Starting point : Cusco

Ending point : Cusco

Activities : Birdwatching, Ecological, Wildlife view, Hiking, Entomology.

Airfares : Not included, available upon request

Feel free to ask for extra services, this tour is customizable.

Leave Cusco early in the morning in specialized overland vehicles. Approximately mid-morning visit the interesting tombs of Ninamarca, commonly known as "Chullpas". Continue to Paucartambo, a picturesque Spanish colonial town, and then to the Acjanacu pass, which marks the beginning of the Cultural Zone of Manu Biosphere Reserve. Here, a thick cloak of clouds provides perpetual humidity and makes an ideal habitat for epiphytic plants such as bromeliads. This varied and fascinating world is home of the Cock of the Rock, Spectacled Bear, Orchids, Tree Ferns (one of the oldest living plants), mosses and lichens. This cloud forest exists between 2000 and 3500 meters above sea level, and at least 50% of the plant species found here are endemic to this region. Overnight in the open air lodge "San Pedro".

Today wake up very early to observe the Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruviana), Peru's national bird. The male birds are a vibrant reddish orange, and at about 5:00 am as many as several dozen come together for an exhibition of a mating ritual dance in a place called Lek. The males display their crest, showing off and posturing for the females. The females, fewer in number, watch to select the most suitable males. After breakfast continue in overland transport down the narrow road between waterfalls and canyons toward the town of Pilcopata* and then to Atalaya port. Here, board a covered, outboard motor boat and head down the Alto Madre de Dios River for approximately 15 minutes toward the private reserve of "Erika" where you will hike through the interesting trail system that this transitional area between high and low jungle offers. Overnight in the lodge.

**Optional: In Pilcopata town make the final settings for a 3 hour rafting trip down the Koshñipata river where you will have the oportunity for a dip and of course enjoy the spectacular view. Continuing down the Alto Madre de Dios river to Erika Lodge. Ask for the price.

Erika Lodge is located in a transition zone between high and low jungle (600 m.a.s.l. to 1,150 m.a.s.l, 1,200 to 3,450 feet) encompassing different habitats. This altitude range explains the high diversity of wildlife found around this lodge, so inmediately after breakfast, start walking near the riverbanks, during the hike your guide will talk about insects, medicinal plants, trees, reptiles, mammals, etc. Early afternoon start a short ride by boat to visit a small lake near to the Alto Madre de Dios River, here you will have the chance to see the Hoatzin, a primitive bird, white caimans, many species of birds, insects, etc. Short night walk. This will be your last night in the wonderful amazon jungle. Overnight in the lodge.

Get up very early to board boat, and after five minutes, arrive to a small "Collpa", which is a wall of clay in the rivervanks, where many species of parrots such as the blue headed parrot, white-eyed parakeet, feed for mineral and salt supplements to their diet of seeds and fruits. After this take boat to Atalaya where the bus takes you out of Manu, arriving Cusco late in the afternoon. End of services.

• 03 nights accommodation in Lodges.
• All ground (overland buses and 4WD vehicles) and river transportation (covered motor boats).
• Entrance fees.
• Specialized English/spanish speaking guide for all tours mentioned.
• All meals.
• Radio communication equipment in the lodges.
• Satellite telephone for emergencies.
• All applicable taxes for the tour.

** Custom made programs may be prepared for groups with special interests. Extra nights, optional starting and ending points, additional tours and extra flight reservations may be arranged upon request. All tours may be provided in private upon request as well.

 TOUR RATES

Contact us directly to info@flightsperu.com for pricing details and further information.

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