The jungle Experience (Manu National Park Cultural Zone)
(4 days and 3 nights)

We recommend two days predeparture to aclimate. We have the city tour of Cusco Inca arqueological sites. Also the sacred valley of the Incas full day tour

Manu National Park is a biosphere reserve located in Madre de Dios and Paucartambo, Cusco. Before becoming an area protected by the Peruvian government, the Manú National Park was conserved thanks to its inaccessibility. The park remains fairly inaccessible by road to this day. In 1977, UNESCO recognised it as a Reserve of Biosphere and in 1987, it was pronounced a World Heritage Site. It is the largest National Park in Peru, covering an area of 15,328 km². The Biosphere Reserve includes an additional 2,570 km², and a further 914 km² are included in a "Cultural Zone" (which also is afforded a level of protection), bringing the total area up to 18,811 km².

The park protects several ecological zones ranging from as low as 150 meters above sea level in parts of the Amazon Basin to Puna grassland at altitudes of 4200 meters. Because of this topographical range, it has one of highest levels of biodiversity of any park in the world. Overall, more than 15,000 species of plants are found in Manú, and up to 250 varieties of trees have been found in a single hectare. The reserve is a destination for birdwatchers from all over the world, as it is home to over 1000 species of birds, more than the number of bird species found in the United States and Canada combined.

Itinerary
A amazing way to visit and contemplate the different ecosystems of the eastern slope of the Andes, experiencing the rain forest and enjoy a true adventure.

Day one:
Today we depart from Cusco very early, driving toward the north east and crossing the Vilcanota River (one of the furthest sources of the Amazon) and visiting the remains of the Inca city of Pisac along the way. From the Sacred Valley we begin ascending the high Andean Plateau with its awesome view of soaring snow-capped peaks. After some time, we begin descending to the Inca and Colonial town of Paucartambo. We take a few minutes to visit the plaza for a historical briefing and then continue, bound for the cloud forest. We make a stop at the Park entrance for lunch. In the afternoon we walk among natural surroundings or go for some optional easy to moderate biking. Arrival to camp lodge. Hotels (L, D)

Day two:
We begin the day with a visit to the place where the Andean Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruviana) –which is also the national bird of Peru- come together at mating season. If the time is right, it is possible to witness an incredible display of pageantry and color from these attractive birds. From here we go for a short spell of birdwatching through thejungle and a delicious breakfast which –depending on the weather- we can partake of in thewild or in the lodge. Then, we’re off for some mountain biking along a beautiful wide trail on an easy to moderate section (optional) and visit some coca plantations. We finally arrive atthe banks of the Amaru River (Madre de Dios). Here we begin our river rafting, paddling an easy class II and III rafting. Two hours later we will continue by motor boat to hour camp (lodge). There, we shall hike through the forest for about 2 hours to see wildlife at night. It is your choice to stay either in rooms or in tents (full moon, open sky full constellations dependingon the time of the year). (B, L, D)

Day three:
Today is the day to visit the Macaw lick (Macaw: Macaw Parrot Ara choloptera) or Collpa of the Macaws. We get there on motor boat to see these beehive-like cliffs over the river where the macaws congregate to “lick” the abundant clay in order to obtain essential salts for their nutrition and contribute to neutralizing the poison from seeds that they eat. A truly fascinating sight. A little later, after a good breakfast, we set off mid-morning hiking for about two hours. At noontime we find a nice lunch spot and a swim in the river. In the afternoon we travel on motor boat reach a lake and observe abundant wildlife in general.. Depending on the conditions its possible to have a walk and look for small caimans at night, returning to the camp lodge for happy hour and dinner. (B, L)

Day four:
Today we get to sleep in. After breakfast we navigate upstreamfor one hour to Atalaya and from there a 7-hour rideback to Cusco.On the way we stop for a lunch and a last little walk in the Cloud forest. Back in Cusco at 7:00 pm. (B, L)

Included

Sleeping bag.

Mattresses.

Equipment and gear.

Hotel.

Lodge.

Meals.

Transportation.

Bus.

Boat.

Private Guides.

First aid.

Radio communication.

What to bring
This is a list designed to advise you what equipment is appropriate to bring according to the weather conditions predominating at the time of your trip:

Flashlights (at least one headlamp among them).

Sun Block; Insect Repellent.

Towels (Small; cotton and hygienic).

Rain Gear (Pants and Jacket) though not necessary during the months of July and August.

A couple of pairs of socks, perhaps even an extra pair.

One pair of trousers for the evening plus two more pairs for trail use (zipp-offs).

Sandals for River use (Teva types).

Low ankle height hiking shoes or regular hiking boots (check the season).

Reading material.

Binoculars (always useful regardless of season and activity).

Bathing Suit.

Water Bottle (I liter capacity).

Good Sun glasses, perhaps two sets.

A bandana for neck protection.

A couple of sets of underwear (perhaps an extra pair).

Camera and plenty of film.

Passport (plus a couple of Xerox copies).

At least one short sleeve shirt and one or two long sleeve shirts (dark colors, depending on the place and destiny chosen).

And your regular medium to high altitude outer trekking clothes (Anorak-Wind Breaker, Pile or Down Jacket, Wool Hat, Gloves).

Any questions, consults and information, contact us at:

Mail: info@cuscomachupicchu.com

Phone: (0051 - 84) - 984764938