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Itinerary Highlights:
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Traverse the Andes through the Cloud forest,
see the Cock of The Rock bird, observe hundreds
birds feeding on the river banks, walk in
the virgin forest, see spider monkeys (and
other mammals) and learn about the local culture.
Price: $675 USD per person
Availability: Every Sunday from April
- December, 1st Sunday of the month from Jan
- March
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| Day 1: Cusco - Manu Cloud Forest |
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Leaving Cusco after an early breakfast, we
traverse the Andes, overlooking the majestic snowed capped
mountains of the sacred valley. We arrive in Paucartambo,
the center of ancient trading routes of the Incas, where
we will learn about the famed traditional local dances and
celebrations. Before we leave we enjoy a warm drink and
learn about Andean communities use of biodiversity. We will
continue our way towards one of the highest points of the
day at Acjanaco (3,500 m), a Park Rangers Station and the
entrance to Manu National Park. If the weather conditions
permit, we will have the first spectacular view of the one
of the largest National Parks of Peru. Amidst the clouds,
we will start our descent until we reach San Pedro, where
we will have lunch. As we observe the dramatic changes of
the landscape, we will reach our Cloud Forest lodge where
we will have dinner and spend this first night.
Lodging: Cloud Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
| Day 2: Manu Cloud Forest - Manu Learning Centre |
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This morning we head out to the main attraction
in the Cloud Forest, the Cock of The Rock bird, the national
bird of Peru. Rising before breakfast we head to a lek to
watch males perform an amazing dance ritual to attract the
females, at incredible short distance. After the spectacular
display of colour, the ten-minute walk that takes us back
to the lodge for breakfast gives us great chances to see
a band of monkeys looking for breakfast themselves among
the trees, by the road. Then, our journey continues down
the Cloud Forest through the trees and water falls of the
narrow ravine, home to one of the richest varieties of birds
and to the spectacled bear. As we approach Pillcopata, coca
plantations become visible and we will stop to visit one
of them, to learn about the uses of the coca leaves and
their medicinal properties. After a short stop at Pillcopata,
we head for the port-town of Atalaya, where we will board
a motorized canoe. A one-hour ride to the Manu Learning
Centre gives us the first impression of a meandering Amazonian
river, the Alto Madre de Dios, one of the most southern
tributaries of the legendary Amazonas River. This afternoon
we will explore the local trail system with our naturalist
guides, before relaxing in the centre to the sounds of forest.
Whilst staying at this beautiful lodge guests can learn
about the human history of Manu and the challenges conserving
this beautiful and fragile environment place or let the
world disappear sipping a great drink, watching the sunset
on the Amazon.
Lodging: Manu Learning
Centre
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
| Day 3: Manu Learning Centre |
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One of the most interesting activities at
the Manu Learning Centre is the monitoring of the clay lick
or collpa where, among others, the Blue Headed Macaw is
observed and studied, as it is an endangered species. At
5:00 a.m. in the morning, we join the scientists and researchers
on the boat and head for the hide, five minutes up river,
to observe the activity of macaws, parrots, and parakeets.
As the day breaks and the rays of the sun paint the walls
of the clay lick with magic colors, the birds display their
dances, come and go in pairs, in flocks, until they leave
to continue their day, deeper in the jungle. Then, we go
back to the centre for breakfast. On our way back into the
forest we can visit a bio-garden part of the centre's sustainable
project and supplier of the kitchens. From here we head
through differing terrain to experience multiple forest
types, running into squirrel monkeys humming birds and also
razor-billed curassows. In the evening, we have an after
dinner presentation will help us put in context the work
we do at CREES on sustainability and conservation, and then
the possibility of heading our on a night walk.
Lodging: Manu Learning Centre
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
| DAY 4: Manu Learning Centre - Cusco |
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After breakfast, we prepare for departure
and take the boat back to Atalaya port-town, where we will
board our transport back to Cusco. The landscape will change
again before our eyes as we climb the Cloud Forest towards
the Andes and then down to Cusco. The car will leave you
at your hotel to complete this extraordinary journey.
Lodging: Not Included
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- Carbon Neutral Tour
- See Peru's national bird, the 'Cock of the Rock'
- See hundreds of macaws, parrots and parakeets feeding on the river banks
- Bath in medical hot springs in the rainforest
- Meet and see how local people live
- Stay at the region's most beautiful sustainable lodge
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