Manu Mariposa Photography Tour-14 days
Renowned as a world-class birding destination, Manu Road also offers exceptional opportunities for butterfly photography, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Our focus is on the lower and middle cloud forest elevations (800–2000 m), with additional exploration at higher and lower altitudes. The upper elevations host a remarkable variety of satyrs, while the diversity of skipperlings (Dalla) along this road is truly astonishing. As we descend, we encounter an incredible array of butterfly species from all families.
Manu Road is home to some of the most pristine forests, where an abundance of hairstreaks (Theclinae), skippers (Hesperiidae), stunning Andean metalmarks (Riodinidae), swallowtails (Papilionidae), and firetips (Pyrrhopygini) thrive. This tour can be easily extended to include lowland sites, allowing for a more immersive experience by staying at a single lodge for at least a week.
The Peruvian tropical rainforest offers an extraordinary variety of habitats, including terra firme forests, oxbow lakes, riverbanks, sandy beaches, and várzea forests—each teeming with hundreds of fascinating butterflies such as Morpho, Callicore, Prepona, Heliconius, Catonephele, and Ithomiini species.
📩 Contact us for a detailed itinerary, or let us design a customized tour based on your schedule and target species.
For domestic flights, you are allowed to check in 23 kg (50.7 lbs.) of luggage and carry 8 kg (17.6 lbs.) as hand luggage. Any additional weight will incur extra costs at your own expense.
We recommend lightweight, comfortable clothing such as standard field pants and shirts for the entire trip. A light jacket is sufficient for colder areas. Laundry facilities are available at the lodges where we will be staying, as we will spend several days in one location.
Essentials:
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, a hat, or a cap.
- Insect repellent: Strong mosquito or insect repellent is necessary.
- Rain gear: An umbrella and a rain poncho.
- Footwear: Rubber boots or gumboots for muddy or wet areas to get closer for better photography. (No need to wear them all day, as our transport will be nearby for easy access.)
- Lighting: A small flashlight.
- Protective gear: Knee pads and elbow pads.
- Warm clothing: A fleece or a light jacket (not a heavy winter coat) for high elevations. If you tend to feel cold easily, consider bringing a warm hat and lightweight gloves.
- Clothing color: Camouflage clothing is acceptable, but military-style outfits should be avoided.
Footwear for lodging: Shower thongs or rubber flip-flops for comfort.
Recommended Gear:
- Camera (with extra batteries).
- Flash (optional).
- Continuous light lamp (optional).
- Binoculars (optional).
- Tripod (optional).
📩 If you have any questions about what to bring, feel free to contact us!
General:
- Photography Locations: National parks, private reserves, forested roads, and trails (easy to moderate difficulty).
- Altitude Range: 0 – 3,400 m (11,155 ft), mostly between 600 – 2,200 m.
- Weather: Varied conditions, mostly tropical and pleasant. No special clothing required.
- Electricity: Available at all destinations; some lodges on Manu Road use generators (6:00 – 9:00 PM).
- Wi-Fi: Available only in some lodges, depending on weather conditions.
- Batteries: Bring extra batteries—our days will be busy, and one battery may not be enough.
Medical and Health Information:
- Arrive in Lima (sea level), then fly to Cusco, where the photo safari begins.
- We gradually ascend into the Andes, reaching a maximum altitude of 4,000 m.
- Short stay at high elevation: We only pass through by vehicle and will not remain at this altitude for long.
- Altitude affects people differently—some feel no effects, while others may experience shortness of breath, nausea, headache, or fatigue.
- Stay well-hydrated, as your body produces more red blood cells at high elevations.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they contribute to dehydration and worsen altitude effects.
- If prone to altitude sickness, consult your doctor about preventive medications.
- For mild altitude headaches, OTC pain relievers like Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve can help.
- No altitude concerns at butterfly sites—our main locations are at lower elevations.
- If anyone feels unwell at high points, we carry a first-aid kit with oxygen to relieve symptoms.
- We will descend quickly if necessary to ensure safety.
📩 Have questions? Contact us for more details!
Travel insurance
Our suggestion is that you use travel insurance service. The normal price of this tour not cover travel insurance.
Books:
There is no specific butterfly field guide available for Peru; however, we have an extensive collection of PDF files featuring butterflies from our personal photography archives.
If you have a relevant field guide, you are welcome to bring it along—it will certainly be a valuable resource during the tour.
Prices Include:
- Private transportation throughout the entire tour.
- Accommodation in all destinations (Lima/Cusco).
- Three daily meals (breakfast, lunch/picnic/box lunch depending on location, dinner), plus snacks and unlimited water.
- Expert butterfly guide specializing in Peruvian species.
- Entrance fees to all butterfly observation sites.
- Transfers in Lima and Cusco.
- Full-board, private tour experience.
Not included:
- Laundry services, phone calls, medical expenses, or hospitalization.
- Excess baggage fees, travel insurance, or personal expenses.
