3-Day, 2-Night Tour in the Amazon Jungle of Manu

Itinerary of the Peruvian Jungle Tour in Manu

Day 1: Cusco – Manu

You will depart from Cusco after an early breakfast at your hotel and begin the exciting journey from the heights of the Andes. On the way, you will make a stop at Lake Huacarpay to observe migratory and endemic birds. You will continue the journey through picturesque valleys and traditional communities, reaching Paucartambo, an ancient Inca trade route center. Here, you can immerse yourself in the local culture, experience their traditional dances, and learn about how Andean communities use the biodiversity of the forest.

You will continue your journey to Acjanaco (3,500 m), one of the highest points of the day. If the weather permits, you will enjoy stunning views. From there, you will head to San Pedro, known as the habitat of the Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Peru’s national bird.

After a box lunch on the way, you will descend along the road into the cloud forest, surrounded by the sounds and landscapes of the forest, where you can spot monkeys and a wide variety of birds, as well as possibly see the spectacled bear. You will visit a coca plantation, where you will learn about the medicinal properties of coca leaves.

After a brief stop in Pillcopata, you will continue to the port city of Atalaya, where you will board a motorized canoe for a one-hour trip along the Alto Madre de Dios River, one of the southernmost tributaries of the Amazon.

You will arrive at the lodge, which also serves as a research center, around 4 pm, where you will be given a brief guided tour.

In the afternoon, you will explore the local trail system with your naturalist guides, and then relax at the lodge, enjoying the sounds of the forest.
During your stay, you will have the opportunity to learn about the history of Manu and the conservation challenges by talking with guides and researchers. Alternatively, you can relax and enjoy a drink while watching the sunset over the Amazon.

Day 2: Macaw and Parrot Clay Lick – Bio-garden – Jungle Walk

One of the most fascinating activities at the lodge is monitoring the clay lick, a research site where parrots and other species, including the endangered Blue-headed Macaw, are observed and studied. You will join researchers on an early morning boat excursion to the hideout, located just five minutes upriver, to watch macaws, parrots, and parakeets in their daily activity. At dawn, you will witness them gathering on the clay lick walls, displaying their vibrant colors. We recommend bringing binoculars to fully enjoy this experience.

On the way back, you will visit a bio-garden that is part of the center’s sustainable projects, which also provides food for the lodge. Then, you will walk through different types of forests, where you can spot squirrel monkeys, hummingbirds, and sharp-billed great toucans, a unique experience.
You will spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace or walking part of the 25 km of jungle trails with one of the specialized guides.

After dinner, you will enjoy a presentation about the work of the research center operating at the lodge, focused on sustainability and conservation, and learn more about the foundation’s initiatives to preserve the region. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to take a night walk to observe the area’s nocturnal species.

Day 3: Manu – Cusco

After breakfast, you will begin the return journey. You will board the boat again to the port city of Atalaya, where you will take the transport that will take you back to Cusco. On the way, you will enjoy a box lunch. The landscape will change dramatically as you ascend toward the cloud forest and then descend toward the city of Cusco.

Upon arrival, your guide will drop you off at your hotel, bringing this unforgettable experience to an end, but leaving you with the memories of your wonderful trip to Manu.

Important Note: The activities in the itinerary are for reference only and may be subject to changes due to weather conditions.

The price of the excursions to Manu includes:

• Accommodation in a double room. If you are traveling alone and wish to have a private room, an additional fee for exclusivity will apply.
• Otherwise, you will share the room with a person of the same gender.
• Round-trip transfer to Cusco
• Scheduled excursions (in Spanish and English) with 1 night walk.
• Limited electricity from 7 pm to 9 pm.
• Purified water. Other drinks at an additional cost.
• Standard meals with local ingredients (lunch and dinner on day 1, breakfast, lunch, and dinner on day 2, breakfast, lunch, and dinner on day 3, breakfast, lunch, and dinner on day 4, breakfast and lunch on day 5) Depending on the day, the lunch may be a box lunch.
• Rubber boots (we only have sizes smaller than 45 EU or 11 US)

It does not include:

• Optional activities or those not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Alcoholic beverages, juices, or sodas.
• Personal expenses
• Additional services
• Wi-Fi. Only on specific days, when electricity is available, the router is activated, but the internet speed is very limited and unstable.
• Permanent electricity: The lodge has limited electricity. The electricity hours are from 7 pm to 9 pm.
• Heating or air conditioning.
• Travel insurance.

What to bring for the Manu 3D/2N trip:

• Backpack no larger than 35 liters to pack your personal items. You can leave excess luggage at our offices in Cusco.
• Clothing that protects from the sun and insects, long sleeves made of thin and breathable fabric.
• Thin cotton socks, the darker, the better.
• If your shoe size is 45 EU or 11 US or larger, you should bring your own rubber boots.
• Rain poncho (avoid bright colors to not scare away animals during observation activities)
• Flashlight for the night walks, we recommend a headlamp for greater comfort.
• Refillable water bottle.
• Binoculars.
• Hat.
• Face bandana.
• Insect repellent and sunscreen.
• Warm and comfortable clothing.
• We recommend wearing shoes that are easy to remove. Inside the lodge facilities, we avoid wearing shoes to prevent dirt from being brought into the place.
• Cash for personal expenses (local currency).
• Travel insurance.
• Passport or ID.

What considerations should you have when taking our Manu 3D/2N tour?

• Although it can rain throughout the year in the region, we recommend visiting during the drier months (April to October). This increases the chances that all activities can take place as planned and that access to different areas remains open.
• All guided excursions are done in a shared format with other tourists of different ages and nationalities.
• The US Travel Advisory for Peru typically recommends vaccinations against yellow fever and malaria preventive medication for tourists traveling to the jungle region. Please consult your doctor before traveling to the Amazon Basin. No cases of yellow fever or malaria have been reported at the lodge.The climate is tropical with an average temperature of 32°C (89°F), ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 42°C (107°F). The summer season is between
• December and March, with frequent afternoon rain showers. Between June and September, you may need warmer clothing due to occasional “cold fronts” from Patagonia, which can drop the temperature to 10°C (50°F). Therefore, during these months, it is recommended to wear cotton clothing to counter the heat during the day and, in the evening, it is advisable to wear thick sweaters and jackets, as the cabins and rooms are not airtight and allow the outside temperature to enter.
• Guru Explorers values your time and strives to adhere to the tour schedule; however, it may vary due to reasons beyond our control (weather, natural disasters, field conditions, and other demonstrable reasons). We will do our best to offer efficient options and solutions for your enjoyment.
• Remember that, since these are outdoor activities, the natural features of the landscape may vary depending on weather conditions and the natural daylight. Each visit is an authentic experience, where nature reveals itself in unique and unrepeatable ways.
• The lodge and the included activities are located in the Reserved Zone of the Manu Biosphere. To enter the Manu National Park, please refer to our itineraries of 8 days or more.
• Wildlife sightings in their natural habitat cannot be guaranteed, but each outing into the jungle offers the opportunity for authentic and unique experiences in contact with nature.

Not allowed:

• Pets.
• Smoking.
• Large suitcases or bags.

According to Peruvian regulations, foreign tourists may be exempt from the local tax IGV (VAT). As a formal and registered travel agency, we are required to submit to the local authorities a copy of the document you used to enter the country, as well as your date of entry.

For this reason, a few days before your tour, we will contact you to request a photo of that document and ask you to let us know the date you entered Peru. If we do not receive this information, we will be required to add the 18% corresponding to the IGV tax. 

Thank you for your cooperation!

Cancellation policy:

• NO SHOW: Any reservation cancellation after the FINAL PAYMENT is considered a NO-SHOW.
• Early departure from the hotel, missed meals or excursions, reductions, or any other unconsumed services of the reconfirmed or paid services are non-refundable and are considered consumed services. We recommend our clients have cancellation insurance for emergency cases, illness, logistical problems, or other reasons.
  
• Upon arrival at the lodge, every guest must present their original passport and Andean Migration Card for the necessary photocopies. Photocopies of the passport will not be accepted due to current legal regulations. If a guest does not have the documentation that justifies the exemption from VAT (IGV), or if their stay in the country exceeds 60 days since their arrival, the respective VAT will be charged directly to the traveler.
• In the event of unforeseen circumstances or situations beyond the control of the lodge or the agency, such as natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, transportation disruptions, or flight delays, no compensation or refund will be granted for changes, rescheduling, or cancellations caused by force majeure (e.g., heavy rains, landslides, road blockages, illness, among others).

Force Majeure Policy:

• Guru Explorers values your time and makes every effort to follow the itinerary. However, it may be affected by force majeure events such as weather conditions, rain, natural disasters, protests, roadblocks, or other circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, no refunds or compensation will be provided, as these are unforeseeable and unavoidable situations. Nonetheless, we will do everything possible to offer efficient alternatives and solutions for your enjoyment. Any additional costs resulting from changes or alternative activities will be the responsibility of the client and not Guru Explorers.