Manu Complete - Central Endemic & Pelagic Trip - 25 days
Peru is a top global birding destination, home to 20% of the world’s bird species, with Manu as its crown jewel. This biodiverse region features a unique road through pristine cloud forests from the Andes to the lowlands, where comfortable rainforest lodges offer access to one of Earth’s richest habitats. Beyond birdwatching, you’ll encounter endangered wildlife in the tropical rainforest. Our tour combines Manu with coastal-pelagic boat trips and dry Andean valleys, showcasing endemic species, seabirds, and stunning landscapes. Perfect for birding and photography, this journey also highlights Peru’s cultural heritage, creating an unforgettable adventure.
Manu Complete - Central Endemic & Pelagic Trip - 25 days
Peru is a top global birding destination, home to 20% of the world’s bird species, with Manu as its crown jewel. This biodiverse region features a unique road through pristine cloud forests from the Andes to the lowlands, where comfortable rainforest lodges offer access to one of Earth’s richest habitats. Beyond birdwatching, you’ll encounter endangered wildlife in the tropical rainforest. Our tour combines Manu with coastal-pelagic boat trips and dry Andean valleys, showcasing endemic species, seabirds, and stunning landscapes. Perfect for birding and photography, this journey also highlights Peru’s cultural heritage, creating an unforgettable adventure.
Day 1: Arrival in Lima, Peru
Upon arrival at Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, you will be greeted by our transfer service and taken to your hotel in Miraflores. Rest and prepare for the exciting days ahead.
Overnight: Lima.
Day 2: Santa Eulalia Valley
Explore the stunning Santa Eulalia Valley, a hotspot for rare endemic birds. Key targets include the Rufous-breasted Warbling-Finch and Great Inca-Finch, alongside other specialties like the Bronze-tailed Comet, Black Metaltail, and Rusty-crowned Tit-Spinetail. Common species such as the Giant Hummingbird, White-capped Dipper, and Andean Condor may also be spotted.
Overnight: Santa Eulalia (B:L:D).
Day 3: Milloc to Marcapomacocha
One of the most exciting birding days in Peru! Begin in Polylepis forest searching for the rare White-cheeked Cotinga, then ascend the Milloc Valley to spot high-altitude species like the Black-breasted Hillstar and Junin Canastero. In the afternoon, explore Marcapomacocha for the enigmatic Diademed Sandpiper-Plover and White-bellied Cinclodes.
Overnight: La Oroya (B:L:D)
Day 4: Junin Lake
Focus on finding the critically endangered Junin Grebe and the recently described Junin Rail. Enjoy other species like Puna Plover, Andean Avocet, and Chilean Flamingo. Return to Lima in the afternoon.
Overnight: Lima (B:L:D)
Day 5: Pelagic and Coastal Birding
Embark on a pelagic birding trip to observe seabirds like Peruvian Diving-Petrel, Waved Albatross, and Storm Petrels. Note: Seasickness is possible, so consider alternatives if needed.
Overnight: Lima (B:L:D)
Day 6: Flight to Cusco – Dry Intermontane Valley
Fly to Cusco and explore the dry intermontane valleys. Look for species like the Pale-tailed Canastero and White-eared Puffbird. Night birding may yield Koepcke’s Screech-Owl and Buff-fronted Owl.
Overnight: Mollepata (B:L:D)
Day 7: Mollepata Area
Discover the Apurimac Valley, home to endemic species like the Apurimac Spinetail and Apurimac Brush-Finch. Drive to Ollantaytambo for garden birding, targeting the Bearded Mountaineer and Green-and-White Hummingbird.
Overnight: Ollantaytambo (B:L:D)
Day 8: Abra Málaga – Humid Forest
Explore Abra Málaga, rich in endemic species like Parodi’s Hemispingus and Inca Wren. Hummingbirds such as the Sword-billed Hummingbird and Amethyst-throated Sunangel may also be seen.
Overnight: Ollantaytambo. (B:L:D)
Day 9: Abra Málaga Polylepis Forest
Hike through Polylepis forest to find rare species like the Royal Cinclodes and Ash-breasted Tit-Tyrant. Return to Cusco in the afternoon.
Overnight: Cusco. (B:L:D)
Day 10: Upper Manu Road
Begin at Huacarpay Lake, then drive through the dry Andes to Manu, targeting species like the Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch and Creamy-crested Spinetail.
Overnight: Wayquecha Lodge (B:L:D)
Day 11: Middle Manu Road
Explore Wayqecha for high-elevation species, then descend the Manu Road for specialties like the Blue-banded Toucanet and Handsome Flycatcher.
Overnight: Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge.(B:L:D)
Days 12-13: Manu Cloud Forest
Spend two days at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, a tanager paradise. Look for mixed flocks, Crested Quetzal, and Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. Night birding may yield Lyre-tailed Nightjar and Rufescent Screech-Owl.
Overnight: Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge (B:L:D)
Day 14: Lower Manu Road
Focus on lower elevations for endemics like the Cerulean-capped Manakin and Peruvian Piedtail. Explore Villa Carmen Lodge for bamboo specialists.
Overnight: Villa Carmen Lodge (B:L:D)
Day 15: Amazon Foothills
Bird the bamboo forest for species like White-cheeked Tody-Flycatcher and Rufous-headed Woodpecker. Transfer to Amazonia Lodge for hummingbirds and nocturnal species.
Overnight: Amazonia Lodge (B:L:D)
Day 16: Amazonia Lodge to Pantiacolla Lodge
Explore Amazonia Lodge for forest birds, then take a boat to Pantiacolla Lodge. Look for Scarlet-hooded Barbet and Sand-colored Nighthawk.
Overnight: Pantiacolla Lodge (B:L:D)
Day 17: Pantiacolla Lodge
Focus on bamboo specialists like White-cheeked Tody-Flycatcher and Bamboo Antshrike. Enjoy the rich wildlife, including monkeys and macaws.
Overnight: Pantiacolla Lodge (B:L:D)
Day 18: Manu National Park
Travel to Manu National Park, home to incredible biodiversity. Look for Jaguar, Black Caiman, and species like Orinoco Goose and Horned Screamer.
Overnight: Casa Matsiguenka (B:L:D)
Day 19: Cocha Salvador
Visit Cocha Salvador for the recently described Black-faced Cotinga and other species like Giant Otter and Amazonian Streaked-Antwren.
Overnight: Casa Matsiguenka (B:L:D)
Day 20: Manu Wildlife Center
Explore Manu Wildlife Center for species like Rufous-capped Antthrush and Pavonine Quetzal. Visit the Tapir clay lick for rare sightings.
Overnight: Manu Wildlife Center (B:L:D)
Days 21-22: Lowland Forest
Spend two days at Manu Wildlife Center, focusing on canopy flocks, oxbow lakes, and trails. Look for Red-billed Pied Tanager and Giant Otter.
Overnight: Manu Wildlife Center (B:L:D)
Day 23: Chuncho Lodge
Travel to Chuncho Lodge, with optional birding stops along the way.
Overnight: Manu Wildlife Center (B:L:D)
Day 24: Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick
Visit the world’s largest Macaw clay lick to see Scarlet, Blue-and-Yellow, and Red-and-Green Macaws. Enjoy trails and wildlife sightings.
Overnight: Manu Wildlife Center (B:L:D)
Day 25: Flight Back to Lima
After morning birding, fly back to Lima (or Cusco) to conclude your tour.
(B:and Snack)
Luggage Guidelines
- 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.
Clothing Recommendations
- 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.
- Footwear:
- Rubber boots or gumboots are highly recommended for the Amazonian Tropical Rainforest.
- Shower thongs or rubber flip-flops are useful for convenience and comfort.
Additional Items
- 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 Ollantaytambo, Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, Villa Carmen, and Manu Wildlife Center.
Camouflage Clothing
- Camouflaged clothing is acceptable, but please avoid military-style patterns to prevent any misunderstandings.
Recommendation:
- Binoculars.
- Extra Batteries.
- Camera (Optional).
- Telescope (Optional).
General:
- Birding activities will primarily take place on forested roads and gentle to moderate trails, ensuring accessibility for most participants. The difficulty level ranges from easy to moderate, making it suitable for birders of all experience levels.
During the tour, we will traverse elevations ranging from 0 to 4,700 meters above sea level (15,419 feet), with most of our time spent between 3,000 and 4,000 meters.
You will experience 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.
All accommodations are equipped with electric power, and rooms feature 220-volt sockets for charging devices.
However, in remote locations such as Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge on the Manu Road, power outages may occur. In these areas, electricity is often supplied by generators from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
We strongly advise bringing extra batteries for your cameras, binoculars, and other essential equipment to ensure uninterrupted birding.
Medical and Health Information:
- Altitude Considerations: Upon arrival in Lima, you will be at sea level, and we will gradually ascend into the Andes, reaching a maximum elevation of 4,700 meters (15,419 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 Lima to Puerto Maldonado, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience.
- Domestic Flights: Round-trip domestic flights between Lima-Cusco and Puerto Maldonado-Lima are included.
- 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 Lima, 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.
