Manu Tour Reserved Zone & Cocha Otorongo 6d/5n

After breakfast, a 45-minute bus ride takes us to Atalaya Port, passing local coca and orchid plantations. We board our motorized boat down the Madre de Dios River, tracking herons, kingfishers, the majestic King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa), and even the elusive Jaguar (Panthera onca). After a brief stop at Boca Manu (280 m.a.s.l.) and the ranger control station, we enter the famous Manu Reserved Zone. Along the river, we spot turtles, white caimans (Caiman crocodilus), and capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). In the afternoon, we arrive at our Cocha Otorongo Safari Camp (250 m.a.s.l.). We visit the lake and its 30-meter observation tower to spot Giant River Otters and caimans. Night in comfortable safari tents on raised roofed platforms with double beds and mosquito nets (shared bathrooms).

After a fresh lunch at the lodge, we will head to Machuwasi Lake (Cocha Machuwasi) in the afternoon. Here, we will ride a traditional raft or catamaran to observe an incredible variety of birds, such as the prehistoric Shansho or Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin), as well as monkeys, reptiles, caimans, insects, and with some luck, capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris).

In the evening, we offer an optional night trekking program to explore the jungle after dark. We then return to spend the night at our lodge, with private bathrooms and showers available.

Today we explore Cocha Salvador, located just 30 minutes from our camp. We hike through pristine, virgin primary forest and board a silent catamaran to navigate the oxbow lake. This is the absolute best way to observe families of Giant River Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis), rare birds like the Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinicus), Agami Heron (Agamia agami), and up to 9 species of wild monkeys. Afterwards, we walk along the main trails with our expert naturalist guide to uncover the secrets of the rainforest ecosystem. In the afternoon, we return to the Cocha Otorongo safari camp for dinner. An optional night walk is available to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Very early in the morning, the group visits the Macaw Clay Lick located in the Salvadorcillo stream area. We then navigate back down the pristine Manu River, maximizing our wildlife viewing, towards Boca Manu. On the way, we make a brief expedition to Cocha Brasco to look for active groups of Giant River Otters and lakeside fauna. We spend the night at our comfortable lodge in Boca Manu, equipped with running water, showers, and bathrooms.

We continue our journey upstream along the Alto Madre de Dios River. This morning navigation offers a fantastic final window to spot specialized river birds, caimans, and tree mammals along the shores. In the afternoon, we arrive at our authentic Paititi Lodge. You will have the rest of the day to relax in the hammocks or explore the surrounding trails. Overnight stay with private bathrooms and hot showers available.

After our final jungle breakfast, we board our boat to navigate back upstream to Atalaya Port, where our private bus is waiting. We drive back up through the scenic depths of the mysterious Cloud Forest, enjoying its beautiful landscapes and unique flora. We will arrive back in the imperial city of Cusco between 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., ending our incredible Amazonian expedition.