Tour details
DAY 1: Cusco – Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge (Cloud Forest)
Early departure from Cusco in our private vehicle, traveling from the Andes into the Amazon basin. Along the way, we make scenic stops at Ninamarca, an important pre-Inca archaeological site, and pass through the picturesque Paucartambo Valley, known as the folkloric capital of Peru.
Crossing the Ajanaco Pass, the official entrance to Manu National Park, we descend into a unique cloud forest ecosystem. Multiple short walks and roadside stops allow excellent opportunities for bird and macro photography, focusing on Andean cock-of-the-rock, toucans, tanagers, mixed-species flocks, orchids, and bromeliads. Mammals such as monkeys and coatis are frequently seen, with chances of sloths. Arrival at the lodge in the late afternoon.
Meals: B.A.C.
DAY 2: Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge – Amazon Pona Lodge
Before dawn, we visit the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek, one of the most spectacular bird photography experiences in South America. Photographers will have time to capture courtship displays, behavior, and action shots.
After breakfast, we continue exploring the cloud forest, searching for species such as crested quetzal, golden-headed quetzal, barbets, and canopy birds, with occasional sightings of woolly monkeys.
In the afternoon, we visit a hummingbird garden, offering close-range photography of multiple hummingbird species, tanagers, barbets, and toucans under controlled light conditions—ideal for portrait-style shots.
Meals: B.L.D.
DAY 3: Amazon Pona Lodge – Papaya Lodge
After breakfast, we continue toward Atalaya, stopping again at hummingbird feeding stations for improved light and additional species. We also visit a local coca plantation for cultural and documentary photography.
We then travel by boat into the lowland rainforest. After settling into the lodge, we prepare for a night photography session at a nearby mammal clay lick. From a camouflaged hide, we may observe tapirs, porcupines, deer, and nocturnal rodents. With luck, predators such as jaguar, puma, or ocelot may appear. A night immersed in jungle sounds and low-light photography.
Meals: B.L.D
DAY 4: Papaya Lodge – Casa Matsiguenka Lodge (Manu Reserved Zone)
This day we do full activity in the morning we explore the lake in a catamaran, here we can see the giant otter (river wolf) in process of extinction, because every day it eats between 3 to 5 kilos of fish each, and there are not many more lakes in the Amazon jungle with abundant fish, only in national parks such as Manu.
we will also see more caimans, turtles, herons, many species of monkeys in large groups. In the afternoon after lunch we continue to explore this beautiful jungle looking for more species of animals, and the guide will explain the relationship between plant, animal, incect and the function of different ecosystems and the medicinal functions of plants. At night an optional night walk.
DAY 5: Casa Matsiguenka – Cocha Salvador & Macaw Clay Lick
Early morning exploration of Cocha Salvador Lake by catamaran. This pristine oxbow lake is one of the best places to photograph the endangered giant river otter, along with caimans, turtles, hoatzins, herons, and large groups of monkeys.
Later in the morning, we visit the Matsiguenka Macaw Clay Lick, where macaws and parrots gather to ingest mineral-rich clay—excellent for flight and behavior photography.
In the evening, an optional night walk allows macro and amphibian photography, focusing on frogs, snakes, tarantulas, and insects.
Meals: B.L.D
DAY 6: Casa Matsiguenka – Macaw Clay Lick – Paquitza
At dawn, we return to the Matsiguenka Macaw Clay Lick for optimal light conditions and improved photographic angles. The site also attracts monkeys and other bird species.
In the afternoon, we travel upriver to the Paquitza Control and Surveillance Station, the farthest point accessible to visitors in Manu. A guided walk leads to another mammal clay lick, where peccaries, monkeys, and occasionally rare species may be seen. During the return boat journey at sunset, we carefully scan river beaches for jaguars, one of the best times and places to photograph them.
Meals: B.L.D
DAY 7: Casa Matsiguenka – Tambo Blanquillo Lodge (Otorongo Area)
Early departure along the Manu River toward Lake Otorongo. We climb a 20-meter observation tower, providing canopy-level photography of macaws, parrots, toucans, eagles, and mixed flocks, as well as panoramic lake views.
We then continue downstream to Boca Manu and onward along the Madre de Dios River to Tambo Blanquillo Lodge. Wildlife sightings along the river may include tapirs, sloths, caimans, and, with luck, large cats. The afternoon is free for trail exploration and additional photography around the lodge.
Meals: D.A.C.
DAY 8: Tambo Blanquillo Lodge – Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick & Canopy Tower
Pre-dawn departure to the famous Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick, one of the largest and most active in the Amazon. We spend the entire morning photographing hundreds of macaws and parrots in flight and at the clay wall. Predators may occasionally appear, adding dramatic photographic moments.
In the afternoon, we visit a 60-meter canopy tower, offering wide-angle views over the Amazon rainforest, with opportunities to photograph macaws in flight, monkeys in the canopy, and a spectacular sunset.
Meals: B.L.D
DAY 9: Tambo Blanquillo – Puerto Maldonado (Hotel)
If weather conditions affected previous visits, we may return briefly to the clay lick or take a final walk around the lodge. We then travel by boat to Puerto Colorado, followed by an overland journey to Puerto Maldonado. Arrival at a comfortable hotel for a final night.
Meals: B.L.
DAY 10: Puerto Maldonado – Cusco / Lima
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight. A 45-minute flight to Cusco or 2-hour flight to Lima, depending on your onward international connections. End of the expedition.
Meals: B.
What’s Included
- Private bus.
- Private boat.
- Tickets to the places visited such as hot springs, shelters and lakes.
- Entrance to Andean cock of the rock lek
- Entrance to Manu National park.
- Entrances to the lodge ofered in the program.
- Entrance to Blankillo macaw clay lick.
- Entrance to the hummingbird gardens
- Native bilingual Spanish and English professional guide.
- Chef.
- 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
- Snacks (fruits, cookies, juices and sweets).
- Camping equipment such as tables, chairs, ponchos, rubber boots.
IMPORTAN LODGE INFORMATION:
- Showers: Most lodges have cold-water showers; hot water is generally available only in some lodges.
- 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% poison.
- Sunscreen.
- Toilet paper (for forest baths).
- Some cash for souvenirs, personal expenses, and tips
- Dark or camouflaged clothing.
- light jacked or warm clothing
- One whole drink or bottle of water.
- A sun cap.
- Water sandals.
- Small daily backpack.
- Bath linen and towel (for hot springs).
- Not included return flight to Cusco or Lima
- Does not include the first breakfast or the last dinner.
GROUP SERVICE
- $1675 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
