Manu Biosphere Reserve - 15 days
The Manu Biosphere Reserve, established in 1973, spans 1,881,200 hectares and is one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth, home to over 1,000 bird species. Divided into the Cultural Zone, Reserved Zone, and National Park, it offers pristine forests, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife. Our exclusive birdwatching tour, led by expert guides, provides a comfortable and immersive experience in this extraordinary ecosystem, ensuring an unforgettable adventure.
Manu Biosphere Reserve - 15 days
The Manu Biosphere Reserve, established in 1973, spans 1,881,200 hectares and is one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth, home to over 1,000 bird species. Divided into the Cultural Zone, Reserved Zone, and National Park, it offers pristine forests, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife. Our exclusive birdwatching tour, led by expert guides, provides a comfortable and immersive experience in this extraordinary ecosystem, ensuring an unforgettable adventure.
Day 1: Huacarpay Lake – Upper Manu Road
We begin our journey by driving 30 km south of Cusco to Huacarpay Lake, a high Andean wetland teeming with birdlife. Here, we’ll search for species like the Many-colored Rush-Tyrant, Plumbeous Rail, Puna Teal, and Yellow-billed Pintail, as well as scrubland specialties such as the Rusty-fronted Canastero and Streak-fronted Thornbird. Continuing through the dry Andes, we’ll target endemic species like the Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch, Bearded Mountaineer, and Creamy-crested Spinetail, with possible sightings of Andean Ibis and Tawny-throated Dotterel. After a brief stop at a picturesque Andean village (optional), we’ll enter the pristine forests of Manu National Park. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the elfin humid forest, hoping to spot treeline specialties like the Golden-collared Tanager, Grass-green Tanager, and the rare Scribble-tailed Canastero. As dusk falls, we’ll listen for the enigmatic Red-and-white Antpitta and Rufous Antpitta, followed by nocturnal species such as the Yungas Pygmy-Owl and Swallow-tailed Nightjar.
Overnight: Wayquecha Lodge (B:L:D)
Day 2: Middle Manu Road
After a morning at Wayqecha, targeting high-elevation species like the Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Red-and-white Antpitta, and Marcapata Spinetail, we’ll descend the Manu Road, birding in the most productive areas. Highlights may include the Blue-banded Toucanet, Handsome Flycatcher, and rare species like the Greater Scythebill and Andean Potoo. Mixed flocks could feature Versicolored Barbet, Inca Flycatcher, and Band-tailed Fruiteater. We’ll spend the night in the cloud forest, an ideal habitat for the iconic Andean Cock-of-the-Rock.
Overnight: Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge (B:L:D)
Days 3-4: Manu Classic Cloud Forest Birding
We’ll spend two full days at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, exploring elevations from 1,000 to 2,400 meters. This area is a tanager paradise, with mixed flocks potentially including Golden-eared, Golden-naped, and Bay-headed Tanagers, as well as species like the Crested Quetzal, Amazonian Umbrellabird, and Black-streaked Puffbird. The lodge gardens attract hummingbirds such as the Violet-fronted Brilliant and Wire-crested Thorntail, while night birding may yield Lyre-tailed Nightjar and Rufescent Screech-Owl.
Overnight: Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge (B:L:D)
Day 5: Lower Manu Road – Down to the Foothills
Today, we’ll focus on the lower Manu Road, targeting endemics like the Black-backed Tody-Flycatcher, Cerulean-capped Manakin, and the rare Bamboo Tanager. Afternoon birding at Villa Carmen Lodge offers trails through unique habitats, with night birding opportunities for species like the Spectacled Owl and Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl.
Overnight: Villa Carmen Lodge (B:L:D)
Day 6: Villa Carmen – Bamboo Forest
We’ll dedicate the morning to birding the bamboo forest, searching for specialties like the White-cheeked Tody-Flycatcher, Bamboo Antshrike, and Rufous-headed Woodpecker. The lodge grounds also host lowland hummingbirds and monkeys, adding to the day’s wildlife encounters.
Overnight: Villa Carmen Lodge (B:L:D)
Day 7: Amazon Foothills – Down to the Lowlands
After breakfast, we’ll bird along the way to Amazonia Lodge, targeting species like the Yellow-billed Nunbird and Plain Softtail. The lodge gardens are a haven for hummingbirds, including the Rufous-crested Coquette and Koepcke’s Hermit. An afternoon walk may reveal the Hoatzin, Amazonian Antpitta, and Razor-billed Curassow.
Overnight: Amazonia Lodge (B:L:D)
Day 8: Amazonia – Foothill Forest
We’ll explore the foothill forest for species like the Half-collared Gnatwren, Carmiol’s Tanager, and Sapphire Quail-Dove. A boat ride to Pantiacolla Lodge offers opportunities to spot Fasciated Tiger-Heron and Sand-colored Nighthawk.
Overnight: Pantiacolla Lodge (B:L:D)
Day 9: Pantiacolla Lodge
We’ll focus on bamboo specialists like the White-cheeked Tody-Flycatcher and Bamboo Antshrike, while also exploring other habitats for species such as the Golden-collared Toucanet and Great Jacamar. The lodge’s rich wildlife includes monkeys, peccaries, and even Jaguar.
Overnight: Pantiacolla Lodge (B:L:D)
Day 10: Out into the Lowlands
An early visit to a parrot clay lick offers sightings of the endangered Blue-headed Macaw. We’ll then take a 5-hour boat trip into the lowlands, scanning for Orinoco Goose, Large-billed Tern, and the elusive Jaguar.
Overnight: Manu Wildlife Center (B:L:D)
Days 11-13: Lowland Forest
We’ll spend three days exploring the terra firme forest and canopy tower at Manu Wildlife Center, targeting species like the Rufous-capped Antthrush, Pavonine Quetzal, and Red-billed Pied Tanager. A visit to a parrot clay lick and an oxbow lake may yield Horned Screamer and Giant Otter.
Overnight: Manu Wildlife Center (B:L:D)
Day 14: Back to Civilization – Puerto Maldonado
After a final morning of birding, we’ll travel by boat and ground transport to Puerto Maldonado, with optional birding stops along the way.
Overnight: Puerto Maldonado (B:L:D)
Day 15: Puerto Maldonado Area
A morning of birding may yield the White-throated Jacamar and Green Ibis before your flight back to Lima or Cusco.
(B: and snack)
- Please avoid bringing excessive luggage. For domestic flights, the allowance is 23 kg (50.7 lbs) for checked baggage and 8 kg (17.6 lbs) for hand luggage. Any additional baggage fees will be your responsibility.
Lightweight and Comfortable Clothing: Pack standard field pants and shirts suitable for outdoor activities.
Warm Layers: Bring a fleece or light jacket for cooler areas, especially at higher elevations. If you tend to feel cold easily, consider packing a warm hat or lightweight gloves. Heavy winter coats are unnecessary.
Rain Gear: An umbrella and a lightweight rain poncho are essential for unexpected showers.
Rubber boots or gumboots are highly recommended for the Amazonian Tropical Rainforest.
Shower thongs or rubber flip-flops are useful for convenience and comfort.
Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunblock (SPF 30 or higher) and a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun.
Insect Repellent: Bring mosquito or insect repellent for protection in tropical areas.
Flashlight: A small flashlight or headlamp is recommended for owling activities. (Your guide will provide a strong owling light, but having your own is helpful.)
Laundry Services: Laundry facilities are available at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, Villa Carmen, and Manu Wildlife Center.
- Camouflaged clothing is acceptable, but please avoid military-style patterns to prevent any misunderstandings.
Recommendation:
- Binoculars.
- Extra Batteries.
- Camera (Optional).
- Telescope (Optional).
General:
Birding Conditions: Most birding will take place on forested roads and trails, with an easy to moderate level of difficulty, ensuring accessibility for birders of all experience levels.
Elevation Range: We will be traveling at elevations between 250 and 3,400 meters above sea level (820–11,154 feet), with most of the time spent between 250 and 400 meters.
Weather Conditions: Expect a variety of weather conditions, from warm lowland climates to cooler highland temperatures. While no specialized clothing is required, we recommend dressing in layers to adapt comfortably to changing conditions.
Electricity & Power Supply: All accommodations provide 220V electrical power, with sockets available in all rooms for charging devices.
Backup Power & Batteries: While electricity is generally available, occasional power outages may occur in remote locations such as Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge on the Manu Road. In these areas, electricity is often supplied by generators, typically running between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM. We highly recommend bringing extra batteries for your cameras, binoculars, and other essential equipment to ensure uninterrupted birding.
Medical and Health Information:
- Altitude Considerations: Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be at an elevation of 3,400 meters (11,154 feet), and we will gradually ascend further into the Andes, reaching a maximum elevation of 3,500 meters (11,483 feet). While this altitude may cause mild to moderate symptoms for some individuals, responses to altitude vary.
- Possible Effects: Some participants may feel no effects, while others might experience mild symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, headaches, or fatigue during the first few days. These symptoms typically improve as the body acclimatizes by producing more red blood cells to enhance oxygen circulation.
- Hydration and Precautions: Staying well-hydrated is essential, as increased red blood cell production can thicken the blood. Drink plenty of water while avoiding alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen dehydration. Additionally, it is advisable to eat lightly on the first day to aid acclimatization.
- Acclimatization Plan: Our birding itinerary is designed to gradually increase altitude, allowing for natural acclimatization. By the time we reach the highest elevations, such as the Páramo region, your body should be well-adjusted. We will take a slow-paced, enjoyable approach to birding to ensure comfort and well-being.
- Safety Measures: Your health and safety are our top priorities. Regular check-ins will be conducted to monitor how everyone is feeling. If any participant experiences significant discomfort, our driver will be on standby to quickly transport them to a lower altitude if necessary. We also carry oxygen for emergencies.
- Altitude Sickness Medication: If you are concerned about altitude sickness, consult your doctor regarding preventive medications. For mild headaches, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve) can help alleviate symptoms.
Travel insurance
Our suggestion is that you use travel insurance service. The normal price of this tour not cover travel insurance.
Books:
- Birds of Peru is the best field Guide.
- If you consider you can bring some other field guide are welcome.
Prices Include:
Private Transportation: Enjoy the convenience and comfort of private transport throughout the entire tour.
Accommodations: All lodging is included from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience.
Domestic Flight: A domestic flight from Puerto Maldonado to Lima is included for your convenience.
Three meals per day: Breakfast, lunch (picnic or box lunch, depending on the location), and dinner.
Snacks and water are available at all times to keep you energized and hydrated.
Expert Bird Guide: A specialist bird guide will accompany you, enhancing your birding experience with expert knowledge and insights.
Bird Checklist: Each participant will receive a personalized bird checklist to track sightings and enrich your birding journey.
Private Boat Service: Exclusive private boat service is provided for all excursions in the Amazonian Tropical Rainforest.
Entrance Fees: All entrance fees to birding spots and reserves are included.
Transfers: Hassle-free transfers in Cusco and Puerto Maldonado for arrivals and departures.
Full Board Private Tour: Essentially a full-board private tour, designed for your comfort and convenience.
Not included:
- Laundry services, phone calls, medical expenses, hospitalization, or any other personal health-related costs.
- Excess baggage fees beyond the airline’s standard allowance.
- Travel insurance or any other personal coverage.
- Additional personal expenses not specified in the itinerary.
What I (guide) will have with me:
- Recording stuff Roland R-05/Microphone SENNHEISER ME66/K6.
- Two iPods- speakers.
- A Swarovski ATX 80 scope 20-60 zoom
- Green laser pointer
- Owling light.
- GPS.
- Personal Swarovski Binoculars.
- I will be carrying the new field guide Birds of Peru this can be found on www.amazon.com.
Should this itinerary not fully align with your preferences
Dates don’t work for you?
Prefer a shorter or longer trip?
Looking for a specific destination or species?
Inclusion of places you’d rather not visit again, or if it doesn’t feature a destination or species you’re particularly interested in,
No worries! We want your experience to be perfect for you. Let us know what adjustments you need, and we’ll design a 100% tailor-made itinerary just for you.
