ITINERARY CUSCO

Inca Route: Start

Our TourPeruTravellers Itinerary :

1.- Cusco – Erika Lodge (400 m.a.s.l. - Low Jungle).

2.- Erika Lodge – Boca Manu.

3.- Boca Manu - Reserved Zone (Salvador Lake).

4.- Reserved Zone.

5.- Reserved Zone – Boca Manu.

6.- Boca Manu - Erika Lodge.

7.- Erika Lodge - Cusco.

Inca Route: Jungle Activities

Our TourPeruTravellers Itinerary :

1.- Brief stop in Ninamarca Pre-inka tombs.

2.- Short visit in Paucartambo colonial andean town.

3.- Brief stop in Acjanacco Pass, the entry of Manu National Park.

4.- Short stop in tropical fruits and coca leave plantations.

5.- River rafting – birding observation– refreshing swimming in tropical rivers - out motorized boat riding.

6.- Visit to a small lagoon to observe alligators.

7.- Night photography and walk in low jungle.

8.- Parakeet and parrot clay lick activity.

9.- Machuwasi lake catamarán- birdwatching in low jungle.

10.- Hike to the Ceiba tree.

11.- Relaxing overnight in Shintuya hot springs.

12.- Visit to Pico de Hoz Mirador hummingbird garden.

Cusco (3,300m.s.n.m.) – Cloud Forest (1,700m.s.n.m.) - Erika Lodge (460m.s.n.m.).

We leave Cusco early in the morning in one of our vehicles. We will pass through interesting valleys and picturesque communities. We continue to the cloud forest, an area rich with endemic species like the Spectacled Bear, the Cock of The Rock, a variety of orchids, bromeliads and ferns etc. We continue to the town of Pilcopata* then at Atalaya Port which is situated on the shores of the Madre de Dios River at 700 m.s.n.m. From Atalaya we will continue our journey by boat to our private reserve of “Erika”. On the way you will be able to see a large diversity of bird species such as Herons, vultures and cormorants etc. We will walk along the interesting trails that are in the transition zone between high and low jungle and your guide will point out and explain the interesting diversity of wild life that surrounds you. We will have the chance for a night walk to catch a glimpse of insects and amphibians. We overnight in our Erika Lodge.

* 1 Free Option - Rafting: In Pilcopata will have 90 minutes of rafting (grade I & II) on the Koñeq and/or Madre de Dios Rivers. You can enjoy the beautiful landscape and have a swim in the refreshing water.

Erika Lodge – Aguas Calientes - Boca Manu (365m.s.n.m.).

ery early we board our boat and make our way to Collpa, a clay wall by the river where a variety of parrots such as the blue headed parrot, the White eyed parakeet, possibly the Maracana Macaw and others come every morning to substitute their diet with minerals and salts. After this activity we return to Erika for breakfast, pack up and board our boat again. We will head down. the Alto Madre de Dios River to the of the hot springs of Aguas Calientes, which are surrounded by the magnificent Jungle. After relaxing in the water and a refreshing cold lunch, we will continue to the town of Boca Manu. During this part of our journey, we will see birds like skimmers, herons, several species of kingfishers, swallows and flycatchers.

Boca Manu –Reserved Zone / Lake Salvador (395m.s.n.m.).

At dawn, we will make a brief stop at the Limonal Ranger Station where we will register in the Visitor’s Book which controls entry into the reserve. We continue on the Manu River towards the heart of the reserve for about 4 hours to Lake Salvador leaving all traces of civilization behind. We will spend the next two nights in our safari camp. During this trip you can often see a variety of bird species like macaws, herons, pink rosettes and with a little luck, capybaras, caimans, river turtles, monkeys, and hopefully some felines often sunning on the beaches or feeding in surrounding trees. In the afternoon we spend our time walking in search of wildlife in this pristine forest.

Reserved Zone / Lake Salvador (395m.s.n.m.).

We will most likely be woken early by the howler monkey declaring his territory. Before breakfast we will talk a morning walk as the temperature at this time is more pleasant and it makes it a bit easier to find animals who are in search of food. We will explore Lake Salvador by catamaran and try to see the giant otter, a species in danger of extinction. They can be seen fishing, playing or swimming. We will be looking for the Black Cayman, the Hoatzin and the interesting surrounding flora. We will visit Lake Otorongo and the observation tower which is 15m heigh which enables us to fully appreciate the landscape of the surrounding primary forest and we are more likely to see the family of otters whom reside here. There may be a possibility to do a short night walk to look for American bullfrogs, horned frogs, tree frogs and a host of colorful insects.

Reserved Zone / Lake Salvador (395m.s.n.m.) – Boca Manu.

We will wake early again to take a walk around our campsite and Lake Salvador. You will be amazed by the gigantic Ceibas, colorful butterflies and curious squirrel, capuchin and wooly monkeys. After breakfast we will pack up, board our boat and head down the Manu River. We will keep our eyes open for peccaries (hogs), caymans, turtles and birds. We arrive at Boca Manu at dusk. Overnight at the lodge.

Boca Manu – Erika Lodge.

Today we cross the Alto Madre de Dios River, against the current, taking in the beautiful scenery of the Amazon jungle and the huge diversity of bird species. Late afternoon, we will arrive at our Private Reserve of Erika where you can rest comfortably and spend your last night, surrounded by the magic of the jungle.

Erika Lodge – Cusco.

We get up very early, we travel up the river to Atalaya Port where our bus is waiting to take us back to Cusco, arriving early evening.

* 2 Free Optional activity – Hummingbird Garden: On the way back to Cusco, we will have a brief stop at Pico de Hoz Mirador (550 m.a.s.l.) a self-sustaining environmental conservation center to observe and photograph a wide variety of hummingbirds and other birds such as toucans, king vultures and maybe some monkeys and with luck a sloth.

IMPORTANT: In order to meet your guide, the rest of your group, receive last minute recommendations and ask any questions you may have; one day before departure at 7:00 pm we have a meeting in our office. Manu National Park is not an endemic area for malaria or yellow fever.

End of the Route

Our programme include:

➢ Land transportation, river transportation, equipment for rafting, 02 nights in Erika Lodge, 02 nights in Boca Manu lodge, 02 nights in Safari campsite, all meals (vegetarian option avail) bilingual specialized guide, paperwork to obtain permission to enter the Manu National Park, first aid kit, luggage storage, safety deposit box for valuables.

Our programme No include:

➢ First day breakfast, water for the first day, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, tips and the last dinner.

SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT:

➢ Towel for the entire trip.

➢ Personal hygiene supplies & medicines for 7 days.

➢ Shoes for (walking/hiking) sandals.

➢ Headlamp or torch.

➢ Hat, sunglasses and sun block.

➢ Insect repellent (recommend 35% DEET).

➢ Waterproof gear, t-shirt with long sleeves, long pants, swimming gear/bathers.

➢ Warm clothing in case of cold weather.

➢ Binoculars, Camera.

➢ Back pack, day pack.

➢ Tickets to the Reserved Zone of the Manu National Park are not included.