Explore Manu Cloud Forest 5-Day Journey Through the Cultural Zone Manu National Park – 2026

Day 1: Journey from Cusco to explore Manu Cloud Forest – (Manu Cultural Zone).

Early in the morning, around 5:45 a.m., we’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and begin our journey through the majestic Andean mountains. Along the way, we’ll stop at Huancarani, where you can explore the funeral towers of Ninamarca, an ancient Lupaca Pre-Inca burial site. Here, our expert guide will share fascinating insights into its history then we’ll continue toward the province of Paucartambo, a charming town known for its vibrant culture and folklore. After a short visit to its famous colonial church, we’ll proceed to drive through the entrance of Manu National Park, one of the most biodiverse and protected natural areas in South America.

From this point, we’ll be driving and looking along a scenic dirt road, passing through the misty cloud forest, where nature reveals its hidden treasures. With a bit of luck, we may spot a variety of exotic species such as toucans, trogons, quetzals, macaws, parrots, tanagers, antbirds, cotingas, Cock of the Rock (Gallito de las Rocas), and hummingbirds, as well as playful woolly monkeys, brown capuchins, and squirrel monkeys, and spectacled bearsThen we have a Good lunch, then we continue driving and looking for animals. Our expert tour guide will show us the good points to focus on after that vibrant display of colors, songs, and movements creates an unforgettable wildlife experience a true prelude to the wonders of the Amazon. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at the Manu Biological Station Lodge, around 5:30 p.m., where you’ll spend your first night surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the jungle.

Day 2: Birding Adventure to Atalaya Port – Discover the Cloud Forest on an Afternoon Walk

We wake up early at 6:00 am. In the morning, we’ll set out on a scenic drive in a van for about 2 hours, looking for birds toward Atalaya Port. Along the way, we’ll have the opportunity to visit a coca plantation and see birds. Afterward, we’ll continue to Atalaya Port, where our motorboat awaits. From here, we’ll travel 38 minutes downstream along the Alto Madre de Dios River, surrounded by lush Amazonian landscapes and the soothing sounds of nature. Upon arrival at our jungle lodge, a delicious lunch will be served, offering the perfect moment to relax and enjoy the rainforest atmosphere.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll explore the primary forest looking for birds, and with a bit of luck, we may also spot monkeys and sloths. To ensure a respectful and low-impact wildlife viewing experience, we kindly remind our guests to minimize noise and stick to designated trails. This approach helps preserve the natural habitat for all its inhabitants. Then we come back to the lodge to have dinner.

• Accommodation: Top Manu Avatar Lodge.

Day 3: Parrot Clay Lick & Machuwasy Lake Exploration

Day 4: Manu Hot Spring

In the morning, we will embark on an exciting two-and-a-half-hour journey downstream to reach the relaxing natural hot springs. As we cruise along the river, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to admire the rich biodiversity of the rainforest. Along the way, you may spot elegant herons and egrets gliding gracefully over the water, colorful kingfishers perched along the riverbanks, and majestic vultures soaring high above. With a bit of luck, we might also encounter playful monkeys swinging through the trees and peaceful capybaras resting near the shore. Once we arrive, you can unwind and rejuvenate in the soothing hot spring, a perfect reward after the scenic journey. Surrounded by the sounds of nature and the lush greenery of the Amazon, this experience offers a serene escape in the heart of the jungle. After relaxing and soaking in the warm waters, we will gradually make our way back to the lodge, enjoying once more the beauty and tranquility of the river landscape. In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to continue your connection with nature either by taking a refreshing swim in the peaceful river or by simply relaxing at the lodge, surrounded by the soothing sounds of the Amazon. It’s the perfect time to rest, reflect, and fully embrace the calm of the rainforest. After dinner, we have the option to join a guided night walk, a thrilling experience that reveals the mysterious creatures and sounds of the rainforest after dark.

• Accommodation: Top Manu Avatar Lodge.

Day 5: Farewell to the Forest – A Scenic Journey Back to Cusco

We wake up early at 6:00 am to enjoy a delicious breakfast surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the rainforest. Once refreshed, we’ll take our boat back toward Atalaya Port.

where our journey back to Cusco begins, and along the way, we’ll travel once again through the enchanting Cloud Forest, a perfect opportunity to admire the lush scenery and perhaps spot playful monkeys or exotic birds for one last time. Gradually, as we ascend through the winding mountain roads, the landscape transforms from tropical rainforest to Andean highlands.

By early evening, we’ll arrive in Cusco (around 6:00 pm approximately), carrying with us cherished memories of Manu’s natural wonders and the vibrant life that inhabits this extraordinary corner of the world.

Note- If we didn’t see the Andean cook of the rock the first day in the afternoon, we can visit it on the last day. If we don’t visit the parrots’ clay lick due to the bad weather (rainy conditions), we can visit it on day five of our trip.