This tour takes you to the cloud forest, the foothills of the Andes and the beginning of the Manu lowland. We spend 2 nights at Amazonia Lodge, located in 350 ha of primary rain forest. Breathtaking scenery and lots of wildlife, great area for birdwatching!
Starting early from Cusco we begin our 8 hour journey by private bus climbing up to the high mountain area at 3900 m (13,000 feet). We make a stop in Ninamarca, to see the pre-Inca cemetery, and in the colonial village of Paucartambo. Then we cross Acjanaco pass at 3850 m and descend the eastern slopes of the Andes through cloud forest with lush vegetation (ferns, orchids, bromeliads etc.). We enjoy spectacular views of the Andes and can see wildlife such as our national bird: the bright red Cock of the Rocks (Rupicola peruviana) showing his mating dance. Walking along the road brilliantly colored Tanagers, Quetzals, Trogons, Tucanets and Hummingbirds as well as hawks can be seen and possibly the first monkeys, such as Woolly Monkeys. In the late afternoon we arrive at Bamboo Lodge (900 m), where we have dinner and spend the night (double rooms with private bathroom).
After an early breakfast we continue with our minibus: we pass the village of Pilcopata and cross the river of the same name to get to the small port of Atalaya (550 m). On the way we stop for some walks to observe birds and to visit a local orchid garden. Before reaching Atalaya we enjoy a great view of the river basin from a lookout point. At the port we embark on a 20 minute journey in a 15-meter motorized canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios River. Along the rocky banks of the river we have the opportunity to see wildlife such as Fasciated Tiger Herons, Kingfishers, Skimmers and some of the monkey species that live in Manu. In the afternoon we walk on the trails near Amazonia Lodge and visit Machuwasi Lake, on the opposite side of the river. We use a wooden raft to explore the lake and observe the abundant birdlife: we may see the Horned Screamer, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Pale-eyed Blackbird and different Antbirds and Antwrens. In the evening we can go caiman spotting at the river or go on a night walk. We spend the night at Amazonia Lodge (double rooms).
At dawn we travel downriver by boat to the parrot clay lick. This is a special place on the river bank where parrots, parakeets and small macaws, including the Chestnut fronted Macaw and the rare Blue headed Macaw, come to eat minerals which they need for digestion. After the natural show we return to the lodge and walk on the trails of Amazonia to see more animals. You also have the option to climb our 25 m observation tower for a spectacular view over the Alto Madre de Dios River. Another trail takes us to a huge Ceiba Tree. Later we can go fishing or have a bath in a creek near the lodge. Night at Amazonia Lodge. Optional night walk to see insects, frogs, snakes etc.
After breakfast we take the boat back to Atalaya. Here our bus is waiting for us for our return trip through the cloud forest and over the Andes back to Cusco. We can stop whenever we spot animals and we stop for lunch. We arrive in Cusco around 6 pm, transfer to your hotel.
* We support local farmers and buy regional products. Large areas of tropical rainforest are being destroyed for soya and oil palm plantations. Soya is used to produce animal food to industrial livestock farming – We want to help protect the rainforest.
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