Luxury Manu Wildlife Expedition 9 Days from Cusco
The journey
9-Day Luxury Manu Wildlife Expedition from Cusco
Join TrueAndes on a private luxury Manu expedition into the heart of the Manu Biosphere Reserve, home to more than 1,000 bird species, 13 species of monkeys, giant river otters, tapirs and jaguars. This luxury Manu wildlife expedition starts and ends in Cusco, perfect after your Inca Trail, Salkantay or Machu Picchu trip.
From the Andean cloud forest to the lowland Amazon, you travel with a private naturalist guide, a private chef, a nutritionist and a physiotherapist for massages and recovery. Inside the Reserved Zone we set up a premium private glamping camp with real beds, mosquito nets, private bathroom tent and our own power system. Private transport, private boat, professional binoculars and spotting scopes, and meetings with native communities make this the most complete way to experience Manu in comfort.
Day by day
Cusco to the Cloud Forest: Cock of the Rock Lodge
Private pick-up at your hotel in Cusco. Scenic private drive over the Andes, stopping at the colonial town of Paucartambo and the Acjanaco viewpoint at the entrance of Manu. Descent into the cloud forest, looking for the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Peru's national bird, and dozens of hummingbird species. Gourmet dinner by our private chef. Overnight at Cock of the Rock Lodge.
Cloud Forest to the Lowlands by Private Boat
Dawn birding for quetzals, trogons and tanagers. Private transfer to Atalaya and private boat journey down the Alto Madre de Dios River, spotting herons, kingfishers and capybaras on the riverbanks. Evening relaxation massage by our physiotherapist. Overnight at Pantiacolla Lodge.
Parrot Clay Lick and Forest Trails
Early visit to a parrot clay lick, where colorful parrots gather to eat mineral-rich clay. Guided walk on forest trails looking for antbirds, woodcreepers and monkeys. Afternoon visit with a native Matsiguenka community to learn about medicinal plants, traditional crafts and their life in the forest. Overnight at Pantiacolla Lodge.
Deep Jungle Trek to the Petaca Streams
A guided hike to the Petaca streams, searching for endemic species and discovering giant trees and the extraordinary flora of the rainforest. Night walk with our naturalist to find frogs, tarantulas and nocturnal animals. Overnight at Pantiacolla Lodge.
Manu Reserved Zone: Cocha Salvador
Private boat into the Manu Reserved Zone, the most protected part of the park. Catamaran exploration of the Cocha Salvador oxbow lake to watch giant river otters, hoatzins, black caimans and monkeys. Arrival at our premium private glamping camp: spacious tents with real beds and mosquito nets, a dining tent, a private bathroom tent with hot shower, and our own solar power system. Chef's dinner under the stars.
Canopy Tower and Rainforest Trails
Climb the observation tower to see canopy species at eye level: toucans, macaws and tanagers. Afternoon trail walk for understory birds and a chance to see tapirs, peccaries and, with luck, a jaguar. Physiotherapy session to relax after the day. Overnight at our private glamping camp.
River Journey to Blanquillo
Private boat journey down the Manu and Madre de Dios rivers, a prime time for wildlife viewing on the riverbanks. Arrival at Manu Wildlife Center. Evening night walk or night boat ride to spot caimans. Overnight at Manu Wildlife Center.
Macaw Clay Lick Spectacle
At sunrise, witness hundreds of scarlet, blue-and-yellow and red-and-green macaws gathering at the famous Blanquillo clay lick, one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the Amazon. Afternoon visit to the tapir clay lick hide. Farewell dinner by our chef. Overnight at Manu Wildlife Center.
Return to Cusco
Private boat to Boca Colorado and private transfer to Puerto Maldonado, then a short flight to Cusco. Private transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
What's included
Included
- Guide: Private bilingual naturalist and ornithologist guide.
- Wellness team: Private chef, nutritionist, physiotherapist with daily massages, and first aid staff.
- Accommodation: 8 nights: Cock of the Rock Lodge, Pantiacolla Lodge, Manu Wildlife Center and a
- premium private glamping camp in the Reserved Zone.
- Private camp: Spacious tents with beds and mosquito nets, dining tent, private bathroom tent with
- hot shower, solar power system and refrigeration.
- Transport: Private vehicle from Cusco, private motorboat and catamaran.
- Flight: Puerto Maldonado – Cusco.
- Meals: Full board by our private chef, adapted to your diet, with snacks and purified water.
- Optics: Professional binoculars and spotting scope for each guest.
- Experiences: Native community visit, clay licks, canopy tower and night walks.
- Entrances: Manu National Park permits and clay lick fees.
- Safety: Satellite phone, oxygen, first aid kit and rubber boots.
Not included
- International flights and flights to Cusco.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Alcoholic beverages and additional drinks.
- Personal expenses and souvenirs.
- Tips for guides, chef, boat crew and lodge staff.
- Hotel nights in Cusco before or after the expedition.
- Any service not listed under "What's included.
What travellers say
Stories from the trail
Experiences shared by our travellers on Tripadvisor.
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Questions before you go
Clear answers for planning this tour.
Where does the tour start?
In Cusco. We pick you up at your hotel, so it is easy to add after your Inca Trail, Salkantay or Machu Picchu trip, even if you booked those with another company.
Is there internet in Manu?
No. Once we enter the park there is no cell signal or internet. We carry a satellite phone for safety. It is a true digital detox.
What animals can we see?
Macaws, parrots, the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, hoatzins, toucans, howler, spider and capuchin monkeys, giant river otters, caimans, capybaras and tapirs. Jaguars are possible but elusive.
What is the private camp like?
Spacious premium tents with real beds and mosquito nets, a dining tent, a private bathroom tent with hot shower, and our own solar power system with refrigeration.
Are there health professionals on the trip?
Yes. A nutritionist adapts every meal to your needs, a physiotherapist offers massages and recovery sessions, and our team is trained in first aid.
How long are the boat rides?
Some days include 4 to 6 hours on our private boat, which is also one of the best times to see wildlife.
Is it safe to swim in the river?
Generally no, due to currents, caimans and stingrays. Your guide will show you safe spots if available.
What kind of food is served?
Our private chef prepares fresh gourmet Peruvian and international dishes, adapted to vegetarian or special diets.