This Manu tour experience takes you to a landscape that is unique of its kind: from the high-altitude Andes to the lower situated cloud forest and eventually down into the rainforest. Don’t miss this spectacular off-the-beaten-path tour!
Between Cusco and Manu, where the Andes and the Amazon meet, you will find an incredibly beautiful and interesting place of conservation for the countless local species that can be found here. The place is very unique, as it loses altitude quickly, thus giving place to various different habitats within a very short span of distance. For scientists, this is a heaven on earth for carrying out projects in the different altitude levels.
For visitors like you, it is not less interesting, as you will be able to discover different ecosystems and animal species in a short time. A great variety of birds can be found here, but also the Andean or Spectacled bear (locally called Ukuku). Get out those binoculars to go spot some bird species, go on a canopy walk and visit a biogarden. All while discovering both the cloudforest and the rainforest of Manu.
*Note: All programs in the jungle may have slight variations, depending on the reports of our experienced guides and weather conditions, in order to maximize the observation of wildlife.
Heading into the enchanting realm of the jungle during the rainy season can be quite the adventure, yet there are a few things eager explorers should keep in mind. While the lush landscapes of the Manu rainforest are tempting, tours in this area sadly take a pause due to the heavy rains, making it a bit tricky to explore to your heart’s content. But hey, don’t let this dampen your spirits! When one door closes, another opens, and in this case, it leads to the spectacular Tambopata.
For the wanderlusting souls yearning for an unforgettable jungle experience, Tambopata opens its arms wide, beckoning with its biodiversity and vibrant ecosystems. Even during the rainy season, our tours in Tambopata are in full swing, offering you a magical escape into nature’s lap.
If you want to experience Manu, but feel like this tour is not the best fit for you, we offer other tours in Manu. Have a look at all of our Amazon Jungle Tours, where you will find not only Manu tours, but also tours in Iquitos and Tambopata.
Price Includes
What to Bring
You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco at 6:30 am to start your Manu: Between the cloud forest and rainforest tour. First, you’ll head towards the Wayqecha Biological Station in Manu. On your way, you will visit the funerary towers or Chullpas of Ninamarca and the picturesque town of Paucartambo.
After a 2-hour drive, you will arrive in Paucartambo. The place, also known as the “Folklore Capital of Cusco”, is the venue for one of the most important festivals in the region: the Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen de Paucartambo.
The mythological character (half man, half spectacled bear) called “Ukuku”, is present in the dances of the festival, generating both mischief and fear. His status as a demigod gives him the power to ensure the good conduct of the people, helping and maintaining order in the places where the party takes place.
You will then arrive at the Wayqecha Biological Station, located in the cloud forest. This is an incredibly peaceful place in the cloud forest. The landscape here is mystical and filled with silence, as the clouds lay over the mountains.
In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to explore a 400-meter path of orchids just next to your accommodations. Depending on the time of year, you will be able to observe dozens of orchids in the flowering stage.
Also, at Wayqecha, spectacled bears are regularly seen by camera traps (set up to develop the reference conservation status of Andean bears in the upper Manu region). If you are interested in the work being done to protect this species, you can go and visit the the Andean Bear Interpretation Center. This is an important space of environmental education for locals and foreign visitors.
In the evening, one of the scientists working at the station can give you a small presentation about the place and the scientific projects carried out, if you are interested.
You will start the day by having breakfast in Wayqecha, and then you will have the opportunity to go on a Canopy Walkway. Here you will experience an unparalleled view of the treetops. You can also learn about an interesting scientific project being carried out just by the walkway.
Back at Wayqecha, you will have lunch before continuing your journey further into Manu. On your way, you will most probably spot the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, an iconic bird species with historical and emblematic value, which represents the diverse fauna of Peru.
Finally, it’s time to leave the cloud forest and make your way further down into the jungle (rainforest). Late in the afternoon, you will arrive at the lodge where you will spend the night.
You will start the day by going to explore the trail system around the lodge. The guide will show you different medicinal plants, as well as the local wildlife. On the way back, you might have the opportunity to spot some other birds like Tangaras and Aracaris.
Back at the lodge, you will have lunch. Then, in the afternoon, you will go to the Huacaria Native Community. You will have time to visit the community, learn about its traditions, and buy handicrafts made from seeds and natural products.
If you are interested in discovering the nocturnal wildlife, you can go on an optional night walk.
After breakfast, you will have the chance to keep exploring the jungle looking for more wildlife.
After spending the last hours in Pillcopata, we will take a public bus back to Cusco, where you will arrive in the afternoon.
*Important: Private transportation from Manu to Cusco can be arranged upon request at an additional fee.
The Wayqecha Cloud Forest Biological Station is one of the world’s best sites to explore the lush cloudforest ecosystem. A constant supply of moisture supports a remarkable diversity of plants, which in turn supports thriving populations of birds, amphibians, orchids, and mammals.
Manu National Park is one of the most biodiverse protected areas in the world. Our tourism activities within Manu are strictly disegned to minimize environmental impact, ensuring that wildlife habitats remain intact. We strongly emphasize low-impact practices, aligning with the park’s conservation objectives and contributing to the ongoing protection of globally significant biodiversity.
The tour also incorporates a cultural component through a visit to the community of Huacaria. This element enhances sustainability by promoting community-based tourism, where local residents actively participate in and benefit from tourism activities.
By taking this tour, visitors gain a deeper understanding of cloud forest ecology, conservation challenges, and the interconnectedness between ecosystems and local communities. By raising awareness and encouraging responsible travel behavior, the tour contributes to long-term conservation outcomes beyond the immediate visit.
This tour is not very demanding, However, please keep in mind that the weather conditions in the jungle are not what most of us are used to: it gets hot and very humid and mosquitos love it here. So, don’t forget to stay hydrated, wear a hat or a cap and use insect repellent. Feel free to look at our general packing list for the jungle.
On the way to Manu you must be prepared for cold temperatures experienced in the mountain pass and in the cloud forest. Later on, hot and humid conditions are more or less the rule. But again, rainy days can lower the temperatures quite a lot. Extraordinary events called “friaje” or Antarctic winds can also occur. On these occasions, be prepared for the cold instaed of relying on the usual hot conditions of the tropics.
Find more info about climates in Peru in our blog “Best Time to Travel to Peru“.
Visit a travel doctor who can provide professional advice on necessary vaccinations. If you are traveling to the Amazon, a yellow fever vaccine is recommended. Malaria prophylaxis may also be advised, but you should consider the potential side effects. We always recommend taking precautions such as using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved cotton clothing.
Internet access is provided during certain hours of the day at certain areas of the lodges.
For questions about booking a tour, prices, preparation for your trip, health and safety or other themes, please check our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you can’t find your question & answer, email us and we’ll add it!
