Peru
Peru – Manu Cloud Forest (4 days)
Peru – Manu Cloud Forest (4 days)
Duration
4 days
Start/End
Cusco
Tour type
Individual · Group
Level
Simple
Overview
This privately guided tour combines culture and nature. You'll discover Cusco and the Sacred Valley with Chinchero, Maras, Moray and the salt mines, hike the final section of the Inca Trail via Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu, and then experience the wildlife in the biodiverse Manu Cloud Forest.
The road from Cusco to Manu has been called "the best birding road in the world". In just one day, it leads from the high Andes over the Ajanaco pass into the cloud forest of the Kosñipata Valley – an enchanted world of giant ferns, orchids, bromeliads, waterfalls and a fascinating birdlife. You stay at the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge at 1,600 m / 5,249 ft, set in a 5,060 ha (12,500 acre) private reserve. Just a few minutes away, Peru's national bird, the blazing red Andean cock-of-the-rock, performs its courtship display every morning. On walks along the road and forest trails, you look for quetzals, toucans, tanagers, hummingbirds and woolly monkeys. On the third day, you descend to the mid-elevation rainforest near Atalaya, where upland and lowland species mingle – with a chance to see the endangered military macaw. This tour is perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers who want to experience the cloud forest of Manu Biosphere Reserve from Cusco. We travel in small groups with experienced naturalist guides.
Tour Code
Maximum altitude
Itinerary
Day 1
Cusco – Paucartambo – Ajanaco – Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge
Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge (1,600 m / 5,249 ft)
Scenic drive of approx. 7–8 h with stops · max. 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
We leave Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) early in the morning and head for the cloud forest, where the Andes fall away to the Amazon basin. On the way, we visit a high mountain wetland with migrant and local waterfowl and cross two mountain ranges between the Cusco and Paucartambo valleys, reaching a maximum altitude of 3,900 m / 12,795 ft. We stop at mountain villages and at the pre-Inca burial towers (chullpas) of Ninamarca. At the Ajanaco pass, the entrance to Manu National Park, the Andes begin their plunge into the Amazon basin – in clear weather, the view over the cloud forest down to the lowland rainforest is breathtaking. After lunch, we descend through elfin forest into a magical world of giant ferns, orchids, bromeliads and begonias. With frequent stops, we may spot quetzals, trogons or guans before reaching the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge in the afternoon.
Cusco – Paucartambo – Ajanaco – Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge
Day 1
Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge (1,600 m / 5,249 ft)
Scenic drive of approx. 7–8 h with stops · max. 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
We leave Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) early in the morning and head for the cloud forest, where the Andes fall away to the Amazon basin. On the way, we visit a high mountain wetland with migrant and local waterfowl and cross two mountain ranges between the Cusco and Paucartambo valleys, reaching a maximum altitude of 3,900 m / 12,795 ft. We stop at mountain villages and at the pre-Inca burial towers (chullpas) of Ninamarca. At the Ajanaco pass, the entrance to Manu National Park, the Andes begin their plunge into the Amazon basin – in clear weather, the view over the cloud forest down to the lowland rainforest is breathtaking. After lunch, we descend through elfin forest into a magical world of giant ferns, orchids, bromeliads and begonias. With frequent stops, we may spot quetzals, trogons or guans before reaching the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge in the afternoon.
Day 2
Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge – cloud forest
Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge (1,600 m / 5,249 ft)
Birdwatching walks along the road and trails
Early in the morning, we visit the nearby lek to watch the Andean cock-of-the-rock, Peru's blazing red national bird, in full courtship display – nowhere else can so many of these spectacular birds be seen so easily. The best months are September to November, but the males display all year round. After a hearty breakfast, we explore the forest along the road near the lodge and the trails through the valley. Among waterfalls, orchids, bromeliads, ferns and mosses, we look out for golden-headed quetzals, grey-breasted mountain toucans, blue-crowned motmots, umbrellabirds, blue-banded toucanets, tanagers and many hummingbirds – and with luck woolly or brown capuchin monkeys. The afternoon is free to relax on the lodge's viewing platform or on your private balcony overlooking the cloud forest.
Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge – cloud forest
Day 2
Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge (1,600 m / 5,249 ft)
Birdwatching walks along the road and trails
Early in the morning, we visit the nearby lek to watch the Andean cock-of-the-rock, Peru's blazing red national bird, in full courtship display – nowhere else can so many of these spectacular birds be seen so easily. The best months are September to November, but the males display all year round. After a hearty breakfast, we explore the forest along the road near the lodge and the trails through the valley. Among waterfalls, orchids, bromeliads, ferns and mosses, we look out for golden-headed quetzals, grey-breasted mountain toucans, blue-crowned motmots, umbrellabirds, blue-banded toucanets, tanagers and many hummingbirds – and with luck woolly or brown capuchin monkeys. The afternoon is free to relax on the lodge's viewing platform or on your private balcony overlooking the cloud forest.
Day 3
Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge – Atalaya – mid-elevation rainforest
Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge (1,600 m / 5,249 ft)
Drive and guided rainforest walks
After an early breakfast, we drive down to the mid-elevation forest, where the last Andean foothills give way to the vast Amazon basin, and reach the river port of Atalaya around noon. In the afternoon, we walk the rainforest trails with our guide. Here, upland and lowland species mingle – we may see the endangered military macaw, paradise tanagers, blue-crowned trogons, blue-headed parrots, bluish-fronted jacamars, rufous-crested coquettes and many other hummingbirds, as well as monkeys. In the late afternoon, we return to the lodge.
Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge – Atalaya – mid-elevation rainforest
Day 3
Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge (1,600 m / 5,249 ft)
Drive and guided rainforest walks
After an early breakfast, we drive down to the mid-elevation forest, where the last Andean foothills give way to the vast Amazon basin, and reach the river port of Atalaya around noon. In the afternoon, we walk the rainforest trails with our guide. Here, upland and lowland species mingle – we may see the endangered military macaw, paradise tanagers, blue-crowned trogons, blue-headed parrots, bluish-fronted jacamars, rufous-crested coquettes and many other hummingbirds, as well as monkeys. In the late afternoon, we return to the lodge.
Day 4
Cloud forest – Cusco
Drive of approx. 7–8 h with birding stops
After an early breakfast, we drive back up the cloud forest road, stopping again and again to look for birds we have already seen and new ones – and perhaps the monkeys that have eluded us so far. Through the enchanting mountain landscape, we return to Cusco, where we arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon or early evening.
Cloud forest – Cusco
Day 4
Drive of approx. 7–8 h with birding stops
After an early breakfast, we drive back up the cloud forest road, stopping again and again to look for birds we have already seen and new ones – and perhaps the monkeys that have eluded us so far. Through the enchanting mountain landscape, we return to Cusco, where we arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon or early evening.
Price from
€1,040.00
Services
What's included
Pre-Tour Briefing: Briefing at your hotel in Cusco two days before departure.
Naturalist Guide: Local bilingual guide (English and Spanish) with in-depth knowledge of the flora and fauna and of the birds of Manu.
Transportation: Private transport (minivan) from your hotel in Cusco and back, and for all excursions.
Accommodation: 3 nights in comfortable eco-lodges with private bathroom, hot shower, towels and mosquito nets.
Meals: All meals from the box lunch on Day 1 to the box lunch on the last day; vegetarian options and special diets on request.
Entrance Fees: Manu National Park and the visited reserves.
What's not included
Meals: Breakfast on Day 1.
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Drinks & Personal Expenses: Drinks outside the main meals and souvenirs.
Tips: Gratuities for guide, driver and lodge staff (optional).
Character of the trip
Fitness
Simple
Altitude
Gentle (up to 3,900 m)
Culture / nature
Balanced
Fitness – easy to moderate: Leisurely walks on forest trails and along the road, with long drives on a winding mountain road. A basic level of fitness is enough.
Altitude – moderate: The road crosses the Andes at up to 3,900 m / 12,795 ft; the lodges lie in the cloud forest at around 1,600 m / 5,249 ft; the mid-elevation rainforest near Atalaya at around 600 m / 1,969 ft.
Culture & nature – nature-focused: Cloud forest, the Andean cock-of-the-rock, quetzals, toucans, tanagers, hummingbirds, monkeys and an incredible variety of orchids – a paradise for birdwatchers.
Lodge: 3 nights in comfortable eco-lodges with private bathroom.
Dates and prices
Individual dates
Optional
Cusco City Tour (half day)
Public tour – available as a private tour on request.
€20.00
per person
Sacred Valley Tour (full day)
Public tour – available as a private tour on request.
€25.00
per person
Groups of 6 or more: contact info@silvertip.at for special rates and tailor-made options.
Notes on the trip
Good to know
Program: The itinerary may vary slightly to maximize wildlife sightings, depending on the latest reports of the guides and researchers at the lodge.
Climate: The Manu cloud forest receives about 5,000 mm (197 in) of rain per year; the average temperature is around 24 °C (75 °F), with daytime highs up to 29 °C (84 °F) and nighttime lows around 11 °C (52 °F). The rainy season lasts from November to April.
Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge: Located at 1,600 m / 5,249 ft in the cool, mosquito-free Kosñipata Valley within a 5,060 ha (12,500 acre) private reserve. Double bungalows with private bathroom and balcony, a dining room with viewing platform; electricity is limited.
Small groups: Departures with 4 to 12 people; private tours on request.
What to bring
Daypack & Binoculars: A small backpack for the day and good binoculars.
Original Passport: Mandatory.
Clothing: Lightweight long trousers and long-sleeved shirts, T-shirts, a warm layer for the mornings and the drive over the Andes, a hat and rain gear (jacket or poncho).
Footwear: Hiking boots or sturdy shoes and sandals.
Protection: Insect repellent (20% DEET for the forest), sunscreen and sunglasses.
Other: Headlamp with spare batteries, water bottle, personal first-aid kit and medication, camera, some Peruvian soles; pack your things in plastic bags to protect them from moisture.