Manu National Park

Description

Manu National Park, located south east of Peru (between the North of the Cusco Department and the Madre de Dios Department. It is one of the largest tropical parks in South America. The park comes from the Highlands, until the Jungle. It has 2 million Hectares (4.5 million acres), the territory is rich in flora and fauna species with a variety of habitats including high Andes, cloud forests, and lowland tropical rain forests.

In 1977 Manu National Park was designated like a World Biosphere Reserve since it shelters the best existing example of biodiversity in rain forest protected areas, as well as cloud forest endemic areas. There, we can observe: the Giant Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis), the Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger), the majestic Jaguar (Panthera onca), the strange Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus), the Tapir (Tapirus terrestris), the Ocelot (Felis pardalis), 13 different species of primates, and an estimated one thousand species of birds including seven species of Macaws.

At the same time,10% of the world's vascular plant species, including several species of figs and palms, and countless species of medicinal plants which are currently being catalogued by scientists, are grown in Manu National Park. A single hectare of forest in Manu can hold up to 220 species of trees, while a hectare of temperate forest in Europe or North America may only hold 20 tree species. Hydrospeed Peru Manu National Park may be the most biologically diverse and protected park on the planet.

Itinerary

Day 1 :

Leaving Cusco by BUS at 6: OO AM by bus for Pillcopata. First we visit Laguna Huacarpay for breakfast in the High Andes. Further on we visit the burial towers of Ninamarka, and after about 4 and a half hours from Cusco arrive at Paucartambo, a beautiful folkloric Spanish Colonial town in the Cusco Andes. Then we arrive to “Acjanaco” (the start of Manu Park) where we begin the descent into the mysterious Cloud Forest, which has a massive sample of flora and fauna, such as beautiful Orchids and Begonias and the presence of the Cock of the Rocks (Rupicola peruviana). We have the chance of watching the famous mating ritual dance of this, the National Bird of Perú, as well as Trogons (Trogon sp.) and on a lucky day, the only bear of South America, the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus ornatus). Then we arrive at the village of Pillcopata where we will spend our first night of the tour.

Day 2

After sharing breakfast we continue by bus for approx 1 hr arriving at the River port of Atalaya, where we board our motor-boat continuing down the Alto Madre de Dios River. After Approx 2 hours more by boat, with a few interesting stops while traveling down the river, we arrive in the afternoon to Manu Rainforest Lodge. This day will allow us to observe different species of monkeys, an impressive diversity of birds and maybe the spectacular Condor of the jungle, King of the Vultures. Tonight, we stay at Manu Rainforest Lodge, exclusive accommodation and facilities for SAS Travel passengers. Note: All times are approx depending on weather and river conditions.

Day 3

Early in the morning after breakfast we continue our journey visiting the Native Community of Diamante, if you are interested in handicrafts and meeting the local people, crafts can be purchased from the people of Diamante community as an opportunity to appreciate their culture and lifestyle. Continuing the tour to the Tourist Zones of Manu National Park, we now travel up the Manu River, at least 4-5 hours, carefully searching for more wildlife. Today we hope you will see many more different species of birds and animals like White Caimans, the Capybara, (world’s largest rodent) brilliant birds and on an especially lucky day, adult Black Caiman or even a pair of Jaguar.

By late afternoon, we arrive at the river edge of Lake Salvador. Usually we stay at our Renaco Tented Camp. Normally we have time for hikes around dinner and in the evening. In our campsite you'll find platform shelters for your camping equipment, a general area for meals and socializing, showers and nice toilets. If impossible to stay at Renaco Tented Camp we use Matchiguenka Lodge which includes the same amenities while still rustic, cozy and intimate in its surroundings of the Jungle of Manu. Exclusively managed by indigenous Matchiguenka, original caretakers of the Manu wilderness.

Day 4

Early walk searching for wildlife is available or simply enjoying the sounds of the awakening jungle to hike after breakfast. A trail system present in the area of Salvador is very impressive, where one can observe different types of animals; birds, mammals, reptiles, etc.

For the afternoon we have the option to visit a tower where it is possible to see the canopy and its fauna.
In our night walk (optional for those who don't want to look for Scorpions, Tarantulas and other creepy crawlies), well be accompanied by the music of the jungle frogs, toads, crickets and owls..

Day 5

Considered the most dynamic of the places that we will visit. We explore the Lakes Otorongo and Salvador, the most important lakes where we can find a huge diversity of animals and flora. With our guide's explanation we will learn the secrets of the tropical forest. We go into the forest along observation trails to appreciate 13 diverse species of monkeys and others incredible animals characteristic of this place and to understand the importance of preserving our planet. Following our guide’s indications and with luck we will be able to see some big vertebrates such as the Giant Otters), Tapir and some Peccaries. We spend the third night at Salvador Lake, where we will be entertained with the incredible stories of our guide and crew about this unforgettable place.

Day 6

Very early in the morning we leave Lake Salvador to continue our adventure traveling down the Manu river to reach Boca Manu (approx 4 hrs) On this day it is still possible to find the famous Jaguar) as we search along the beaches to find them perhaps resting placidly after their lunch. At Boca Manu part of the group may take the flight back to Cusco around noon.

In the afternoon we arrive to the area of Blanquillo where the macaw clay lick is. A nice location will offer a good stay.

Day 7

5 am. Wake up to depart for the amazing spectacle of the Macaw Lick walls. We can appreciate this from our hiding place a great quantity of Macaws, Parrots, and Parakeets, flock to the huge clay walls to feed on the clay containing minerals, which absorbs the toxins they have eaten in the seeds of fruits. Then we continue the trip leaving from Blanquillo at around 9 am. By boat for 2 hours arriving to the community at Colorado. From here on to Puerto Carlo is 1 hour in a van or 4x4 track depending on the size of the group. We cross the river Inambari to Santa Rosa 15 minutes and from here continue in transport approx 4 hours to Puerto Maldonado where we spend the night. Anticipated arrival is around 6 pm. ..accomodation in Puerto Maldonado.

But if we arrive earlier there is the possibility to stay at Tambo Jungle Lodge, about 45 minutes further down the down Madre de Dios River by boat.

Day 8

Early Breakfast and preparation for flight from Puerto Maldonado back to Cusco or onto Lima depending on your plans. On this day we have the opportunity to visit the Butterfly green house, after that directly to the airport.

Departure Days Monday and Saturday with Minimum 4 people
Maximum 10 people with one guide in the Tourist Zone ( Reserved protected Area)

Does not include flight from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco or onto Lima to accommodate people who already have tickets or have other plans.
We organize the flights for 90% of our passengers by providing quotes and reservations made well in advance to gain the most economic prices to Cusco ( around $90) or Lima (around $110). If you leave it too late you could pay $80 more than the person in the seat next to you. A good option for you is to purchase your flight from Lima to Cusco and consider the flight from Puerto back to Lima instead of Cusco to Lima.
We can assist with all your flight requirements and queries.

Included :

• Entrance fees for Manu National Park
• Qualified naturalist guide speaking English and Spanish.
• First Aid Kit.
• all terrestrial and fluvial transport
• Accommodations; lodges & Tented camp
• Tents and beds.
• All Meals (vegetarían options).
• Drinking Water at all times
• Manu checking list.
• Paper work for park entrance.
• Radio communications along our locations.
• Entrances for butterfly green house.

Not Included:

• Flights from Puerto Maldonado
• Airport taxes (13 soles from Puerto Maldonado).
• optional tips to staff
• Soft drinks and beers.

 

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