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Day 1: Cusco - Ninamarca - Paucartambo
- Manu Biosphere Reserve - Lodge San Pedro
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".
Day 2: Pilcopata - Atalaya - Erika
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.
Day 3: Erika Lodge
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.
Day 4: Erika Lodge - Collpa - Cusco
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.
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