The search for the jaguar is the most fascinating activity when you walk through the jungle following the footprints with the help of your expert guide in tracking this beautiful animal. For this activity, you have to travel to the heart of the Amazon, which is the Manu National Park. There, riding by boat on the Manu River, you travel carefully in search of the jaguar. This is the best option to see the jaguar as it comes to the river to drink water and hunt animals like the capybara or the caiman. Also, the whistling of the birds helps you find it. Maybe you are the lucky one to see the largest predator feline in the Amazon.
The jaguar is the largest feline in America and the third in the world (after the lion and the tiger). It is also the only representative of the Panthera genus found on this continent, inhabiting places ranging from the Arizona Desert to the tropical jungles of the Amazon.
The weight of an adult jaguar ranges from 45 to 130 kg, the length from the nose to the tip of the tail is 1.70 to 2.30 m, and it has a longevity of 20 years. It is almost exclusively nocturnal and has great ability to see in the dark. They are solitary and, in general, are found in the jungles bordering large rivers or mangroves.
It feeds primarily on peccaries, deer, monkeys, tapirs, raccoons, badgers, armadillos, rabbits, and other small mammals, as well as birds, fish, dogs, crocodiles, alligators, lizards, snakes, turtles, and their eggs.
The gestation period is 100 days, and they usually have two offspring. Shortly before birth, the male leaves the female, and she cares for the pups alone.
Travel along the Manu River, where the jaguar reaches the shore to drink water and hunt animals along the beach. It’s the perfect time to search for jaguars in the jungle. Spend some time in the boat, crossing the river and looking for a jaguar on the riverbank or even one swimming in the water. Lucky tourists see the big cat! They capture unforgettable moments on video and take stunning pictures. We also enjoy a spectacular experience observing other wild animals along the stunning beaches of the river.
A Unique Chance to Spot a Jaguar: Jaguars are increasingly rare and hard to see all over South America due to hunting and habitat loss. But here in the Manu Biosphere Reserve, their population is actually growing! Because of this, you have an unparalleled chance to see these wild creatures.
The Natural Beauty of the River: The Manu River is one of the most beautiful in the region. As a result, you’ll luxuriate in the tranquil river surroundings—and often witness an unforgettable sunrise or sunset—during the search.
The size of the group is 9 people per guide; if we have more than 10 to 14 people, we send a second guide (not an assistant). If there are more than 14 people, we divide into 2 totally independent groups, each with their own cars, boats, guides, and cooks.
The first night at Rainforest Lodge (600 m.a.s.l.) the temperature is around 27°C. In the low forest of Manu, the temperature at night is normally around 27°C, and during the day about 35°C. Occasionally, cold winds from Patagonia can reach the Manu area, causing the temperature to drop to around 10°C. These “Friajes” are very common in the southeastern hemisphere during the wind season (from April until the end of August).
There are not many walks in the sense of going far. All walks are done slowly. This is because most of the vegetation in the forest allows you to see the animals, giving enough time to observe the surroundings and also hear them.
We cannot assure you that you will see the Macaws in the clay licks, but if you travel in the correct season, you have more opportunities to see them. The dry season is a good time to see these birds because, during some seasons, birds migrate to areas with fruit production or feed only on seasonal seeds.
The seeds are generally toxic to prevent birds from eating them; however, if the macaws eat them, they accumulate toxins in their stomachs. To neutralize the acids and poisons, they consume nutritious clay. In the rainy season, there are many fruits until the beginning of the dry season (May). During this period, macaws eat fewer seeds and less toxic fruits, reducing their need to consume clay. This means fewer macaws are present. At the peak of the dry season, there could be 100 to 150 macaws in a morning, compared to only 10 to 50 at the end of the rainy season.
On the trip to the jungle of Manu, you will spend a good amount of time on the bus and in the boat. The hikes do not exceed 3 to 4 hours per outing. Due to heat and humidity, some people may feel exhausted or tired. We usually have a “SIESTA” at noon and also the possibility of staying in the hostel if you do not want to participate in the walks.
A trip to the rainforest is not always comfortable, but if you bring the right clothes, you will have an incomparable experience.
We request that hikers bring their own water on the first day since the containers with water will be accessible at dinner time. For the rest of the trip, we will provide bottled and purified mineral water that we bring from Cusco.
The risk of contracting malaria is low in the area we visit. However, the area is close to a gold mining area, and miners can travel in the same river that we use. There is a possibility that mosquitoes, which do not yet have malaria, could bite an infected miner and then bite you, transmitting the disease. This possibility is very rare, and until now, no tourists traveling to Manu have contracted malaria.
An unforgettable adventure. Following the tracks of the jaguar in the heart of the Amazon is pure excitement and adrenaline. Sailing down the Manu River, attentive to every sound and movement, makes every moment unique.
The most impressive moment was seeing the big cat on the shore, majestic and in its natural habitat. The guides were experts in tracking and provided a safe and fascinating experience. If you are looking for the wildest and most authentic part of the jungle, this expedition is not to be missed.
An unforgettable adventure. Following the tracks of the jaguar in the heart of the Amazon is pure excitement and adrenaline. Sailing down the Manu River, attentive to every sound and movement, makes every moment unique.
The most impressive moment was seeing the big cat on the shore, majestic and in its natural habitat. The guides were experts in tracking and provided a safe and fascinating experience. If you are looking for the wildest and most authentic part of the jungle, this expedition is not to be missed.
