Manu Cultural Zone 3D/2N.
Dificulty
Easy
Duration
3 Days / 2 Nigths
Group Size
02 - 15 People
Max Altitude
3,600 m.s.n.m
Description
If you are an explorer in search of unforgettable adventures, this is the trip you have been waiting for. Whether you decide to join alone, as a couple or with friends, this experience will take you along the most spectacular trails in the Peruvian Amazon, where the jungle comes to life and every corner is a new discovery.
A Journey Through History and Nature.
The Cultural Manu is one of the most fascinating and accessible areas of the Peruvian Amazon, considered one of the most impressive destinations in the country. On this tour, you will cross a variety of unique landscapes, from the majestic Andes Mountains to the high and low jungle of the Manu National Park, one of the most biodiverse natural areas in the world.
Along the way, you will have the opportunity to:
Visit the Chullpas of Ninamarca, an ancient pre-Incan cemetery that is part of the cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples.
Explore the charming colonial town of Paucartambo, with its well-preserved architecture, its emblematic viceregal bridge and its historic colonial temple.
Enter the Manu National Park, accompanied by specialized guides who will provide you with an enriching experience while you discover the amazing biodiversity of the place.
Enjoy the local gastronomy, with delicious typical dishes prepared by our expert chefs.
A Paradise of Biodiversity:
Manu is home to more than 1,000 species of birds, 200 species of mammals and hundreds of species of plants. Among the most emblematic animals that you could see are:
The woolly monkey, a primate characteristic of the Amazon.
The spectacled bear, the only bear in South America.
The parrot clay lick, where thousands of parrots gather on the cliffs to feed on the clay, creating an impressive visual spectacle.
A Protected Natural Treasure:
Did you know that the Manu National Park was created in 1973 and later recognized as a Biosphere Reserve and Natural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO?
Join us and discover the magic of Manu, a unique destination that combines history, nature and culture in an unforgettable experience.
Day 1: Cusco | Chullpas de Ninamarca - Paucartambo - Acjanaco Pass - Cloud Forest - Pilcopata
We will pick you up from your hotel around 5:30 a.m. and, after a short trip of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, we will make our first stop at the Chullpas of Ninamarca (3,500 m / 11,482 ft), a pre-Inca site belonging to the Lupaca culture. During the journey in our vehicle, you will enjoy the stunning views of the Andean mountains and valleys, a landscape that will set the tone for the rest of the adventure.
Then, we will arrive at the picturesque folkloric town of Paucartambo (2,906 m / 9,534 ft), where you will enjoy a typical breakfast. This town is known for its rich culture and traditions. After a short break, we will continue our trip to Acjanaco (3,560 m / 11,679 ft), the entrance to Manu National Park, where our guide will give a brief introductory talk about the park and its local biodiversity.
From Acjanaco, we will continue for approximately 2 hours toward the cloud forest, one of the park’s most iconic areas. Upon arrival, we will start our hike through this unique ecosystem, where we may observe the astonishing Andean cock-of-the-rock, the emblematic bird of the region, along with several species of monkeys, plants, orchids, ferns, and beautiful waterfalls in the high jungle. Along the way, we will take a break to enjoy lunch surrounded by nature, an experience that will make this journey even more special.
After lunch, we will continue our journey to Pilcopata (968 m / 3,175 ft), where we will finally arrive at our first lodge. Here, we will have time to rest and enjoy a delicious dinner prepared with local ingredients. At night, we will head out for a night walk, a unique experience where we will observe the area’s nocturnal wildlife, such as insects, frogs, and possibly snakes, making this activity truly unforgettable.
This first day will be just the beginning of an incredible adventure in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, full of nature, history, and culture.
🍽 Meals: Lunch, dinner
🛏 Accommodation: Pilcopata Inn Lodge
🚶♂️ Total walking distance: 2 km / 1.24 miles
⏱ Total hiking time: 3 hours
🥾 Difficulty: Easy
📉 Minimum altitude: 618 m / 2,027 ft
📈 Maximum altitude: 3,560 m / 11,679 ft
📍 Lodging altitude: 968 m / 3,175 ft
Day 2: Pilcopata | Atalaya Port - Amazon Lodge - Machuwasi Lake (Activities)
We will start the day very early, enjoying an energizing breakfast to prepare for a day full of adventures. We will board our transportation and head to the wildlife rescue center, where species such as monkeys, anteaters, and endangered birds are rehabilitated. Here, we will learn about conservation efforts and the importance of protecting this valuable ecosystem.
Then, we will travel to Atalaya Port (500 m / 1,640 ft), a picturesque settlement on the banks of the Alto Madre de Dios River. From here, we will embark on a fascinating boat trip along the river, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and an incredible variety of aquatic species and birds. Along the way, we will have the chance to spot herons, vultures, cormorants, and other birds in their natural habitat.
As we continue, we will arrive at the Amazon Manu Lodge, an ecological refuge where we can relax. At the lodge, we will have time to enjoy a refreshing swim in the river, a revitalizing experience surrounded by nature, before sitting down for a delicious lunch made with local ingredients.
In the afternoon, we will visit the impressive Machuwasi Lake, a unique place surrounded by lush vegetation. This little-explored lake in the heart of the Amazon rainforest serves as a haven for a great diversity of birds. While exploring the area, we will have the chance to see species such as ducks, eagles, hoatzins, and, if we are lucky, capybaras resting on the shores.
We will board traditional wooden boats to navigate the calm waters of the lake, immersing ourselves in its peaceful and natural surroundings. The boat ride will take us to the highest tower, where we can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view. From the top, we will have an unrivaled view of the birds flying over the waters and perching on nearby trees.
After our visit to Machuwasi Lake, we will begin our return along the trail, once again surrounded by the beauty of the tropical rainforest. We will take a scenic walk back to our boat.
Upon returning to the lodge, we will be welcomed with a comforting and delicious dinner, prepared with fresh local ingredients that highlight the flavors of the Amazon region.
Finally, after a day full of discoveries and adventures, we will spend the night at the lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle and the serenity of this unparalleled natural environment.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
🛏 Accommodation: Amazon Lodge
🚶♂️ Total walking distance: 5 km / 3.10 miles
⏱ Total hiking time: 3 hours (day) and 2 hours (night)
🥾 Difficulty level: Moderate
📉 Minimum altitude: 500 m / 1,640 ft
📈 Maximum altitude: 618 m / 2,027 ft
📍 Lodging altitude: 580 m / 1,902 ft
Day 3: Amazon Manu Lodge | Pilcopata - Cloud Forest - Cusco
Very early in the morning, at 5:00 a.m., we will embark on an exciting boat trip to the parrot clay lick, a natural spectacle that only a few lucky visitors get to witness.
Each sunrise, in this corner of the jungle, various species of parrots and macaws gather on the clay cliffs to feed on mineral-rich soil, a behavior that helps them improve digestion and eliminate toxins. Among the colorful birds we may observe are the Blue-headed Parrot, White-eyed Parakeet, and Chestnut-fronted Macaw. The sounds of their calls and the vibrant display of colors in the sky create a unique spectacle that will remain in our memory.
After this unforgettable experience, we will return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, which will give us the energy needed for our journey back. After packing our belongings, we will take the boat back to Atalaya Port, where our ground transportation will be waiting to take us back to Cusco.
On the way, we will stop to enjoy lunch on the road, making the most of our last moments in this unparalleled natural environment. Finally, we will arrive in Cusco at approximately 6:00 p.m., concluding this incredible adventure into the heart of the Amazon rainforest, filled with unforgettable memories and unique experiences.
Thank you for joining us on this journey! We hope this adventure in Manu has been as magical for you as it is for us.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, lunch
🥾 Difficulty level: Easy
📉 Minimum altitude: 500 m / 1,640 ft
📈 Maximum altitude: 3,560 m / 11,679 ft
Incluye
No Incluye
× BREAKFAST ON THE FIRST DAY AND DINNER ON THE LAST DAY
- Breakfast on the first day will be in the town of Paucartambo, with an estimated cost of 10 to 15 soles.
× ENTRANCE FEE TO LOCAL CONSERVATION CENTERS
- On the second day, an entrance fee must be paid to the local conservation centers. Payment is made in soles and in cash upon entry.
× PERSONAL BINOCULARS (OPTIONAL)
- If you don’t have your own, you can rent one from our company. Keep in mind that the guide will carry a binocular, but if you prefer a personal one, you can rent it from us.
Rental available for $15 USD at Bestreks agency.
× INTERNET CONNECTION
- In some areas, you may have cell signal and Internet access. The first lodge has Wi-Fi, but the second lodge does not.
× BATHROOMS ALONG THE ROUTE
- It is important to note that outside of the lodges, restroom facilities have an additional cost as they belong to local establishments. Bathrooms at the lodges are available at no extra charge.
× TRAVEL INSURANCE
- This is not mandatory, but we always recommend that our clients purchase travel insurance in case of flight disruptions or unexpected health issues.
× ADDITIONAL COSTS
- Delays beyond management’s control (landscapes, bad weather, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, changes in government policy, political instability/strikes, etc.).
✓ TIPS FOR YOUR CREW
- Tipping is customary in tourism or any excursion to Manu National Park. While we ensure fair wages for our team, extra appreciation is always welcomed, especially given the hard work they do.
Generally, group members collect tips to distribute among the boat crew and chefs together, and separately for the guide and driver after the Manu tour.
✓ ESSENTIALS:
-
Backpack:
Choose a small and ergonomic backpack for comfort during hikes. -
Hiking shoes:
Select lightweight options with good traction. -
Headlamp:
Essential for night hikes.
✓ FOR YOUR TRAVEL BAG:
- 1-2 moisture-wicking t-shirts.
- 1-2 pairs of hiking pants.
- 3 sets of underwear.
- Sandals.
- 1 waterproof jacket and pants for unpredictable weather.
- 1 sun hat.
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho for heavy rain.
- Large plastic bags to organize and protect items.
- Toiletries.
- Sunscreen and facial moisturizer to protect the skin.
- Insect repellent and hand sanitizer for hygiene.
- Wet wipes for quick cleanups.
- Swimsuit and towel.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste for oral hygiene.
- Personal medications and a basic first aid kit.
✓ INSIDE YOUR HIKING BACKPACK:
- Water: Bring enough for the first day; refills will be provided.
- Rain gear and fleece: Stay adaptable to changing weather conditions.
- Camera or smartphone: Capture memories.
- Extra money in soles: For additional purchases and tips.
✓ NOTES:
- Waterproofing: Protect your belongings from rain and humidity.
✓ Price per person:
- $360 USD – Adults
✓ Price Guarantee:
- Once your reservation is confirmed, we guarantee that the price will not increase, regardless of circumstances. Before booking, please read all important information about the tour.
✓ How to Book:
- Booking the Manu Cultural Zone tour is easy. You can reserve your spot online through our website, where our booking platform will guide you step by step. The tour payment can be made with any credit or debit card, and you can also pay in your local currency for convenience.
✓ Reservation Policy:
To secure your spot in the Manu Cultural Zone tour, we require a non-refundable deposit of $180 USD. This deposit ensures your place in the jungle.
- Our booking platform gives you the option to pay only the deposit along with any additional services you choose, or you can opt to pay the full tour amount in advance.
- Balance payment: If you choose to pay only the deposit, the remaining balance must be paid upon arrival in Cusco, one day before the tour departure. The balance can be paid in cash (soles or USD) or by card (with a 5% fee). You may also pay the balance online via our website (with a 5% fee).
- Full payment option: You may choose to pay the total tour cost online at the time of booking.
✓ Cancellation Policy:
Bestreks has the following cancellation policies:
- If you cancel 2 to 3 days before your trip, it will be considered a “No Show”, and you must pay 100% of the total cost.
- Events beyond our control that make any part of the trip impossible (such as strikes, protests, flight cancellations, weather conditions, or hotel/flight overbookings) will require alternative arrangements if available. Any costs associated with these alternative arrangements will be the traveler’s responsibility.
✓ Recommendations:
We strongly recommend that you fully understand all booking and cancellation policies before making your payment. This ensures your investment is protected and allows for a seamless booking experience for your adventure in the Manu Cultural Zone Tour.
✓ Informative Meeting or Briefing:
- All briefings are held the afternoon before your trip at our main office in Cusco (or at your hotel) at 6:00 p.m. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you cannot attend, you must coordinate another time via email or phone call.
✓ Tour Balance Payment (in Cusco):
- If you still have a pending balance, you must pay it one day before your hike/tour. Otherwise, your trip reservation will not be confirmed. If possible, we highly appreciate payments in cash, either in US dollars or local currency, at our office in Cusco or during the briefing. You can withdraw money from various ATMs along Avenida Sol (either in US dollars or Peruvian soles). You can also pay by credit/debit card or through IZIPAY, online or in person, but a 5% service fee applies, charged by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and IZIPAY.
✓ Customer Pickup:
- Please note that all pickups take place within the city of Cusco. However, we recommend booking a hotel in the historic center with a good location. Our guide or staff will confirm the pickup time one day before the tour. Due to traffic conditions, the pickup time may vary by 30 to 45 minutes. Cusco is an old city with many narrow, cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs are located in areas with no vehicle access or on long, steep climbs, making luggage transportation difficult. We strongly recommend booking accommodation with easy access.
✓ Lost Items:
- Please pay attention to where you place your belongings and remember to collect everything before leaving our transport, camps, or restaurants. You are solely responsible for your belongings during the tour.
✓ Weather:
- The weather is, of course, unpredictable. Generally, the dry season in Cusco runs from April to October, but that doesn’t mean it won’t rain in June or that the sun won’t shine in December. Be prepared, as the jungle is very hot during the dry season.
✓ Altitude Sickness (Soroche) and Stomach Pain:
For hikers arriving in Cusco directly from sea-level locations, we recommend arriving at least two days before your trek. Two of the most common health issues among tourists in Cusco are:
- Altitude sickness (soroche): Some symptoms include headaches and nausea.
- Stomach pain: Often caused by slow digestion.
To prevent these issues:
- Drink 3-4 liters of water daily to stay hydrated.
- Hot drinks like coca leaf tea are highly recommended.
- Eat soups, vegetables, and carbohydrates (avoid fried or heavy foods).
- Sweets, chocolates, cookies, and fruits are good options.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Get at least 8 hours of sleep and avoid excessive exercise.
- Keep your body warm with suitable clothing to protect against the cold.
Manu National Park is located in the Amazon region, in the southeast of Peru, covering parts of the Cusco and Madre de Dios departments.
Tours can last between 3 to 10 days, depending on the itinerary and included activities.
No, mobile phone coverage is very limited in the park, especially in remote areas. Be prepared to disconnect during the tour.
The park’s climate is warm and humid, with frequent rain. It is important to be prepared with appropriate clothing and insect protection. However, our guides are trained to ensure the group’s safety.
Yes, photography is allowed, but always with respect for the wildlife and natural environment. We recommend using long-range lenses to avoid getting too close to the animals.
Yes, you can visit the park without the yellow fever vaccine, but it is strongly recommended for health and safety reasons.
The climate is tropical, with an average temperature of 32°C (89°F), though it can range between 25°C (77°F) and 42°C (107°F). During the summer season, from December to March, heavy rainfall is common, especially in the afternoon.
Most people travel to Cusco by air. Keep in mind that Cusco’s airport only operates domestic flights, so if you are arriving from abroad to Lima, you must collect your luggage and recheck it for your flight to Cusco.
There are four airlines offering flights between Lima and Cusco:
- LATAM Airlines
- AVIANCA Airlines
- Star Perú
We generally recommend LATAM Airlines.
Alternatively, you can travel to Cusco by land, but the journey from Lima takes approximately 24 hours.
We offer a variety of local superfoods and traditional Peruvian dishes, including rice, chicken, beef, salads, potatoes, vegetables, and fresh fruit, all prepared by our local chef.
We also provide vegetarian options and accommodate special dietary requests with proper preparation and good communication.
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