Manu Nature & Culture
Manu Biosphere Reserve is synonymous with wildlife, but the area offers much more than the attractions of nature. Manu is also an important part of Peru's great cultural diversity where Amazonian indigenous groups live in voluntary isolation. The Matsiguenka of Manu. They have developed unique linguistic and cultural characteristics, which differentiate them from the other indigenous communities along the Urubamba River, in the northeastern section of the park. The Matsiguenka are particularly hard working and have a great knowledge of the medicinal uses of wild plants. They call themselves Matsiguenkas (the expression "naro Matsiguenka" means "I am Matsiguenka, a human being"). So, our nature and cultural adventure are introduced to this world, to know this area rich in wildlife and ancestor knowledge of the nature.
Itinerary
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Day 1. Cusco - Paradise Lodge (Bus & hikes)
Starting early from Cusco, you will travel through Andean landscapes of unmatched beauty: deep valleys, highlands and rural communities where you will enjoy highland birds such as the mountain caracara, Puna ibis and Andean flicker, as well as the pre-Inca Lupacas burial towers, before arriving at the picturesque colonial town of Paucartambo, which has been the gateway to the Manu forests since pre-Hispanic times. Here you will visit the church with its image of the Virgin of Carmen, and see the historic Carlos V Bridge. Once you pass through Acjanaco Pass (3,850 meters/12,630 feet), the official entrance to Manu National Park, the road descends through the bird-rich, sparsely vegetated Andean grassland ecosystem, before reaching the cloud forest in the afternoon. This area is a wealth of flora and fauna: it is the habitat of cock-of-the-rock, crested and golden quetzal, blue-crowned motmot, gray breasted mountain toucan, butterflies, ferns and orchids. To name just a few! After this big day you will spend your first night enjoying the comforts of Paradise Lodge (1,470 mt/4,821 ft.) or similar.
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Day 2. Paradise Lodge – Lodge (bus & hikes)
After your first night in the cloud forest, you will enjoy a pre breakfast walk to observe the cock-of-the-rock perform its daily ritual, in which a group of males put on an impressive show to attract females. Then you will return to the lodge for a healthy breakfast before continuing the trip to Pillcopata.
During this trip you will see plantations growing manioc, papaya, pineapple and coca, as well as local fauna such as squealer monkeys and brown capuchin monkeys. And of course birds, including spix guans, plumbeous kites and black vultures.
We spend the night in a typical lodge at Pillcopata. Optional day for River rafting
Driving distance: 71.6 km/44.8 miles (5 hours)
Included: breakfast, lunch & dinner
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Day 3. Santa Rosa of Huacaria - Paradise Lodge (Hike & bus)
One of the highlights of this trip it’s to visit the native community of Sta. Rosa of Huacaria, home of the Matsiguenkas. After a typical breakfast we star our 2 hours hike through a local farms of pineapples, a good opportunity to observe Parrots and the red and green macaw flying around, time to explore around the village and refresh swimming at Huacaria river with a local Childress before visit the botanical garden to know about the medicinal plants, our local guide will be explain and introduce to this magic world.
Afterward we will return to the lodge for breakfast. Your adventure continues with a several hour trail hike, returning to the lodge for a typical regional lunch. After lunch return to Pillcopata, where our car will be waiting to drive you back to Paradise Lodge in comfort.
Included: breakfast, lunch & dinner.
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Day 4. Paradise Lodge - Sacred Valley or Cusco (Bus)
This is our last day in the forest. You will enjoy another opportunity to observe the cock-of-the-rock perform its daily ritual at the lick.
After breakfast you will board the private bus for the return trip to Cusco, following the now-familiar oute to Paucartambo. From here the trip follows the course of the Qenqomayo River to Colquepata
and on to the high pass at Apacheta (4,100 meters/13,448 feet). From the high pass the bus descends into the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas, stopping along the way to enjoy the countryside, which is
dotted with traditional Andean villages inhabited by weavers, llama herders and farmers. Along the way you will have the opportunity to take in spectacular views of the Pisac archaeological site. Choose hotel accommodation in either the Sacred Valley or Cusco.
Driving distance: 192 km/120 miles (6 hours)
Included: breakfast & lunch
Included
- Specialized bilingual guide
- Accommodation in our private Paradise Lodge in the cloud
- forest (2 nights) and a typical lodge (1 night)
- Private bus transportation
- All meals indicated on the itinerary:
- B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner (soup, main dish and
- dessert), BL= box lunch
- No additional charge for vegetarians
- Drinking water from Cusco
- Basic first-aid kit
- Specialized books are available during the trip
- Entrances to the community
Not Included
- Personal items and medicines (e.g., gear, clothing, laundry service, telephone calls)
- Tips to local staff (we recommend $8-10 USD per day of service per guide or driver)
Bring
- 1 photocopy of passport
- Daypack
- Hiking boots
- Sweater
- Light warm jacket
- Rain gear (poncho)
- Long-sleeved cotton shirts
- Hiking shorts
- Hat / Bandana
- Swimsuit
- Sport sandals
- Sunscreen / Sunglasses
- Insect repellant
- Flashlight
- Pocket knife
- Camera and film (ASA 200/400) or Memory card
- Battery Charger (220V)
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing (8 or 10X magnification)
- Zipper lock bags and garbage bags for keeping clothes and other personal items dry
- Book Birds of Peru (Optional)