The Andean slopes, the Cloud Forest and the lowland forest of Manu are considered the best and most interesting places for birdwatching. In Manu you can find 60 species of Hummingbirds, 7 species of Macaws, 10 species of Toucans, 70 species of Antbirds and more than 80 species of Tanagers and a wide variety of Flycatchers . The maximum size of the group is 7 people for one guide while walking on the trails.

Young Macaws

DAY 1.- CUSCO TO PILLAHUATA WAYQECHA BIOLOGICAL STATION: We start at 5 a.m. and have our first stop at Huacarpay lake (30 min. from Cusco) where we will see a variety of high Andean birds. Here we look for Wren-like Rushbird, Many-colored Rush-Tyrant, Puna Ibis, Andean Gull, Andean Negrito, Aplomado Falcon, American Kestrel, Cinereous Harrier, Variable Hawk, Black-Chested Buzzard-Eagle and Chilean Flamingo. The impressive endemic birds around this lake are the Bearded Mountaineer, Rufous-Fronted Canastero and Streak-Fronted Thornbird. After this stop we continue the trip to Paucartambo town, where it is possible to see the Torrent Tyrannulet on the edge of the Mapacho river. While driving through the Andes we always stop, when we see some flock of birds. Acjanaco at 3560 meters is a good place for lunch and to start Birdwatching down the road. These are the common ones: Gray-breasted Mountain Toucan, Andean Guan, Hooded and Scarlet Bellied Mountain Tanagers, White tufted Sunbeam, Red and white Antpitta, Collared Jay, Mountain Cacique, and different varieties of Flycatchers. We spend the night at Wayqecha Biological station at 2900 msl. Doble room with share bathroom B.L.D.

DAY 2.- EXPLORING AROUND WAYQECHA AND PILLAHUATA: Early in the morning we explore the trails and walk along the road to try to see the rarest Chestnut crested Cotinga and continuing increasing our birding list. The camp site for the night is in Wayqecha Biological station at 2900 msl. Doble room with share bathroom B.L.D.

DAY 3.- WAYQECHA BIOLOGICAL STATION TO SAN PEDRO LODGE: On this day we go down the road towards the cloudforest where the chances for seeing birds are very high, especially for Tanagers, Redstars, Hummingbirds, Flycatchers, Furnariids and others. The night is spent in a lodge with private bathroom. B.L.D.

DAY 4.- EXPLORING AROUND SAN PEDRO: Early in the morning we go to observe - from the special platform - the famous Cock of the Rocks at the lek, and afterwards we explore the trails increasing our birding list. Here it is possible to see the Crested Quetzal and Golden headed Quetzal. The night is spent in a lodge with private bathroom. B.L.D.

DAY 5.- SAN PEDRO TO RIO DE ORO LODGE: Continuing down the road towards Atalaya (500m) we have the chance to see the Amazonian Umbrellabird, Versicolored Barbet, Black and Chestnut Eagle and the beautifull Quetzals, and many other birds of different species. From Atalaya we take a short boat ride to Rio de Oro Lodge, where we spend the night with private bathroom. B.L.D

DAY 6.- EXPLORING RIO DE ORO LODGE: Rio de Oro Lodge is situated at the foothills of the Andes. There are many good trails for birding purposes around Rio de Oro Lodge and we can visit nearby Machuwasi Lake. As a transition zone this place puts together the lowland birds and upper tropical birds. Optional night walk. The night is spent at the Rio de Oro Lodge. B.L.D

DAY 7.- BOAT RIDE FROM RIO DE ORO LODGE TO MAQUISAPAYOJ: On this day we travel by boat 8 hours down the Upper Madre de Dios River and arriving to the confluence (website junction) with the Manu River where the Madre de Dios river begins. For Birdwatching, traveling by boat is very good, there are Vultures, Macaws, Herons, Egrets, Cormorants, Terns and others. The night is spent at Maquisapayoj Lodge with private bathrooms. Optional night walk. B.L.D (website: platform in blanquillo.)

MACAW CLAY LICK IN BLANQUILLO AND TAPIR LICK IN MAQUISAPAYOJ: Early in the morning we travel 40 minutes (website: we go 5 min by boat) by boat and afterwards walk 15 minutes to the blind of the Macaws of Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick and watch as flocks of Parakeets, Parrots and Macaws arrive to eat the clay at the lick. In the afternoon we go to Blanco Lake looking for Giant River Otters and lake birds like Hoatzins, Kingfishers, Flycatchers, Grebes and others. In the afternoon we return to Maquisapayoj and walk for about 1 1/2 hours through primary forest to get to the mammal salt lick, just in front of the clay lick. Here we have the chance to observe tapirs or other mammals at night. B.L.D

DAY 9.- BIRDING AROUND BLANQUILLO: Today we explore the bamboo trails searching for the Peruvian Recurvebill, Rufous-headed Woodpecker, White-cheeked Tody Tyrant, Manu Antbird and other bamboo specialists. In the afternoon we visit Camungo oxbow-lake to observe giant river otters and can climb a 42 m canopy tower close to the lake. This is a good place to observe toucans in the afternoon. The night is spent at Maquisapayoj Lodge or on the platform at the tapir lick. B.L.D

DAY 10.- EXPLORING MAQUISAPAYOJ MAMMAL SALT LICK: Today we walk on the trails in Maquisapayoj looking for more bird species, such as Round Tailed Manakin, Blue Back Manakin and Pavonine Quetzal. We spend the night in Maquisapayoj Lodge, or next to the mammal salt lick, where we have a good chance to see tapirs, deer, and pacas (rodent). B.L.D

DAY 11.- MAQUISAPAYOJ TO BOCA MANU TO CUSCO: Early on the morning we come back to Boca Manu airstrip and fly back to Cusco (45 min.). Transfer to your hotel.

 

 

The Tour Includes:

Options:

Specialized Manu birding guide Cook Food (3 meals per day, vegetarian on request) Private bus and boat transportation Lodge stays, Camping equipment, mosquito netting (except sleeping bag) Entrance to Cock of the Rock observatory, Macaw Clay Lick, Mammal Salt Lick First Aid Kit Radio communication Flight back to Cusco Please contact us to coordinate for a birding tour - also in the sierra!! » Contact and Reservations

Price per person with lodges, according to number of participants in 2011: 1 Person: 4250 US$ p. Person 2 Persons: 3150 US$ p. Person 4 Persons: 2450 US$ p. Person 6 Persons: 2150 US$ p. Person

Things you should bring for the Manu Trip:

mosquito repellent long sleeved shirts (cotton is better) cotton socks sandals rain gear long pants bathing suit hiking shoes binoculars (you can also rent them from) camera and films (400 and 200 ASA) plastic bags for clothes and camera etc. personal things (soap, toilet paper. towel etc.) hat (or handkerchief) sun blocker, sun glasses sleeping bag (can also be rented) flashlight (with spare bulb and batteries) day pack rubber boots ( only in rainy season, Jan. -April)

vermillon flycatcher

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