MANU NATIONAL PARK CAMPING SAFARI Wildland Adventures Manu National Park Camping Safari www.wildland.com
Itinerary Overview This Amazon journey through the Manu Biosphere Reserve to the Manu Wildlife Center is one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in the entire Amazon rainforest. Due to its ecological diversity, Manu boasts the highest recorded 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. Traversing a vast elevation range traveling by land over the Andes, explore unique habitats with overnight stops at the Cock-of-the-Rock Cloud Forest Lodge and the Amazonia Lodge in the Manu foothills. In Manu National Park spend two nights at a secluded tent camp, located close to wildlife-rich oxbow lakes. At the Manu Wildlife Center you hike on an extensive network of trails, take nocturnal forays through the forest to a tapir clay lick blind, canoe in oxbow lakes in search of giant river otters, and climb a steel circular staircase into the rain forest canopy. Nearby are two macaw licks to photograph and observe colorful macaws from a blind. This trip departs Cusco on Tuesdays from April-October and can be combined with our Sacred Lands of the Incas trip and any of our trekking departures or included in a custom designed Peru Adventure. DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTELS 1 TUESDAY CLOUD FOREST Cock of the Rock Lodge MEAL S BLD 2 WEDNESDAY MANU LOWLANDS Boca Manu Lodge BLD 3 THURSDAY MANU Manu Tent Lodge BLD 4 FRIDAY MANU Manu Tent Lodge BLD 5 SATURDAY MANU 6 SUNDAY MANU 7 MONDAY CUSCO 8 TUESDAY DEPARTURE Manu Wildlife Center Manu Wildlife Center Casa Andina Private Collection Casa Andina (dayroom) BLD BLD B B HIGHLIGHTS Drive overland from Cusco to Andean cloud forest Morning birding, road and boat down Madre de Dios River Boca Manu lowlands Boat up the Manu River, wildlife observation Oxbow lakes and river wildlife observations Wildlife observation Wildlife observation Boat and drive to Puerto Maldonado, fly to Cusco Fly to Lima. Day room and transfer for evening international departure -2-
Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: CLOUD FOREST OVERLAND Early breakfast, then set off for the Manu cloud forest passing over two Andean ranges of almost 13,000 feet elevation through high grassland puna and mountain wetland habitats. On the way you pass stone chullpas, burial chambers of the Pre-Inca Lupaca people, and will hope to catch site of some of the bird species of the high Andes, including the Giant Hummingbird and Mountain Caracara. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Ajanaco pass affording a spectacular view on a clear day over the vast expanse of lowland Amazon rain forest. The road plunges down the eastern slope of the Andes, past remnant patches of elfin forest, through swirling mist and cloud, to emerge in a forest of stunted evergreen trees, festooned with mosses, lichens, bromeliads and other epiphytes. You ll make frequent, spontaneous stops to look for wildlife, perhaps spotting a brilliantly feathered quetzal or trogon. In the late afternoon, arrive at the Cock of the Rock lodge, nestled within the cloud forest next to a rushing mountain stream. You ll have the opportunity to visit the lek to hopefully view Peru s national bird, the Andean Cock-ofthe-Rock, displaying in all of its glory. Overnight at the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge. [BLD] DAY 2: MANU FOOTHILLS Rise before dawn to see the display ground (lek) of the Andean cock-of-the-rock. From the observation blind you watch the blazing orange males just feet in front of the blind strut and dip their crested heads screeching in the hope of attracting a mate. After breakfast you walk with your guide along the sinuous jungle road looking at orchids, flowers and cloud forest birds such as the golden-headed trogon, as well as numerous, brightly colored tanagers and hummingbirds. You may see a troop of muscular-limbed woolly monkeys or brown capuchin monkeys. In the late morning continue your drive (2-3 hours), as mountains give way to low rolling hills and farmland. At Patria stop to visit a coca plantation grown legitimately for the Peruvian coca leaf market. At midday you reach small riverside port of Atalaya to board your motorized dugout canoe with comfortable seats shaded by canopy roof. As you follow the river s broad, rushing course and the foothills of the Andes fade, our ever-changing route offers sightings of new birds. After about 5 hours downstream you reach Boca Manu, a small outpost village where native peoples, gold miners, subsistence farmers and ecotravelers congregate on their way in or out of the jungle. Here you see how the sturdy dugout canoes are made. Logging is prohibited here, so the resourceful villagers work entirely with lumber brought downriver by floodwaters. Overnight at the simple and primitive Boca Manu Lodge [BLD] DAY 3: MANU RIVER AND NATIONAL PARK This morning, turn northward to motor up the chocolate-brown waters of the Manu River into the lush, pristine lower reaches of the Manu National Park. The unspoiled quality of the forest habitat becomes apparent with abundant birdlife and no signs of outside development. Check into the park at Limonal ranger station and then proceed upstream, as your boat driver steers skillfully through shallows and driftwood snags. Orinoco geese and horned screamers strut on the beaches, capped and white-necked herons patrol the shoreline, butterflies flutter around us, and countless sunbathing turtles dive off their log perches as we approach. After some six hours on the river you reach Manu Tented Camp, a simple but comfortable low-impact lodge nestled almost invisibly in the forest. Time permitting, you will take a short walk before dinner to stretch your legs and enjoy your first encounter with virgin rainforest. [BLD] DAY 4: MANU NATIONAL PARK AND OXBOW LAKES Today you visit two beautiful oxbow lakes hidden in the rainforest near your camp. Your short early morning canoe downstream to the trailhead offers the chance to spot a family of capybaras, the world s largest rodent, browsing on the riverbank or if you are very lucky, a solitary jaguar might be found drinking by the river. Oxbow lakes provide critical habitat between forest and water for fish, birds and other wildlife including caimans, the primitive looking hoatzin bird, and the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), one of the Amazon s most endangered mammal species. On easy walks along the lake shore you typically encounter one or more of the park s 13 monkey species leaping through the forest canopy -3-
above. The massive kapok, ironwood and stranger fig trees are astounding with the vast size of their trunks and buttressed root systems. Explore this habitat from docks extending out from shore, paddling on a stable floating platform great for tripods, and a 50ft tower into the canopy from which to scan the trees and marshy shoreline for monkeys, kingfishers, scarlet, chestnut-fronted and blue-and-gold macaws, and countless other species. You have a good chance of sighting the resident giant otter families as they dive for piranhas and other fish. Overnight at the Manu Tented Camp. [BLD] DAY 5: MANU WILDLIFE CENTER Set off downriver at dawn, the best time to see wildlife along the river s beaches, stopping at the ranger station to file your wildlife report before leaving the park. After reaching the turbulent union of the Alto Madre de Dios and Manu Rivers (2 hours) it s just ninety more minutes downstream to arrive at Manu Wildlife Center in time for lunch. This afternoon begin your exploration on specially designed forest trails through the private rain forest reserve in search of 10 species of resident monkeys, including the red howler and black spider monkey and many other species of flora and fauna. Take a nocturnal foray through the forest to the tapir clay lick blind where you can observe and photograph these 500 pound beasts, the largest land animal in South America. You paddle around oxbow lakes inhabited by giant river otters, piranhas, anaconda, and black caimans, the largest crocodilians in the Amazon. Overnight Manu Wildlife Center. [BLD] DAY 6: MANU WILDLIFE CENTER Many activities at MWC take place early in the morning, at dusk and at night when wildlife is most active. There is a small macaw lick in the vicinity which allows for even closer viewing and photography. In the afternoon venture on your own on one of the many trails around the lodge and join guided walks on the extensive trail system to search for some of the 12 species of monkeys. Hikes through diverse habitats include bamboo forests, forest stream riparian vegetation, and large strangler figs and other fruiting trees that attract monkeys and birds. A sturdy steel circular staircase 115 ft. up to two platforms built into the crown of a huge Kapok tree afford endless hours observing the rainforest canopy from above with chances of seeing passing troops of monkeys and many birds and a view over the Madre de Dios River. In the evenings guides organize nocturnal forays into the forest to the tapir clay lick. The elevated, screened platform structure is equipped with simple mattresses so that you can relax comfortably in waiting for the first tapirs to arrive typically between 5:30 and 8:00 p.m. Sometimes deer and peccaries also come in. On one of the mornings you may visit another oxbow lake to see waterfowl and to search for the family of giant otters. These two-meter-long 70-pound predators are voracious eaters always fishing for piranha and other aquatic life. Overnights at Manu Wildlife Center [BLD] Optional Blanquillo Macaw Lick Visit: $150 per person Depending on the season you can elect to join an optional early morning visit to the Blanquillo macaw clay lick. The privately-owned blind is located at a further distance (300 fit) in front of a wide swath of river bank where the macaws perch y. Breakfast and coffee can be purchased in the blind and a bathroom is available. First smaller parrots flock to the lick, and if the weather is good and no predators are in sight, the macaws congregate and descend in a cacophony of sound and color. This activity would be in lieu of the smaller but still very active Manu clay lick that is closer to the lodge. Note: Although the macaw clay lick is active year round, the best months for viewing and photography are July through November when there are larger flocks and less rain. DAY 7: RETURN TO CUSCO Depart from the lodge very early for the return boat trip downstream to the gold-mining town of Colorado Village (2.5 hrs). Enjoy breakfast on the way while watching early morning wildlife activity and miners who pan for gold along the Madre de Dios River. Drive 45 minutes to Puerto Carlo where you ll cross the Inambari River for a 15 minute boat trip to Santa Rosa. In Santa Rosa a vehicle awaits for the two and a half hour drive to Puerto Maldonado. Catch a flight to Cusco where you ll be met and transferred to overnight at Hotel Casa Andina Private Collection (or hotel previously stayed at in Cusco) to relax and collect your extra luggage that has been stored at the hotel. [B] -4-
DAY 8: DEPARTURE Airport transfer and fly to Lima in the morning. Transfer in to the city s Miraflores District. A room at the Casa Andina Private Collection is available for day use while you explore the city on your own or opt for a guided tour. (additional cost) Evening transfer to the airport for return flight to the US. [B] Note: Half-day tours in Lima and its museums are available upon prior request. Observe the blend of cultures in one of South America's oldest capital cities on a tour of the old colonial center of downtown Lima, the church and catacombs of San Francisco and the cathedral of Lima. The most comprehensive museums in Lima that feature Peru's archaeological heritage are the Gold Museum and the Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology. END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. -5-
PRICING AND DATES: For current pricing please click here: Pricing This trip departs from Cusco every Tuesday, April-October. INCLUDED SERVICES All guided tours and excursions English-speaking naturalist guides Airport-hotel transfers, land and sea transportation National Park entrance fees Hotel and lodge accommodation as indicated Meals as indicated [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner] Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International or internal airfare (Puerto Maldonado-Cusco) Tips and gratuities Airport departure taxes (Included in most tickets as of 2011) Optional Blanquillo Macaw Lick Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Any other items not mentioned above NOTE: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local in-country ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Reservation Form Terms and Conditions. -6-
Accommodations HOTEL CASA ANDINA PRIVATE COLLECTION CUSCO In the heard of Cusco a mere three blocks from the Plaza de Armas, Casa Andina Private Collection offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel with the comforts and services of a larger property. Rooms are tucked away around three interior courtyards, each with a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, and oxygen available upon request. Relax in the lounge next to the fireplace, take a walk to the Temple of the Sun, or take pleasure in a candlelit dinner at the Alma restaurant, which features Novo Andino (New Andean) cuisine with local ingredients from the Sacred Valley. COCK-OF-THE-ROCK LODGE Located at 5000 feet elevation within a 10,000 acre cloud forest reserve, the lodge is a comfortable accommodation featuring double-occupancy cabanas with hot showers, flush toilets and a dining room with excellent wildlife viewing. A short walk away is the world's largest and most accessible Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek where groups of males can be seen at close range jumping and squawking to attract females. MANU TENT LODGE Manu Tent Lodge is a simple but comfortable low-impact fixed camp located several hours up the Manu River deep inside Manu National Park. It is situated just across the river from Cocha Salvador, the largest and most beautiful of the 13 oxbow lakes of the Manu River and one of Manu's prime wildlife viewing habitats. Manu Tent Lodge features spacious thatched-roof double-occupancy tents with hinged, lockable doors and solid wooden floors. Each tent measures 16.5x10x7 feet (5x3x2.2m) with extra-long twin beds draped with mosquito netting. They are fully screened and raised on wooden stilts to provide maximum ventilation and protection from flooding and insects. Meals at Manu Tent Lodge are served in an elevated, screened dining room. Hot-water showers and flush toilets are available in a separate shared bath house complex. MANU WILDLIFE CENTER Manu Wildlife Center features 22 fully screened doubleoccupancy, thatched-roof bungalows with large living area and private bathrooms with hot water showers. The dining room is fully screened and the commons building contains a fully stocked bar and reading room with hammocks for relaxing. Candlelight in the rooms and paths lit by oil lamps contribute to the natural ambiance. There is no electricity other than a generator for the kitchen and to recharge batteries. -7-
Booking your Wildland Adventure HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling 1-800-345-4453. Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and submit a Release of Liability. Deposit requirements are as follows:* $1000 per person for all trips in South America. *Some trips require additional non-refundable deposits, especially when yachts have been chartered, or if permits to visit archaeological or wildlife sites have been purchased in advance. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn t exactly what you re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at 1-800-345-4453, send an email to info@wildland.com, or use the Ask The Program Director button on our website. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee per person 91 or more: $300 61-90 days: Initial deposit amount 31-60 days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations, visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS Have any questions or concerns? Call us a 1-800-345-4453 or email info@wildland.com. We re here to help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local incountry ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions -8-