Macaw Clay Lick in Manu Wildlife Center - 8 Days / 7 Nights

DETAILED PROGRAM

DAY 1: CUSCO – RAINFOREST LODGE

We leave Cusco early in the morning in our private vehicle, crossing the spectacular Andes Mountains towards the picturesque colonial town of Paucartambo. After a short visit to this traditional folkloric village, we continue to Ajanacu Pass (3,560 m), the official entrance to the Cultural Zone of Manu National Park. Descending through the mystical cloud forest, we begin our first wildlife walks. This ecosystem is one of the richest bird habitats in Peru and offers excellent opportunities to observe species such as the Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan (Andigena hypoglauca), Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager (Anisognathus igniventris), Masked Trogon (Trogon personatus), Blue-crowned Motmot (Momotus coeruliceps), Golden-headed Quetzal (Pharomachrus auriceps), and many hummingbirds. Later in the afternoon we visit one of the most 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 trails we may also encounter the Gray Woolly Monkey (Lagothrix cana), orchids, bromeliads and countless butterflies. 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, making several stops along the way to observe coca plantations, waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the vast Amazon rainforest. At Atalaya we board our comfortable motorized boat and begin navigating the Alto Madre de Dios River. During the journey we frequently observe birds such as the Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata), Cocoi Heron (Ardea cocoi), Great Egret (Ardea alba), Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) and several species of vultures and raptors. 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 the surrounding rainforest and later climb our impressive canopy observation tower, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the forest canopy. From this privileged viewpoint we often observe Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao), Red-and-green Macaw (Ara chloropterus), White-throated Toucan (Ramphastos tucanus), Plum-throated Cotinga (Cotinga maynana), tanagers and troops of Common Squirrel Monkeys (Saimiri sciureus). After dinner we enjoy an exciting night walk searching for nocturnal wildlife including the Giant Monkey Frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor), Tarantulas (Avicularia avicularia), Wolf Spiders (Family Lycosidae), colorful tree frogs, insects and occasionally snakes. Overnight at Bonanza Ecological Reserve.

DAY 3: BONANZA ECOLOGICAL RESERVE – MAMMAL CLAY LICK (TREE HOUSE)

Today we spend the day exploring our extensive trail system through pristine primary rainforest. Our experienced naturalist guide will help us discover an extraordinary diversity of wildlife including Brown Capuchin Monkeys (Sapajus apella), Black Spider Monkeys (Ateles chamek), Collared Peccaries (Pecari tajacu), Blue-and-yellow Macaws (Ara ararauna), toucans, parrots, woodpeckers and numerous medicinal plants. Towering Kapok Trees (Ceiba pentandra), Brazil Nut Trees (Bertholletia excelsa) and giant strangler figs dominate the forest canopy while colorful butterflies and orchids decorate the understory. In the late afternoon we hike approximately one hour to our specially designed Tree House Hide, overlooking a natural Mammal Clay Lick. Here we spend the evening and night observing wildlife attracted to the mineral-rich soil. Species frequently recorded include 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 the White-lipped Peccary (Tayassu pecari). Protected by mosquito nets, we spend an unforgettable night taking turns observing the incredible nocturnal activity of the rainforest.

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

Early in the morning we return to the lodge for breakfast before beginning our expedition into the Reserved Zone of Manu National Park. Our boat journey follows the Alto Madre de Dios River to Boca Manu, continuing upstream along the famous Manu River. We stop briefly at Limonal Ranger Station, where park authorities register our entrance into one of the most protected wilderness areas on Earth. Throughout the journey the riverbanks offer exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. We commonly observe Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger), Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus), Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin), Cocoi Heron (Ardea cocoi), Orinoco Goose (Neochen jubata), turtles, kingfishers and numerous monkeys including Red Howler Monkey (Alouatta seniculus), Black Spider Monkey (Ateles chamek), Brown Capuchin Monkey (Sapajus apella) and Common Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri sciureus). With luck we may even encounter the elusive Jaguar (Panthera onca) resting or walking along the river beaches. Late in the afternoon we arrive at Jaguar Eco Lodge. After dinner there is an optional night walk in search of tarantulas, frogs, snakes and other nocturnal rainforest creatures.

DAY 5: JAGUAR ECO LODGE

Before sunrise we depart by catamaran to visit 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), herons and kingfishers. Later we continue to Cocha Otorongo, climbing the observation tower for panoramic views over the lake and surrounding rainforest while searching for more giant otters, monkeys and aquatic birds. After lunch we explore untouched primary rainforest where our guide explains the ecology of the Amazon, medicinal plants, giant trees such as Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa) and Kapok (Ceiba pentandra), and the fascinating relationships between plants and wildlife. Return to Jaguar Eco Lodge for dinner and overnight.

DAY 6: JAGUAR ECO LODGE – MANU WILDLIFE CENTER

After breakfast we continue downstream by boat toward the renowned Manu Wildlife Center, considered one of the premier wildlife lodges in the Amazon Basin. During the journey we remain alert for Jaguar (Panthera onca), Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger), giant turtles and numerous birds resting along the sandy beaches. Upon arrival we settle into the lodge before visiting one of the tallest canopy towers in the Manu region. From this incredible viewpoint we search for Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao), Red-and-green Macaw (Ara chloropterus), Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna), Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa), Channel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos vitellinus), raptors and canopy-dwelling monkeys. Overnight at Manu Wildlife Center.

DAY 7: MANU WILDLIFE CENTER – MACAW CLAY LICK – BONANZA ECOLOGICAL RESERVE

Before dawn we travel by boat to one of the largest and most spectacular Macaw Clay Licks in the world. From our comfortable observation hide we witness hundreds of birds gathering to feed on the mineral-rich clay. Depending on weather conditions and seasonal activity, we may observe impressive flocks of Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao), Red-and-green Macaw (Ara chloropterus), Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna), Chestnut-fronted Macaw (Ara severus), Orange-cheeked Parrot (Pyrilia barrabandi), Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa), parakeets and other colorful Amazonian parrots. This unforgettable spectacle is considered one of the greatest wildlife experiences in South America. After the activity we begin our return journey, stopping briefly in Boca Manu before navigating upstream along the Alto Madre de Dios River back to Bonanza Ecological Reserve, where we spend our final night in the Amazon rainforest.

DAY 8: BONANZA ECOLOGICAL RESERVE – CUSCO

After breakfast we travel upstream by motorized boat to Atalaya, enjoying one last opportunity to observe wildlife along the riverbanks. Our private vehicle awaits us for the scenic drive back to Cusco. Along the way we once again pass through the cloud forest, where we make additional stops for wildlife observation and photography if conditions allow. We continue through Ajanacu Pass and the charming town of Paucartambo, crossing the Andes before arriving in Cusco in the late afternoon. This unforgettable expedition combines the incredible biodiversity of Manu National Park, the pristine Reserved Zone, the world-famous Macaw Clay Lick, and the exceptional wildlife opportunities of Manu Wildlife Center, making it one of the most complete Amazon experiences available in Peru.