For hardcore naturalists and birdwatchers! Spend a few days traversing the altitudinal gradient of the renowned Manu Road, culminating in 4 days of uninterrupted exploration at the Tambo Blanquillo Private Nature Reserve.
For hardcore naturalists and birdwatchers! Spend a few days traversing the altitudinal gradient of the renowned Manu Road, culminating in 4 days of uninterrupted exploration at the Tambo Blanquillo Private Nature Reserve.
* The guide in charge of the group may adjust the program sequence due to weather conditions or unexpected events, taking into consideration the preferences and specific interests of each group. Rest assured, our priority is to ensure you experience all attractions while prioritizing your safety and well-being.*
Embark on your journey with a 6:00 am pick-up from your designated hotel in Cusco. Travel in a modern van along the Paucartambo-Kosñipata highway, covering approximately a 7-hour drive to reach the San Pedro area. During the journey, we’ll make a stop in Paucartambo for a delightful breakfast and visits to Las Chullpas de Ninanmarca and the Paucartambo museum.
Continuing on, we’ll reach the Acjanaco Pass, marking the entrance to the biosphere of Manu National Park. This part of the trip offers opportunities to observe diverse ecosystems. Upon arrival in the San Pedro area, we’ll visit the lek of the Cock of the Rock, where you’ll have time to appreciate this renowned bird species.
Following this enchanting encounter, we’ll embark on a leisurely trail walk leading to the Cock of the Rock Lodge—your overnight stay destination. This lodge promises a unique and immersive experience in the heart of nature. Enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings as you settle in for the night.
Begin your second day of the tour with an early morning departure from Cock of the Rock Lodge, starting with another visit to the lek for an enriching experience. Travel along the Manu Road, utilizing a new highway leading to Boca Manu. Upon arrival at Boca Manu, a pre-arranged boat will be waiting to transfer you to Tambo Blanquillo Private Reserve.
Embark on the boat journey, anticipating the opportunity to witness abundant wildlife along the picturesque route. This boat ride offers a unique chance to encounter the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Keep an eye out for various species that may appear along the riverbanks as you navigate through this natural haven.
Upon reaching Tambo Blanquillo Private Reserve, immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of the area. The reserve provides an exceptional setting for exploring nature and observing wildlife. Take in the sights and sounds of the surrounding environment as you settle into this secluded and pristine location, preparing for further adventures in the heart of nature.
Early in the morning, we will head to the Macaw Clay Lick. The Blanquillo Clay Lick is a natural wonder that attracts visitors from around the world. Each morning, as the mist clears and sunlight filters through the canopy, vibrant macaws, parrots, and other bird species converge at the clay lick to indulge in its mineral-rich clay. We will transfer by boat and then hike to the clay lick, where we will wait for bird activity. We will observe the birds and have breakfast at the hide while waiting for bird activity to continue.
Afterward, we will transfer back to Tambo Blanquillo Lodge, where we will indulge in a delicious Manu Rainforest lunch prepared by our chef.
In the afternoon, we will take a boat ride to Blanco Oxbow Lake. A brief 10-minute boat ride to the lake often presents sightings of peccaries and other mammals along the riverbanks. Visitors frequently enjoy spectacular views of jaguars resting and sunbathing in the early morning sun, following their nocturnal hunts.
Once on the lake, we will paddle another of our catamarans (yes, each lake has its own!) and navigate through waters inhabited by giant river otters, caimans, and other apex predators. This lake is renowned for its exceptional birdlife, with over 600 species known to frequent its shores!
We will explore the lake aboard a paddle catamaran, providing a stable platform for capturing priceless photographs as we glide gently across the water.
After our lake excursion, we will return to Tambo Blanquillo Lodge. We will relax and enjoy a delicious dinner. Following dinner, we will embark on a night excursion to search for caimans, adding an exciting end to our adventurous day.
After a hearty breakfast, we will explore Camungo Oxbow Lake, home to Giant River Otters, Kingfishers, Flycatchers, and rare Neotropical birds like the colorful Agami Heron. We will navigate the lake aboard a paddle catamaran, providing a stable platform for capturing priceless photographs as we glide gently across the water.
After our lake excursion, we will head to the Camungo Observation Tower, the tallest in the Peruvian Amazon, standing 50 meters above the forest floor. Built next to a 400-year-old Ceiba tree, the tower is designed to avoid interfering with the tree’s growth. From the top, we will witness Jacamars hunting, monkeys swinging through the canopy, and mixed flocks of up to 100 bird species passing right beside us.
After our morning adventures, we will return to Tambo Blanquillo Lodge to enjoy a delicious Manu Rainforest lunch prepared by our chef. This delightful meal will recharge us for the afternoon’s activities.
In the afternoon, we will visit Rio Blanco for wildlife exploration and sightseeing. This enchanting river is teeming with life, offering us the chance to observe a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. As we gently navigate the river, we’ll keep an eye out for exotic birds, playful monkeys, and other fascinating creatures.
After this exhilarating day of exploration, we will return to the lodge to relax and enjoy a delicious dinner. The serene surroundings and the sounds of the rainforest will provide the perfect backdrop to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures.
This final day of our adventure is reserved as a flexible day to ensure we make the most of our experience. Whether due to unforeseen events like bad weather or simply a desire to revisit one or two natural attractions, this day allows us to adapt our plans as needed. We may also choose to explore a hiking route that wasn’t previously included. The group, along with your guide, will decide on the day’s activities and which natural wonders to explore, ensuring a personalized and memorable conclusion to our journey.
Early in the morning, we will commence our return journey to civilization with an exhilarating 2.5-hour downstream boat ride along the Madre de Dios River at dawn. While aboard, a nutritious breakfast will be served, allowing us to observe the lively morning wildlife activity along the riverbanks.
During the journey, we will keep an eye out for raptors soaring in the sky against the backdrop of the rising sun, and we may catch glimpses of mammals resting on the beaches. Along the way, we will pass by several indigenous settlements of the lowlands and witness large groups of cattle grazing along the river banks.
Upon reaching Colorado, we will transition to an overland journey to Puerto Carlos, a scenic 45-minute drive, followed by a 15-minute boat trip across the Iñambari River to Santa Rosa. From Santa Rosa, a comfortable van will transport us to either Puerto Maldonado or Cusco, based on the group’s preference.
This marks the conclusion of our unforgettable journey through the heart of the Amazon rainforest, filled with diverse wildlife encounters and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Program: Manu Amazon Rainforest Complete Safari
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Departure: Cusco
Arrival: Puerto Maldonado
* For an additional fee, it is possible to start the tour in Puerto Maldonado or finish it in Cusco.
Still not sure? Contact us here to customize your next trip
This program adds up one extra night to our best-selling Manu Express. Depart from either Cusco or Puerto Maldonado. Expedition specially recommended for families with kids over the age of 10, who are very keen on the natural world!
Our short and sweet tour. Spend 4 days and 3 nights in the deep amazon jungle, visiting all of our world-famous attractions. A great way to compliment your travels to Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
Tambo Blanquillo Private Nature Reserve, established in 1988, is a leading example of conservation and sustainable tourism. Located by the Madre de Dios River within the Manu National Park buffer zone, it offers exceptional Amazon expeditions, pristine wilderness, and top-ranked accommodation as per TripAdvisor.
Puerto Maldonado Office: Jirón Moquegua 512- Tambopata, Tambopata – Madre de Dios Peru
Cusco Office: Av. Comercio I-7-A- Urbanización Huancaro, Santiago
Email: [email protected]
Whatsapp: +51984992203 / +51987939992
Emergency contact number: +51-249-9342 / +51-9-8783-4993
Tambo Blanquillo Private Nature Reserve, established in 1988, is a leading example of conservation and sustainable tourism. Located by the Madre de Dios River within the Manu National Park buffer zone, it offers exceptional Amazon expeditions, pristine wilderness, and top-ranked accommodation as per TripAdvisor.