English
Español
Delve into the heart of the Reserved Zone of Manu National Park for six days and experience an immersive adventure in the Amazon jungle. From Cusco, you will traverse natural landscapes and communities until you reach areas where you can observe native animals. The experience also includes overnight stays in the jungle, living with a traditional community, navigation through the Madre de Dios basin, and days of exploration. An ideal journey for those looking to closely experience the biodiversity, Amazonian culture, and wildlife of one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.
Manu Reserved Zone 6 days experience overview
Six days to discover the cloud forest and travel into the heart of Manu National Park, sailing its rivers, exploring its primary forests and watching its extraordinary biodiversity, with two nights in the Reserved Zone alongside the Matsiguenka community.
Why choose this experience with us?
- Traditional immersion: We know the route from Cusco to the Amazon and work with local staff to offer you an authentic, well-organised trip.
- Support throughout the journey: Our team accompanies you from Cusco to Manu, coordinating every stage of the trip: transfers, accommodation and activities.
- Nature and culture in one experience: As well as exploring the biodiversity of Manu, we get closer to the native communities and their way of life, respecting their culture and their environment.
- Small groups: Travel in groups of up to 12 passengers and enjoy a more comfortable, flexible and relaxed trip.
Itinerary summary
Cusco – Ninamarca Chullpas – Paucartambo – Cloud Forest – Bambú Lodge
Cross the Andes towards Manu, visiting the Ninamarca chullpas and Paucartambo before entering the cloud forest, among birds, orchids and the emblematic cock-of-the-rock.
Bambú Lodge – Port of Atalaya – Limonal – Manu River – Otorongo Lake – Casa Matsiguenka
Sail the Alto Madre de Dios and Manu rivers into the Reserved Zone, explore Otorongo Lake from its observation tower and arrive at Casa Matsiguenka.
Casa Matsiguenka – Salvador Lake – Primary Forest – Casa Matsiguenka
Explore Salvador Lake on a paddle catamaran, one of the best places in Manu to see giant otters, and round off the day with walks in primary forest and time with Matsiguenka traditions.
Casa Matsiguenka – Limonal – Tapir Clay Lick – Dorado Lodge
Begin the return along the Manu River, with new chances to watch wildlife, visit the tapir clay lick and reach Dorado Lodge for a night walk.
Dorado Lodge – Parrot and Macaw Clay Lick – Shintuya Hot Springs – Port of Atalaya – Bambú Lodge
Admire the dawn spectacle of parrots and macaws at the clay lick, relax in the Shintuya hot springs and head back towards the cloud forest.
Bambú Lodge – Cloud Forest – Paucartambo – Cusco
Enjoy a last morning among hummingbirds and nature before crossing the cloud forest and Paucartambo once more, arriving in Cusco in the afternoon.
Tour facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Day 1 walks | Short walks during the stops and observation activities |
| Day 2 walks | Exploration walk on the forest trails and visit to the Otorongo Lake tower |
| Day 3 walks | Exploration walk in primary forest and a night walk |
| Day 4 walks | Walk on the lodge trails and a night walk of variable length |
| Day 5 walks | Walk on the cloud forest trails |
| Boat travel | Approx. 6 hours each way between the port of Atalaya and Casa Matsiguenka |
| Maximum altitude | Acjanaco Pass: 4,000 m / 13,123 ft above sea level |
| Minimum altitude | Dorado Lodge: 350 m / 1,148 ft above sea level |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Temperature | Between 5 °C and 32 °C / 41 °F and 90 °F, depending on the area |
Highlights
- Ninamarca chullpas: a pre-Inca archaeological site set among high Andean landscapes, where you can learn about the legacy of the region's ancient cultures.
- Paucartambo: an Andean village of great cultural richness, known for its traditions, architecture and festivals, and considered one of the gateways to Manu.
- Acjanaco: the high mountain pass that marks the entrance to Manu National Park and the start of the descent from the Andes into the cloud forest.
- Manu cloud forest: an ecosystem of great biodiversity, with orchids, bromeliads, ferns and many bird species.
- San Pedro and the cock-of-the-rock: a prime area to try to see Peru's national bird in its natural habitat.
- Alto Madre de Dios River: one of the main river routes into the Amazon, surrounded by lush vegetation and a great diversity of wildlife.
- Manu River: the heart of the Reserved Zone, with chances to see monkeys, caimans, turtles, birds and other animals along its banks.
- Manu Reserved Zone: one of the most biodiverse sectors of the park, where the rainforest remains almost untouched and wildlife watching takes centre stage.
- Casa Matsiguenka: a lodge in the heart of the rainforest that brings you closer to the culture and traditional way of life of the Matsiguenka people.
- Salvador Lake: one of the main lakes of Manu, explored on a paddle catamaran and known for its giant otters, caimans and many birds.
- Otorongo Lake: a lake surrounded by primary forest, with an observation tower about 20 metres high to watch wildlife from the canopy.
- Tapir clay lick: a wildlife-watching spot where you may find tracks or signs of tapirs and other species.
- Parrot and macaw clay lick: a spectacular natural setting where, at dawn, many species of parrots and macaws gather.
- Shintuya hot springs: thermal medicinal waters in the middle of the Amazon, ideal for relaxing on the way back.
Manu Reserved Zone 6 days experience itinerary
From the Andes to the Amazon: six days to discover the cloud forest and travel into the heart of Manu National Park, sailing its rivers, exploring its forests and watching its extraordinary biodiversity.
Cusco – Ninamarca Chullpas – Paucartambo – Cloud Forest – Bambú Lodge
From the Andes to the cloud forest, in search of the cock-of-the-rock.
- The adventure begins early with the pickup from your hotel in Cusco to start the journey to Manu National Park.
- Our first stop is the Ninamarca chullpas, an important pre-Inca burial site set among Andean landscapes. We then continue to Paucartambo, a village of great historical and cultural richness, for a short visit with our guide.
- From Paucartambo we climb to Acjanaco, one of the main transition points between the Andes and the Amazon, and begin the descent through the cloud forest, with stops to look for orchids, bromeliads, ferns and a wide variety of birds.
- One of the highlights of the day is the search for the cock-of-the-rock, Peru's national bird, in the San Pedro area.
- At the end of the day we reach Bambú Lodge, where we have dinner and rest. Our guide gives a briefing on the activities and recommendations for the following day.
Bambú Lodge – Port of Atalaya – Limonal – Manu River – Otorongo Lake – Casa Matsiguenka
Sailing into the Reserved Zone and a first walk in the forest.
- Very early we continue our journey towards the Amazon, reaching the port of Atalaya, where we board our boat to sail along the Alto Madre de Dios River towards Manu National Park.
- Along the way we stop at the Limonal control post, where the group is registered before entering the Reserved Zone.
- We continue along the Manu River, surrounded by vast tropical forests and Amazonian beaches. Depending on the state of the river and the day, we may see macaws, herons, spoonbills, caimans, turtles, monkeys and capybaras. Meals are served on board so we can make the most of the journey.
- In the afternoon we reach Casa Matsiguenka, at about 370 m above sea level, where we stay for the next two nights.
- After settling in we take a first exploration walk along the forest trails and visit Otorongo Lake, with an observation tower about 20 metres high to admire the landscape from the canopy and look for wildlife.
Casa Matsiguenka – Salvador Lake – Primary Forest – Casa Matsiguenka
Giant otters at Salvador Lake, primary forest and Matsiguenka culture.
- After breakfast we head to Salvador Lake, one of the main natural attractions of the Reserved Zone. We explore it on a paddle catamaran, a quiet way to travel the lake without disturbing the environment.
- The main experience is the search for the giant otter, one of the most emblematic species of this ecosystem. There are also chances to see caimans, turtles and various bird species along the banks and surroundings.
- We continue exploring the primary forest trails with our guide, who helps us identify species of flora and fauna and understand the importance of this ecosystem.
- We return to Casa Matsiguenka for lunch and have time to learn more about the culture and way of life of the Matsiguenka community.
- At night, after dinner, we take a night walk, weather permitting, to look for amphibians, insects, arachnids and other nocturnal species.
Casa Matsiguenka – Limonal – Tapir Clay Lick – Dorado Lodge
The return along the Manu River, with the tapir clay lick and a night walk.
- We start the day with an early breakfast before beginning the return along the Manu River, with new chances to watch wildlife on the beaches and banks, where monkeys, caimans and various bird species may appear.
- At the Limonal control post we register our departure from the Reserved Zone before continuing along the Alto Madre de Dios River.
- On the way we stop at a tapir clay lick where, if conditions allow, we may see tracks or signs of these large Amazonian mammals.
- We continue sailing to Dorado Lodge. After settling in there is time to rest or walk the nearby trails.
- At the end of the day we enjoy dinner and, if conditions are favourable, join a night walk to discover the wildlife that becomes active after dark.
Dorado Lodge – Parrot and Macaw Clay Lick – Shintuya Hot Springs – Port of Atalaya – Bambú Lodge
The clay lick at dawn, the hot springs and the return to the cloud forest.
- Very early we set out for a parrot and macaw clay lick, where these birds come down to eat the minerals in the clay. With patience we can watch different species in one of the most characteristic natural spectacles of the Amazon.
- We return to the lodge for breakfast and continue our journey by boat along the Alto Madre de Dios River.
- Along the way we stop at the Shintuya hot springs, where we can relax in the thermal waters, depending on conditions and availability.
- Our next stop is the port of Atalaya, where we leave the boat and take road transport back towards the cloud forest, moving gradually from the Amazon rainforest to mountains covered in vegetation.
- On arrival at our lodge in the cloud forest there is time to walk the nearby trails and observe the diversity of plants and birds of this ecosystem.
Bambú Lodge – Cloud Forest – Paucartambo – Cusco
A last morning among hummingbirds before returning to the Andes.
- We begin the morning enjoying the natural surroundings of the cloud forest and the activity of the birds in the lodge gardens.
- After breakfast we collect our belongings and start the return journey to Cusco, crossing the Andes once more and enjoying the changing landscapes, with the scheduled stops along the way.
- We reach Paucartambo, where there is time for lunch before continuing our journey.
- Finally we climb towards Cusco, arriving in the afternoon, with a transfer to your hotel to complete this unforgettable six-day experience in Manu National Park.
What the Manu Reserved Zone 6 days experience includes
Guaranteed permits and entrance fees
- Entrance to Manu National Park. We arrange all the permits and access needed for the different areas of the programme, including the Manu Reserved Zone.
- Entrance to Salvador Lake and Otorongo Lake, the main attractions of the Reserved Zone, where the wildlife-watching activities take place.
- Entrance to local initiatives, such as the hummingbird and orchid garden.
Support and safety
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English), specialising in Amazonian nature, culture and biodiversity, throughout the trip.
- First-aid kit to deal with any situation during the activities.
- Rubber boots for the trails and wet areas of the rainforest.
- 24/7 customer service, with an emergency number available from start to finish.
Accommodation
- 5 nights in lodges: Bambú Lodge on nights 1 and 5, Casa Matsiguenka on nights 2 and 3, and Dorado Lodge on night 4, in double to quadruple rooms depending on availability.
Meals
- Meals included: breakfast on days 2 to 6, and lunch and dinner on days 1 to 5.
- 6 snacks during the trip: mango, granadilla, banana, apple, orange, biscuits and others.
- Vegetarian options at no extra cost, arranged in advance when booking.
- Water during the trip. We recommend bringing a reusable bottle.
Transport
- Tourist transport Cusco – Manu and Manu – Cusco, with a final transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
- River transport between the port of Atalaya and Casa Matsiguenka, there and back, along the Alto Madre de Dios and Manu rivers.
Experiences included
- Cloud forest exploration, with orchids, bromeliads, ferns and a wide variety of birds as you descend from the Andes to the Amazon.
- Cock-of-the-rock watching in the San Pedro area, subject to the day's conditions.
- Boat travel on the Manu River, with chances to see birds, monkeys, caimans, turtles and other animals.
- Matsiguenka cultural experience during your stay at Casa Matsiguenka.
- Salvador Lake on a paddle catamaran, in search of giant otters, caimans and many bird species.
- Otorongo Lake and its observation tower, about 20 metres high, to admire the rainforest from the canopy.
- Visit to the tapir clay lick, subject to the day's conditions.
- Parrot and macaw clay lick at dawn, one of the most impressive natural spectacles in Manu.
- Walks in primary forest and night walks in search of frogs, insects and other nocturnal species.
Not included
- Breakfast on day 1 and lunch and dinner on day 6, because of the departure and return times.
- Travel insurance (mandatory): cover for flight cancellations or delays, lost or delayed luggage, illness, accidents, trip interruptions, loss of tourist services due to delays and medical assistance.
- Tips (optional).
- Expenses arising from causes beyond the agency's control: adverse weather, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illness, strikes, political instability or changes in government policy.
Manu Reserved Zone 6 days experience price
Rates
| Rate | Price | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| General rate | 1,180 USD | From 1 traveller, on a shared service. |
Booking guarantee
To secure your place, the entrance permits and the services of the programme we require a guarantee deposit per person, non-refundable and non-transferable. Your sales representative will send you the payment instructions and the conditions that apply to your booking.
Upgrade your experience
| Add-on | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Binocular rental | On request | A closer view of birds, mammals and other animals in their natural habitat. |
| Private experience | On request | More flexibility, more time for wildlife watching and a pace adapted to your group. |
Plan your trip
The recommended season to visit Manu National Park is from April to November, although the programme can run at other times of the year. The Amazonian climate is variable and rain is possible during the trip, so some activities are adapted to the weather and the state of the river. As places are limited (maximum 12 passengers) and entrance permits are arranged in advance, we recommend booking early. Check availability with our sales team and receive a personalised quote.
What to bring to Manu
These are the most important items for your 6-day experience in the Manu Reserved Zone.
Required documents
- Original, valid passport or ID card.
- A digital copy of your document, recommended as a backup.
Luggage
- A small or medium 20 to 30 litre backpack for your personal items during excursions.
- Main luggage of moderate size, avoiding unnecessary items.
- A waterproof bag or zip-lock bags to protect clothes, documents and electronics from rain and humidity.
- Reusable water bottle.
Clothing and footwear
- Comfortable waterproof footwear with good grip for the walks and around the lodge.
- Light, comfortable, quick-drying clothing for the warm, humid Amazonian climate.
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts for protection during the walks.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- A warm layer for the first day, especially in the highlands and the cloud forest.
- Hat or cap for the sun and sunglasses with UV protection.
- A change of clothes and extra underwear.
- Swimwear for the Shintuya hot springs.
Personal items
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit.
- Toilet paper, wet wipes and hand sanitiser.
- Personal toiletries.
- Extra snacks (optional).
- Cash in Peruvian soles, in small notes, for personal purchases, handicrafts and local products.
Equipment and extras
- Camera or mobile phone, with a waterproof cover for both.
- Binoculars, highly recommended for birdwatching and wildlife.
- Power bank.
- Head torch or hand torch for the night walks.
- Zip-lock bags to protect electronics from humidity.
Important considerations
- Bring light, waterproof, quick-drying clothing, because of the humid and changeable climate.
- Protect your belongings from rain and humidity with waterproof bags.
- Mobile phone signal is limited or non-existent along much of the route.
- Always respect nature and follow the guide's instructions when watching wildlife.
Frequently asked questions about the Manu Reserved Zone 6 days experience
How difficult is the tour?
It is moderate. No trekking experience is required, but it includes walks on natural trails, forest excursions and activities lasting several hours, so basic fitness is recommended.
Can I visit Manu if I am not a keen hiker?
Yes. This programme is not a long-distance trek: it combines road travel, boat trips, wildlife watching and exploration walks, so you can enjoy the Amazon without demanding hikes all day long.
How many passengers are in the group?
Groups have a maximum of 12 passengers, for a more comfortable and personal experience during the boat journeys and the wildlife-watching activities.
How long is the journey from Cusco to Manu?
The journey is done in stages and is part of the adventure. The first day involves about 10 to 12 hours of road travel, with stops along the way. The next day we continue by boat along the Alto Madre de Dios and Manu rivers for about 6 hours, to the Reserved Zone and Casa Matsiguenka.
How long is the boat journey on the Manu River?
The journey between the port of Atalaya and Casa Matsiguenka takes about 6 hours each way, depending on the state of the river and the weather.
Is the boat travel safe?
Yes. All river journeys are accompanied by the programme's team and follow the conditions and recommendations established for the protected area. The itinerary can be adapted if the state of the river or the weather requires it.
When is the best time to visit Manu?
The recommended season is from April to November, although the programme can run at other times of the year. The Amazonian climate is variable and rain is possible during the trip.
What temperatures will I find during the trip?
Temperatures vary by area: they can drop to around 5 °C / 41 °F in the highlands and reach about 32 °C / 90 °F in the rainforest, with high humidity.
Which animals can I see during the tour?
Manu offers the chance to see giant otters, caimans, monkeys, macaws, parrots, toucans, capybaras, turtles and many other species. Larger animals may also appear, but sightings are natural and cannot be guaranteed.
Am I guaranteed to see jaguars, giant otters or cocks-of-the-rock?
No. These are wild animals and sightings depend on natural factors such as the weather, their behaviour, the season and where each species is at the time. The guide will search for them and watch them responsibly during the activities.
What is the visit to Salvador Lake like?
It is done on a paddle catamaran, which lets us explore the lake quietly and look for giant otters, caimans, birds and other species without disturbing the environment.
What do you do at Otorongo Lake?
We explore the forest and climb an observation tower about 20 metres high, from which you can admire the forest from the canopy and look for wildlife.
What is the tapir clay lick?
It is a natural site that these large Amazonian mammals visit to eat minerals. During the stop you may see tracks or signs of tapirs and other species, always depending on the day's conditions.
Are the night walks included?
Yes. The programme includes night walks on days 3 and 4, subject to weather and safety conditions. They are a chance to look for frogs, insects, spiders, reptiles and other nocturnal species.
Is the visit to the Shintuya hot springs included?
The stop at the Shintuya hot springs is part of the day 5 itinerary and takes place depending on conditions and availability. We recommend bringing swimwear and checking with your sales representative whether there is an extra entrance fee.
What is the accommodation like?
The programme includes 5 nights in lodges: Bambú Lodge, Casa Matsiguenka and Dorado Lodge. They are Amazonian-style lodges, integrated with their natural surroundings, with double to quadruple rooms depending on availability.
What are the rooms like at Casa Matsiguenka?
Casa Matsiguenka offers bungalows, usually with double rooms and a private or shared bathroom depending on availability. It is a nature lodge, so we recommend not expecting the same conditions as a conventional hotel.
Are meals included? Are there vegetarian options?
Yes. The programme includes breakfast on days 2 to 6, lunch and dinner on days 1 to 5, and snacks along the way. Breakfast on the first day and lunch and dinner on the last day are not included, because of the departure and return times. Vegetarian options can be arranged in advance at no extra cost.
Is drinking water provided during the trip?
Yes, the programme includes water during the trip. We also recommend bringing a reusable bottle to stay well hydrated during the activities.
Do I need trekking boots?
Comfortable footwear for the transfers and walks is recommended. Rubber boots for activities in the rainforest are included in the programme.
Do I need to bring binoculars?
They are not compulsory, but they are highly recommended for watching birds, monkeys and other animals at a distance. You can also request binocular rental as an add-on.
What should I bring on the tour?
Light, quick-drying clothing, long trousers and long-sleeved shirts, repellent, sunscreen, a rain poncho, a hat, a torch, a reusable bottle, personal medication, swimwear, a camera and binoculars. You will find the full list in the What to bring tab.
Is there mobile phone signal or internet during the tour?
Signal is limited or non-existent in much of the Reserved Zone. We recommend letting your family or contacts know before the trip starts and making use of areas with connectivity when they are available.
What happens if I feel unwell during the trip?
Your safety comes first. The guide carries a first-aid kit and will assess any discomfort during the activities. If necessary, the appropriate assistance will be arranged according to your location and the conditions at the time.
Can I do Manu as a private service?
Yes. You can request a private service for more flexibility, more time for wildlife watching and a pace adapted to your group.
What is the booking process?
Step 1. Availability enquiry. Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check the date you would like to travel. Our team will guide you through the programme and the services included.
Step 2. Passenger details. To process the booking we need, exactly as they appear on your travel document, your full name, passport or ID number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy), nationality and gender.
Step 3. Payment and confirmation. Once availability is confirmed, we will send you the payment instructions. When the deposit is received, we will arrange and confirm the services of the programme.
Step 4. Final confirmation. Once the services are confirmed, you will receive the official booking confirmation with the details of your trip. At that point your booking will be 100 % guaranteed.
Can I cancel the tour and get my deposit back?
No. Because the services and permits for the programme are arranged in advance, the deposit or guarantee paid to confirm the booking is non-refundable and non-transferable. We recommend checking the specific cancellation conditions and deadlines that apply to your booking with your sales representative before making any changes.
Can I leave my luggage at your office?
Yes. During the trip, your main luggage can stay at our office or at your hotel in Cusco, free of charge.
Any further questions?
You can contact our sales team on WhatsApp at +51 993 150 947 or +51 941 411 418, or by email at info@sakuraexpedition.com.
Why choose Sakura Expedition for your trip?
Sakura Expedition is a 100 % Peruvian local operator specialising in adventure and cultural tourism in Cusco and Peru. We have a team of certified guides and operations staff committed to delivering unique, safe and high-quality experiences. We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personalised attention in every service.
This is what sets us apart:
- Small groups: a more comfortable, personal experience with closer attention from our guides.
- Our own operation and local team: we run our programmes directly, which lets us maintain high standards of quality, punctuality and organisation.
- Certified professional guides: a team that passionately shares the history, culture and traditions of Peru.
- Personalised attention: we support you before, during and after your trip, with ongoing assistance and prompt answers.
- Responsible and sustainable tourism: we work with partner communities, respecting their traditions and contributing to the development of local families.
- Commitment to safety: safety protocols, suitable equipment and trained staff.
- Certified local company: we are a 100 % Peruvian company based in Cusco, and this year we received the CALTUR Gold Certification, the highest recognition of tourism quality in Peru.
At Sakura Expedition we don't just organise trips: we create authentic experiences that connect our travellers with the history, culture, nature and essence of Peru.
