Boca Manu — 5D/4N
The program is developed to enjoy an adventure in the Peruvian Amazon, across different ecological zones from the Andes to the lowlands in the Cultural Zone of the Manu National Park. The itinerary begins with service from Cusco from an accredited local public transportation company that will drive through Paucartambo Andean village and on to Salvacion where our base of operation is located and works a Rescue Center of Parrots, Parrakeets & Macaws. Exploration begins with hike and canoe ride to Machuwasi, a beautiful wildlife refuge lagoon home to many species of flora and fauna, and across the Madre de Dios River to “Otorongo Blanco” campsite in the jungle. The route is also recommended for birdwatchers, photographers, young and adult people with diverse fitness and abilities, botanists, and people willing to hike, camp and contribute to this important eco-tourism project over this wonderful Jungle.
Parrots & Macaws Rescue Center – Otorongo Blanco – Salvacion Campsite
Our work for several years is to rescue several species of parrots, macaws, and parakeets; many of them are already reintroduced into the wild, while others still in process usually fly freely around the campsite. Nearby, it is also possible to hike around the Machuwasi Oxbow Lake.
- Permanent campsite located in Salvación Village – Manu – Madre de Dios
- Wonderful overview over the Salvacion River
- Tents located on a wooden platform with roof
- Regular size mattresses, sheets, and pillows
- Shared restrooms and showers
- Dining room and kitchen
- Private stairs to the Salvacion River
- Filtered water with carbon for drinking
- Hot beverages available throughout the day
- Small fresh pool
Otorongo Blanco Jungle Campsite
Located on the side of the impressive Madre de Dios River, we protect 24 hectares of secondary and pristine primary Amazon forest in the Cultural Zone of the Manu National Park, offering visitors many chances to spot wildlife such as monkeys, cats, opossums, anteaters, tapirs, and many others. You will also find a large variety of colorful birds, butterflies, insects, amphibians, and reptiles.
- Permanent campsite located in the Cultural Zone of the Manu National Park
- Wonderful overview over the Madre de Dios River
- Tents located on a wooden platform with roof
- Thick mattresses, sheets, and pillows
- Shared restrooms and showers
- Dining room and kitchen
Itinerary
Day 1 – Cusco – Salvacion Parrots & Macaws Rescue Center (8 hrs by bus)
The journey to Salvación begins at 11:00 am in Cusco (3300 m.a.s.l.) with service from a licensed local transportation company, crossing the Andes and cloud forest to Salvación (500 m). Along the way, there will be a short stop in Paucartambo village for lunch. About an hour later we reach Acjanaco Pass (3,500 m), the entrance to Manu National Park. From here, the route descends into the Amazon Basin, arriving at night in the village of Salvación, where our base of operations is located and your guide and team await you for dinner.
That night we hike the trails around the Machuwasi wildlife refuge lake and take a canoe ride where many birds, insects, frogs, spiders, caimans, capybaras (the world’s largest rodent), and other animals live around the lake.
Overnight at our tented platform equipped with tents, mosquito nets, mattresses, showers, and toilets.
Day 2 – Salvacion Parrots & Macaws Rescue Center – Otorongo Blanco Campsite
Before breakfast, we hike again around the Machuwasi oxbow lake, this time trying to spot diurnal animals. Using a balsa wood raft, we enter the lake and explore the surrounding trails. This lake is home to many bird species such as oropendolas, caciques, cardinals, tanagers, and the hoatzin (Opistocomus hoatzin) — considered by scientists a living link between reptiles and birds.
After breakfast, we take a short rest. For those who wish, there is the chance to bathe in the crystal-clear waters of the Salvación River. Here we also work on reintroducing parrots, macaws, and parakeets into the wild — some of them even return to nest nearby! After lunch, we hike carrying only what’s needed (the rest can stay at Salvación) towards the Alto Madre de Dios River. We then board a boat for about 20 minutes to cross to our private reserve of 24 hectares, where we set up our tents and settle in.
In the afternoon, we explore the surrounding forest, looking for one of the 11 monkey species and other mammals that live nearby. Overnight at our tented platform with basic facilities (roof, shower, and restroom).
Day 3 – Otorongo Blanco Campsite
We wake up to the sounds of nature — birds, insects, and the river. After breakfast, we set off for a couple of hours walking through the forest, with possibilities to observe mammals such as monkeys, peccaries, rodents, and, with some luck, even a jaguar. This forest shelters countless trees and plants, including epiphytes, bromeliads, ferns, and vines, many of which are edible or used by locals for medicinal purposes.
In the afternoon, enjoy time for a refreshing swim in the Madre de Dios River. After dinner, we’ll go for a night walk to observe nocturnal wildlife and experience the jungle’s atmosphere after dark.
Day 4 – Otorongo Blanco Campsite
Today we explore deeper into the forest through the campsite’s trail system, hiking up to the hills to enjoy spectacular views of the Alto Madre de Dios River and the surrounding jungle. The goal is to learn as much as possible and observe the greatest variety of wildlife. Around the campsite live families of 10 monkey species and many other mammals, as well as countless insects, amphibians, and reptiles — every sighting depends on the rhythm of the forest.
Those looking for a challenge can take a 5-hour hike from the campsite (500 m) up to 940 m. Those preferring a shorter walk can explore the nearby trails. In the evening, we enjoy a campfire under the stars — a perfect end to a day of exploration.
Day 5 – Otorongo Blanco Campsite – Cusco (approx. 8 hrs by bus)
After breakfast, we organize our luggage to begin the journey back. First, we cross the river by boat, then walk one hour to Salvación town, where lunch will be served at the campsite. Around midday, the minivan departs toward Cusco, arriving around 8:00 pm.
Included
- Bus tickets Cusco – Manu – Cusco
- Camping equipment: tents, mattresses, sheets, and pillows
- Boat transportation
- Bilingual specialized guide (Spanish/English; German or Italian on request)
- Three meals a day (vegetarian or vegan options available)
- Filtered drinking water
- First Aid kit
- Entrance fees to all visiting sites
- Checklist of common animals and plants
- Rubber boots (not available in extra-large or extra-wide sizes)
Not Included
- Breakfast and lunch on the first day, dinner on the last day
- Travel insurance
- Transfers in Cusco
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Tips (optional)
We Suggest
- A medium-light backpack for personal belongings, plus a small daypack
- Sleeping bag (available for rent at US$5)
- Warm jacket, rain poncho, shorts and shirts, long-sleeve cotton clothing
- Bath towels
- Hiking shoes and sandals suitable for water
- Personal hygiene items, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Plastic bags to protect clothes inside backpack
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Camera with extra batteries
- Refillable water container
- Binoculars
- Extra cash for crafts, drinks, and tips (optional)
Important
- Local bus schedules may change without notice.
- Your safety is our priority. The itinerary may change due to weather or river conditions.
Price
Tour: Manu Backpackers
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
US$ 420
*The Manu National Park is not an area of malaria or yellow fever; vaccinations are not mandatory for visitors.