Manu National Park Tour 5 Days / 4 Nights, an epic descent from the Cusco Andes to the Manu Reserve. Cross the cloud forest, observe the cock-of-the-rock, navigate the Alto Madre de Dios River, and sleep at Casa Matsiguenka. Enjoy the macaw clay lick, the Cocha Salvador and Cocha Otorongo lagoons, and see tapirs at their nocturnal clay lick. Five days of biodiversity, Amazonian culture, and wildlife photography in the richest rainforest in Manu National Park.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 │CUSCO (3,300 m) - CHULLPAS DE NINAMARCA - PAUCARTAMBO - PILCOPATA (600 m)
Manu Park Tour 5 Days
- Departure from the city of Cusco, crossing agricultural valleys and Inca terraces.
- Cultural stop at the Chullpas of Ninamarca; interpretation of pre-Inca funeral rites.
- Panoramic tour of the colonial town of Paucartambo: stone bridge, temple, and farmers’ market.
- Crossing the Abra Acjanaco, puna viewpoint, and official gateway to Manu National Park.
- Picnic lunch at a cloud forest viewpoint; observation of orchids, tree ferns, and emerald mosses.
- Interpretive descent to spot the cock-of-the-rock and, with luck, the spectacled bear.
- Arrival at the Pilcopata Inn; welcome dinner and safety briefing.
Walking distance: 2–3 km
Minimum altitude: 600 m
Maximum altitude: 3,560 m
Climate: Cold in the morning, hot and humid in the afternoon
Overnight: Pilcopata Inn Hostel
DAY 2 │ PILCOPATA (600 m) - PUERTO ATALAYA - BOCA MANU - CASA MATSIGUENKA (350 m)
5-Day Manu Park Tour
- Morning walk through banana and cacao fields to see squirrel monkeys and toucans.
- Visit a traditional coca leaf plantation and the Wildlife Rescue Center.
- Transfer to Puerto Atalaya and board a motorized boat on the Alto Madre de Dios River.
- Scenic cruise with sightings of tiger herons, kingfishers, and capybaras on the sandy beaches.
- Entrance process at Boca Manu and continue by river to the Casa Matsiguenka community lodge in the Manu Reserve.
- Amazonian dinner and optional night walk in search of leaf frogs and tarantulas.
Walking distance: 3–4 km
Minimum altitude: 300 m
Maximum altitude: 600 m
Climate: Warm and humid all day
Overnight: Casa Matsiguenka
DAY 3 │ COCHA SALVADOR (330 m) - COCHA OTORONGO - PRIMARY FOREST (350 m)
5-Day Manu Park Tour
- Silent catamaran cruise through Cocha Salvador to observe giant otters, hoatzins, and black caimans.
- Giant Ceibo Trail through primary forest filled with strangler figs and vines.
- Climb to the 20-meter tower at Cocha Otorongo; view blue-and-yellow macaws and sloths.
- Juane-style lunch wrapped in a bijao leaf.
- Matsiguenka crafts and medicinal plant workshop; cultural exchange with the community.
- Nighttime lagoon safari to listen to night monkeys and locate caimans.
Walking distance: 4–6 km
Minimum altitude: 330 m
Maximum altitude: 350 m
Climate: Very hot and humid
Overnight: Casa Matsiguenka
DAY 4 │ CASA MATSIGUENKA (350 m) - MAQUISAPAYOJ - TAPIR LICK (430 m)
Manu National Park 5-Day Tour
- Sail downriver to Maquisapayoj Lodge, an eco-lodge in the buffer zone.
- Relax in hammocks by the river and take an optional refreshing swim.
- Afternoon walk through the Aguaje palm forest to the tapir clay lick; silent observation of these large mammals in their mineral salt deposit.
- Dinner and talk about the conservation of Manu National Park and current threats (mining and illegal logging).
Walking distance: 3 km
Minimum altitude: 350 m
Maximum altitude: 430 m
Climate: Hot during the day / cool at night
Overnight: Maquisapayoj Lodge
DAY 5 │ MAQUISAPAYOJ (410 m) - PUERTO ATALAYA - PAUCARTAMBO - CUSCO (3,300 m)
5-Day Manu Park Tour
- Return by boat to Puerto Atalaya with time for heron and capybara photography.
- Land route, crossing the cloud forest and Andean viewpoints again.
- Picnic lunch in Paucartambo and continue to Cusco; end of the 5-day Manu Park Tour.
Distance hiked: —
Minimum altitude: 300 m
Maximum altitude: 3,300 m
Climate: Humid in the morning / mild-cold upon reaching the mountains
Overnight: — (return to Cusco)
INCLUDES
Includes – 5-Day Manu National Park Tour
Transportation:
- Pickup at a centrally located hotel in Cusco and return to the same location.
- Authorized tourist vehicle en route from Cusco to Puerto Atalaya, with oxygen and a first-aid kit.
- Motorboat with a roof, life jackets, and an experienced local driver for all river trips (Alto Madre de Dios River and Manu River).
Accommodation:
- 1 night at Pilcopata Inn (double or triple room, shared bathroom, mosquito net).
- 2 nights at Casa Matsiguenka (community lodge, beds with mosquito nets, basic bathrooms).
- 1 night at Maquisapayoj Lodge (wooden cabins, limited solar energy, mosquito net).
Meals:
- Full board: 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners.
- Snacks and fruit during hikes.
- Unlimited boiled water and hot drinks.
- Vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free menus available with 48-hour advance notice.
Local guide and equipment:
- Bilingual naturalist guide (Spanish-English) accredited by SERNANP (National Wildlife Service).
- River crew, cook, and logistics staff.
- Binoculars for group use, spotting scopes, and bird identification sheets.
Included activities:
- Interpretive walks in cloud forest and primary forest.
- Catamaran navigation through Cocha Salvador and a visit to Cocha Otorongo.
- Observation at the macaw clay lick (macaw clay lick) and the tapir clay lick.
- Cultural workshop with the Matsiguenka community (crafts and ethnobotany).
- Guided nighttime wildlife safaris (insects, frogs, caimans).
Safety and permits:
- Official entry permit to the Manu National Park Reserved Area.
- First aid kit and satellite phone for emergencies.
NOT INCLUDED
Not Included – Manu National Park 5-Day Tour
Personal Expenses:
- Voluntary tips for guide, cook, driver, and local staff.
- Additional bottled drinks, soft drinks, beer, and snacks.
- Handcrafted souvenirs purchased from the Matsiguenka community.
Personal Equipment:
- Sleeping bag (not essential, but recommended for cool nights).
- Headlamp, spare batteries, and solar charger.
- Insect repellent, sunscreen, rain poncho, hiking boots, toiletries.
- Binoculars and additional cameras/memory cards.
Optional Services:
- Travel insurance and medical evacuation (highly recommended).
- Accommodation in Cusco before or after the tour.
- Private transfers off the beaten track (voluntary abandonment or non-medical evacuation).
- Activities not mentioned (e.g., canopy zip-line, personal coffee thermos, private photography classes).
Meals not covered:
- Breakfast on the first day (very early departure).
- Dinner on the last day (arrival in Cusco in the mid-afternoon).
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations – Manu National Park 5-Day Tour
Plan your acclimatization:
- Spend at least one night in Cusco before starting the 5-day Manu tour; this way you’ll avoid altitude fatigue and start with energy.
Pack appropriate clothing and recommended footwear:
- Waterproof jacket and poncho for the cloud forest; long-sleeved shirts, light pants, and quick-drying socks for the Peruvian Amazon rainforest.
- A light sweater: at night, temperatures can drop to 15°C.
- Waterproof hiking boots with good grip; sandals or Crocs for showers and walks around the lodge.
Essential personal protection:
- Repellent with a high concentration of DEET, biodegradable sunscreen, a cap or hat, sunglasses, and a reusable bottle.
Photography equipment:
- 8×42 binoculars or larger for birdwatching, including the clay-licked macaw; Camera with a zoom of ≥300 mm for otters and tapirs in the Manu Reserve.
- Dry bags to protect equipment during navigation.
Health and Safety:
- Bring your prescribed medications and a basic first-aid kit (pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medications, band-aids).
- Purchase travel insurance that covers jungle evacuation: medical transfers from Manu National Park are expensive.
- Yellow fever vaccination is recommended; consult your doctor about malaria prophylaxis if you travel to other Amazonian areas.
Sustainability and Cultural Respect:
- Follow the guide’s instructions and remain silent at the tapir clay lick and the macaw clay lick.
- Do not buy wildlife or feed animals; support community tourism by purchasing Matsiguenka handicrafts.
- Take your waste back to Cusco: there is no urban waste disposal system in Manu.
Money and Tipping Tips:
- Bring cash in small soles; there are no ATMs in Puerto Atalaya or the lodges.
- Suggested tip for guides and crew: 10% of the program cost, distributed at the end of the trip.
Connectivity and Power:
There is no cell phone service in the Manu National Park Reserve; notify your family before leaving.
Lodges use limited solar power; bring a power bank and headlamp with extra batteries.
Documentation and Permits:
- Have your original passport or ID ready for registration at the Boca Manu checkpoint.
- Respect SERNANP regulations; the authority oversees the conservation of the Manu 5-Day Tour and its biodiversity.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions – Manu National Park 5-Day Tour
1. Do I need previous trekking experience for the Manu 5-Day Tour?
No. The program combines boat trips and moderate hikes (approximately 2 hours each) within the Peruvian cloud forest and Amazon rainforest. Good physical condition, hiking shoes, and a willingness to handle wet conditions are recommended.
2. What is the best time to visit Manu National Park?
Between April and November, the dry season offers passable trails and great wildlife visibility. From December to March, it rains frequently, but the 5-day Manu tour operates with additional protocols.
3. What vaccinations or health care do I need?
A yellow fever vaccine is recommended, as is bringing a powerful insect repellent. Consult your doctor about malaria prophylaxis if you plan to continue your trip to other lowland areas of the Amazon.
4. What are the accommodations like in the Manu Reserve?
Three types of jungle ecolodges: Pilcopata Inn (cloud forest), Casa Matsiguenka (community lodge in the reserve area), and Maquisapayoj Lodge (buffer). All have beds, mosquito nets, and limited solar energy.
5. Is there phone or internet service during the trip to Manu from Cusco?
Only in Puerto Atalaya may there be intermittent service; in the Manu reserve area, there is no service or Wi-Fi. Let your family know before you leave and enjoy the digital disconnection.
6. What should I pack for Manu National Park?
Waterproof boots, light long-sleeved clothing, a rain jacket, a light sleeping bag, a headlamp, a power bank, DEET repellent, biodegradable sunscreen, a reusable bottle, a camera with zoom, and binoculars.
7. What kind of food is included in the tour?
Full board with Amazonian dishes: fresh fish, rice, vegetables, tropical fruits. The operator offers vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options with 48 hours’ notice.
8. Is the 5-day Manu tour safe?
Yes. Travel is with SERNANP-certified guides, a first-aid kit, and a satellite phone. Travel insurance that covers jungle evacuation is recommended.
9. How much luggage can I bring?
A 40L backpack is ideal; large suitcases won’t fit on the boat. During the hikes, you’ll only carry a daypack with water, a camera, and insect repellent.
10. What wildlife am I most likely to see?
Cock-of-the-rock in the cloud forest; giant otters and caimans at Cocha Salvador; flocks of macaws at the macaw clay lick; tapirs at the tapir clay lick; capuchin, squirrel, and howler monkeys on jungle trails.
11. Can it rain even during the dry season?
Yes. The Amazonian climate is unpredictable; always bring a rain poncho and backpack cover.
12. How are payments and tips handled?
The Manu 5-day tour reservation is paid in Cusco by card or bank transfer; only cash in soles is accepted en route for drinks, local purchases, and tips (10% suggested).
DEPARTURE DATES
Confirmed Departures
PRICES
Adult: $365 per Adult
Student: $365 per Adult
Available Equipment:
Trekking poles: These help maintain balance and reduce impact on the knees during long ascents and descents.
Thermal sleeping bags: Designed to withstand the low temperatures of the Salkantay area, ensuring a comfortable and warm rest.
Waterproof jackets: Protect from wind and rain, ideal for changes in altitude.
Headlamps: Recommended for early departures and for moving safely around camp.
