Birding in Manu Park from Andes to Amazon 7 Days & 6 Nights
Embark on an Unforgettable 7 Days & 6 Nights Birding Adventure in Manu Park: From the Andes to the Amazon
Experience the breathtaking diversity of Peru’s birdlife on a 7-day journey from the towering Andes to the lush Amazon rainforest with Palotoa Amazon Travel. This immersive birding tour to Manu Park will introduce you to one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. As we traverse cloud forests, montane forests, high-altitude jungles, and the expansive lowlands, you will encounter a kaleidoscope of bird species thriving in their natural habitats. Manu National Park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a pristine sanctuary for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Our journey begins in Cusco, where the Andean landscapes set the stage for your adventure. From there, we will descend into the mystical cloud forests, home to the iconic Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. With its vibrant plumage and captivating courtship displays, this bird is a must-see highlight. The transition from the cool, misty highlands to the warmer, humid lowlands will reveal an astonishing variety of habitats, each brimming with endemic and migratory bird species.
As we explore prime birding areas such as Huacarpay Lake, Manu’s cloud forest, Huyquecha Biological Station, and renowned lodges like Cock of the Rock Lodge and Palotoa Amazon Lodge, we will maximize your chances of spotting an array of avian wonders. From the melodious tanagers and toucans to the elusive manakins and macaws, every step of this journey offers new opportunities for discovery. We will dedicate ample time to birdwatching, using spotting scopes and expert guidance to ensure that you don’t miss even the most secretive species.
The climate in Manu Park is as diverse as its landscapes, adding an element of adventure to the experience. Mornings may greet us with cool, misty air, while afternoons bring warm, tropical breezes. Sudden rain showers are common, a reminder of the lush conditions that sustain this vibrant ecosystem. The unpredictability of the weather only enhances the thrill of exploring this untamed wilderness.
This birding tour is thoughtfully designed to be accessible, with moderate walking and early starts allowing us to fully immerse in the beauty of the region. Whether you are an avid birdwatcher or a nature lover looking to connect with one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems, this tour promises an enriching experience. Comfortable accommodations in eco-lodges, delicious local cuisine, and our expert team’s personalized attention will ensure a seamless and memorable journey.
Join us on this 7-day Birding in Manu Park adventure, where nature’s palette comes alive with every flutter of wings. Together, we will uncover the secrets of the Andes and the Amazon, creating memories that will last a lifetime. With each step, we will deepen our appreciation for the unparalleled biodiversity of this Peruvian paradise.
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Cusco to Wayquecha Biological Station
Your journey begins at 4:30 a.m. with a pickup from your Cusco hotel. We’ll head toward the lush cloud forest, where the Andes descend into the Amazon Basin. Along the way, we’ll stop at Huacarpay Lake, a mountain wetland teeming with birds like the endemic Bearded Mountaineer and Rusty-fronted Canastero. Continuing through scenic valleys, we’ll pause to look for species like the Creamy-crested Spinetail and Scribble-tailed Canasteros. At the Acjanacu Pass, on clear days, you can glimpse the vast Amazon rainforest stretching into the horizon.
Descending the eastern slopes of the Andes, the habitat transitions into dense cloud forest. Here, we’ll encounter mixed flocks of Mountain Tanagers, Flycatchers, and the Gray-breasted Mountain Toucan. By evening, we’ll explore a favorite spot for the Swallow-tailed Nightjar. Overnight at the Wayquecha Biological Station (2,800 meters / 9,186 feet above sea level).
Day 2: Wayquecha Biological Station to Cock of the Rock Lodge
After breakfast, we’ll spend the day birding along the eastern slopes of the Andes. Expect sightings of species such as the Bar-bellied Woodpecker, Highland Motmot, Golden-headed Quetzal, and Scaly-naped Parrot. Midday, we’ll arrive at the Cock of the Rock Lodge, named for Peru’s national bird. This lodge is a haven for bird enthusiasts, offering opportunities to observe hummingbirds like the Wire-crested Thorntail and Green Violetear at its feeders.
At night, we’ll search for nocturnal species such as the Rufescent Screech-Owl and Band-bellied Owl. Overnight at Cock of the Rock Lodge.
Day 3: Cock of the Rock Lodge to Palotoa Ecological Reserve
This day takes us deeper into the Amazon Basin as we descend to 450 meters (1,476 feet) above sea level. Along the way, we’ll explore habitats rich in hummingbirds, including the Rufous-crested Coquette and Blue-tailed Emerald. Palotoa Ecological Reserve offers trails through floodplains, bamboo groves, and varzea forests, where we’ll look for species like the Hoatzin, Blue-headed Macaw, and Fine-barred Piculet.
The reserve’s varied ecosystems provide a chance to see an astounding diversity of birds, from Toucans to Manakins. Overnight at Palotoa Lodge, a private reserve surrounded by prime birding terrain.
Day 4: Full-Day Birding at Palotoa Ecological Reserve
Today, we’ll dedicate the entire day to exploring Palotoa’s bamboo forests and transitional floodplain habitats. Key species include the Rufous-headed Woodpecker, White-lined Antbird, and Peruvian Recurvebill. With luck, we may also spot scarcer species like the Razor-billed Curassow or Pale-winged Trumpeter.
In the evening, we’ll visit the Tapir Clay Lick, where not only tapirs but also Guans, Currasows, and possibly Jaguars are known to appear. Night birding may reveal owls such as the Mottled Owl and Great Potoo. Overnight at Palotoa Lodge.
Day 5: Palotoa Reserve to Tambo Blanquillo Reserve (Macaw Clay Lick)
Early morning birding near Palotoa will target species like the Silvered Antbird and Chestnut-tailed Antbird. After breakfast, we’ll journey by motorized boat to Tambo Blanquillo Reserve. Along the Madre de Dios River, expect sightings of Pied Lapwings, King Vultures, and Roseate Spoonbills, as well as flyovers of Macaws and Parrots.
Tambo Blanquillo features oxbow lakes where we may encounter Giant Otters and lakeside birds such as Agami Herons and Wattled Jacanas. The nearby Macaw Clay Lick provides a spectacle of Red-and-Green Macaws and other parrots, observed from a comfortable blind. Overnight at Tambo Blanquillo Lodge.
Day 6: Full-Day Birding at Tambo Blanquillo Reserve
This day is dedicated to exploring the Macaw Clay Lick and surrounding trail systems, renowned for their high biodiversity. Morning visits to the clay lick will offer close-up views of vibrant macaws and parrots. The oxbow lakes nearby host species like Sungrebes, Black-collared Hawks, and Green-and-Rufous Kingfishers.
In the evening, nocturnal birding may reveal Amazonian Pygmy Owls and Ocellated Poorwills. Tambo Blanquillo’s diverse forest types make it a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Overnight at Tambo Blanquillo Lodge.
Day 7: Tambo Blanquillo to Puerto Maldonado or Cusco
After a final morning of birding along the Madre de Dios River, we’ll begin our return journey. The boat ride offers a chance to see riverside species and raptors. From Boca Colorado, a drive will take us to the Inambari River, where our transport awaits to take us to Puerto Maldonado. For those returning to Cusco, we’ll arrive by 6:00 p.m.
This journey through Manu Park offers an unforgettable immersion into one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, showcasing the incredible birdlife of the Andes and the Amazon.
Tour Includes:
- Private Transportation (bus and motor boat)
- All necessary equipment (chair, Mosquito nets, tables, mattress, rubber boots.
- We lend you a duffle bag for your personal belongings on tour
- Professional bilingual local guide (well-equipped with guiding gear)
- Mineral water
- First aid kit
- 3 meals per day; included vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian options
- Midmorning daily snacks (biscuits, candy, fresh fruit, juice)
- Professional Cook
- Entrance to Cock of the Rock Lodge
- Entrance to Palotoa Lodge (private Lodge)
- Entrance toBlanquillo Lodge
- Entrance to Wayquecha Biological Station
- Entrance to Macaw Clay Lick
- Entrance fee to Manu National Park
- And much more.
- What you need to take: VERY IMPORTANT
- Repellent with a minimum of 25% DEET
- Camera with spare batteries for many days
- Powerful long-range flashlights with extra batteries.
- Macro lenses. 10 – 65mm
- Long Distance Lens 150mm – 400mm or 600mm
- Lens extensión of 1.4x or 2x
- Waterproof case, bags to protect your electronics and valuables
- Sun lotion
- Pocket money
- Day pack
- Wáter bottle
- Battery charger for your electronic devices
- Sandals (try to bring strap)
- Extra toilette paper
- General Dark clothing. (camouflage to see the wildlife) long sleeves shirts and t-shirts, long pants, lightweight, shorts, short
- sleeves t-shirts, waterproof jackets Sun hat, bath linen clothes, small towel, Thick long socks, trekking shoes.
- All your personal hygiene needs
- A bit of money for staff tips (Strongly suggested)
- Not included the last dinner.