MACHU PICCHU TREK

Birding Manu National Park – Manu Birding Lodge

Lima

5 / 5. 2

Duration

15 Days

Difficulty

Medium

About this tour

Explore the incredible biodiversity of Manu Biosphere Reserve, a wilderness area with a rich variety of habitats, from cloud forests to pristine Amazon rainforest. Encounter diverse wildlife, including Spectacled Bears, Cock-of-the-Rocks, Giant Otters, and over 1000 bird species. The journey includes a breathtaking visit to Machu Picchu, making it a trip of a lifetime.

Tour Itinerary

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.

What’s Included and What’s Not Included in This Tour?

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

Additional Info about Birding Manu National Park – Manu Birding Lodge

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.

VERY IMPORTANT: 

Foreign and Peruvian passengers with no residence in Peru are exonerated of the payment of The General Sale Taxes; to get it, they must present the original passport and the Andean Migration Card (TAM) at each hotel considered in the program. It accepts the passports or identity card to foreign passengers with no residence coming from Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Chile. The entry date to the country in both cases can´t pass 60 days. The order of excursions and service schedules may change. The schedules indicated in this itinerary are for reference only; the operations staff of the visited city will provide the definitive schedules. The passenger pays extra expenses at the travel destination.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY: 

SERVICES:

Cancellations between 30 days previous to the travel date apply 100% penalty. No refund will be considered. Cancellations from 31 days to 90 days previous to the travel date apply 50% penalty of payment. Cancellations from 91 days previous to the travel date apply 35% penalty by administrative expenses. Once the package sale is closed, any change or modification is subjected to 35% penalty for administrative expenses + ticket rate difference according to availability for the new travel date. Some services can be interrupted or may be canceled due to weather conditions or other reasons out of provider control and responsibility. No refund would be considered for this type of interruption or cancellation. TRANSPORTATION: 

Refunds, change of traveler’s name for transportation such as airlines, trains, buses, cruises, etc., are subject of each provider’s policy.

Tour Price

$4,915.00

per person

If you have questions about the Tour, please call us to customize your adventure and learn more making your trip a once-in-a-life experience.
Pay a 50% deposit now and the rest when you arrive in Peru.
Select Group Size

Birding Manu National Park – Manu Birding Lodge Tour Information

Tour Location

Peru

Languages Support

Spanish & English

Your trusted tour operator in Machu Picchu

At Machu Picchu Trek, we bring a local touch to every adventure. Our company is 100% Peruvian-owned. This unique perspective ensures ethical treatment of our staff and a deep connection to the culture and history of the region.

Our Machu Picchu team is equipped with satellite phones for 24/7 emergency support. Safety is our top priority, and we provide oxygen tanks and first aid kits on every trek. You can trust our experienced guides to lead you with care and expertise.

We offer seamless service, including hotel-to-hotel pickups and drop-offs in Cusco. Every detail is designed to make your trek comfortable and stress-free.

Choosing Machu Picchu Trek means supporting a company with an industry-leading safety record and a commitment to excellence. Let our team show you the beauty of Machu Picchu while ensuring your journey is unforgettable.

 

Amber Fiala
January 20, 2025

Highly recommend Juan

Highly recommend Juan! He is an excellent guide and we learned so much. My family of 6 loved the tours and would love to come back. Thank you, Juan! We will be sharing your business information with our friends.

Matthew Arsenault
December 28, 2024

Amazing 6 day private tour of Cusco area with our group of 13

Amazing 6 day private tour of Cusco, Sacred Valley and Macchu Picchu with Juan from Macchupicchutrek. Our group of 13 had a great time visiting sites and also the best restaurants! Very flexible and we learned so much about this beautiful country. Highly recommend!!!

Irfan Mirza
December 28, 2024

Amazing tour exploring all parts of…

Amazing tour exploring all parts of Peru 🇵🇪. Our tour guide Juan from Machupicchutrek was incredibly knowledgeable, patient and accommodating, especially considering we were a group of 13 people. Just when you thought a site or destination couldn’t get better, it did! Surpassed all our expectations (especially difficult for a family with different interests who LOVE to travel throughout the world)! Recommend 100000%

Moises Ortega
May 2, 2024

ciertamente Juan es el mejor guía…

ciertamente Juan es el mejor guía turístico, tiene el mayor conocimiento en la historia de Perú, es exageradamente amable, honesto y paciente, es bilingüe. 100% recomendando 5⭐️ Juan estamos agradecido con tu excelente servicio.

Yeidy Perez
May 2, 2024

El mejor guía que encontrarán.

Sumamente responsable, vasto conocimientos y siempre dispuesto a complacer nuestros gustos y deseos.

Jesenia Vega
May 2, 2024

Una experiencia única

Una experiencia única. El guía muy atento amable, explica las historias al detalle. 100% lo recomiendo.💕🇵🇪

Arelis Méndez
May 2, 2024

El mejor guía de todo Perú!!

El mejor guía de todo Perú!!! Añai 🙏🏼

Juan es un excelente guía

Juan es un excelente guía , amable y honesto Excelente servicio🥇

Alejandra
May 1, 2024

The best option for traveling

My experience with MachuPicchuTrek on the Salkantay Premium Private Trek tour was simply exceptional. From the moment we began our adventure, the punctuality and dedication of the operators were evident. Every detail was carefully planned to give me an unforgettable experience.The landscapes that unfolded before my eyes were simply breathtaking.The level of personalized attention I received throughout the tour was unparalleled. The guides were always willing to share their knowledge and passion for the region, which further enriched my experience.In summary, the Salkantay Premium Private Trek tour with MachuPicchuTrek not only met, but exceeded all my expectations. "I definitely recommend this experience to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure in one of the most incredible places in the world.

Miguel Castillo
April 29, 2024

Efficient and fair price

I usually don't leave reviews, but I gotta say that this company is just amazing. From the beginning of my booking, until I departed from Cusco, they were so attentive. Alex, who is the owner of Machupicchutrek was on top of everything. He was texting us, promptly answering my calls as needed. I traveled with my child 5 years old and they gave me a piece of mind as he was able to get me a babysitter, who assisted me in this journey. Thank you all for your dedication and care for my family. I will recommend you to all my friends and family.

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