The National Park of the Manu 9D/8N

Description

Manu National Park, located south east of Peru (between the North of the Cusco Department and the Madre de Dios Department. It is one of the largest tropical parks in South America. The park comes from the Highlands, until the Jungle. It has 2 million Hectares ( 4.5 million acres), the territory is rich in flora and fauna species with a variety of habitats including high Andes, cloud forests, and lowland tropical rain forests.

In 1977 Manu National Park was designated like a World Biosphere Reserve since it shelters the best existing example of biodiversity in rain forest protected areas, as well as cloud forest endemic areas. There, we can observe: the Giant Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis), the Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger), the majestic Jaguar (Panthera onca), the strange Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus), the Tapir (Tapirus terrestris), the Ocelot (Felis pardalis), 13 different species of primates, and an estimated one thousand species of birds including seven species of Macaws.

At the same time,10% of the world's vascular plant species, including several species of figs and palms, and countless species of medicinal plants which are currently being catalogued by scientists, are grown in Manu National Park. A single hectare of forest in Manu can hold up to 220 species of trees, while a hectare of temperate forest in Europe or North America may only hold 20 tree species. Hydrospeed Peru

Manu National Park may be the most biologically diverse and protected park on the planet.

Itinerary

For our guests who are fan of nature and birdwatching, we provide an option for a 9 day tour deep in the manu National Park Reserve. Wecan also combine this tour with Rafting or Mountain Biking Trips.
Briefing the night before the departure.

Day 1 CUSCO – CLOUD FOREST

An early departure from Cusco ( Cuzco ) is necessary to prepare for the full day's activity from the highlands down into the lush Cloud Forest. Leaving Cusco ( Cuzco ) , we'll pass through the town of Paucartambo, known as the region folklore center. The next stop is the vantage point of Tres Cruces (3, 950m/12,950ft) for an overview of the Amazon Basin. After spending some time here, we'll descent through different ecological floors. Along the way, we may see varies types of endemic flora and fauna such as butterflies, flowers, giant tree ferns and orchids, monkeys, Andean deer, birds of all kinds like Oropendolas and tanagers. Late in the afternoon we'll arrive to the San Pedro area, home of Peru's National Bird the Cock of the Rocks and the Spectacle bear -the only bear found in South America- Overnight at our Open-air platform.

Day 2 CLOUD FOREST – SHIPETEARI LODGE

After our first night in the Cloud Forest, we have a pre-breakfast Walt to possibly watch the spectacular Cock of the Rocks, displaying in a mating ritual that daily takes place in a leek where between eight to ten male individuals perform for a female. Returning to our campsite for a hearty breakfast, we prepare to continue our ride to the village of Pilcopata, from where we will start our hike to the native community of Huacaria. This is a Huachipaire ethnic group that will share with us their typical food and will allow us to hike their trails and swim in their rivers. Late in the afternoon we will return to Pilcopata for dinner and overnight in a local lodge.

Day 3 CAMPSITE AT THE NATIONAL PARK

Today, after breakfast we still have a 45-minute ride to Atalaya where we will board our canoe that will take us to our lodge of "Buena Vista" situated on the banks of the mighty Alto Madre de Dios River. Here we will spend the day exploring the surrounding area and very interesting trails that will show us this amazing eco system and have the opportunity to swim in the river. After dinner we will experience various sounds of the Amazonian night like the Musmuqui, world's only nocturnal primate, the Kalinowski Rat, numerous species of frogs, Great Potoos and the Pigmy Owl, among many others inhabitants of the night. Campsite.

Day 4 CAMPSITE AT THE NATIONAL PARK

After a comfortable night sleep in our lodge, we have a pre-breakfast walk to watch a strange pre-historic looking bird the Hoatzin. Now the expedition begins in earnest. We'll board our motorized boat (with cushioned seats, life jackets and a roof for sun and rain protection) to start the journey down the upper Madre de Dios River towards the Reserved Zone of Manu National Park. As we adjust gradually to this exciting jungle environment, we'll see the last range of the Andes, the Pantiacolla Mountains, looming ahead in the distance. There may be time to stop and visit the ethnic group of Machiguenga at their village of Shepitiari. Here we will have the opportunity to observe their culture and typical way of living. Continuing our boat ride we'll arrive to Boca Manu to continue our campsite already in the Reserved Zone of the Park. We'll set up our camp and have dinner. That night, we'll take flashlights and walk along the riverbank. The lakes are full of eye shines of the large Black Caimans and if we are lucky, we may encounter an Olingo, Kinkajou or even an Ocelot on the trails. The nighttime noises of the tree frogs and insects in the forest certainly are an experience not to be forgotten. Campsite.

Day 5 CAMPSITE AT THE NATIONAL PARK

The day starts with a short pre-dawn walk to hear the chorus of the birds, monkeys, and insects as they greet the day and call to delimit their territories. As the sun rises, the eastern skies turn a pale yellow. We might spot a bat falcon on other predatory birds watching patiently from the treetops as we wait for breakfast. Beaches, specially in a dry season are loaded with resting birds and feeding herons, Egrets Orinoco Geese, Terms ands Skimmers only to mane a few. Afterwards the expeditions proceeds upstream, heading toward the earth of Manu National Park, have a first stop at the Limonal The Pak Rangers Station register and sing in our permits. From this point on, we are journeying through primary forest where only indigenous tribes live. We'll begin to se more birds such us Kingfishers, Toucans, Herons, Macaws, Parrots, Jabirus and possibly spot some mammals, like the tapir, capybara, several varieties of turtles and the caimans. We maybe spot a jaguar on the river edges. A t mid afternoon we will arrive at the Caiman Camp, our base for the newts two days inside the forest by he riverbank, nears the Cocha Salvador. (Here we have and screen in dining room, bathrooms, showers and platforms to sep up our tens) Before dark we, we'll make a short hike to get account with this green paradise. Returning to camp, a delicious dinner we'll waiting for us. A night hike we'll the end of this exiting journey on the Reserve Zone of the Manu National Park. Campsite.

Day 6 CAMPSITE AT THE NATIONAL PARK

We have an early morning start with for the 4 a 5 hours walk along the right bank of the river to visit oxbow lake, Cocha Otorongo. This gives the opportunity to see other species of birds and mammals that are unique in this area. It is a particularly good trail for the Woolly Monkey. Several species of butterflies, in a multitude of colors will float past the trail. The Peruvian Amazon boasts more than 4,000 species of butterflies, with Manu itself having 1,200 species. A short hike along trails leading through the forest brings us to the lake. Here there is a observation platform to watch birds and wildlife out over the water. In a half an hour boat ride we return to our base camp for lunch. In the afternoon is fully dedicated to exploring the area near the oxbow lake Cocha Salvador, Several trail wind through the forest of ficus, palm and rubber trees. We'll see several species flowering plants, birds and mammals. We will explore other areas, observing the footprints and droppings of jungles mammals. Your guide will explain some of the basics of rainforest ecosystems and point out some of the medicinal plants of the area used by local indigenous groups. We may cross paths with a heard of Peccaries specie of wild boar found here. At the lake, there is a catamaran available for padding out to the lake's center to quietly observe the wildlife on the shores. That we'll take flashlights and explore the jungle looking for a nocturnal monkeys, rodents, etc. Campsite.

Day 7 CAMPSITE AT THE NATIONAL PARK

This day we continue downstream, crossing the Manu River passing its smaller tributary, the Piquen. We will arrive at Boca Manu where the river joins the Alto Madre de Dios. From this another tree hours further down the river to reach the lodge at Blanquillo, where we will sleep in a comfort of mosquito-netted beds set out site raised wooden structures with natives-style thatches roofs. Along the way, we can talk to local people fishing on the riverbank. This is a great opportunity to observe the customs. We'll also visit the Cocha Blanquillo with the various animals including a family of giant otters and birds such us a Harmed Screamer. Campsite one more night.

Day 8 CAMPSITE AT THE NATIONAL PARK

Before breakfast we head down to the river (above five minutes) to a position across from the 90m/100m Macaw lick, a natural mineral rich clay deposit on the riverbank. From a small floating platform camouflaged with palm leaves to prevent us from the disturbing the birds, we can watch medium sized blue-headed parrots and smaller parakeets arrive noisily pair by pair, to find the treetops above the link. Then the largest Red an Green Macaws will came in a spectacular show. After breakfast we work our way back up to the Madre de Dios River to the airstrip near Boca Manu. Early in the morning flocks of birds pass over the boat and we may see a Capybara, the world's largest rodent. In Boca Manu we say good bye to part of the group that flies back to Cusco (Cuzco) . The rest of the group continues up stream the Alto Madre de Dios River setting up camp late in the afternoon in a beach of the river.

Day 9 CAMPSITE AT THE NATIONAL PARK - CUSCO

This is our last day in the rain forest. Our boat will take us to Atalaya where our vehicle is waiting for ride back to Cusco ( Cuzco ) , arriving late at night. Lunch included.

OPTIONAL: If you want to return by Plane From Boca Manu Airport , Additional 125$

Included :

• Specialized and English/Spanish Speaking guide.
• Ground transportation (overland buses or 4WD vehicles)
• Camping equipment
• 02 nights in local Lodges
• All meals
• First Aid kit
• All land and river transportation
• Rafting equipment
• Mountain Biking Equipment
• Rafting Equipment
• Safety box for values and storage for luggage

We Recommend to Bring:

• Personal sleeping bag
• Binoculars, Camera and film ASA 200 and 400 for the inner forest
• One pair of lightweight ankle height boots and sandals
• Warm clothing, long sleeve shirts and long pants (cotton)
• 100% waterproof rain gear (long poncho or rain wear)
• Insect repellent (recommended with 50% Deet), sunscreen lotion
• Flashlight, enough batteries (alkaline) and bulbs
• Wide brim hat (for sunny days), sun glasses
• Towel, swimming suit, personal medicines and/or supplies
• Day pack, and one back pack or duffel bag of luggage per person
• One bottle of water for the first day, plastic bags.

ADVENTURE AND ECOLOGIC : Choquequirao trek 5 day       I     Salcantay trek 5 days       I     Ausangate trek 6 days                                                Tambopata - Candamo 4D       I     Manu I 3 days       I     Manu II 4 days       I     Manu III 9 days       
     Inka trail trek 4 days       I     Inka trail trek 2 days       I     Lares valley trek 4 days

PACKAGES : Diamond Peru       I      Golden Peru       I     Silver Peru

TRADITIONAL TOURS : Cusco City Tour       I     Machu Picchu Tour       I      Sacred Valley of the Incas       
      Pikillacta Andahuaylillas

EXTENTIONS : Colca Canyon and Arequipa 2D/1N       I      Puno and Lake Titicaca        I     Lima & Pachacamac