Manu National Park Cultural Zone
(5 days and 4 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
This trip constitutes an exceptional approach to observing the diversity of ecosystems present in the extremely vertical stratification of the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes: one can explore sections of highland, the transitional fringes descending into the vegetated zones, followed by the wide range multiplicity of the cloud forest and follow the seemingly constant environmental progression through the high and low Jungles in the area of Manu National Park. Enjoy gentle and enlightening adventure in the Easters slopes of the Andes and its natural and cultural features.

Day one:
Today we travel south east of Cusco to the area known as the Sacred Valley. Our first stop along the way is designed so that we may appreciate the first of the many ecosystems we shall be encountering, as well as to sample some delicious and healthy Coca tea. This initial ecosystem consists of Andean grassy areas lying at an altitude of more or less 12500 ft. above sea level.

As the name implies, the Graminaeae (several varieties of native grasses) is the prevalent flora of this level of environment, occasionally interspersed with some arboreal and bush-like species that are characteristic of this area, such as the Colle (Buddleja coriacea), as well as the typical Kiswar (Buddleja longifolio), species all of them dating from Inca and pre-Inca times.

This is essentially long ranging pasture land where will have opportunities of sighting diverse members of the native Andean Camelids: domestic herds of Llamas and Alpacas, as well as their wild and less gregarious cousins, the Vicuña –renowned for the fineness of its fleece and fiber, as well as the seldom seen Guanaco, the proto-ancestor of the species and from which all other varieties where bred by Andean folks over ten thousand years ago.

This is further complemented later as we visit an Alpaca and Llama breeding and fiber producing farm and witness aspects of the carding, spinning and weaving process on both backstrap as well as treadle looms. We also take in the all important aspect of the preparation and application of natural dyes.

From here, after appreciating the impressive esthetics of the pre-Hispanic Inca City and Sanctuary of P’isaq from a panoramic outlook, we proceed down to the Colonial Village of Pisac to witness the traditional market of produce, wares and goods brought by the inhabitants of the surrounding highland communities for trade and commerce. This also includes an exposure to folk art and handicrafts since much of it is offered for sale and the people of each village wear their best and finest garments, each one bearing distinctive patterns and colors to identify its origin.

After a five hour drive thought a different and very distinctly special ecosystem -the Andean semi dry forest- characterized by scrub brush and the increasing prevalence of a woody bush called Chilca (Pacharis peruviana), as well as the constant presence of the snow-capped peaks of many sub-branching Cordilleras, we arrive in Ajanaco (12500 ft. ) where we will see groves of the gnarly Queñual tree, native of the Andes (Pollilepis incana).

But get ready, for some of the best is yet to come: the trail inside the National Park Cultural Zone. This trail is particularly special because –being, as we are at that point- at the very beginning of the cloud forest (also called “pigmy forest”) small trees, scrubs and bushes abound everywhere. The breathtaking incredible views continue in sight. .After 9.5 miles of gradually following the contoured slopes, we arrive to our first camp: known as Tres Cruces, at an altitude of 12250 ft. It is a site naturally gifted from which to observe the Andean night sky and constellations. (L, D)

Day two:
This morning is obligatory that we are up and about quite early.This is in order to contemplate the sun rise (depending of the weather condition). It is one of the most spectacular and unforgettable experiences in the Andes. In early times, a local popular legend told of the appearance of three suns rising, during the time of the Winter Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. that take place during the winter solstices.

As time passed and outsiders became aware of the site, it proved to be a real happening, caused by the interplay of the warm humid thermal currents rising from the jungle lying several thousand feet below, as they come together with the still frosty, crystallized atmosphere of the surrounding glaciers. The interaction and conditions cause for visual effects whereby the spectra of the light beams of the rising sun separate and divide, providing a sight of sights.

Later, after a good breakfast on the open, we continue on a trail the trail calledLa Union (the “Union trail”) for about 6 hours; We gradually start descending from the Andean Paramo (highland plateau) into the heart of the Cloud forest. We have excellent opportunities to observe arboreal species such as Aliso (Alnus jorullensis) and some Amazonian Cecropia (Cecropia engleriana) as well as the tree fern (Cyathea caracasana).

There is also the great chance to see wildlife, some noticeable avian activity including the Gary breasted Mountain Wren (Henicorhina leucophys). The Flora shows a promising change and some of the Orquidaceae family such (Ellenatus conifer, Prosthechea vespa, Pleurotallis cordata) begin appearing; as well other species of native flora and fauna.

We break for lunch and refreshment at a given spot, to later continue for another 2 hours, eventually reaching San Pedro (4500 ft. above sea level) where we will lodge for the night. Now, the time has come to relax and enjoy a shower and good dinner. The lodge is surrounded with easy walks for wild life observation at night. (D,L,D) plus Lodge.

Day three:
In the morning we walk to a special site known as called (named after a Swiss biologist who studied it) in order to see the beautiful courtship behavior of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruvianis)- which is also the national bird. Peru. They come together at every mating season in given sites. If the time is right, it is very possible to witness an incredible display of pageantry and color from these attractive birds.

After a light breakfast we can (optimally) continue our trip on bicycle. The trail is wide enough and appropriately graded go down into the beautiful forest (trail range easy to moderate). If you want to, you can have little walk in the forest for a chance to see wildlife and particularly birds.

This concludes in one of our usually pleasant and good “breaks” in which we prepare our selves -all the necessary briefing, instructions and sorting of gear- and get ready for a easy white water excursion lasting for about 2 to 3 hours during which we float down the Madre de Dios River over and through class 1 and 2 rapids (can go to 3 class): a great way to see the forest from the river and see the forest art gallery exhibition…. We finally arrive at the lodge in the afternoon.

After some time for rest and maybe a nap; we will go on a hike for about 1 and a half hours over some trails near the Lodge. Our odds are favorable that we may see some monkey such as the Common Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri sciureus) and the Dusky Titi monkey (Callicebus moloch). Also a good change to get in touch with the essence of the rain forest and flora and fauna. (B, L, D) plus lodge. (Hike at night for 1 hour)

Day four:
Up early in order to board a motor boat for about 30 minutes down river. We are going to visit the beehive-like cliffs overhanging the river where a variety of members of the great family of Psittaciformes (Parrots, Parakeets and Macaws- such a the Chestnut fronted Macaw (Ara severa)) congregate in the so called “licks” to consume the abundant clay present in these formations.

This is done in order to obtain essential salts for their nutrition and contribute to neutralizing the poison from seeds that the eat. After a wonderful and –needless to say- vociferous display, we return to the lodge for breakfast and some rest. Afterwards we get ready for a walk of 3 hours in the rain forest on the lookout for mammals, monkeys and bird such as Shihuanhuaco (Dipterix micranta) and the medicinal fig (Ficus insipida) and plants like Ginger (Costus lima).

After lunch and good nap we prepare for another boat ride across the river, there to begin a small hike of about 45 minutes to reach a relatively small lagoon ideally suited for the observation of different, more aquatic birdlife, such as the Ciiconiform Family (Herons and Egrets) and the famous Hoazin bird –locally known as Chancho (Opisthocomus hoazin, only representative of the Ophistocomidae family, Galliform Order) native from this forest.

Late afternoon we have partake of tea and appetizers. With the first light of the moon we go in to the forest to look for animals at night as well to hear the sounds of the rain forest. (B, L, D) plus lodge.

Day five:
An early rise early to visit the forest again in order to look for wild life in general. After two hours’ walk in the rain forest we return to camp. Following a good swim in the river, we have breakfast and then pile aboard an upstream bound motor boat to the small River Port of Atalaya, where our small and trusty bus awaits to take the group back to Cusco in about 7 hours.

During the drive back to Cusco, we stop for lunch in the Cloud forest where we will have a little walk of 20 minutes in order to look for the Quetzal (Pharomachrus auricepsm) and the Violaceous Trogon). A later stop for lunch near a the water fall for pictures and last glimpses of fauna before we getting back onto the roads to Cusco.

note: we recommend adding this tour to your program of Machu Picchu. We also recommend combining this trip with the Apurimac River or the Vilcanota River trips plus a one day Inca trail hike.

Included

Sleeping bag.

Mattresses.

Equipment and gear.

Tents.

Lodge.

Hotels.

Meals.

Transportation.

Bus.

Porters.

Tours.

Admission Tickets.

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:

A wide brim-hat for sun protection.

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