afternoon we arrive at our private Bonanza Ecological Reserve. After settling into the lodge we explore one of the reserve's rainforest trails in search of wildlife including Brown Capuchin Monkeys (Sapajus apella), Common Squirrel Monkeys (Saimiri sciureus), parrots, toucans and colorful butterflies. After dinner we enjoy an exciting night walk searching for nocturnal wildlife such as Giant Monkey Frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor), Tarantulas (Avicularia avicularia), Wolf Spiders (Family Lycosidae), tree frogs, insects and occasionally snakes. Overnight at Bonanza Ecological Reserve.

DAY 3: BONANZA ECOLOGICAL RESERVE – MAMMAL CLAY LICK

Today we spend the day exploring our extensive network of rainforest trails carrying only a light daypack and picnic lunch. Throughout the hike our naturalist guide will introduce the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest, searching for Black Spider Monkeys (Ateles chamek), Brown Capuchin Monkeys (Sapajus apella), Collared Peccaries (Pecari tajacu), parrots, toucans, woodpeckers, hawks and giant rainforest trees including the majestic Kapok Tree (Ceiba pentandra) and Brazil Nut Tree (Bertholletia excelsa). In the afternoon we hike to our specially designed hide overlooking a natural Mammal Clay Lick, where mineral-rich soils attract a remarkable variety of rainforest mammals. As darkness falls, we quietly observe species such as the South American Tapir (Tapirus terrestris), Red Brocket Deer (Mazama americana), Paca (Cuniculus paca), Amazonian Long-tailed Porcupine (Coendou longicaudatus), Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu) and occasionally White-lipped Peccary (Tayassu pecari). Protected by mosquito nets, we spend the entire night taking turns observing this fascinating natural spectacle.

DAY 4: BONANZA ECOLOGICAL RESERVE – JAGUAR ECO LODGE (MANU BIOSPHERE RESERVE)

After an early breakfast we begin our expedition deeper into the Manu Biosphere Reserve, navigating the Alto Madre de Dios River to Boca Manu, where we continue upstream along the legendary Manu River. At Limonal Ranger Station, park authorities register our entrance before we continue through one of the most pristine protected forests on Earth. The sandy beaches and riverbanks provide exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. We frequently observe Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger), Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus), river turtles, Cocoi Heron (Ardea cocoi), Orinoco Goose (Neochen jubata), kingfishers, raptors including the magnificent Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja), and numerous monkey species such as the Red Howler Monkey (Alouatta seniculus), Black Spider Monkey (Ateles chamek), Brown Capuchin Monkey (Sapajus apella) and Common Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri sciureus). With a little luck, we may even encounter the elusive Jaguar (Panthera onca) resting along the riverbanks. Late in the afternoon we arrive at Jaguar Eco Lodge, where an optional night walk offers opportunities to observe tarantulas, frogs, insects and nocturnal reptiles.

DAY 5: JAGUAR ECO LODGE

Before sunrise we depart by catamaran to explore the spectacular Cocha Salvador, one of Manu's most famous oxbow lakes. Here we enjoy excellent opportunities to observe the endangered Giant River Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger), Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin), Horned Screamer (Anhima cornuta), Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga), kingfishers, herons and many aquatic birds. Later we continue by boat to Cocha Otorongo, climbing its impressive 26-meter observation tower, which provides spectacular panoramic views over the rainforest canopy while offering another opportunity to spot giant river otters, monkeys and black caimans. During the afternoon we explore pristine primary rainforest where our guide explains the ecology of the Amazon, medicinal plants, edible fruits, giant trees and the fascinating relationships between wildlife and the forest ecosystem. Return to Jaguar Eco Lodge for dinner and overnight.

DAY 6: JAGUAR ECO LODGE – BLANQUILLO LODGE

Early this morning we travel upriver to Pakitza Ranger Station, one of the first biological research stations established within Manu National Park. The surrounding trail system offers outstanding opportunities to observe wildlife in one of the most pristine areas of the Amazon. We search for species including the tiny Emperor Tamarin (Saguinus imperator), Saddle-back Tamarin (Leontocebus weddelli), woodcreepers, antbirds and numerous mixed flocks of rainforest birds. Our guide will also introduce the remarkable diversity of medicinal plants and explain how indigenous communities have traditionally used the rainforest for centuries. After enjoying a picnic lunch, we begin our approximately six-hour boat journey downstream to Blanquillo Lodge. The riverbanks provide another excellent opportunity to search for Jaguar (Panthera onca), Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger), river turtles and numerous bird species. Arrival and overnight at Blanquillo Lodge.

DAY 7: BLANQUILLO LODGE – MACAW CLAY LICK – PUERTO MALDONADO

Before dawn we head by boat to the world-famous Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick, one of the largest and most active macaw clay licks in the Amazon Basin. From our comfortable observation hide we witness one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in South America, as hundreds of birds gather to feed on the mineral-rich clay. Depending on weather conditions and seasonal activity, we may observe Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao), Red-and-green Macaw (Ara chloropterus), Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna), Chestnut-fronted Macaw (Ara severus), Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa), Orange-cheeked Parrot (Pyrilia barrabandi), numerous parakeets and several other Amazonian parrots. After this unforgettable experience we continue our boat journey downstream to Boca Colorado, where our private transport awaits to transfer us to Puerto Maldonado. Overnight at a comfortable local lodge.

DAY 8: PUERTO MALDONADO – CUSCO OR LIMA

After breakfast we transfer to the bus terminal for the return journey to Cusco. The trip by local tourist bus takes approximately 8 hours and is included in the tour price. For travelers wishing to save time, optional domestic flights are available from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco (approximately 45 minutes) or directly to Lima (approximately 2 hours). Flights are not included in the program, but many guests choose the Lima flight to connect conveniently with their international departures. This extraordinary expedition combines the breathtaking cloud forest, the untouched wilderness of the Manu Biosphere Reserve, unforgettable wildlife encounters, the world-famous Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick, and one of the greatest opportunities anywhere in the Amazon to observe birds, mammals and rainforest biodiversity in their natural habitat.

Note: Wildlife activities begin early in the morning and continue until late afternoon, when animal activity is at its peak. Every day offers unique opportunities for wildlife observation, making each expedition a different and unforgettable experience.