Manu Peru--Simply the best wildlife destination in the Amazon.
By far the richest, most extraordinary biological transect in the Peruvian Amazon, or the world, starts in Cusco and runs northeast by road and river to the great Manu Wilderness. Manu offers by far the greatest quantity and diversity of animals and plants in the world. No other destination in Peru or beyond can compare with Manu Nowhere else can you enjoy a superbly intact transect of tropical habitats from Andean grasslands and cloud forests down to foothill and lowland forests Manu boasts the highest bird, mammal, and plant diversity of any park on Earth, including 1,000 of the world's 9,700 bird species, 200 species of mammals, and 15,000 species of flowering plants.
The most photogenic spectacles are frolicking Giant Otters, 1,000 parrots and macaws at a riverbank clay lick, dancing Cocks-of-the-Rock, habituated monkeys, and huge Lowland Tapirs at a forest clay lick. One of our lodges, Manu Wildlife Center, currently offers the world's finest viewing of this elusive animal, which elsewhere is harder to see even than the Jaguar, which also is a frequent sight in Manu.
Manu Wildlife Center is located in a private, 40,000-acre rain forest reserve adjacent to the 1 million acre protected area named the “Amarakaeri Reserved Zone”. The Center is the only lodge in the Manu lowlands with roomy, private bungalows, each of which has en suite private bathrooms complete with tiled, hot water showers. Manu Wildlife Center is located east of the Manu River on the north bank of Madre de Dios River. The Lodge contains 22 double-occupancy fully screened private bungalows, separate complexes with hot showers and toilets, a large fully screened dining room and a charm bar with hammocks for relaxing. Manu Wildlife Center has no electricity. Lighting in the communal areas is by kerosene lamp and candles, with the paths around the lodge complex lit by kerosene lamps. Lighting in the guests bedrooms is by candle. An 110Vand 220V generator is available from which camcorder batteries can be recharged. Please note that guests may need to bring a special adaptor to plug into the generator.
In December, 2002, Conde Nast Traveller magazine said the following about the Manu Wildlife Center: “…Manu Wildlife Center offered, hands down the most intense wildlife experience I’ve had in the Amazon.” December 2002 Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. “…Manu Wildlife Center has become a base of choice for elite bird-watching tours and wildlife-documentary crews- people willing to spend good money to be treated well.” December 2002, Conde Nast Traveler Magazine.
Highlights
* The world's largest tapir lick.
* The most photogenic large macaw lick.
* Miles of monkey-rich trails through mature rain forest.
* Two 120-foot-tall (35-m) canopy platforms.
* Two mature lakes complete with Hoatzins and Giant Otters. ...view more details
Abbreviated Itinerary
Day One: Cusco/Manu Wildlife Center
Fly Cusco to Boca Manu, 90 minute boat ride to Manu Wildlife Center. Afternoon and evening guided nature walks.
Day Two: Manu Wildlife Center
Early morning visit to the nearby clay lick to view macaws and parrots from a floating blind. After noon, guided nature walks and explore the jungle from our canopy platform, 112 feet above the ground, before an evening walk to view the tapir lick.
Day Three: Manu Wildlife Center
Early morning visit to an oxbow lake to view a variety of aquatic life and water birds, including the prehistoric-looking hoatzin and the possibility to see the resident family of giant otters. Afternoon nature walks, and evening caiman spotting by boat.
Day Four: Manu/Cusco
Depart by boat for the airstrip, taking advantage of valuable early morning wildlife activity along the river. Fly to Cusco and transfer to your hotel. (B) ...see full itinerary
Trip Dates
Trip begins every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from Cusco. ...view more details
Day One: Cusco/Manu Wildlife Center
Early morning our representative will pick you up from your hotel to transfer to Cusco airport. A thirty-five minute flight in a radar-equipped plane takes you to Boca Manu. Here you take a motorized canoe for the 90 minutes journey down the Madre de Dios River to Manu Wildlife Center to arrive for lunch. The afternoon will be spent exploring some of the 30 miles of clean forest trails that surround the lodge. On these trails you have an excellent chance to encounter some of the 12 species of monkeys, which include the Monk Saki and Emperor Tamarin, which inhabit the surrounding forest. After dinner you will have a short night excursion to explore nocturnal life in the rainforest. (L/D)
Day Two: Manu Wildlife Center
Rising before dawn; we take a 25 minute boat journey downstream to the only large parrot and macaw clay lick in the Manu area. From a blind we are afforded excellent views and photo opportunities of hundreds of medium-sized and large parrots arriving first at the lick, followed by the large Red-and-Green Macaws arriving to eat the clay.
Please note that :
ÿ The clay lick activity reaches its best from August to October and decreases during the months of May and June
After lunch at the Center we continue to explore the forest trails surrounding the lodge, and plan to spend the late afternoon up a 34 meter (112 feet) canopy platform. Here, we watch the last frantic activity in the rainforest canopy, or rush hour, before night settles.
We can return for dinner back at the Center, or pack our meal for the leisurely hike about 60-75 minutes through the night forest to the Amazon’s largest known Tapir clay lick. Here we climb a 17 by 17 foot observation platform perched almost 20 feet above the lick itself where we wait for the lumbering Tapirs to arrive. Then, using powerful flashlights we hope to observe and photograph them in action. Our scientific reports reveal that tapirs usually visit the clay lick between 9:00 pm and midnight; however, their activity continues until dawn. (B/L/D)
Day Three: Manu Wildlife Center
After another early morning departure by boat and short hike from the river, you have what promises to be an exciting visit to Blanco Oxbow Lake. This lake has populations of a variety of aquatic life and water birds, including the prehistoric-looking hoatzin and the possibility to see the resident family of giant otters.
After returning for lunch at the Center your guide is available to further explore the forest trails for more wildlife encounters. Alternatively, time is available to independently practice your abilities and experience this expanse of rainforest habitats on your own.
This evening, from the late afternoon until after Dinner, we offer an opportunity to search for caiman and other nocturnal life along the riverbank by boat. (B/L/D)
Day Four: Manu/Cusco
After early breakfast, we leave near dawn by motor canoe for the two hour return trip to the Manu landing strip, taking advantage of valuable early morning wildlife activity along the river. From here you fly to Cusco, where your jungle adventure ends. Arrival at Cusco Airport, reception and transfer to your hotel. (B)
Important note: Please note that the program may vary slightly so as to maximize your wildlife sightings, depending on the reports of our researchers and experienced naturalist guides based at the lodge.
This provider can help with your other additional needs
local flights
transfers
additional accomodations
trip extensions
... and other requirements.
Request these additional services when you check availability above
What's Included
* Round trip transfers to and from the Cusco Airport
* Round trip airfare from Cusco to Boca Manu
* Round trip canoe transportation to the lodge
* Private bungalows with private bathrooms
* All meals and snacks
* Purified drinking water and juices
* Bilingual naturalist guide
* Visits to macaw and tapir clay licks, oxbow lake, canopy platforms and trail hikes
Not Included
* Airport taxes. Note about the different rates for the airport taxes:
- For Manu Wildlife Center programs & Manu Wildlife Tented Camp programs - the airport taxes to be paid is US $ 23.00 per person.
- For Bio–Trip programs & Manu Explorers programs - the airport tax to be paid is US $ 8.00 per person.
* Excess baggage charges. If you have more than the 10 kilograms permitted then the excess will be charged to you directly in Cusco, The cost for the extra kilo is US $ 1.00 “space permitting”.
* Extra services (Transportation) and nights at Manu Wildlife Center or alternative lodges in case of flights cancellations.
*Manu National Park entrance fee of $70
* Personal expenses and tips. Passengers should bring some cash.
* Round trip transfers to and from the Cusco Airport
* Round trip airfare from Cusco to Boca Manu
* Round trip canoe transportation to the lodge
* Private bungalows with private bathrooms
* All meals and snacks
* Purified drinking water and juices
* Bilingual naturalist guide
* Visits to macaw and tapir clay licks, oxbow lake, canopy platforms and trail hikes
Not Included
Not Included
* Airport taxes. Note about the different rates for the airport taxes:
- For Manu Wildlife Center programs & Manu Wildlife Tented Camp programs - the airport taxes to be paid is US $ 23.00 per person.
- For Bio–Trip programs & Manu Explorers programs - the airport tax to be paid is US $ 8.00 per person.
* Excess baggage charges. If you have more than the 10 kilograms permitted then the excess will be charged to you directly in Cusco, The cost for the extra kilo is US $ 1.00 “space permitting”.
* Extra services (Transportation) and nights at Manu Wildlife Center or alternative lodges in case of flights cancellations.
*Manu National Park entrance fee of $70
* Personal expenses and tips. Passengers should bring some cash.
Transportation On Trip
Transportation Types
Motor Boat Small airplane
Lodging - Accommodations
Lodging Types
3 Nights Lodge
Details
Provider Social and Environmental Responsibility
InkaNatura Travel is the only leading tour operator in Peru owned by a nonprofit conservation group, Peru Verde,
Our work is part of Peru Verde's overall strategy to protect the country's unique cultural and biological diversity. InkaNatura contributes heavily to the maintenance of national parks, reserves, and archaeological sites while at the same time treating local people with respect and dignity.
InkaNatura Travel is 100% owned by Peru Verde. All net proceeds benefit conservation. To learn more about Peru Verde's conservation work please visit www.peruverde.org
Maximum Age
None
Travel Provider
Provider Name
InkaNatura Travel
Why should I choose this provider?
InkaNatura Travel is a versatile Peruvian tour operator in different nature and archaeology areas. With offices in Lima, Cusco, Puerto Maldonado and Chiclayo, InkaNatura is there to serve you. Every detail is meticulously planned, and every service is carefully monitored.
The Inca trail offerings from InkaNatura Travel complement or extensive portfolio of Wildlife and nature destinations like Manu and Tambopata where we have several outstanding lodges: Manu Wildlife Center, Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, Sandoval Lake Lodge and Heath River Wildlife Center. Conde Nast Traveler (Dec 2002) described Manu Wildlife center as “The finest wildlife lodge in all the Amazon” and Sandoval Lake Lodge as “The budget rainforest alternative to Manu” Our lodges are accessible via short light flight from Cusco, and provide attractions like macaw clay licks, tapir clay licks, Giant Otters, canopy platforms and much more.
There are a limited number of tour operators authorized to operate the Inca Trail. InkaNatura Travel is one of these and in just three years of Inca Trail operations has been recognized by the Government Tourism Office as one of the two BEST tour operators in the area, in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
InkaNatura Travel is proud to be member of important organizations like: International Ecotourism Society, Latin America Travel Association (UK), Sustainable Travel International, Adventure Travel (USA), Tropical Nature, Tourism for tomorrow and works with the following sustainable travel standards :
Educate our clients and provide them with opportunities to make meaningful connections with local people.
Be Culturally Sensitive.
Respect the values, customs and beliefs of the local people we visit.
Foster a greater understanding of their culture and their environmental issues.
Generate Economic Benefits.
Buy locally produced goods, become a patron of locally owned businesses, and enhance the well being of host communities.
Be Environmentally Friendly.
Conserve natural resources when traveling just as we do at home and in your offices.
Offset carbon emissions from airline and land travel.
Make positive Contributions to the conservation and preservation of natural and cultural heritage and to the maintenance of the Peru’s biodiversity.
Provider Policies
Terms and Conditions
General Conditions:
For hotels and tours:
* Rates are listed in American dollars and include taxes and service charge for non - residents in Peru.
* Tour rates are per person, unless we specified a different option.
* In case the hotel of your preference does not have space available, we will inform you of an alternative option.
* Some hotels ask for a prepayment at the time of the booking to guarantee the room. If this is the case, we will request for that payment to confirm the room and we will inform you about the special policy of that hotel.
* The confirmation for tours requested will be sent by e-mail including the itinerary, dates, information tips and pre-departure information for nature and adventure programs (tambopata, manu and inca trail programs).
* To reserve the train to Machu Picchu, we need the following information from the passengers: complete name as per in passport, nationality, date of birth and passport number.
* Clients must bring the passport with which the train ticket was issued. If not clients will not be allowed to get in the train with no obligation to Inkanatura.
* In case passengers get a new passport after they made the reservation, please inform us to make the necessary arrangements with the entity in charge of the train reservations. Please help us to avoid any inconvenience for your experience in Peru.
* For nature programs (Tambopata and Manu), in each booking please indicate: Complete name of the passengers, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number, name of the hotel in Cusco (where the passenger will stay), special food requirement (Vegetarian, low salt, low fat, diabetic or other), and any special health condition. All the information should be as per in passport.
* Due to the permit regulations that allow only 500 people per day entering to the inca trail, it is therefore essential to make reservations well in advance as the system is on a first-come, first served basis. We do recommend to book at least 90 days prior to departure.
* Clients must bring the passport with which the Inca Trail permit was issued. If not clients will not be allowed to enter to the Inca trail system with no obligation to Inkanatura.
* Prices are per person and subject to change without notice due to entrance fees to inca trail, tax and other expenses that increase without our control.
* In each booking for the Inca trail please indicate: Complete name of the passengers, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number, name of the hotel in Cusco (where the passenger will stay), special food requirement (Vegetarian, low salt, low fat, diabetic or other), and any special health condition. All the information should be as per in passport.
* Park authorities may occasionally designate different campsites at the Inca trail than those indicated.
* All trash produced during the treks will return to Cusco.
* In case passengers get a new passport after they made the reservation, please inform us to make the necessary arrangements with the UGM (Management office for Machu Picchu Sanctuary). Please help us to avoid any inconvenience for your inca trail experience.
- Deposits - due dates + amounts / Final balances - due dates.
For Hotel and tours:
* The total payment should be made 30 days before the passengers arrival for individual travellers and 45 days in advance for groups.
* If payment is not sent on the right day, Inkanatura is entitled to cancel the reservation.
For Inca trail portion:
* A deposit per person must be paid at the booking time, including the full name of clients and personal information. We must prepaid Inca trail entrance fees in advance.
* Balance of the total payment should be made 30 days before arrival for individual passengers and 45 days in advance for groups.
* For last minute reservations, total payment should be made during a week.
- Cancelation policy / fees for changes.
For hotel and tours:
* No refund will be possible for any unused part of tours or packages, due to passengers decision.
* No refund will be possible for the entire cost for services bought in advance bus tickets, train tickets, entrance fees). Airline tickets refund will be according to the airline regulations.
* Cancellations made between 30 to 16 days prior to arrival, we will charge 50% of the total amount.
* Cancellations made between 15 to 0 days prior to arrival, full amount will be charged.
* For no show, full amount will be charged
Note: Please take note that some hotels do not accept cancellations made between 30 days in advance for individual passengers and 60 days in advance for groups. We will let you know about their policy at the reservation moment.
For Inca trail portion:
* No refund will be possible for any unused part of the tour or entrance fee bought in advance.
* Entrance fee can not be transferred to another traveller. This is prohibited by law.
* For no show, full amount will be charged.
We charge the following fees per person:
For individual passengers:
* Cancellation after the booking time, we will charge USD 200.00.
* Cancellation make between 44 to 8 days prior to arrival, we will charge USD 300.00.
* Cancellation make between 7 to 0 days, we will charge full amount.
For groups:
* Cancellation after the booking time, we will charge USD 200.00.
* Cancellation make between 44 and 31 days, we will charge USD 300.00
* Cancellation make between 30 and 15 days, we will charge USD 450.00
* Cancellation make between 14 and 0 days, full amount will be charged.
Refunds:
* Refunds will be provided within 30 days of the clients submitting a letter or e-mail.
Additional notes:
* Inkanatura is responsible for providing al the services, tour packages and accomodations as confirmed.
* Inkanatura reserves the right to alter the program.
* It is important to mention that Inkanatura works by and for the client and it will look for the best for its clients not only when they book or travel but also when for a reasonable situation they have to cancel.
* Last minute bookings will be accepted but you must be alerted that there is the possibility that we will not get space at the hotel or tour that you need.
* Passport, visa, and health requirements are passengers responsabilities. We do recommend to obtain a travel insurance against cancellation and medical coverage.
Thanks for choosing InkaNatura Travel and Detour for your upcoming trip to Peru!
Detour, The Adventure Travel Marketplace - Manu Wildlife Center 4 days/3 nights
