Manu, one of the largest parks in South America, is located in the South Eastern area of Peru. The park area encompasses part of the Andean Department of Cusco and the jungle Department of Madre de Dios. Manu is a 2 million hectares (20,000 km²) protected territory rich in flora and fauna species found in a variety of habitats including high Andes, Cloud forests, and Lowland tropical Rainforests. This natural paradise is officially recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In 1977 they designated Manu as a World Biosphere Reserve because it contains the best existing example of biodiversity in protected areas of Rainforest, as well as endemic areas of Cloud forest.

Most of the forests in the world have been altered by humans. Fortunately, Manu has remained intact and untouched by human civilization, which permits us to observe a variety of animals in their natural habitats, including: Giant Otters, Black Caiman, Jaguars, Spectacled Bears, Tapirs, Ocelots, 13 species of monkeys, and approximately one thousand species of birds.

Manu also contains 10% of the world's vascular plant species, including several species of figs and palms, as well as countless species of medicinal plants that scientists are currently cataloguing. A single hectare of forest in Manu can have up to 220 species of trees, while a hectare of temperate forest in Europe or North America may only have 20 tree species. The Manu National Park may be the most biologically diverse protected park on the planet. We offer our clients 4 different ways to visit this magical place, thus guaranteeing you a marvellously exciting and educational experience. The main difference between our programs and the others on the market is that ours offer you direct air transport both in and out of Manu.

Arrival by plane from Cusco to Boca Manu, where some other members of the group may join us. Boca Manu village is a short distance from the confluence of the Manu and Alto Madre de Dios Rivers. You can buy your last fresh supplies and cold drinks here before setting off again in the canoe. We then enter the Manu River and the Reserved Zone, stopping for a while at a white sand beach, where we set up camp along the riverbank. Short walk around the area.

Note: During the Rainy Season (November through April) we advise that you travel by bus to the Reserved Zone, since small aircraft flights are often reprogrammed or cancelled due to bad weather conditions.

Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner.

After registering in the official tourist logbook at Limonal, the Park Rangers Headquarters, and eating an early breakfast, we follow the Manu River to our safari base camp at Salvador Lake, with its screened dining room and bathrooms, and where radio communication is available. The canoe ride to base camp gives us an opportunity to observe the immensity of the rainforest and the diversity of birdlife, reptiles and mammals found there. You will often see animals sunning themselves on beaches, or foraging for food in the trees lining the riverbanks. We arrive at our camp early in the afternoon and have lunch before setting off on a jungle trail. We spend the afternoon, until sundown, paddling along in a catamaran, looking for wildlife in the Rainforest in and around Lake Salvador, an oxbow lake. Amongst the animals you may see are unique species of birds, monkeys, Caiman, and with any luck the endangered Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), swimming, fishing, eating and playing in and around the lake.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Rise early in the morning, as the forest is awakened to the cries of the Red Howler Monkey (Aloatta seniculus) declaring his territory. A morning walk before breakfast is a great time to catch wildlife looking for food, as the temperature is very pleasant at this time of day. After relaxing and swimming in the river enjoy lunch on the riverbank. After lunch we cross the river to walk an 8-km trail to another oxbow lake called Otorongo. A strategically located observation tower rises 15 meters above the lake and the jungle floor, providing us with more opportunities to observe wildlife species, including the Giant Otter. Late in the afternoon by going out on the catamaran, and with the help of flashlights, you can observe Black Caiman rise from the depths of the lake and begin their search for prey. Return to the campsite.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

An early wake up once again to enjoy a brief morning walk and have breakfast. We then pack up camp and go down stream on the fascinating Manu River, arriving at Boca Manu at midday. This village is situated at a short distance from the confluence of the Manu and Alto Madre de Dios Rivers. We set out from here downstream once more on the Madre de Dios River, and after a three hour trip, arrive early in the afternoon at Blanco Private Reserve. Camp at the safari site and spend one more night in the magical Amazon jungle.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After a very early wake up, we go to a special hideout opposite the famous "Collpa" clay lick, to silently observe the various kinds of parrots feeding on the clay for mineral and salt supplements to their regular diet of seeds and fruits. The brightly coloured Macaws usually wait patiently in the surrounding trees until the smaller parrot species have left the area. Slowly, the Macaws come down to the clay wall to feed. A lot of patience and silence are required on the catamaran so as not to disturb them as they eat the clay. Around mid morning we board a canoe to return to the airstrip at Boca Manu, where you catch your plane back to Cusco.

Meals Included: Breakfast

* min. 2 participants, max 10 participants. Pool Service.
Available discounts: SAE: US$ 10.00 (valid South American Explorers Club membership card required).

• Professional guide (English - Spanish).
• 1 night accomodation at Tambo Blanco.
• 3 nights accomodation in the camp: Camping equipment, including two-persons tents, sleeping mattress, dining tents, cooking tent, first aid kit. (not including sleeping bag).
• All ground (overland buses and 4WD vehicles) and river transportation (covered motor boats). Air charters depending on your choice.
• All applicable taxes.
• Specialized bilingual guides (English/Spanish).
• All meals (vegetarian meals as optional).
• Paperwork and payment for Park Permits.
• Radio communication equipment in all lodges and campsites.
• Satellite telephone for emergencies.

Note 1: As an additional service we offer a safe for values and storage for luggage in Cusco's main office.
Note 2: Due to the ever-changing nature of the Peruvian jungle, day-by-day activities may vary due to local conditions.

• Airport taxes to Cusco – Boca Manu – Cusco $18.00
• Local taxes in Cusco $5.00
• International and Domestic flights (Lima / Cusco / Lima: US$ 294 aprox.)
• Baggage excess.
• Alcoholic drinks, soda or bottled mineral water.
• Personal expenses.
• Tips.
• International or National personal telephone calls.
• Additional nights for bad weather or flight cancellation.
• Snacks.