From Cusco: 5-Day Amazon Exploration in the Manu Cultural Zone
Explore Peru’s Manu Cultural Zone on this 5-day adventure. Spot parrots, capybaras, and monkeys, and relax in hot springs surrounded by lush rainforest.
From Cusco: 5-Day Amazon Exploration in the Manu Cultural Zone
Step into the heart of Peru’s Amazon rainforest with the 5-Day Amazon Exploration in Manu Cultural Zone, a journey designed for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Starting from Cusco, this tour takes you through the breathtaking Cloud Forest and deep into the Manu Cultural Zone, a region brimming with unparalleled biodiversity.
From observing vibrant parrots at a clay lick to gliding across serene lagoons by catamaran, each day unveils new wonders. Experience the healing waters of natural hot springs, interact with the Shintuya Native Community, and trek through lush forests teeming with exotic wildlife like capybaras, monkeys, and caimans.
With comfortable lodge stays, expert guides, and unforgettable activities, this 5-day adventure promises an immersive Amazon experience that blends wildlife, culture, and natural beauty.
| Departure & Return Location | Your Hotel in Cusco |
| Departure Time | 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM |
| Estimated Return Time | 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM (Day 5) |
| Guide Languages Available | Guides fluent in English and Spanish |
| Key Attractions | Cloud Forest, Parrot Clay Lick, Cocha Machuwasi, Lake Maravilla, Shintuya Community, Hot Springs |
Cusco – Paucartambo – Cloud Forest – Pilcopata
Your journey begins early in the morning with a hotel pickup. Board a comfortable bus and travel through the Andes toward the village of Paucartambo, stopping at Huancarani for breakfast. Explore this charming colonial village and learn about its cultural significance from your guide.
Continue the ascent to the Ajanaco Pass (the highest point of the journey) and the entrance to Manu National Park, where the landscape transitions to the lush Cloud Forest. This ecosystem is brimming with orchids, heliconias, and primitive ferns.
Enjoy a guided walk to spot the iconic Cock of the Rock in its natural mating ritual. With luck, you might also see the rare Amazonian Umbrella Bird, Trogons, or even the elusive Spectacled Bear. Arrive in the village of Pilcopata in the late afternoon, where you’ll check in to a comfortable lodge with private bathrooms and showers.
Accommodation: Lodge in Pilcopata
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Approx. 7–8 hours by bus
Pilcopata – Atalaya – Cocha Machuwasi – Paititi Lodge
After a hearty breakfast, drive for 45 minutes to Atalaya Port (490m). Board a motorized boat and travel down the Madre de Dios River for 30 minutes, taking in views of the jungle and spotting local wildlife along the way.
Arrive at Paititi Lodge, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, visit Cocha Machuwasi, a beautiful lake. Explore its waters on a traditional catamaran, keeping an eye out for Hoatzins (Shansho), monkeys, reptiles, dwarf alligators, and capybaras.
Return to the lodge for an optional night walk, where you can experience the Amazon’s nocturnal wonders.
Accommodation: Paititi Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Approx. 45 minutes by bus; 30 minutes by boat
Parrot Clay Lick – Cocha Maravilla – Paititi Lodge
Wake up early for a boat ride to the Parrot Clay Lick, a unique site where 3 to 4 species of parrots gather to feed on the mineral-rich clay. Witness their colorful display and learn about this essential behavior for their survival.
Return to the lodge for breakfast before embarking on a guided walk through the forest to reach Cocha Maravilla, a serene private lagoon. From an observation platform, watch for a variety of wildlife, including birds, monkeys, reptiles, insects, and dwarf alligators.
After exploring, return to the lodge for lunch. Enjoy the afternoon relaxing or participating in optional activities, followed by another optional night walk to discover the jungle’s nocturnal creatures.
Accommodation: Paititi Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Approx. 2–3 hours by boat and walking
Shintuya Community – Hot Springs – Waterfalls – Paititi Lodge
After breakfast, board a boat for a scenic ride along the Madre de Dios River to the Shintuya Native Community. Interact with the local population and learn about their unique culture and way of life.
Continue to Aguas Calientes, a special jungle spot known for its hot medicinal springs. Relax in the therapeutic waters and visit nearby waterfalls, immersing yourself in the serene natural surroundings.
Return to the lodge in the late afternoon for dinner and enjoy your final night in the Amazon with an optional night walk.
Accommodation: Paititi Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Approx. 3 hours by boat
Paititi Lodge – Atalaya – Cloud Forest – Return to Cusco
After breakfast, take a final boat ride along the Madre de Dios River to Atalaya Port, where your private bus will be waiting. Travel back to Cusco, passing through the Cloud Forest once more for a chance to spot more wildlife and admire the lush vegetation.
Arrive in Cusco in the early evening, between 6:30 and 7:00 p.m., marking the end of your unforgettable journey through the Manu Amazon Cultural Zone.
Accommodation: None included
Meals: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch
Transport: Approx. 3 hours by boat; 6–7 hours by bus
Important Note:
This itinerary serves as a guide and may be adjusted due to weather conditions, safety considerations, lodge availability, or other unforeseen circumstances to ensure the best possible experience. While minor changes may occur, the tour will always start and finish on the scheduled dates, delivering all key activities and highlights as planned.
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Special Discounts
- Group Discount: Automatically applied during online booking.
- Save 5% per person for groups of 5-9 people.
- Save 8% per person for groups of 10-14 people.
- Save 10% per person for groups of 15 or more people.
Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy
Kindly take a moment to read our Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy before booking. Happy adventuring!
Payment Terms
Beginning Your Adventure – Booking Confirmation and Deposit
Your journey starts with a commitment: a 50% deposit of the total tour cost. This initial investment is pivotal in activating the extensive preparatory process, ensuring every aspect of your tour is curated to perfection.
Final Payment: The Last Step Before Your Journey Begins
The remaining 50% of the tour cost is due no later than 30 days before the commencement of your tour. This timely payment is critical to finalize all logistical arrangements, guaranteeing a hassle-free start to your adventure.
Expansive Payment Options for Ease and Flexibility
In line with our commitment to your convenience, Peru Tripper accepts a variety of payment methods, including bank transfers, credit cards, and PayPal. Please be aware that additional fees may apply depending on the payment method selected. Detailed payment procedures and potential fees can be found on our dedicated payment page.
Implications of Late Payments – Protecting Your Reservation
Adherence to the payment schedule is crucial. Late payments can unfortunately lead to the cancellation of your reservation, with the deposit being retained as a non-refundable fee. We urge you to maintain timely payments to safeguard your tour plans.
Policy for Last-Minute Adventurers
For those inspired to join this tour on short notice, namely less than 15 days before departure, full payment is required at the time of booking. This ensures that we can expedite all necessary preparations for your inclusion.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Terms for Clients
We recognize that life is ever-changing. However, due to the elaborate planning and expenses involved in preparing for this tour, we maintain a strict no-refund policy after booking confirmation. This underscores the importance of obtaining comprehensive travel insurance, which can offer protection against unforeseen cancellations.
Navigating Unpredictable Circumstances – Force Majeure
In extraordinary situations beyond our control, such as natural disasters or political upheavals, Peru Tripper will strive to offer alternative arrangements. This may include rescheduling your trip or issuing a credit for future travel, based on current availability and discretion.
Navigating Through Force Majeure
In the event of extraordinary and uncontrollable circumstances, such as natural disasters or significant political unrest, Huaynas Expeditions adopts a flexible approach. We prioritize your safety and satisfaction, offering to reschedule your trip or provide a credit for future travel, subject to availability.
Emphasizing the Need for Comprehensive Travel Insurance
To cover unexpected events, including trip disruptions and medical emergencies, we cannot stress enough the importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance. It’s your safety net, ensuring peace of mind throughout your journey. Please note, Peru Tripper does not bear responsibility for costs arising from incidents not covered by your travel insurance.
Inclusions
This package includes the following:
Exclusions:
Additional costs to consider:
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Packing List
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