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MANU
ZONA RESERVADA
8 Days / 7 Nights
Day 1
We leave Cusco early in the morning in our specialized overland
vehicles. Approximately mid-morning we visit the interesting tombs
of Ninamarca, commonly known as "Chullpas". We continue to Paucartambo
a picturesque Spanish colonial town, and the to the Acjanacu pass,which
marks the beginning of the Cultural Zone of Manu Blosphhere Reserve.
Here, a thick cloack of clouds provides perpetual humidity and makes
an ideal habitat for epiphytic plants such as bromellads.This varied
and fascinating world is home of the Cock of the Rock, Spectacled
Bear, orchlds, Tree ferns (one of the oldest living plants), mosses
and lichens. This cloud forest exists between 2000 and 3500 meters
above sea level, and at least 50% of the plant species found here
are endemic to this region. Overnight in our open air lodge "San Pedro".
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Day 2
Today we wake up very early to observe the Cock of the Rock
(Rupicola Peruviana), Peru's national bird from a plattform the male
birds are a vibrant reddish orange, and at about 5:00am. as many as
several dozen-come together for an exhibition of a mating ritual
dance in a place called lek,the males display their crest, showing
off and posturing for the females. The females, fewer in number,watch
to select the most suitable males. After breakfast we continue in our
overland transport(*1), down the narrow road between waterfalls and
canyons toward the town of Pilcopatl(*2) and the to Atalaya port.
Here, we board our covered, outboard motor boat and head down the Alto
Madre de Dios River for approximately 15 minutes toward our private
reserve of "Erika" where we will hike through the interesting trail
system tha this transitional area between high and low jungle offers.
Overnight in the lodge.
(*1) Optional :
Descend whith mountain bikes from our San Pedro Lodge (1700m.a.s.l.)
Cloud Forest to Pilcopata (700m.a.s.l.) high Jungle.
(*2) Optional :
Here in Pilcopata town we will make the final settings for a 1 1/2 to
3 hour river rafting (class I and II rapid) trip down the Kosh�ipata
river where we will have the opportunity for a dip and of course enjoy
the spectacular view of the Ko�eq Cayon, continuing down the Alto Madre
de Dios River to Erika Lodge.
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Day 3
After breakfast we board our canoe for the tree-hour ride down the
Alto Madre de Dios River to Boca Manu�s airstrip (Optional flingt from
Cusco to Boca-Manu; this means that some new members may join our group,
the plane files over the Andes to an narrow gravel landing strip in the
jungle, the flight takes approximately 45 minutes), Boca Manu`s village
is situated a short distance from the confluence of the Manu River
whith the Alto Madre de Dios RIver place where you can buy your last
fresh suplies and cold drinks before setting off again in the cance.
Now we enter the Manu River and the Reserved Zone, stopping in a
white sandbeach where we camp along the riverbank. Short walk around
the area.
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Day 4
After registering in the official tourist logbook at Limonal, The Park
Rangers Headquarters and eating an early breakfast, we follow the Manu
River until we arrive Salvador Lake, our base safari campsite (screened
dining room, bathrooms, radio communication is available), This canoe
ride gives us the opportunity to observe the immensity of the
rainforest and the diversity of birdlife, reptiles and mammals, you
will often see animals sunning themselves on beaches, or foraging for
food in the trees lining the riverbanks. We arrive early in the
afternoon and have lunch before setting off on a jungle trall.Our time
is spent looking for wildife inside the rainforest and on Salvador
Oxbow Lake, until the sun goes down and we return to camp. We explore
Salvador Lake by paddling quietly along on a catamaran, giving us the
opportunity to observe unique species of birds, monkeys, calmans and
whith luck the Glant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis ). This endangered
species can be seen swimming fishing, eating and playing.
Day 5
we rise early in the morning, as the forest is awakened by the Red
Howler monkey (Aloatta seniculus) declaring its territory. A morning
walk before breakfast is a great way to catch wildlife in the pursult
of food, as the temperature is very pleasant at this time of day.
After relaxing and swimming in the river we enjoy lunch along the
riverbank, after this, we cross the river to walk an 8km trail to
another oxbow lake called Otorongo. A strategically located
observation tower rises 15 meters above the lake and the jungle
floor, giving us more chances to observe wildlife including the
Glant Otter, Late in the afternoon we will use the catamaran (optional)
and with the help of flashlights we can observe the black caimans rise
from the depths of the lake and begin their search for prey, Return to
the campsite.
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Day 6
Once again we wake up early, enjoy a brief morning wlak and eat
breakfast, the pack up camp and go down steem the interesting Manu
River. We arrive et Boca Manu midday, this village is situated a short
distance from the confluence of the Manu and Alto Madre de Dios rivers.
From here we descend the Madre de Dios River arriving early in the
afternoon after three hours ride to Blanco Private Reserve, Camp at the
safari campsite and spend one more night in this magical Amazon jungle.
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Day 7
After a very early wake up, we use a special hide in the river shore in front to the "Collpa" macawlick.
We quietly observe the varius parrots feeding on the clay for mineral and salt supplements to their diet of seeds and fruits. The brightly colored macaws usually wait patiently in the surrounding trees until the smaller parrot species have left the area. Slowly, the macaws come down to the clay wall to feed. We need a lof of patience and silence on the catamaran so as not to disturb them as they eat the clay. Around mid morning we board our canoe to return to the airstrip at Boca Manu. At this point, those who are returning to Cusco by plane will catch their flight.This optional flight from Boca Manu to Cusco offers spectacular views of the surrounding jungle and the area's meandering rivers. The others continue up the Alto Madre de Dios River to camp on an appropriate beach in the Cultural Zone and enjoy the sites and sounds of the jungle for one last night.

Day 8
Waking up very early, we continue the trip by boat to Atalaya, where the bus will be waiting for us and drive back up and out of Manu, arriving in Cusco very late this night or the next early morning.

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