English
Español
Experience a 4-day Amazonian adventure in the Cultural Zone of Manu National Park, traversing the cloud forest until you reach the tropical jungle, where nature becomes the star of the journey. Observe the flight of the Cock-of-the-rock, discover monkeys, hummingbirds, and macaws in their natural habitat, navigate through Amazonian rivers, and venture into lagoons surrounded by lush vegetation. A journey that combines adventure, biodiversity, and contact with nature, ideal for those looking to experience the Peruvian Amazon in an authentic and immersive way.
Why choose this experience?
Traditional experience: We travel the route from Cusco to the Amazon with local people and communities, sharing their traditions and knowledge to offer a more authentic experience.
Accompaniment throughout the entire journey: Our team accompanies you from Cusco to Manu, coordinating each stage of the trip, from transfers and accommodations to scheduled activities.
Nature and culture in a single experience: Explore the biodiversity of Manu and get close to native communities to discover their culture and traditions.
Small groups for a more personalized experience: Travel in groups of up to 15 passengers and enjoy a more comfortable, flexible, and peaceful journey.
Summary:
Day 1 | Cusco – Ninamarca – Paucartambo – Cloud Forest – Bamboo Lodge
Discover pre-Inca remains, Andean villages, and a cloud forest, with the opportunity to observe the iconic cock-of-the-rock.
Day 2 | Bambú Lodge – Hummingbird Garden – Atalaya – Alto Madre de Dios River – Soga de Oro Lodge Venture into the Amazon, visit a hummingbird garden, and sail along the Alto Madre de Dios River to Soga de Oro Lodge.
Day 3 | Soga de Oro Lodge – Parrot Clay Lick – Machuwasi Lake – Night Walk Observe birds at a parrot clay lick, explore Cocha Machuwasi on a wooden raft, and discover wildlife in a nighttime experience.
Day 4 | Soga de Oro Lodge – Atalaya – Cloud Forest – Cusco
Sail back to Atalaya and cross the cloud forest once again before returning to Cusco, concluding an adventure between the Andes and the Amazon.
General Technical Data
Hiking activity:
Day 1: Short walks during stops in Ninamarca and the cloud forest.
Day 2: Visit to the hummingbird garden and navigation on the Alto Madre de Dios River.
Day 3: Exploration hike in Cocha Machuwasi, the parrot clay lick, and an optional night hike.
Day 4: Short exploratory hike in the cloud forest, if weather conditions and available time permit.
Maximum altitude:
Abra de Acjanaco: 4,000 m a.s.l. / 13,123 feet
Minimum altitude:
Soga de Oro Lodge: approx. 700 meters above sea level / 2,297 feet
Level of difficulty:
Moderate
Temperature:
Minimum: 10 °C / Maximum: 32 °C
Highlights
Chullpas of Ninamarca: Ancient pre-Inca remains surrounded by Andean landscapes, a first connection with the region's history.
Paucartambo: A picturesque colonial town known for its architecture, culture, and deep Andean traditions.
Acjanaco Cloud Forest: Ecosystem of transition between the Andes and the Amazon, with abundant vegetation, among which orchids, bromeliads, and ferns stand out.
Cock-of-the-rock: National bird of Peru, with the possibility of being observed in its natural habitat during the walk through the cloud forest.
Hummingbird Garden: Space dedicated to the observation of various species of hummingbirds in a natural environment.
High Madre de Dios River: Sail through tropical landscapes as you gradually venture deeper into the Amazon.
Cocha Machuwasi: Explore its tranquil waters in a wooden rowboat, surrounded by birds, monkeys, and other typical animals of the area.
Collpa de Loros: Natural space where it is possible to observe parrots, parakeets, and other birds in their natural habitat.
Day 1 | Cusco – Ninamarca – Paucartambo – Cloud Forest – Bamboo Lodge
Our four-day adventure in the Peruvian Amazon begins early from the city of Cusco, traversing Andean landscapes toward the Manu National Park.
On the way, we will make our first stop at the Chullpas of Ninamarca, ancient pre-Inca remains that will allow us to learn part of the history of this region while enjoying vast landscapes.
Next, we will continue toward Paucartambo, a picturesque town with colonial architecture, renowned for its cultural traditions. Here we will have time to explore its main attractions before continuing our journey to the high jungle areas.
From Paucartambo, we will ascend to the Abra de Acjanaco, located at approximately 4,000 meters above sea level. From this point, we will begin a spectacular descent into the cloud forest, one of the most astonishing ecosystems on the route to the Amazon.
As we descend, the landscape gradually changes: the high Andean environments give way to increasingly humid and lush vegetation. During the journey, we will make various stops to observe birds, orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and other species characteristic of the cloud forest.
Upon arriving in the San Pedro area, we will visit an observation platform where we will have the opportunity to look for the cock-of-the-rock, the national bird of Peru.
At the end of the day, we will continue to Bambú Lodge, located in a tropical setting. After settling in, we will enjoy dinner and have a brief orientation from the guide about the activities for the next day.
Day 2 | Bamboo Lodge – Hummingbird Garden – Atalaya – Alto Madre de Dios River – Soga de Oro Lodge
The second day of the adventure, we will continue our descent into the rainforest after having breakfast at the lodge.
Our first stop will be the Hummingbird Garden, a local venture where we can observe different species of these small and colorful birds, as well as learn about some of the characteristic flora of the area.
Subsequently, we will continue to the Port of Atalaya, where we will leave the land transport to continue our adventure on the river. We will board a vessel and navigate the Alto Madre de Dios River, enjoying the Amazonian landscape and the gradual transition to a warmer and more tropical environment.
After the tour, we will arrive at Soga de Oro Lodge, surrounded by nature and tranquility. After settling in, we will have time to rest and enjoy the surroundings.
In the afternoon, we will take an exploratory hike with ascents and descents, traversing natural trails until we reach a high point from where we can enjoy a panoramic view of the Amazon rainforest, the river, and the surroundings.
During the hike, our guide will help us interpret the flora and fauna of the forest. With a bit of luck, we will be able to observe monkeys, birds, and other species that inhabit this ecosystem.
At the end of the activity, we will return to the lodge to enjoy dinner and rest.
Day 3 | Soga de Oro Lodge – Collpa de Loros – Cocha Machuwasi – Night Walk
The third day's journey will begin very early to take advantage of the best weather conditions for wildlife observation.
We will board a boat again and sail toward a clay lick, a natural space where different species of parrots and parakeets usually gather to feed on the clay. Depending on the day's conditions, we may also be able to observe other bird species.
After the activity, we will continue to Cocha Machuwasi, where we will enjoy a peaceful rowing trip on a wooden raft.
Surrounded by Amazonian vegetation, the cocha offers an ideal setting for observing wildlife.
During the exploration, we will be able to look for different species of birds, monkeys, insects, and other animals that inhabit this ecosystem. Sightings will always depend on weather conditions and animal behavior.
In the afternoon, we will return to the lodge and have time to rest or take a short exploratory walk around the area, depending on the day's conditions.
As night falls, we will have the option to join a night walk, a different experience to discover the sounds and activity of the wildlife that comes out after sunset. Finally, we will return to the lodge to have dinner and rest.
Day 4 | Soga de Oro Lodge – Atalaya – Cloud Forest – Cusco
After breakfast, we will prepare to begin our return to Cusco.
We will navigate the Alto Madre de Dios River to the Atalaya Port, where we will board our land transport to continue the journey.
The return journey will take us once again through the different landscapes of the route, from the tropical rainforest to the cloud forest and then to the Andes.
During the journey, we will undertake, if weather conditions and available time permit, a final exploratory walk in the cloud forest, taking this opportunity to enjoy the surroundings and observe some of the characteristic species of this ecosystem.
Subsequently, we will continue our journey to Cusco, arriving in the afternoon. In this way, the experience with the cultural area of Manu, filled with unforgettable memories, comes to an end.
Tickets
Admission ticket to the tourist attractions on the tour
Private tourist transportation
Private bus/minivan transfer during the land journey between Cusco, the cloud forest, Atalaya, and the different points of the itinerary.
River transport: Boat navigation on the Alto Madre de Dios River between Atalaya and Soga de Oro Lodge.
Accommodation
3 Nights in Lodge (rooms with private and shared bathrooms).
Equipment
Rubber boots: Provided for excursions and activities in the humid areas of the jungle.
Meals
4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners
Vegetarian options: Available upon prior arrangement at the time of booking, at no additional cost.
Guide and safety
Bilingual professional guide: Accompaniment throughout the entire journey by a guide specialized in nature, biodiversity, and the culture of the region.
First aid kit.
Experiences included
Visit to the Chullpas of Ninamarca
Visit to Paucartambo
Exploration of the cloud forest
Observation of the cock-of-the-rock, according to natural conditions
Visit to the parrot clay lick
Visit to the Hummingbird Garden
Navigation on the Alto Madre de Dios River
Exploration walks, according to the itinerary and the day's conditions
Optional night walk at Soga de Oro Lodge
Care and assistance
Customer service 24/7: Our support will be available at all times, from start to finish of the adventure. We have an emergency number you can call whenever you need it.
What is not included?
Day 3: dinner.
Entrance to the thermal baths
Travel insurance (Mandatory): For greater peace of mind during your trip, we recommend purchasing insurance that provides coverage for unforeseen events such as flight cancelations or delays, loss or delay of luggage, illnesses, accidents, trip interruptions, loss of tourist services due to delays, as well as medical assistance and personal protection throughout your entire adventure.
Tips: Optional.
Additional expenses due to causes beyond the agency's control: Adverse weather conditions, itinerary modifications for safety, illness, changes in government policy, political instability, strikes, or other similar circumstances.
Binocular rental
Enhance your observation experience and enjoy a closer view of birds, mammals, and other animals in their natural habitat.
Request your private experience
Enjoy greater flexibility, more time to explore, and an adventure tailored to your own pace, with more personalized attention throughout the journey.
Mandatory documents
Original and valid passport or national identity card.
Digital copy of your document, recommended as a backup.
Recommended luggage
Small or medium backpack of 20 to 30 liters, to carry your personal items during excursions.
Moderate-sized main luggage, avoiding unnecessary items.
Waterproof bag or airtight bags to protect clothes, documents, and electronic equipment from rain and humidity.
Reusable water bottle.
Clothing and footwear
Trekking shoes.
Lightweight, comfortable, and quick-drying clothing for the warm and humid climate of the Amazon.
Long pants and long-sleeve shirts to protect yourself during hikes.
Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
A warm garment for the first day, especially during the tour through the highlands and the cloud forest.
Hat or cap for the sun.
Sunglasses with protection.
Change of clothes and extra underwear.
Swimsuit, optional according to your preferences.
Comfortable and waterproof footwear for walks.
Personal items
Sunscreen.
Insect repellent.
Personal medication.
Basic personal first aid kit.
Toilet paper and wet wipes.
Hand sanitizer.
Additional snacks, optional.
Cash in soles and small bills for personal purchases, crafts, and local products.
Personal hygiene items.
Equipment and extras
Camera or cell phone.
Binoculars, highly recommended for bird and wildlife watching.
Portable charger / power bank.
Headlamp or handheld flashlight for the night hike.
Waterproof protector for cell phone or camera.
Hermetic bags to protect electronic equipment from moisture.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
Wear lightweight, waterproof, and quick-drying clothing due to the humid and variable weather.
Protect your belongings from rain and humidity with waterproof bags.
Cell phone signal is limited or nonexistent in much of the route.
Always respect nature and follow the guide's instructions during wildlife observation.
What is the difficulty level of the 4-day Manu tour?
The program has a moderate level of difficulty. It does not require prior experience in long-distance trekking, but it includes exploratory walks on natural trails, especially a walk of approximately 4 hours of ascent and descent on the second day. It is recommended to have a basic level of fitness to comfortably enjoy the journey.
Which area of Manu will I visit during this program?
This program takes place in the Cultural Zone of Manu National Park, traveling the route from Cusco to Paucartambo, the cloud forest, and the tropical jungle. It is an experience that allows you to discover the transition between the Andes and the Amazon in a 4-day journey.
What is the best time to visit Manu?
The Manu can be visited year-round. The weather conditions can vary depending on the season and the area of the route. Even during the driest months, rain can occur, especially in the cloud forest and jungle. Activities can be adjusted according to the weather and river conditions.
What temperature will I find during the trip?
Temperatures vary considerably depending on the altitude. During the journey, temperatures close to 10 °C can be found in the high areas, while in the jungle they can reach approximately 32 °C, with a warm and humid environment.
How long does the trip from Cusco to the Manu area take?
The journey from Cusco to the Manu area is mainly by road on the first day, with various stops along the way. The route allows you to appreciate the gradual transition from the Andes to the cloud forest and finally to the tropical jungle.
What places will we visit during the tour?
The program includes the Chullpas of Ninamarca, Paucartambo, the Abra de Acjanaco, the cloud forest, the San Pedro area, the Hummingbird Garden, the Alto Madre de Dios River, Soga de Oro Lodge, the Parrot Clay Lick, and Machuwasi Lagoon.
What can I observe in the cloud forest?
The cloud forest is an ecosystem of great biodiversity. During the stops, we will be able to observe different species of birds, as well as orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and other plants characteristic of this ecosystem.
Is it possible to observe the cock-of-the-rock?
Yes, during the tour in the San Pedro area, we will visit an observation platform where we will have the opportunity to look for the cock-of-the-rock, the national bird of Peru. However, since it involves wildlife, their observation is not guaranteed and depends on natural conditions and the behavior of the birds.
What animals can I observe during the tour?
Depending on the day's conditions, it is possible to observe cock-of-the-rocks, hummingbirds, parrots, parakeets, monkeys, different species of birds, insects, and other jungle animals. The sightings are completely natural and, therefore, cannot be guaranteed.
What is the visit to the Collpa de Loros like?
The activity takes place early on the third day. We will sail by boat to a collpa where different species of parrots and parakeets can gather to feed on the clay. We will also be able to observe other birds, depending on the weather conditions and their natural behavior.
What is Cocha Machuwasi?
La Cocha Machuwasi is a natural environment of calm waters that we will explore in a wooden rowboat. During the navigation, we will be able to look for birds, monkeys, insects, and other species that inhabit around this ecosystem.
Is the night walk included?
The night walk is optional and subject to weather and safety conditions. It is an opportunity to discover the sounds and activities of different species after sunset.
Do I need trekking experience?
No, this program is not a long-distance trek. It combines land transportation, navigation, wildlife observation, and exploratory hikes. However, the second day includes a hike of approximately 4 hours of ascent and descent, so it is recommended to have a basic level of physical fitness.
What type of footwear do I need?
We recommend wearing trekking shoes or comfortable footwear with good grip for the hikes.
Additionally, the program provides rubber boots for excursions and activities in the wet areas of the jungle.
Is it necessary to bring binoculars?
It is not mandatory, but they are highly recommended for observing birds, monkeys, and other animals from a distance. You can also request binocular rental as an additional service.
What are the accommodations like during the program?
The program includes 3 nights of accommodation in lodges located in natural settings along the route. They are nature accommodations designed to enjoy a close-to-the-forest experience and rest after the day's activities.
Do the rooms have private bathrooms?
The accommodation includes rooms with private or shared bathrooms, depending on availability and the characteristics of the assigned lodge. We recommend checking the specific conditions at the time of booking.
Is food included?
Yes, the adventure in the cultural zone of Manu includes 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners during the trip.
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes, vegetarian options are available at no additional cost, with prior coordination at the time of booking.
Is there water during the trip?
Yes, water is provided during the trip, except on the first morning.
Is there cell phone and internet signal during the tour?
Cell phone signal may be limited or nonexistent for much of the route. We recommend informing family or contacts beforehand before starting the trip.
Is navigation on the Alto Madre de Dios River safe?
Navigation is carried out following the safety conditions established for the route and in accordance with the conditions of the river and the weather. In case of conditions that may affect safety, the itinerary may be adjusted.
What happens if it rains during the tour?
The Amazon has a variable climate and rain can occur. Some activities may be adjusted according to weather, river, and safety conditions. The guide will indicate any necessary modifications to ensure the proper development of the program.
Can I take the tour in a private service?
Yes, you can request a private experience to enjoy greater flexibility, personalized attention, and a pace tailored to your group's needs.
Can I leave my luggage during the trip?
You can check with our team about the possibility of leaving part of your main luggage at our office or accommodation in Cusco during the trip, taking only what is necessary for the experience in Manu.
What should I bring for the tour?
We recommend bringing lightweight and quick-drying clothing, long-sleeve pants and shirts, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, a rain poncho, trekking shoes, a reusable water bottle, personal medications, a flashlight, a camera, waterproof bags, and binoculars if you have them.
Do I need to bring warm clothing?
Yes, although most of the journey takes place in a warm climate, on the first day we will pass through higher altitude areas. The Abra de Acjanaco reaches approximately 4,000 meters above sea level, so we recommend bringing a warm garment for this part of the trip.
What is the reservation process like?
Step 1: Check availability
Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check the availability for the date you wish to travel. Our team will guide you on the program and the included services.
Step 2: Passenger Information
To manage your reservation, we will request the necessary information from each participant, as it appears on their travel document:
Full name
Passport or identity document number
Date of birth
Nationality
Gender
Step 3: Payment and Confirmation
Once availability is confirmed, we will send you the corresponding payment instructions. Once the required payment is received, we will proceed with the management and confirmation of the program services.
Step 4: Final Confirmation
Once the services are confirmed, you will receive the official confirmation of your reservation with the details of your trip. At that moment, your reservation will be guaranteed 100%.
Can I cancel the tour and request a refund of my deposit?
Unfortunately, no. Due to the program being scheduled well in advance, the deposit or guarantee paid to confirm the reservation is non-refundable and non-transferable.
We recommend consulting with your sales executive about the specific cancelation conditions and deadlines applicable to your reservation before making any modifications.
Can I leave my luggage at your office?
Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Why choose Sakura Expedition for your trip?
At Sakura Expedition, we believe that traveling is not just about visiting a destination, but about living an authentic experience that will stay in your memory forever. For this reason, we design each of our programs with small groups, personalized attention, and a deep respect for the culture, nature, and communities of Peru.
Our commitment is to accompany you from the moment of your reservation until the end of your trip, providing you with professional, safe, and carefully organized service so that you can enjoy each experience with complete peace of mind.
What sets us apart?
Small groups
Enjoy a more comfortable, personalized experience with greater attention from our guides.
Own operation and local team
We directly coordinate our own programs, this way we have control to maintain high standards of quality, punctuality, and organization.
Certified professional guides
Our team shares their work with passion, in history, culture, and the traditions of Peru, making each tour a memorable experience.
Personalized attention
We accompany you from the beginning of your reservation, during, and after your trip, offering continuous assistance and timely responses to your inquiries.
Responsible and sustainable tourism
We promote responsible tourism together with our allied communities, respecting their traditions and contributing to the sustainable development of local families.
Commitment to safety
We work with safety protocols, appropriate equipment, and trained personnel to offer you a more peaceful experience.
Local company with tourism quality certification
We are a 100% local and Peruvian company, based in Cusco. Our commitment to excellence has allowed us to obtain this year the CALTUR Gold Certification, the highest recognition for tourism quality in Peru.
Our commitment
At Sakura Expedition, we don't just organize trips; we create authentic experiences that connect our travelers with the history, culture, nature, and essence of Peru.
