The Manu National Park, along with the Tambopata National Reserve, are two of Peru's most important ecological areas, and are just a short flight from Cuzco or Lima. The reserves have the greatest variety of flora and fauna in the world: hundreds of species of birds, insects, cats, reptiles, monkeys, and fish, as well as thousands of plants and flowers. The bio-diversity is so great that many of the species have not even been named. While visits to the Tambopata Reserve are possible in two to five days, to visit the Manu Park, a minimum of four to five days is required. Puerto Maldonado, a small jungle town, has flights from both Cuzco and Lima and provides the jump-off point for excursions to Tambopata and Manu.

Best Season: April through December.

NOTE: Special custom-designed expeditions or programs are also available.

Tambopata Adventure - 3 Days

Day 1 - Tambopata - After arrival in Puerto Maldonado, take a brief tour of the village before boarding a motorized canoe. During the trip you may see caimans, river turtles and other jungle life. After traveling 3 hours down river, arrive at the lodge located in the Tambopata Wildlife Reserve. You are now deep inside the pristine rain forest. Once settled and after a brief rest, take a short walk to a nearby small lagoon, returning in time to observe the fantastic sunset at "Sunset Point". Once back at the lodge, board a canoe for a short night trip to spot caimans on the riverbanks. After dinner at the lodge, the resident naturalists will brief you on the Amazon.

Day 2 - Tambopata - After an early breakfast, begin a four-mile bike to Cococha Lake, guided by one of the resident naturalists. Along the way, observe hundreds of exotic plants, insects, birds and monkeys. At the lagoon, a canoe will be available for a trip along the river to observe the local wildlife on the shoreline. Return to the lodge for a late lunch. The afternoon is free for relaxing in the sun or short explorations of your own.

Day 3 - Tambopata - Early morning breakfast before leaving from the lodge for Puerto Maldonado and the flight to Cuzco or Lima.

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Tambopata & Macaw Licks - 5 Days

Day 1 - Tambopata - After arrival in Puerto Maldonado, take a brief tour of the village, before boarding a motorized canoe. During the trip you may see caimans, river turtles and other jungle life. After traveling 3 hours down river arrive at the lodge located in the Tambopata Wildlife Reserve. You are now deep inside the pristine rain forest. Once settled and after a brief rest, take a short walk to a nearby small lagoon, returning in time to observe the fantastic sunset at "Sunset Point". Once back at the lodge, board a canoe for a short night trip to spot caimans on the riverbanks. After dinner at the lodge, the resident naturalists will brief you on the Amazon

Day 2 - Macaw Licks - Travel up to the Tambopata River by canoe into the untouched Amazon Forest. All along the way, there will be opportunities to observe the incredible wildlife. Pass refreshing waterfalls, beautiful sandy beaches, and stop for a box lunch. Late in the afternoon, arrive at the Colpa, a 656-foot red soil cliff, where thousands of macaws and parrots converge to feed on the mineral-rich soil. This is an unforgettable spectacle of color, sounds, and a photographer's paradise. Camp at a beach close by.

Day 3 - Tambopata - Enjoy an early breakfast, then return to the Colpa for another observation, and later return to the lodge, arriving in the late afternoon.

Day 4 - Tambopata - After an early breakfast, begin a four-mile hike to Cococha Lake, guided by one of the resident naturalists. En route, observe hundreds of exotic plants, insects, birds and monkeys. At the lagoon, a canoe will be available for a trip along the river to observe the local wildlife on the shoreline. Return to the lodge for a late lunch. The afternoon is free for relaxing in the sun or short explorations on your own.

Day 5 - Tambopata - Early morning breakfast before leaving from the lodge for Puerto Maldonado and the flight to Cuzco or Lima.

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Manu Biosphere Reserve - 4 Days

This is the shortest possible program for a visit to Manu, and while it does not really allow enough time to thoroughly appreciate the Manu Reserve, for those with very limited time and budget, this program is adequate and well-balanced.

Day 1 - Cuzco / Manu - Depart from your Cuzco hotel to the airport for a short flight to the Boca Manu airstrip; then transfer by launch to the Manu Lodge. Take another excursion in the afternoon. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 2 - Manu - Take a morning walk through the jungle, on the trails near the Manu Lodge. This is a great opportunity to view roosting and nesting parrots. There will be another excursion this afternoon before overnighting at the lodge.

Pristine Manu, Peru

Day 3 - Manu - Travel by boat to Lake Salvador and Cocha Salvador, a nearby lagoon over 1 square mile in size. Take a catamaran excursion, returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 4 - Manu / Cuzco - Travel by launch back to the Boca Manu airstrip, and board the flight back to Cuzco.

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