The New Manu Explorer

The New Manu Explorer  Departing from Cusco, our journey commences at 3,400m/11,150 ft, venturing towards the verdant cloud forests where the Andes yield to the Amazon basin.

En route, we traverse picturesque wetlands bustling with migratory and indigenous waterfowl. Crossing two mountain ranges, reaching a peak altitude of 3,900m/12,790ft, we're treated to panoramic views of forested cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
Descending through the tropical Andes, we witness rapid environmental shifts, from grasslands to elfin forests, culminating in a vibrant tapestry of towering trees, lush ferns, and exotic flora.

Along the way, we pause to admire the diverse birdlife, including the resplendent quetzal and trogon.
Arriving at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge in the late afternoon, we're greeted by the opportunity to observe Peru's iconic national bird, the vibrant Cock- of-the-Rock, at its mesmerizing display ground.

Amidst this natural splendor, we savor a dinner before retiring for the evening (Box Lunch,D)

The New Manu Explorer  With the dawn, we embark on an early birdwatching expedition, hoping to catch sight of Brown Capuchin or Woolly monkeys amidst the nearby foliage. Alternatively, a serene nature walk along a nearby trail awaits those seeking a quieter morning.

After breakfast, our journey resumes, transitioning from towering mountains to gentle hills and pastoral landscapes. A visit to a legitimate coca plantation at Patria offers insight into Peru's coca leaf market. By midday, we arrive at Atalaya, a small port where the Piñipiñi River converges with the Alto Madre de Dios, marking the beginning of our venture into the lowland rainforest.

Navigating the river's meandering path in spacious dugout canoes, shaded by canopy roofs, we're greeted by a symphony of avian life and vibrant foliage adorning the forested slopes. Heading northward along the chocolate-brown waters of the Manu River, we enter the pristine realm of lower Manu National Park.

As twilight descends, the forest awakens with a chorus of tinamous and cicadas, serenading our arrival at Romero Lodge. Nestled amidst the wilderness, the lodge offers a tranquil retreat amid nature's symphony. Enjoying a hearty meal, we anticipate the adventures that lie ahead in this untouched paradise. (B,Box Lunch,D)

The New Manu Explorer,  In the morning, we continue our trip to the Manu Park Wildlife Center, as our boat driver steers skillfully through shallows and driftwood snags.

Orinoco Geese and Horned Screamers strut on the beaches, Capped and White-necked Herons patrol the shoreline, and countless sunbathing turtles dive off their log perches as we approach.

After some four hours on the river, we reach the Manu Park Wildlife Center a simple but comfortable low-impact lodge nestled almost invisibly in the forest. Time permitting, we will take a short walk before dinner to stretch our legs and enjoy our first encounter with virgin rainforest. (B,Box Lunch,D)

The New Manu Explorer  After breakfast we travel by boat again and then we continue upstream, while our biker is skillfully avoiding, through the shallow waters, floating logs, palisades and submerged obstacles.

We will observe the Orinoco Geese, Camungos and White Herons walking along the beaches and banks of the river and countless turtles that sunbathe on the trunks and dive as we approach.

After four hours of traveling by the river we arrived at our Aguaje Campground or Manu Park Wildlife Center, a simple but comfortable lodge, its excellent location as well as its construction that was well planned, making this a well camouflaged place with low impact to the environment making it almost invisible in the jungle Manu.

Si weather permitting, we will take a short walk before dinner to stretch our legs and enjoy our first meeting with the virgin olive.
(D/Lunch on Route/C)

The New Manu Explorer  We depart from the lodge at dawn for a two-and-a-half-hour boat journey downstream to Colorado Village.

Breakfast is served either at the lodge or on the boat, offering prime wildlife spotting opportunities along the river. En route, we pass lowland settlements and witness gold mining activities along the Madre de Dios River.

After a brief stop in Colorado, we embark on a 45-minute overland journey to Puerto Carlos, followed by a 10-minute boat trip across the Inambari River to Santa Rosa. Finally, a van or bus transports us to Puerto Maldonado City airport, marking the end of our unforgettable jungle adventure. (B)