Birding Manu National Park – Manu Birding Lodge

Day 0: Arrival

• Depending on arrival time in Lima, transfer to the hotel in Lima or connect to Cusco.

Day 1: Cusco to Wayqecha Biological Station (2950m)

• Early departure, birding through scenic intermontane valleys.
• Stops for Creamy-crested Spinetail, Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch, Cinereous Conebill, Golden-billed Saltator, Band-tailed Seedeater, Peruvian, and Ash-breasted Sierra-Finches.
• Encounter high-elevation species like Mountain Caracara, Shining Sunbeam, Bar-winged Cinclodes, Puna Thistletail, and more.
• Stay overnight at Wayqecha Biological Station.

Day 2: Wayqecha Biological Station to Cock of the Rock Lodge

• Target birds like Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Blue-banded Toucanet, Gould’s Inca, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, and more.
• Explore mixed flocks for various woodcreepers, flycatchers, tyrannulets, and tanagers.
• Stay for two nights at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge.

Day 3: Cock of the Rock Lodge (Lower Manu cloud forest 1400m)

• Witness the spectacular Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek.
• Search for specialities like Black-billed Treehunter, Slaty Gnateater, Cinnamon-faced Tyrannulet, and Versicoloured Barbet.
• Birding in the lower cloud forest for various species.

Day 4: Lower Manu road to Amazonia Lodge

• Descend further down the Manu road to Amazonia Lodge.
• Birding for Military Macaw, Peruvian Piedtail, Chestnut-backed Antshrike, and more.
• Explore the upper tropical forests for diverse species.
• Cross the Alto Madre de Dios river to Amazonia Lodge.

Day 5: Amazonia Lodge (500m)

• Explore varied habitats around the lodge for Blue-headed Macaw, Rufous-crested Coquette, Bluish-fronted Jacamar, and more.
• Birdwatching near the lodge for a rich assortment of birds.
• Possibility of observing Giant Otters.
• Stay overnight at Amazonia Lodge.

Day 6: Parrot Clay Lick to Hummingbird Lodge

• Visit the Parrot Clay Lick for Chestnut-fronted Macaw, Blue-headed Macaw, and more.
• Take a motorized canoe to Hummingbird Lodge.
• Bird along the Madre de Dios river for diverse species.
• Stay overnight at Hummingbird Lodge.

Day 7: Birding at Hummingbird Lodge

• Explore the lodge’s surroundings for Festive Coquette, Flammulated Pigmy-Tyrant, Large-headed Flatbill, and more.
• Bird the bamboo forest for Bamboo Antshrike, Yellow-breasted Warbling-Antbird, and other species.
• Stay overnight at Hummingbird Lodge.

Day 8: Hummingbird Lodge to Matsiguenka Lodge in the Reserve zone of Manu National Park

• Continue the river journey into the Manu National Park.
• Encounter Black Skimmers, Sandcoloured Nighthawks, and Orinoco Goose.
• Reach Matsiguenka Lodge for a two-night stay.

Day 9: Birding on Salvador Oxbow Lake

• Explore the virgin rainforest around Matsiguenka Lodge.
• Visit Salvador Oxbow Lake for lakeside birds and potential Giant Otter sightings.
• Search for forest birds, primates, and other surprises.
• Night at Matsiguenka Lodge.

Day 10: Reserve zone to Amazon Wildlife Center Lodge

• Continue birding in Manu National Park.
• Travel down the Manu River to Amazon Wildlife Center Lodge.
• Observe riverside birds and raptors during the journey.
• Base for the next three nights at Amazon Wildlife Center Lodge.

Day 11: Macaw Clay Lick & AWC Trails

• Early morning visit to the Macaw Clay Lick for a spectacular display of parrots and macaws.
• Bird the extensive trail systems around Amazon Wildlife Center Lodge.
• Optional visit to a large mammal clay lick.

Day 12: Blanco Oxbow Lake & Tapir Clay lick

• Visit Blanco Oxbow Lake for additional bird species.
• Explore a large mammal clay lick with potential Tapir and Jaguar sightings.
• Night birding for nocturnal species.

Day 13: Amazon Wildlife Center & Manakin Leks

• Bird the diverse trail systems in the area.
• Search for forest species and scarcer birds.
• Optional visit to the large mammal clay lick.
• Night birding for nocturnal species.

Day 14: Canopy Tower to Puerto Maldonado City

• Early start to visit the canopy tower for canopy species.
• Journey down the Madre de Dios River for riverside birds.
• Bus ride to Puerto Maldonado, birding along the way.
• Overnight at a comfortable hotel in Puerto Maldonado.

Day 15: Puerto Maldonado to Lima

• Morning birding near the airport and road to Cusco.
• Pick up some new species before the midday flight to Lima.
• End of the tour in Lima in the afternoon.
• Overnight in Lima.

Day 16: Flight home

• Departure from Lima.

• All Lodging
• Meals
• Transportation
• Expert bilingual birdguide
• Hotel transfers
• Entrance fees.

The provided list is a comprehensive guide for the essentials you’ll need during the birdwatching tour. Here’s a breakdown of the items you should consider bringing:

1. Binoculars and photo equipment:
   • Ensure your binoculars are of good quality for optimal birdwatching.
   • If you’re into bird photography, bring the necessary camera equipment.
2. Spotting scope (if available):
   • Useful for observing distant birds more closely.
3. Flashlight:
   • Essential for night birding.
4. Sunscreen and insect repellent:
   • Protect yourself from sunburn and insect bites.
5. Clothing:
   • T-shirts and a long-sleeved shirt for different weather conditions.
   • Comfortable jeans or quick-drying nylon pants.
   • Cotton socks for comfort.
6. Warm clothing:
   • Sweater, jacket, or fleece for cooler night birding conditions.
   • Light jacket, water-resistant, or poncho for unexpected weather changes.
7. Footwear:
   • Hiking boots or sturdy shoes for comfortable walking.
   • Sandals for leisure hours.
8. Headgear:
   • Hat to protect from the sun.
   • Sunglasses for eye protection.
9. Protection for belongings:
   • Plastic bags for camera, clothes, etc., to keep them dry during rain.
10. Personal toiletries:
    • Shampoo, towel, etc., for personal hygiene.
11. Rainy season gear:
    • If traveling during the rainy season, an umbrella and rubber boots will be provided, but you may want to bring your own if you have specific preferences or sizes.

Always consider the specific climate and conditions of the location you’ll be visiting, and adjust your packing list accordingly. Additionally, it’s a good idea to check with the tour organizers if there are any specific requirements or recommendations based on the current weather or local regulations.