MANU PARK DORADO TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1: CUSCO – CLOUD FOREST – BAMBOO LODGE :

Starting early from Cusco we begin our 9 or 10 hours journey by private minibus ascending to the high mountain area at 4000 m (13,000 feet). We make a stop in Ninamarca, to see the pre-Inca cemetery, and in the colonial village of Paucartambo. Then we descend the eastern slopes of the Andes through cloud forest with lush vegetation (ferns, orchids, bromeliads etc.). We enjoy spectacular views of the Andes and can see wildlife such as our national bird: the bright red Cock of the Rocks (Rupicola peruviana) showing his mating dance. Walking along the road brilliantly colored Tanagers, Quetzals, Trogons, Tucanets and Hummingbirds, as well as hawks can be seen and possibly the first monkeys, such as Woolly Monkeys. In the late afternoon we arrive at Bamboo Lodge (950m), where we spend the night (double rooms & private bathroom). After dinner your guide will brief you about the activities of the following day. Accommodation: rooms & private bathroom

DAY 2: BAMBOO LODGE TO ATALAYA – MACHUWASI LAKE – ECOLOGICAL DORADO LODGE

After an early breakfast we continue with our minibus: we pass the village of Pilcopata and cross the river of the same name to get to the small port of Atalaya (600 m). On the way we stop for some walks to observe birds also we stop an animal rescue station and to look for orchids. Before reaching Atalaya we enjoy a great view of the river basin from a lookout point. At the port we embark on a Half hour journey in a 15-meter motorized canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios River. On the way we will walk on the trails near the River and visit Machuwasi Lake, on the opposite side of the river. We use a wooden raft to explore the lake and observe the birdlife. Then we navigate for about 4 hours in a motorized canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios River to get to the lowland rainforest until our lodge On the way We have the opportunity to see wildlife along the rocky banks of the river, such as Fasciated Tiger Herons, Purplish Jays, Skimmers and some of the monkey species that live in Manu. In the evening we can go caiman spotting at the river or go on a night walk. We spend the night at Dorado Lodge.. Accommodation: rooms & private bathroom

DAY 3: ECOLOGICAL DORADO LODGE – PARROT CLAY LICK – TRAILS NIGHT WALK – TAPIR LICK :

At dawn we travel downriver by boat to the parrot clay lick. This is a special place where parrots, parakeets and small macaws, including the Chestnut fronted Macaw and the rare Yellow and Blue Macaw, come to eat minerals which help them with digestion. After the natural show we back to our lodge for our breakfast. Later we explore some of the trails in nearby to our lodge we have the opportunity to see more species of monkeys and birds. After lunch we have a short break in our lodge after dinner we will take a night walk in the jungle to look for spiders, snakes and lot tree frogs.in the evening we go to explore at the mammal salt lick . and we can back to our beautiful, comfortable lodge.
We will return to the Lodge for the breakfast and a brief rest.
We will get ready cross Lake Sandoval by canoe to go to the floodplain forest. We will walk for approximately 2 hours and will see big trees more than 200 years old, like the Shihuahuaco (iron tree), Lupuna (kapok tree) and oje (medicinal ficus tree); trees that grow only in this type of forest.
We will return to the Lodge for lunch and nap time.
In the afternoon we will again explore the lake by canoe, but this time we will visit a 12-meters high tower that is located between the limit of the touristic area (2 Km.) and a refuge area (1 km). From the tower we will watch the sunset.
We will return to the Lodge for dinner and to spend the night.

DAY 4: ECOLOGICAL DORADO LODGE – HOT SPRING – ATALAYA – BAMBU LODGE.

After our breakfast we continue upriver, where we also can observe birds or capybaras. On the way we stop at the hot springs, where we can relax. These waters are medicinal, then we continue to the port of Atalaya, where our Bus is waiting for us. From here we continue to our Lodge where we spend our last night.

5 DAYS:BAMBU LODGE – CLOUD FOREST – CUSCO

We start our return trip through the cloud forest, with some stops and opportunities to see birds and monkeys. Then we travel up to the Andes again, arriving in Cusco at around 7 pm.

MANU TOURS INFORMATION