Tour details
DAY 1: CUSCO – AMAZON PONA LODGE (CLOUD FOREST)
We depart from Cusco at 5:00 a.m. in our private tourist vehicle, specially adapted for both Andean and Amazonian routes.
Along the way, we visit several places of cultural and natural interest, including Ninamarca, a pre-Inca funerary complex from the Lupaca culture.
We then travel through the scenic Paucartambo Valley and the traditional town of Paucartambo, known as the folkloric capital of Peru. Later, we reach Ajanaco Pass, the official entrance to Manu National Park.
From this point, we descend into the Amazon basin through a spectacular cloud forest, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world.
During the descent, we make several stops and guided walks to observe wildlife. This area is ideal for spotting birds such as the Andean cock-of-the-rock (Peru’s national bird), toucans, quetzals, and hummingbirds, as well as mammals like coatis, woolly monkeys, and capuchin monkeys. With some luck, we may also observe sloths or the spectacled bear (Andean bear).
The forest is also rich in orchids, bromeliads, and medicinal plants.
We arrive at Amazon Pona Lodge in the late afternoon, where we settle in and enjoy the sounds of the rainforest.
Night at Amazon Pona Lodge (L.D.)
DAY 2: AMAZON PONA LODGE – ATALAYA – CASA MATSIGUENKA LODGE (MANU RESERVED ZONE)
This is the longest and most important travel day of the expedition.
We leave the lodge very early, around 4:00 a.m., and drive approximately one hour to the Atalaya River Port, where we begin our boat journey.
We navigate along the Madre de Dios River and then continue upstream along the Manu River, entering deep into the Manu National Park Reserved Zone. The total river journey lasts approximately 8 hours, with short stops whenever wildlife is spotted.
The Manu River is a pristine ecosystem with sandy beaches and warm waters, ideal for observing black and white caimans, turtles, butterflies, capybaras, and a wide variety of bird species such as herons, skimmers, macaws, toucans, and raptors.
This section of the river offers excellent opportunities to spot jaguars, especially during the dry season (June to September), as well as pumas and other small wild cats. Several species of monkeys are commonly seen along the riverbanks.
We arrive at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge in the late afternoon, located deep inside the protected area.
After dinner, we rest surrounded by untouched rainforest.
Night at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge (B.L.D.
DAY 3: CASA MATSIGUENKA LODGE – SALVADOR LAKE – MACAW CLAY LICK – OTORONGO LAKE
Today we enjoy a full day of exploration inside the Manu National Park Reserved Zone.
Early in the morning, we visit Salvador Lake by catamaran, one of the best locations in the Amazon to observe the endangered giant river otter, which can consume up to 3–5 kg of fish per day.
The lake is also home to caimans, turtles, hoatzins, herons, and large groups of monkeys.
Later, we visit a macaw and parrot clay lick, where colorful birds gather to consume mineral-rich clay essential for their digestion.
In the afternoon, we explore Otorongo Lake, where we climb a 20-meter observation tower that offers panoramic views of the forest canopy. From here, it is possible to observe macaws, toucans, parrots, eagles, and many other bird species.
During the walk, your guide will explain the relationships between plants, animals, insects, ecosystems, and the medicinal uses of Amazonian plants.
Optional night walk to observe frogs, insects, spiders, and other nocturnal wildlife.
Night at Casa Matsiguenka Lodge (B.L.D.)
DAY 4: CASA MATSIGUENKA LODGE – DORADO LODGE / PAPAYA LODGE
Early in the morning, we begin our return journey along the Manu River, with excellent wildlife observation opportunities during the first hours of the day.
During this journey, it is possible to observe capybaras, sloths, caimans, turtles, and a wide variety of bird species along the riverbanks. With some luck, we may also spot jaguars or other wild cats.
At the park ranger checkpoint, we take a short walk to an observation tower overlooking wetlands, where it is possible to observe yellow macaws, swamp birds, and monkeys.
In the afternoon, we arrive at Dorado Lodge / Papaya Lodge.
After some rest, we go on a guided night walk to observe frogs, snakes, tarantulas, night monkeys, and a wide variety of insects.
Night at Dorado Lodge / Papaya Lodge (B.L.D.)
DAY 5: DORADO LODGE / PAPAYA LODGE – ATALAYA – CUSCO.
Early in the morning, we leave the lodge by boat and navigate along the Madre de Dios River back to Atalaya.
From there, we continue by private vehicle back to Cusco, making short stops along the way as needed.
Arrival in Cusco in the late afternoon or early evening.
(B.L.)
What’s Included
- Private nini van
- Private boat.
- Tickets to the offered Lodges.
- Entrance to Manu National Park
- Mineral water
- Entrance to macaw and tapir clay lick.
- Native bilingual Spanish and English professional guide.
- sleeping bag
- profecional cock.
- 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
- First aid kid
- Snacks (fruits, cookies, juices and sweets).
- Camping equipment such as tables, chairs, raint ponchos, rubber boots.
IMPORTAN LODGE INFORMATION:
- Showers: Most lodges have cold-water showers; hot water is generally not available.
- Electricity: Most lodges use solar power, which may be limited during cloudy weather. We recommend bringing a power bank.
WHAT THE TOURIST NEEDS TO BRING
- Binoculars.
- Photographic camera.
- Flashlight with extra batteries.
- Mosquito repellent minimum 25% deet.
- Sunscreen.
- Toilet paper (for forest baths).
- Some cash for souvenirs, personal expenses, and tips
- Dark or camouflaged clothing.
- light jacked or warm clothing
- bottle for water.
- A sun cap.
- day pack
- sunglasses
- Water sandals.
- Small daily backpack.
GROUP SERVICE
- $900 USD per person
Frequently Asked Questions
Day 1: Cusco - Santa Maria
The Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days: begins with a hotel pickup at 6:00 am, followed by a scenic three-hour drive through the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas. As we reach Abra Malaga, the highest point of the trip at 4,316m, we will gear up and receive a briefing from our experienced guide.
We’ll then embark on a thrilling 3-hour downhill biking journey through the Andes, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and tropical forests. A support vehicle will be available for those who need a break. We’ll end the day at Eco Terra Lodge Santa Maria for a delicious lunch, optional river rafting, dinner, and restful sleep.
The adrenaline-packed biking adventure takes us from Abra Malaga to Huamanmarka, covering a distance of less than 55km and descending from 4,316m to 2,130m. The scenic route offers breathtaking views of the changing landscape, from snowy peaks to lush tropical forests.
At Eco Terra Lodge Santa Maria, we’ll enjoy a tasty lunch and have the opportunity to go river rafting on the Vilcanota River, offering a thrilling level III and IV experience. Afterward, we’ll return to the lodge for a delicious dinner and a well-deserved rest, preparing us for the exciting activities that await us the next day.
- Transportation from Cusco – Abra Malaga: 3.5 hours by private bus.
- Bicycle: – 2h – 3 h.
- Bicycle ride: 55 km – 34 m.
- Rafting: 2 hours
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner.
- Lodging: Lodge
- Difficulty: medium
- Guaranteed Adventure
- Maximum altitude: 4316 m – 14160 ft.
- Minimum altitude: – 1200 m – 3937 ft
Day 2: Santa Maria - Hot spring - Santa Teresa.
2 Embark on a 7-hour trek through the vibrant rainforest, starting with a 45-minute hike along the car route before joining the well-preserved Inca trail. This trail, the only one in good condition among the various Inca trails, once connected Machu Picchu with the final Inca capital, Vilcabamba.
Immerse yourself in the lush surroundings, encountering exotic fruits, diverse birdlife, and orchids, while enjoying breathtaking views of the Urubamba valley from the mountain’s summit. Descend for 2.5 hours to Qellomayo village for a satisfying lunch break.
Afterward, take a break in hammocks, then continue the trek for another 3 hours, passing through farms, waterfalls, and rivers (including a cable car crossing). By late afternoon, arrive at the Santa Teresa hot water springs, known as Cocalmayo, offering crystal-clear pools with different temperatures.
Relax in this idyllic setting surrounded by the river and starry skies. Following the hot springs experience, a 40-minute walk (or optional bus ride) leads to Santa Teresa town, where a comfortable hotel awaits. Enjoy dinner and socialize with fellow group members at one of the downtown bars.
- Walking: 7 hours
- Hiking distance: (15 km / 9.3 mi)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch / Dinner
- Lodging: Lodge (2, maximum 3 people per room)
- Adventure Guaranteed
- Starting altitude: – 1200 m / 3,937 ft
- Campsite altitude: – 1500 m – 4921 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
