Manu Tour 3 Days – Unforgettable Amazon Adventure in Peru

Start your day very early with a motorboat ride along the upper Madre de Dios River, enjoying the calm morning air and beautiful rainforest scenery. While heading downstream, breakfast is served on the boat, preparing you for a day full of wildlife encounters.

At the Limonal checkpoint, park rangers welcome us and provide a brief introduction to Manu National Park, highlighting its unique ecosystems and biodiversity.

Continuing along the Manu River, keep your eyes open for the incredible wildlife:

• Birds: macaws, eagles, and other tropical species
• Mammals: jaguars (Panthera onca), capybaras, tapirs, monkeys
• Reptiles: black caiman (Melanosuchus niger), white caiman (Caiman crocodilus), anacondas (Eunectes murinus), and river turtles (taricayas – Podocnemis unifilis)

Arriving at the port, we disembark to explore the rainforest trails, listening to birds, monkeys, and other sounds of the jungle. We then visit Cocha Brashco Lake, where we board a catamaran to observe families of giant river otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) in their natural habitat.

After this unforgettable experience, we return to the boat for a typical jungle lunch. On the way, we make a brief stop at the Diamante native community, where you can support locals by purchasing handicrafts and traditional products such as fish, manioc, and papaya.

Upon arrival at the lodge, enjoy the tranquil rainforest surroundings. Later in the evening, join a night walk, observing nocturnal creatures like tarantulas, snakes, frogs, spiders, nocturnal birds, and a visit to the tapir clay lick, where you may spot the elusive tapir in its natural habitat.

Overnight: Dorado Lodge

Start the day very early with a visit to the parrot and macaw clay lick, a spectacular natural site where these colorful birds descend to consume clay, which aids their digestion. Here, you can observe a wide variety of species including auroras, parakeets, military macaws, blue-headed macaws, chestnut-fronted macaws, and sometimes Bolivian and scarlet macaws perched in the trees—a truly unforgettable wildlife experience.

After the clay lick visit, return to the lodge for breakfast and pack your belongings. Then, board the 4×4 trucks for a scenic 2-hour journey back, enjoying the lush Amazon rainforest landscapes, spotting local flora and fauna along the way. You will cross rivers and streams, passing through indigenous villages and experiencing the rural life of the Manu region.

In Salvación, transfer from the truck to a private minivan for the return journey to Cusco. On the way, make a brief stop in Pilcopata, where you can support the local communities by purchasing seasonal fruit juices and ice creams, including cupuaçu, buriti, pineapple, and cocona.

Continue the drive to Cusco, arriving at your hotel in the evening. Your Manu 3-Day Tour ends here, leaving you with lasting memories of the “Lungs of the World”, its extraordinary wildlife, and the unique Amazonian culture.

Overnight: Cusco

Yes, visiting Manu National Park requires an official permit, as it is a protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These permits are included when booking a guided tour with a licensed operator, ensuring that your visit is legal and environmentally responsible. Independent travel is generally not allowed due to the park’s strict conservation regulations, so it is essential to explore Manu with an authorized guide or agency.

The permit system helps protect the park’s delicate ecosystems, including its cloud forests, lowland rainforests, and oxbow lakes, as well as the many species of birds, mammals, and plants that live there. By traveling with a certified tour, you support conservation efforts and local communities while enjoying a safe and organized experience.

Yes, the Manu Tour 3 Days can be a great experience for families, including children, as long as they are comfortable with moderate walking and early mornings. The tour is designed to be safe and educational, allowing kids to discover the Amazon rainforest, observe wildlife such as macaws, monkeys, and giant river otters, and learn about local communities and ecosystems.

Guided tours provide support, transportation, and accommodation, making it easier for families to enjoy the adventure without worrying about logistics. However, very young children or those who may struggle with long rides or jungle conditions should be considered carefully. Always consult your tour guide about specific family needs, including food, rest breaks, and safety precautions, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Booking with a local agency offers several key benefits. Local agencies provide expert guides who know the Manu National Park intimately, ensuring you see wildlife like macaws, tapirs, and giant river otters safely and efficiently. They handle all logistics, including transportation, meals, accommodations, permits, and safety equipment, saving you time and stress.

Additionally, booking locally supports the regional economy and often includes access to hidden spots, community visits, and reforestation or conservation activities that are harder to arrange independently. Overall, using a trusted local agency ensures a smoother, safer, and more enriching experience in the Amazon rainforest.