Manu Reserved Zone 7D/6N

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The Manu National Park is a protected natural space; located in the southeast of Peru. Partially located in the departments of Madre de Dios and Cusco; in the provinces of Paucartambo and Manu.

If Machu Picchu is the jewel in the crown of our country; in terms of Inca culture. Manu National Park is number one; in the category of jungle and wild nature. It is a magical place, isolated and one of the last bastions of this fragile ecosystem; that still remains practically intact.

The Manu Biosphere Reserve is divided into several areas that should be understood so as not to lead to misunderstandings. These are the Manu National Park and the Manu Cultural Zone.

Manu National Park is the largest area with 100% protection and in turn it is also divided into two more zones.

*The intangible zone area: is where the “uncontacted” tribes live in voluntary isolation and where one of the world renowned biological stations, called Cocha Cashu, is located. As a tourist you are not allowed to access this area since it is dedicated only to research and a special permit is required. It is located from the Pakitza checkpoint, from the Manu river and from the left bank onwards from the Alto Madre de Dios river.

**The reserved area or buffer zone: where tourism has access only through the 8 agencies that have special permission. It goes from the confluence of the Alto Madre de Dios and Manu rivers, called Boca Manu to the Pakitza checkpoint.

***Manu cultural zone:, it is located on the right bank of the Alto Madre de Dios and some of its tributaries. Matsiguenka communities live here and the level of protection is not as high as in the National Park area. Tourism is also allowed here although, as its name suggests, it is based more on knowing the local cultures than on wildlife watching.

Highlights of our Manu Reserved Zone

*In order to provide you a fantastic wildlife experience. We located our lodges in the best spots; and where there are more chances to see big mammals and macaws.
*We have a partnership with the Blanquillo Private Reserve. Which is denominated by previous tourists; as the best area to observe mammals.
*We have very well educated guides who are passionate about their work and nature.
*All our food is served as buffet.
*We have very well educated guides who are passionate about their work and nature.
*All our food is served as buffet.
*Because we going to be in the Amazon jungle; we will surprise you with delicious typical dishes from this region.
* We include, telescope equipment; and books to facilitate the sighting of animals and birds.
*Be part of our social and environmental projects.
*We prepare food for our tourists and team with 100% organic vegetables purchased from local producers.

Trip overview of our Manu Reserved Zone

Trek Type: Connection with nature, animal watching, typical jungle food and walks in the jungle.
Good for: Those in moderate shape or better
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. You need to understand that it is not about comfort; but in exchange you get to leave everything behind and live an amazing experience in the Amazon jungle.
Consideration: There is not hot showers in most of the lodges; we’ll be in the jungle where temperatures are around 35 °C. And shower water is not cold. In the lodges electricity is only two to three hours; and it is usually at night. (basic accomodation but clean). Always keep in mind, that you are going to the jungle; and you will be in direct contact with many types of insects (thick presence of mosquitoes) and animals. The weather is hot and humid. The paths are usually muddy, due the humidity of the amazon forest; and to see animals we need a little bit of luck and to keep our eyes up. The short night walks; are done every day. Because every night there is a great possibility; to see a different animal species.

In addition to all of the above, we have a unique itinerary of just 7 days; that will take you into the depths of the Manu National Park. Which is one of the most biodiverse places in the world; and least explored by tourists due to its remoteness. Keep in mind that there are many hours; where we will be sitting in the car or on the boat observing wildlife.

Season: April to Octuber

DAY 01: Cusco – San Fernando Lodge – Jungle Activities.

Activities: Shower in a crystalline water river. Three-hour hike in the forest. Horse ride. Short night hike.
Lodge altitude: 689 meters above sea level.
Considered: 7 hour car drive.
Weather: warm and humid with mosquitoes.

To start with the Manu Amazon Reserved Zone; we pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am. Then we’ll drive you for 6 hours to Cosñipata valley; in half of the way we´have a delicious buffet breakfast. Also we’ll visit a pre-Inca cemetery; perched on a mountain summit. Upon arrival to our basic lodge and leaving our belongings there; will walk 5 minutes to a crystalline water river, to take a refreshing shower. We´ll enjoy a delicious organic buffet lunch and some seasonal fruits.

In the afternoon will do a three-hours hike to seek for birds and interesting plants; along this trail we can see woodpeckers, white herons, kingfisher, toucans and tanagers. Then we come back to our basic lodge to ride horse over a beautiful pasture in front of a fantastic sunset.

At night we will enjoy tea time with: popcorn, plantain chips, chocolate and milk; while our guide tales fantastic amazon jungle stories.

Let’s enjoy our organic buffet dinner to then sleep after a wonderful day in the Manu Amazon Reserved Tour. Also we´ll do a short one-hour hike to seek for spiders, frogs and snakes.

** Little by Little we entry into the peruvian amazon jungle plain

DAY 02: San Fernando – Alto Madre de Dios River – Boca Manu – Yine Lodge.

Activities: A lot of observation of wildlife; from a motor boat. Observation of monkeys in the forest. Short night walk in the forest.
Lodge altitude: 450 meters above sea level.
Considered: 5 hour motorized boat drive.
Weather: Hot and humid with mosquitoes.

We´ll wake you up at 5:00 am. with a refreshing fruit juice; once you get ready we delight a organic buffet breakfast. We´ll drive for one hour to the Atalaya port. From where we embarked on the Alto Madre de Dios River; for 5 hours to the native community of Boca Manu. Along the motorboat ride; your guide will point out many wildlife, so we’ll stop to observe them. On this stretch we can see: neotropical cormorants, tiger heron, white herons, skunk bird, kingfisher, harpy eagle, jabiru, roseate spoonbill, turtles; and monkeys jumping from tree to tree. Also we´ll delight a delicious packed lunch. We’ll arrive to our lodge around 14:00 pm. let’s take a shower and rest a bit; after a long motorboat day in the Manu Amazon Reserved Zone.
In the afternoon we do a one hour and a half hike around the forest; looking for the red howler and spider monkey.

In the evening we´ll enjoy our tea time and a delicious dinner.

Let´s do a short night walk to see; different types of spiders, frogs and snakes than the first night.

** Be ready to start being amazed by the Manu Amazon Reserved Zone wildlife.

DAY 3: Yine Lodge – Safari Lodge – Cocha Salvador.

Activities: Along the Manu river; we will see turtles, capybaras, caimans, lots of colorful birds, keep your eyes up; we are getting inside the heart of one of the less explored jungles on the planet.
Lodge altitude: 330 meters above sea level.
Considered: 5 hour boat ride.
Weather: Hot and humid with mosquitoes.

After our nutritious and delicious breakfast; we headed down the Manu River, for 5 hours to the heart of the Manu reserved area. The fauna on this place; is one of the least visited in the whole planet due to its distance. That is why, along the motor boat ride we’ll stop to observe: white caimans, big guinea pigs (capybara), dozens of colorful birds, turtles and hundreds of butterflies; also we can see a jaguar, hunting or resting on a log.

Around 1 pm. we arrive at our lodge; which is located within the reserved area of the national park. In this place we will spend the night for the next two days. During this time, we hike through virgin forests and explore two of the most beautiful lakes in the Manu basin; Salvador oxbow lake and Otorongo oxbow lake.
Upon our arrival to the Safari lodge, we’ll rest for a bit; to then hike one hour to the Salvador oxbow lake to observe: black caimans, spider monkeys, woolly monkeys and peccaries.

Let´s delight an amazing sunset surrounded by huge Aguaje and Pijuayo palm trees. Without doubts; the Manu Amazon Reserved Zone will give us a lifetime experience.

After dinner we will grab our headlamps; and will walk into the forest and close to the Salvador lake to see: snakes, spiders, frogs and black caimans.

** Fantastic day in the Manu Reserved Zone; to be amazed by the incredible creatures of the jungle.

DAY 4: Safari Lodge – Cocha Salvador – Cocha Otorongo.

Activities: We’ll explore two oxbow lakes; and will hike around 800 years old trees.
Lodge altitude: 450 meters above sea level.
Considered: Fantastic day; to observe incredible jungle wildlife.
Weather: Hot and humid with mosquitoes.

To start our Amazon Reserved Zone; we have a very early breakfast. Then we hike one hour the Salvador oxbow lake; Along the way will see different types of monkeys, jumping among trees and howling.

The Salvador lake, is one of the most important mirrors of water in the Manu National Park. This ecosystem houses; very important conservation and protection species such as: families of giant otters, the black caiman, anacondas, capybaras and paiches.It also houses a huge variety of birds; and up to 13 species of monkeys in the surrounding forest. Our trip on the lake consists; in taking a rustic wood catamaran to paddle all around the lake and observe all mentioned wildlife.

Continuing with our Manu Jungle Trip; we will hike into the forest to identify medicinal plants and giant trees. Some trees are up to 800 years old, such as: the kapok tree, brazil nut tree and mahogany tree.
Learn interesting facts about them and see; how they influence in the local economy.

Then we´ll return to our lodge to take a shower and taste lunch. After a short rest, will hike for one hour to Otorongo lake; where there is wooden tower from where we will observe: giant otters, black caimans, hoatzins and the black and white spider monkey.

Let’s enjoy a wonderful sunset; while we appreciate the huge amazon flats.

At night we will enjoy a cold tea time; while your guide shares fantastic amazonian tales.

** What else we can ask to the Manu Jungle Trip?

DAY 5: Safari Lodge – Blanquillo Lodge – Mammal Clay Lick.

Activities: Observation of mammals with nocturnal habits; from a hidden wood tower.
Lodge altitude: 280 meters above sea level.
Considered: 7-hour on a motor boat. Cold shower and box lunch.
Weather: Hot and humid with mosquitoes.

To start with a lot of energy, our trip in the Manu Reserved Zone; we will enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast. We’ll be driven in our motor boat, for five hours through the Manu river; then continue two more hours through the Alto Madre de Dios river, to our lodge in Maquinachayoc.

Along theses seven-hours ride; we’ll have incredible chances to see caimans and jaguars.

Upon arrival to our lodge; we will take a refreshing cold shower. To then we´ll walk for one hour to a mammal clay lick; to observe big mammals like: the red deer, porcupine, tapir, peccaries, giant anteater, armadillo and perhaps jaguars, ocelots and even pumas. All this will be observed from a hidden lookout tower.

** A fantastic day inside the Manu Amazon Reserved Zone; to be astonished by mammals with nocturnal habits on a clay lick.

DAY 6: Blanquillo Lodge – Macaw Clay Lick- Blanco Oxbow Lake – Observatory Tower.

Activities: Observation of giant otters, caimans, macaws; and perhaps jaguars.
Lodge altitude: 200 meters above sea level.
Considered: A lot of walking around the forest; and paddling in the lake. Cold shower and box lunch.
Weather: Hot and humid with mosquitoes.

To start our Manu Jungle Trip; we’ll leave our lodge around 5 am. then we’ll hike for 45 minutes to a macaw clay lick. Here there is a huge tree with 45 seats that are located just 50 meters away; from the cliff of the clay lick. We will live a fantastic show; hundreds of red, blue, green and yellow macaws flying close to us. Also we´ll observe parrots and parroquetes; and also perhaps to their predators such as: the black hawk and jaguar.

Following, we come back to our lodge to enjoy our breakfast. Then we will walk for one hour to the Blanquillo oxbow lake; where will see a family of giant otters, black caimans and around 600 types of birds.
We´ll have a box lunch; while we paddle our wood catamaran.

In the afternoon we´ll come back to our lodge; so we can take a cold shower. Then we visit a 42 meter-high canopy tower; to delight an amazing sunset, observing the Madre de Dios river.

At night we will have a rewarding dinner; after a fabulous day observing macaws, giant otters and birds.

** Let me tell you that we have 70 % chances; to see all the mentioned animals in the Manu Amazon Jungle Trip.

DAY 7: Blanquillo – Boca Colorado – Santa Rosa – Cusco.

After our delicious early breakfast; we’ll sail downstream for 3 hours to Boca Colorado. Here we will goodbye to the boatman and crew who accompanied us; during our visit to the Manu National Park. From here we will ride a private cab for one hour to Puerto Punkiri (why the taxi?). This is due our private van cannot enter to Boca Colorado.

Then we will cross the Inambari river in a local boat for 20 minutes to Puerto Carlos; here our private transport will be waiting for us. We’ll be driven back to Cusco for six hours; where we arrive around 18:00 pm.

** Our incredible itinerary will allow you to visit; the Manu National Park from corner to corner.

** Our Manu Amazon Reserve Zone service, is door to door.

Important Note: If you would not like to travel many hours by bus to Cusco; we can take you for two and a half hours to the airport at Puerto Maldonado. Where we will arrive at 2:00 pm. and from where you can fly to Cusco or Lima (the flight tickets are not included).

Included on the Manu Reserved Zone

Professional local english speaker Guides: all our super tour guides grewp up in Madre de Dios region and studied tourism for five years at university, they are friendly, funny charming, knowledgeable, professional and will care your safety into our manu reserved zone

Permits: As soon as we get your details and deposit, we will purchase your permits for the manu reserved zone.

Briefing: The night before your trip, you will come to our office for your informative meeting; you will receive your duffle bag to you bring essential items for this manu reserved zone.

Lodge: This manu jungle trip includes six nights in basic rustic lodges in Manu National Park; the lodge we book will be listed on your invoice. Be aware that there is not hot showers in the lodge and electricity just works by generator for one hours at night if you want charge any device.

Transportation: Incas Path will be providing all transportation for this manu jungle trip. You will be picked up from your hotel at 5 am and brought to the peruvian amazon jungle; we also include all boat and car transportation that we will need on this 7 day jungle trip.

Food: Our manu reserved zone includes expert chefs who will cook delicious meals that many previous tourist have loved. We honor all food restrictions, so be sure to add any that you have on your booking form and let us know. Food is typically all served as buffet.

Water: From the first lunch to the end of our manu reserved zone we include water. You must bring personal water bottles and or a camelback, we advice you to bring a bottle or camelback of 1.5 litters, as being well hydrated is the key to feeling great in the amazon jungle.

Details: we profess that it is the attention to small details that separates us from other travel agencies. Each tourist receives wellington boots

First Aid: Every guide has got training in first aid from a clinic and firemen. We elaborate mandatory training sessions every February on the Manu National Park, which every Incas Path tour guide must attend. Your tour leader is going to have always a first-aid kit for basic medical problems.

Not Included on the Manu Reserved Zone

Due to the remote location of the Manu National Park and the lodges some ítems listed below are not included:

Daypack: We suggest you to use a daypack that not exceed 25L to carry passport, water, sunhat, sunglasses, suncream, bug spray, rain jacket and a warm jacket
Binocular
Hot Shower
Electricity
Snacks
Flight tickets or bus tickets
Gratuities for our staff: Incas Path ensures all staff are fairly paid and therefore gratuities are optional and at your own discretion
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended for all tourist

Prices

We would love to tour this Manu Reserved Zone with you and your loved ones and take care of immortalizing your visit to the peruvian jungle. We can leave any day from April to Octuber as it is the dry season in the Manu National Park

Group Price (2020):

$900 per person

Private Tour:

Private tours are available and priced by party size.

2 Tourist: $980 per person
3 Tourist: $925 per person
4 Tourist: $870 per person
5 Tourist: $815 per person
6 Tourist: $760 per person
7 Tourist: $705 per person
8 or more Tourist: $650 per person

Please send everything to incaspath@hotmail.com

Packing list

We suggest you to carry lightweight daypack that the is key to feeling good during this manu reserved zone.

Essentials:

Original Passport,
Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
Bug spray; 100 DEET
Good daypack
Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
Comfortable hiking shoes (lightweight with good soles)

** we provide wellington boots

For Your Duffel: we will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items

07 long-sleeved shirts: (al least for the days you will be in the excursion and avoid black colors as they atract easily the flyes and mosquitoes)
06 tank top, for the nights as there is not air conditiong but there is mosquito nets in the beds.
03 quick dry full-length pants
06 Socks: you should have comfortable hiking style socks that are mid to long length.
Sunhat
Rain jacket and plastic poncho
Fleece
Rain jacket
Camera
Power bank
Headlamp
Binoculars
Swimming suit
Flip flops or sandals
Music (IPhone)
Handsanitizer
Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
Personal medication
Sunscreen
Face Wipes: the humidity will cause you to sweat
Deodorant, you will use more than normal due to the sweat
ziplocks or resealable plastic storage bags
Anti-Itch Cream

Journey Info

Arriving to Cusco

The airport in Cusco at the present time is only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.

The best way to arrive to Cusco is by air and there are several options in airlines. LATAM tends to be the most expensive, but has the most options and flights.

Expect delays or flight cancellations; due to the high altitude of the andes, it tends to be difficult to land and any weather inconvenience will stop air traffic.

Bus travel is always available and while the trip can be long, especially from Lima, the buses company such as Cruz del Sur or Oltursa are very well maintained and comfortable; this option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco like Arequipa or Puno.

Luggage Storage

Any extra luggage you have with you, can be left safely in Cusco at either your hotel or with us at the Incas Path deposit while you enjoy your tour: We will grab the extra luggage from you the morning of your tour and return once you are back in Cusco.

Make sure your suitcase have some kind of identification on them so they are easy to locate.

Weather

Of course weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in the Manu National Park is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December, just be prepared; no matter what month you are doing the manu jungle trip, please make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants and plastic ponchos.

Travel Insurance

To protect your journey investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance; acquiring travel insurance before you leave home, is strongly encouraged and very easy.

These are the most used vaccines to travel to the Jungle

In this post we cite the vaccines to travel to the Peruvian jungle, according to the activity that the traveler will perform in these jungle areas. In addition, the information was consulted from important sources such as the websites of the Ministry of Health of Peru and also of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States. Keep informing yourself!

Although at the Jorge Chavez Airport you will not be asked about your vaccination status; in some countries they do require a vaccination certificate, therefore it is better to be prevented and to inform yourself in the authorized International Vaccination Center of your country about what you should apply before traveling.

Remember that vaccines avoid possible infectious problems during the trip and also to keep your immunizations up to date.

What animal could infect it in the jungle?

Well, mosquitoes are the bearers of the fearsome diseases causing deaths on the planet. We are talking about insect bites infected with Malaria, Yellow Fever and even Dengue.

It is probably the most dangerous animal in the Amazon rainforest, even more so than piranhas, anacondas or fierce jaguars.

Without vaccination even the bite of an infected mosquito could ruin your vacation.

What do the authorities tell us about getting vaccinated?

According to the website of the Ministry of Health of Peru (MINSA), the risks of contracting Malaria is latent in many areas of Peru, with the exception of the departments of Arequipa, Moquegua, Puno, Tacna and Lima in its surroundings, nor in the coastal area South of Lima, also in the high tourist areas: Cuzco, Machu Pichu and Lake Titicaca. Likewise, Puerto Maldonado and the Manu National Park and other endemic geographical areas of Peru are mentioned as a risk zone.

If you travel to the Peruvian jungle it is better to consult the doctor who keeps your health history, at least 4 weeks before making the trip. So that the doctor explains you about the type of vaccine that you should apply and with enough anticipation for them to take effect in the body.

In the case of the Peruvian Ministry of Health, the Yellow Fever vaccine and Malaria prophylaxis in risk areas is recommended.

On the other hand, on the website of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States (or CDC), it recommends to travelers that they will visit Peru, some important vaccines depending on particular cases.

For example, considering the type of tourism to be made, travel time or direct contact with animals or people due to visits for study or scientific purposes.

THESE ARE THE VACCINES TO TRAVEL TO THE JUNGLE OF PERU

Under this order of ideas, these are the vaccines referred by the CDC:

Hepatitis A: Vaccination is recommended to all travelers to Peru.

Hepatitis B: Vaccination is recommended to all people traveling to Peru, especially those who may have exposure to blood or body fluids through the granting or receipt of medical care, drug injections, tattoos or sexual contact with the local population.

Typhoid Fever: Vaccination is recommended to all visitors to tropical areas of South America. Especially for those who remain in rural areas where exposure could occur due to the consumption of contaminated food or water.

Yellow Fever: The vaccine against this viral infection is highly recommended for trips to the Amazon and the southern Amazon basin. The vaccination should be administered at least 10 days before your arrival and at 10-year intervals, if you decide to stay.

Rabies: Vaccination is only recommended for individuals with a higher risk of exposure in the performance of their work, which often develops for prolonged periods in areas considered high risk for this disease.

Let us mention the case of veterinarians or wildlife researchers, whose occupation requires them to have direct contact with bats, dogs, stray cats, or other mammals.

Where to get vaccinated in Lima?

The International Vaccination Center, located in the city of Lima, Avenida del ejército, block 17, San Isidro district.