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ITINERARY DESCRIPTION
DAY 01. 06:00 departure of our vehicle from our Cusco office. Our
destination is Manu Nature Tour's 1,300 Ha. Private Reserve in the cloud
forest near the southeastern boundary of Manu Park, nested between the
grasslands and the lowlands of the Upper Madre de Dios River. We travel
south-east through small Andean villages while we observe cameloid
shepherds and native peasants in their colorful attires. We travel at
leisure making several stops along the way, including many photo
opportunities and the colonial town of Paucartambo, the gateway to the
rainforest since pre-Inka times.
Arrival to the Acjanaco Andean pass, located at the southern-most tip of
the Manu Park in the grasslands overlooking the Amazon Basin. We will
offer you the chance to get in touch with this very special kind of
habitat by trekking down different sections of the road through a moss
and lichen-carpeted kingdom, a perfect occasion to learn about the
natural history on the eastern slopes of the Andes. We might have the
opportunity to spot many species of ferns, lichens, bromeliads and
orchids, (i.e. Odontoglossum, Epidendrum, Pachyphyllum, Stelis,
Scaphyglotis) We may also have a chance to spot several species of
raptors (Black-and- Chestnut Eagle, Mountain Caracara, Black-chested
Buzzard Eagle and Puna Hawk).
Mountain Biking: After this experience, for those with the energy and a
sense of adventure we will offer the choice to use a sturdy mountain
bike equipped with front suspension to descend effortlessly the most
scenic and beautiful part of the single-lane dirt road into the heart of
the cloud forests. For your security, and since this is not a
competition but a chance to enjoy nature, you will have to ride behind
our transport. . In coordination with your guide you can decide your
mountain bike excursion length, getting back to the ground transport at
any moment. We provide helmets and gloves.
We reach our Manu Cloud Forest Lodge to have a relaxing evening by the
lodge's veranda. The sound of the Union Creek or a visit to the lodge´s
sauna will put us into a pleasant sleep.
Note: The above is an optional activity and must be paid and reserved in
advance.
DAY 02. The lush and misty cloud forest is perhaps the most fragile and
threatened type of rainforest. This forest which starts from 11,000
feet, and continue down to about 5,000 feet of elevation, cover the
eastern slopes of the Andes, before yielding to the vast lowland forest
of the Amazon. This is a kingdom of moss, lichens, ferns, and orchids.
Early excursion to a nearby platform and blind strategically located to
see a "lek" where the brightly red-colored Cocks-of-the Rock perform a
daily display for the females. Afterwards we return to our lodge for a
hearty breakfast.
Later in the morning, we will have the opportunity to explore the
Mirador Trail, and the beautiful scenery of the Cloud Forest. This is
another good chance to try our luck and see Woolly Monkeys, Emerald
Toucanet, Torrent Duck, Golden-headed Quetzal, Gray-breasted Mountain
Toucan, Amazonian Umbrella Bird, Blue-banded Toucanet, Fruit-eating
Tanagers, Red-crested Cotinga, Banded-tail Fruit-eater, tyrant
flycatchers and the Blue-crowned Mot-Mot.
In the afternoon you can explore the unpaved road nearby. This is an
opportunity to see Dusky-green Oropendola, Crested Oropendola, Mountain
Cacique, Yellow-billed Cacique, Grass-green Tanager, Yellow-throated
Tanager, or simply enjoy the profusion of plants and flowers insects and
butterflies.
Optional White-water rafting on the Qosnipata River: visitors of all
ages can enjoy 3 hours of exciting class II and III rapids in the
beautiful setting of the tropical rainforest. Lunch is served along the
river course. We return to the Manu Cloud Forest Lodge early in the
afternoon.
Must be reserved in advance. We need a minimum of three-four
participants to run it.
DAY 03. This morning after breakfast we offer you an additional hiking
excursion to walk through dense and exuberant cloud forest and crossing
rushing streams, which originate in the mountain peaks high above the
forest. After the hike, we offer a delicious brunch/barbecue near the
Union River. Surrounded by massive rocks, hanging vines and bromeliads,
we may enjoy a refreshing dip in these crystal-clear waters
Before noon we start our journey back to Cusco.
White-water rafting on the Tono River: If you thought that the class III
rapids of the Qosñipata River were fun, we challenge you to explore the
class IV rapids of the Tono River. This beautiful, narrow and pristine
cloud forest river is born in the Manu Park core area and their
unpolluted waters offer you 3-4 hours of world-class white water
rafting. We offer you a safe experience with well-experienced river
guides, with experience in many rivers worldwide, and training in rescue
techniques. For your security we always take, either to rafts, or a raft
and a security kayak. We need a minimum of three-four participants.
Additional cost: $138.00 per person.
Inclusions: Round trip ground transportation from Cusco,
English-speaking guide services, meals and excursions according to
itinerary.
Important Note: The sequence of the itinerary is subject to change due
to weather conditions.
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