Sample Itinerary
Day One - Into the jungle
Early this morning we will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport for a quick thirty-five minute flight in a twin-engine plane down into the jungle to Boca Manu. Here you will board a motorized canoe for the 90 minutes journey down the Madre de Dios River to Manu Wildlife Centre, where we will arrive in time for lunch. The afternoon will be spent exploring some of the 30 miles of clean forest trails that surround the lodge. On these trails you have an excellent chance to encounter some of the 12 species of monkeys which inhabit the area, including the Monk Saki and Emperor Tamarin monkeys. Then, after dinner you will have a short night excursion to explore some of the fascinating nocturnal life of the jungle.
Day Two - Macaw and Tapir Licks
Rising before dawn, we take a 25 minute boat journey downstream to the only large parrot and macaw clay lick in the Manu area. When water conditions permit we will be hidden on a floating catamaran blind which affords excellent views and photo opportunities of hundreds of medium-sized and large parrots arriving first at the lick, followed by the arrival of the large Red-and-Green Macaws.
After lunch at the Centre we continue to explore the forest trails surrounding the lodge, and plan to spend the late afternoon up a 34 meter canopy platform. Here, we watch the last frantic activity in the rainforest canopy, or rush hour, before night settles.
In the evening we will take a short walk of about 60-75 minutes through the night forest to the Amazon’s largest known Tapir clay lick. Here we climb a 17 by 17 foot observation platform perched almost 20 feet above the lick itself where we wait for the lumbering Tapirs to arrive. Then, using powerful flashlights we hope to observe and photograph them in action.
Day Three - Blanco Oxbow Lake
After another early morning departure by boat and short hike from the river, you have what promises to be an exciting visit to Blanco Oxbow Lake. This lake is home to a variety of aquatic life and water birds, including the prehistoric-looking hoatzin and a family of giant otters.
After returning for lunch at the Centre your guide is available to further explore the forest trails for more wildlife encounters. Alternatively, time is available to independently practice your abilities and experience this expanse of rainforest habitats on your own. Then, in the evening, from the late afternoon until after dinner, we offer an opportunity to take a boat trip back out onto the river to search for caiman and other nocturnal animals.
Day Four - Back to Cusco
After an early breakfast, we leave just after dawn by motor canoe for the two hour return trip to the Manu landing strip, taking advantage of valuable early morning wildlife activity along the river. From here you fly to Cusco, where your jungle adventure ends and we meet you to take you back to your hotel.
Prices
A stay at the Manu Wildlife Centre can be added on to any of our holidays in Peru and you can stay for as long as you like!
Our price for the sample 4-day itinerary given here is £990 per person. This price is based on two people sharing a double or twin room and includes all the following:
- Three nights accommodation at the Manu Wildlife Center
- All transfers
- All meals at the Manu Wildlife Center
- Flights to and from Cusco
- All entrance fees
- All activities while at the Manu Wildlife Center