Manu — 3D/2N
This adventure program is designed to enjoy the best of the Peruvian Amazon, crossing diverse ecological zones from the Andes to the lowlands of the Manu Cultural Zone. Our base is located in Salvación, Manu, Madre de Dios, home to the Terra Manu Parrot & Macaw Rescue Center. Throughout this trip, you will explore Machuwasi Lagoon, a peaceful lake that shelters Amazonian wildlife, and Buena Vista Private Reserve, a pristine 37-hectare rainforest along the Alto Madre de Dios River. It is ideal for birdwatchers, botanists, and travelers who enjoy walking and experiencing nature up close.
Terra Manu Rescue Center – Machuwasi Lagoon – Buena Vista Reserve
This route combines cloud forest, lowland rainforest, local navigation, day and night walks, and nature experiences in the Manu Cultural Zone. In Salvación, the Terra Manu Parrot & Macaw Rescue Center is located, and at Buena Vista Reserve, visitors explore a private Amazon forest with rich biodiversity.
- Base of operations in Salvación – Manu – Madre de Dios
- Visit to Terra Manu Parrot & Macaw Rescue Center
- Exploration of Machuwasi Lagoon by walk and canoe
- 37-hectare Buena Vista Private Reserve
- Cabins with beds, mosquito nets, linens, and basic facilities
- Day and night walks
- Birdwatching, monkeys, reptiles, insects, and nocturnal wildlife
Itinerary
Day 1 – Cusco – Terra Manu Rescue Center, Salvación
Our journey to Salvación begins at 11:00 a.m. from Cusco (3,300 m a.s.l.) in a licensed local minivan that crosses the Andes and descends through the cloud forest to the Amazon lowlands. We stop for lunch in Paucartambo, then pass through Acjanaco Pass (3,500 m), the entrance to Manu National Park, and continue downhill to Salvación (500 m a.s.l.), arriving in the evening.
Dinner will be served at Terra Manu Cabanas, followed by a night walk and canoe ride at Machuwasi Lagoon. You may spot birds, frogs, insects, spiders, caimans, and with luck, capybaras, the world’s largest rodent.
Accommodation at Cabañas Terra Manu, with mosquito nets, hammocks, mattresses, sheets, pillows, showers, bathrooms, and dining area.
Day 2 – Terra Manu – Buena Vista Reserve
Before breakfast, we take a morning walk at Machuwasi Lagoon, exploring its diverse birdlife: oropendolas, caciques, cardinals, tanagers, and hoatzins (Opisthocomus hoazin), a species often considered the “missing link” between reptiles and birds.
After breakfast, we pack only what is necessary and walk about one hour to the Alto Madre de Dios River, where we take a 20-minute boat ride across to the 37-hectare Buena Vista Private Reserve.
In the afternoon, we explore the forest looking for monkeys — up to 11 species — and enjoy the lush flora, including epiphytes, bromeliads, ferns, and vines. At night, we take another walk to look for nocturnal mammals.
Accommodation at Buena Vista Reserve Lodge, with showers, toilets, and dining area.
Day 3 – Buena Vista Reserve – Salvación – Cusco
After breakfast, we pack and prepare to return. We take the boat back across the river, then walk about one hour to Salvación, where we will have lunch at the camp.
Around noon, we take the shared car back to Cusco, a 6-hour drive through the Andes. End of the tour.
Included
- Shared car and boat transportation
- 2 nights accommodation in lodges or cabins with beds, mosquito nets, and linens
- Boat for navigation and transfers
- Bilingual guide, Spanish-English
- German or Italian guides available upon request
- Three meals per day, with vegetarian option available
- First-aid kit
- Entrance fees to all sites
Not Included
- Day 1: breakfast and lunch
- Day 3: dinner on return day
- Transfers in Cusco between hotel and bus station
- Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and tips
What to Bring
- Medium backpack and small daypack
- Light jacket, rain poncho, shorts, long-sleeve shirts, and cotton pants
- Bath towel, walking shoes, and sandals
- Personal hygiene items, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Plastic bags for clothes
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Camera and extra battery
- Water bottle
- Binoculars
- Extra cash for drinks or souvenirs
Important
- Local transport companies may change departure times.
- For safety reasons, the itinerary may vary depending on road or river conditions, especially during the rainy season.
Price
Tour: Manu Backpackers
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
US$ 320