We will depart at 6:30 a.m. towards Port Atalaya and make a few stops on the way to visit small local farmers who are known for producing many varieties of jungle fruits, including the famous Coca plant. Later, we will begin our river excursion on the Madre de Dios, one of the tributaries of the mighty Amazon River. During our day, we will have the chance to witness many types of colorful birds such as parrots, oropendolas, vultures and other species. We will also stop at the Natural Hot Spring and hopefully make some sightings of some jungle mammals such as monkeys or the famous capybaras (jungle rodents that are as much as 2.5 ft long). Towards late afternoon, we will arrive at our next sleeping destination Bonanza Lodge at approximately 3:00 p.m., where showers and services will be available. We will have a night walk in the dark which is the best time to see many anthropoids and tarantulas.

After being well-fed and rested, we will leave Bonanza Lodge and enter the clay-laden waters of the Manu River after leaving the relatively clean waters of the Madre de Dios River behind. We will make a brief stop at the park ranger station at Limonal to present our permits before traveling for about five hours up the Manu River. Beaches, especially in the dry season, are loaded with nesting birds and feeding Herons, Egrets, Orinoco Geese, Terns and Skimmers to name but a few. Some beaches will host sunning White and Black Caimans and breeding Side-necked Turtles. Hundreds of Sand-colored Nightjars roost during the day on logs and beaches and there is a chance of encountering a sunning Jaguar – the world’s third-largest cat. In one time, three times of our trips saw Jaguar in Manu. We will see some species of primate on this river trip, possibly Red Howler Monkeys or the smaller Squirrel Monkeys. After having lunch by the river, we will arrive at Casa Matsiguenka where we’ll have the afternoon to explore some of the trails through the pristine rainforest in the area. Before or after dinner, an optional excursion into the forest at night is available with your guide in search of nocturnal creatures. You will spend the night at Casa Matsiguenka, a rustic native-owned lodge run by the Matsiguenka themselves with its own exclusive trail system. There are flush toilet and shower facilities and screened twin rooms with comfortable beds and mosquito nets.

Following breakfast, we will dedicate the morning to exploring Cocha Salvador, a serene lake surrounded by lush greenery. We will glide across the water on a floating platform, observing the lake’s diverse animal life up close. With luck, we may spot an Agami Heron or Sungrebe, and keep an eye out for Brown Capuchin Monkeys, often seen feasting on fruits nearby.

The lake is also home to a family of Giant Otters, the world’s largest freshwater carnivores, that have been driven to near extinction elsewhere but remain a common sight in Manu. We will scan the water from specially constructed piers, hoping to catch a glimpse of these fascinating creatures as they consume up to 5 kilos of fish per day.

Later in the day, we will venture into the forest, led by our guide who will share insights about the area’s rich ecosystem and highlight the medicinal plants used by indigenous groups. Along the way, we may encounter some of the forest’s 13 species of monkeys or even come across a group of Peccaries, a species of wild boar. As the sun begins to set, we will pause to enjoy the late afternoon light before retiring to Casa Matsiguenka for the night. B: L: D

Today we’ll walk very slowly from camp for 4-5 hours through the forest to Cocha Otorongo. We may encounter troops of Monkeys. This is a particularly good trail for Woolly and Black Spider Monkeys. We’ll pay special attention to the plant life on this walk and take it slowly listening for the rustle of vegetation or the soft sound of fruits falling to the rainforest floor that may betray the presence of animals or large birds. A visit to the lake of Cocha Otorongo is planned, where observation piers and a 20 meter observation tower in the rainforest canopy overlooking the lake are available for observing wildlife. We will also be on the lookout for a large family of Giant Otters that inhabit this lake. B: L: D

Early this morning, we will depart to visit Pakitza, one of the first biological stations established for scientific studies in Manu. We will explore the intricate trail system around the area, as the forest gradually reveals its natural splendor around every bend. Keep your eyes peeled for the Tamarine Monkeys, the world’s smallest primates, which may even surprise us by appearing suddenly behind us.

Later in the afternoon, we will embark on another set of trails that boasts a completely different character from the first. Our guide will elaborate on the unique features of this area and introduce us to native plants that have been used for generations by local communities for medicinal purposes.

Our cook will meet us at the river with a delightful picnic lunch before we board a motorized dugout for a 4-hour journey downriver to Boca Manu, where we will spend the night. The river journey may hold some surprises, and we will keep a keen eye out for any wildlife sightings on the river banks. B: L: D will be provided at the lodge in Boca Manu.

We will depart from the lodge and start our journey up the Madre de Dios River for approximately three hours, en route to the Bonanza Lodge – Wildlife Center. This lodge is comfortably equipped and situated in a strategic location, jointly owned and operated by Amazon Wildlife Peru and a local conservation group. It serves as a base for scientific birdwatcher research and a hub for visitors interested in exploring the rainforest. Upon arrival, we will have lunch and a chance to freshen up before meeting any researchers who are present. The afternoon will be free for relaxation or, for those who wish to participate, to embark on a trail through the pristine forest to a viewpoint on a cliff overlooking the river to observe the roosting flights of Parrots and Macaws as the sun sets. Additionally, those who are interested can join a guided night walk in search of nocturnal animals. We will spend the night at Bonanza Lodge. B: L: D

Early in the morning, we’ll depart from Bonanza Lodge and head to Port Atalaya, where we’ll take a van directly to Cusco, passing through the Cloud Forest. If you choose to return by plane, we’ll head to the airstrip and board an aircraft for a 35-minute flight over the seemingly endless rainforest and then over the Andes, passing glaciers and snow peaks before reaching the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, where our staff will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. B: L