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ECOLOGICAL MANU (MANU ECOLOGICAL ADVENTURE PROGRAMME)
ITINERARY:
DAY 01: CUSCO - MANU We leave Cusco early in the morning in our specialized overland vehicles. Approximately mid-morning we visit the interesting tombs of Ninamarca, commonly known as "Chullpas". We continue to Paucartambo, a picturesque Spanish colonial town, and then to the Acjanacu pass, which marks the beginning of the Cultural Zone of Manu Biosphere Reserve. Here, a thick cloak of clouds provides perpetual humidity and makes an ideal habitat for epiphytic plants such as bromeliads. This varied and fascinating world is home of the Cock of the Rock, Spectacled Bear, Orchids, Tree Ferns (one of the oldest living plants), mosses and lichens. This cloud forest exists between 2,000 and 3,500 m.a.s.l., and at least 50% of the plant species found here are endemic to this region. Overnight in our private reserve open-air platform "San Pedro's Orchids". Day 02: MANU - CLOUD FOREST - PILCOPATA - ATALAYA - ERIKA Today we wake up very early to observe the Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruviana), Peru's national bird from a platform . The male birds are a vibrant reddish orange, and as many as several dozen come together for an exhibition of a mating ritual dance in a place called Lek. The males display their crest, showing off and posturing for the females. The females, fewer in number, watch to select the most suitable males. After breakfast we continue in our overland transport *1 down the narrow road between waterfalls and canyons toward the town of Pilcopata *2 and then to Atalaya Port. here we board our covered, outboard motor boat and head down the Alto Madre de Dios River for approximately 15 minutes toward our private reserve of "Erika" where we will hike through the interesting trail system that this transitional area between high and low jungle offers. Overnight in the lodge. *1 Optional: Descend with mountain bikes from our San Pedro Lodge (1700 m.a.s.l.) Cloud Forest to Pilcopata (700 m.a.s.l.) High Jungle. *2 Optional: Here in Pilcopata town we will make the final settings for a 1 ½ or 3 hours river rafting (class I and II rapids) trip down the Koshñipata river where we will have the opportunity for a dip and of course enjoy the spectacular view of the Koñeq Canyon. Continuing down the Alto Madre de Dios River to Erika Lodge. DAY 03: MANU - ERIKA - BOCA MANU - P.V. LIMONAL After breakfast * we board our canoe for the four-hour ride down the Alto Madre de Dios River to Boca Manu's airstrip. (Optional flight from Cusco to Boca-Manu; this means that some new members may join our group, the plane flies over the Andes to a narrow gravel landing strip in the jungle, the flight takes approximately 45 minutes). Boca Manu's village is situated a short distance from the confluence of the Manu River with the Alto Madre de Dios River place where you can buy your last fresh supplies and cold drinks before setting off again in the canoe. Now we enter the Manu River and the Reserved Zone, stopping in a white sand beach where we camp along the riverbank. Short walk around the area. New!!! *3 Optional: Canopy tour: Our guests in our Erika Lodge traverse from tree to tree and platform to platform using pulleys on horizontal traverse cables, as they sail through the treetops of the tropical rainforest canopy, and over the trails far below. Expert guides assist you in this exciting journey through the different layers of the virgin rain forests and explain what's going on around you, from the time you leave the ground, until you rappel back down to the forest floor. DAY 04: MANU - P.V. LIMONAL - SALVADOR LAKE After registering in the official tourist logbook at Limonal, the Park Rangers Headquarters and eating an early breakfast, we follow the Manu River until we arrive Salvador Lake, our base safari campsite (screened dining room, bathrooms, radio communication is available). This canoe ride gives us the opportunity to observe the immensity of the rainforest and the diversity of birdlife, reptiles and mammals. You will often see animals sunning themselves on beaches, or foraging for food in the trees lining the riverbanks. We arrive early in the afternoon and have lunch before setting off on a jungle trail. Our time is spent looking for wildlife inside the rainforest and on Salvador Oxbow Lake, until the sun goes down and we return to camp. We explore Salvador Lake by paddling quietly along on a catamaran, giving us the opportunity to observe unique species of birds, monkeys, caimans and with luck the Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis). This endangered species can be seen swimming, fishing, eating and playing. DAY 05: MANU - SALVADOR LAKE - OTORONGO - SALVADOR LAKE We rise early in the morning, as the forest is awakened by the Red Howler monkey (Aloatta seniculus) declaring its territory. A morning walk before breakfast is a great way to catch wildlife in the pursuit of food, as the temperature is very pleasant at this time of day. After relaxing and swimming in the river we enjoy lunch along the riverbank, after this, we cross the river to walk an 8-km trail to another oxbow lake called Otorongo. A strategically located observation tower rises 15 meters above the lake and the jungle floor, giving us more chances to observe wildlife including the Giant Otter. Late in the afternoon we will use the catamaran and with the help of flashlights we can observe the black caimans rise from the depths of the lake and begin their search for prey. Return to the campsite. DAY 06: MANU - SALVADOR LAKE - BOCA MANU - TAMBO BLANCO Once again we wake up early, enjoy a brief morning walk and eat breakfast, then pack up camp and go down stream the interesting Manu River. We arrive at Boca Manu midday, this village is situated a short distance from the confluence of the Manu and Alto Madre de Dios rivers. From here we descend the Madre de Dios River arriving early in the afternoon after three hours ride to Blanco Private Reserve. Camp at the safari campsite and spend one more night in this magical Amazon jungle. Possibility to do a short walk around the trail system. * (Optionally if the climate and the conditions allow it) DAY 07: MANU - TAMBO BLANCO - MACAWS CLAY LICK - BOCA MANU After a very early wake up, we use a special hide in the river shore in front to the "Collpa" macaw lick. We quietly observe the various parrots feeding on the clay for mineral and salt supplements to their diet of seeds and fruits. The brightly colored macaws usually wait patiently in the surrounding trees until the smaller parrot species have left the area. Slowly, the macaws come down to the clay wall to feed. We need a lot of patience and silence on the catamaran so as not to disturb them as they eat the clay. Around mid morning we board our canoe to return to the airstrip at Boca Manu. At this point, those who are returning to Cusco by plane will catch their flight. This optional flight from Boca Manu to Cusco offers spectacular views of the surrounding jungle and the area's meandering rivers. The others continue up the Alto Madre de Dios River to camp on an appropriate beach in the Cultural Zone and enjoy the sites and sounds of the jungle for one last night. DAY 08: MANU - BOCA MANU - ATALAYA - CUSCO Waking up very early, we continue the trip by boat to Atalaya, where the bus will be waiting for us and drive back up and out of Manu, arriving in Cusco very late this night or the next early morning. END OF OUR SERVICES. IMPORTANT: In order to meet with group and guide, receive last recommendations and answer questions; briefing one day prior to departure at 7:00pm. at the agency. AIR CHARTER ALTERNATIVE DAY THREE: Arrive by plane from Cusco to Boca Manu at mid morning DAY SEVEN: Leave Boca Manu and arrive in Cusco in the early afternoon SERVICES INCLUDED: - Own ground transportation (Overland buses and 4WD vehicles) and river transportation (covered motor boats). - 01 night in San Pedro Open Air Lodge, - 01 night in Erika Lodge, - Two-person tents, sleeping mattress, dining tent, cooking tent - Meals (vegetarian option) - Excursions as detailed in this programme - All applicable taxes. - Specialized and bilingual guide - Camping equipment - First aid kit including anti-ophidian shots, - Air charters (optional - maximum 10kgr. of luggage per person), - Paperwork and payment for Park permits - Captain and river rafting equipment, - Mountain biking equipment , - Safety box for values and storage for luggage. - Radio communication equipment in the Lodges. - Satellite telephone for emergencies. * As additional service we offer safety box for values and storage for luggage in Cusco's main office. NOT INCLUDED: • Baggage excess. • Alcoholic drinks, soda or bottled mineral water. • Personal expenses. • Tips • International or National personal telephone calls. • Additional nights for bad weather o flight cancellation • Snacks. • Laundry THINGS YOU SHOULD BRING ALONG ON A TRIP TO MANU • Binoculars, • Sleeping bag • Camera and films (ASA 200 and 400 for the inner forest) • Warm clothing, long sleeve shirts and long pants (cotton) wide brim hat and sun glasses for sunny days • 100% waterproof rain gear (long poncho or rain wear) • Insect repellent (at least 50% Deet), • Sunscreen lotion • One pair of lightweight ankle height boots and sandals • Flashlight, enough batteries (alkaline) and bulbs • Towel, swimming suit • Personal medicines and/or supplies (liquid for contact lenses for example) • A day pack and one back pack or duffel bag of luggage • One bottle of water for the first day, plastic bags. Minimum 2 participants.
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