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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

Floating blind at Macaw Claylick

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.


Parakeets at the Lick

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



The male Cock of the Rocks

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.)


Emerald Toucanet

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


On the Tower of Camungo Lake - 42 m high!

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


Orange Cheeked Parrot

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

    NEW in Amazon Trails Peru! Adventure with balsa raft : see itinerary






    Updated:

    Amazon Trails Peru Tour Operator
    Calle Tandapata 660, San Blas, Cusco - Peru
    Tel: (+51 84) 437374 (telefax) / mobile: 984714148
    Skype: amazontrailsperu
    e-mail: info@amazontrailsperu.com

    USA representative : World Class Travel
    800-771-3100 (Toll free USA and Canada)
    352-371-3100 (local phone)
    e-mail: amazontrails@peruperu.com

    Cusco / Trekking / Inka Trail Links
     
    Also Visit:

    Please ask for our 20 day birding tour in June 2011!
    Contact Us

    Recommended by

    • Lonely Planet
    • Footprint Handbook Peru
    • Footprint South America
    • Reise Know How Peru Bolivien
    - Manu oxbow lake

    · Why go to Manu?

    Manu is situated in the peruvian part of the Amazon basin and is one of the world´s great wilderness areas where wildlife is still undisturbed and plentiful.

    The Manu Biosphere Reserve protects Tropical Alpine Grasslands ( Puna), Elfin ( temperate) and Cloud Forests, High Rainforest and Lowland Rainforest. In these different ecosistems we can find an extraordinary variety of animal and plant species:

    So far 15.000 plant species, over 1000 bird species and 200 species of mammals have been identified in Manu.

    According to biologists no other rainforest Park can compare with Manu´s biodiversity ( 40 % more bird species than in the brazilian Amazon) and opportunities to observe wildlife, e.g. at the Mammal- and Macaw Salt Licks.

    Manu is remote, away from civilisation and scarcely populated, which distinguishes Manu from other rainforest destinations like Pto. Maldonado. Some of the indigenous tribes in Manu have no contact to civilization.

    Some birds are endemic to this area as e.g. White tufted Sunbeam(Aglaeactis castelnaudii), Red and white Antpitta (Grallaria erythroleuca), Puna Thistletail (Schizoeaca h. helleri) and White cheeked Tody Tyrant (Poecilotriccus albifacies).

    No other area in America offers such excellent viewing of rare or difficult to observe animals.

    -
    Macaws

    · Why go with Amazon Trails Peru?

    We were founded by experienced, professional Manu guides - most of them grew up in the rainforest - , who make sure that you have the best opportunities to observe wildlife without disturbing the animals.

    Our guides are bilingual and give you a comprehensive impression of the rainforest ecosystem and provide you with an unique, learning rainforest experience at a fair price.

    Amazon Trails Peru aims to train local people and work with them, support lodges and enterprises owned by local people and communities (e.g. Casa Matsiguenka).

    · Why go to Blanquillo and Maquisapayoj?

    Blanquillo and Maquisapayoj are private reserves, situated in pristine primary rainforest, only a short boat ride from Boca Manu. In Blanquillo there is the big Macaw Clay Lick and 2 oxbow lakes with ideal conditions to observe giant otters from a wooden catamaran.

    Maquisapayoj has an elevated platform to observe tapirs at night – surrounded by dense forest.

    Nobody else around in hundreds of kilometers of rainforest!

    Both places are surrounded by plenty of private walking trails to discover, ideal to observe animals.·

    -
    Tapir

    · Ecotourism and Conservation

    Manu is a very rich/ biodiverse but fragile ecosystem.

    Being home of several endangered species, e.g. Giant Otter, Harpy Eagle, Giant Anteater, Ocelot and Wooly Monkey, ecologically sustainable tourism in Manu is imperative and a low tourism flow is favourable.

    Visitors should be informed about rainforest conservation and favorabletourism activities have to be controled ( e.g. don´t get too close to the animals).

    Ecotourism also is an important economic activity for the inhabitants of the rainforest that permits its use without distroying the rainforest resources.

    That´s why it´s very important to involve local people in Manu tourism!

    -
    Tapirplatform in Maquisapayoj
     
         


    Calle Tandapata 660, San Blas, Cusco - Peru
    Tel: (+51 84) 437374 (telefax) / mobile: 984714148 - Skype: amazontrailsperu
    e-mail: info@amazontrailsperu.com
     
    USA representative : World Class Travel
    800-771-3100 (Toll free USA and Canada)
    352-371-3100 (local phone)
    e-mail: amazontrails@peruperu.com
    Important: All Phographic Material is propierty of Amazon Trails Perú
    The sounds of birds you can hear on this site have been recorded in Manu
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