Manu Cultural Program

Manu, located in the Southeastern part of Peru, is one of the largest Parks in South America. The area of the Park encompasses parts of the Andean Department of Cusco and the Jungle Department of Madre de Dios. Manu protects over 2 million hectares (4.5 million acres) of territory rich in Flora and Fauna species in a variety of habitats including high Andes, Cloudforests, and Lowland Tropical Rainforests. The Manu National Park is the most biologically diverse protected Park on the planet. This natural paradise, in 1977, was officially recognized and designated by the UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve because it contains the best existing example of biodiversity in a protected area of Rainforest, as well as endemic areas of Cloudforest.Although the majority of forests in the world have been altered by humans, fortunately, Manu has remained intact and untouched by civilization, giving us the opportunity to observe a variety of animals in their natural habitats, including: Giant River Otters (Ptenorura brasiliensis), Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger), the majestic Jaguar (Panthera onca), the strange Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus), the Tapir (Tapirus terrestris), the Ocelot (Felis pardalis), 13 species of primates, and an estimated one thousand species of birds including seven Macaws (Ara spp). Manu also contains 10% of the world´s vascular plant species, including several species of figs and palms, as well as countless species of medicinal plants that scientists are currently listed. The Manu National Park may be the most biological diverse and protected park on the planet. Do not miss this opportunity, visit and enjoy virgin habitats in the Mountains, Cloudforests, and Lowland Tropical Rainforests. 

We leave Cusco early in the morning in our specialized overland vehicles. On the way, we visit the interesting Pre- Inca tombs of Ninamarca, commonly known as "Chullpas” and Paucartambo, a picturesque Spanish colonial town, and then to the Acjanacu pass, which marks the beginning of the Cultural Zone of Manu Biosphere Reserve. Here, a thick cloak of clouds provides perpetual humidity and makes an ideal habitat for epiphytic plants such as bromeliads. This varied and fascinating world is home of the Cock of the Rock, Spectacled Bear, Orchids, Tree Ferns (one of the oldest living plants), mosses and lichens. This cloud forest exists between 2000 and 3500 meters above sea level and at least 50% of the plant species found here are endemic to this

Meal included: Lunch, snack and dinner

Today we wake up very early to observe comfortably installed on an observation platform the Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruviana), Peru's national bird. The male birds are a vibrant reddish orange and about 5:00am. as many as several dozen come together for an exhibition of a ritual mating dance in a so called "Lek". The males display their crest, showing off and posturing for the females. The females, fewer in number, watch to select the most suitable males. After breakfast we continue by bike down the narrow road between waterfalls and canyons toward the Town of Pilcopata to the Port of Atalaya where we will board our covered outboard motor boat and head down the Upper Madre de Dios River for approximately 30 minutes toward our Private Reserve of "Erika Lodge" where we will spend the next two nights. Short walk around the Lodge. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner

Breakfast.Erika Lodge is located in a transition zone between High and Low jungle (600 m.a.s.l. to 1,150 m.a.s.l, 1,200 to 3,450 feet) encompassing different habitats. This altitude range explains the high diversity of wildlife found around this Lodge, so immediately after breakfast, we will start walking near the riverbanks, during the hike our guide will talk about insects, medicinal plants, trees, reptiles, mammals, etc. Early afternoon we will start a short ride by boat to visit a small lake near to the Upper Madre de Dios River; here we are going to have the chance to see the Hoatzin, a primitive bird, Spectacle Caiman, many species of birds, insects, etc. Short night walk. This will be our last night in the wonderful Amazon jungle. Overnight in the Lodge.

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner 

After breakfast, we will walk for approximately 30 minutes observing and learning about the sensitive mimosa plants, heliconias, fruit plantations, etc. Later we will continue in the boat towards Puerto Atalaya, from where we will return to the city of Cusco in bus, arriving at night.

Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch