The Bio Trip Manu (EA49)

We rise early for another chance to see the Cock-of-the-Rock, with the possibility of spotting birds, Brown Capuchins, or Woolly Monkeys nearby.

After breakfast, we continue by road through lower hills and farmland to Atalaya, where we board covered motorized canoes on the Alto Madre de Dios River. During normal river conditions, we arrive at the lodge in time to explore its trails and look for toucans, kingfishers, butterflies, and other rainforest wildlife. (B, Box Lunch, D)

After a short morning hike, we leave early for Manu Wildlife Center, following the Alto Madre de Dios River past the last Andean foothills. Along the way, we may spot terns, cormorants, White-winged Swallows, nighthawks, and other river birds, while the forested slopes add flashes of color and the rich scents of the rainforest. We pass the mouth of the Manu River, gateway to Manu National Park, and stop at Boca Manu to stretch our legs and visit the boatyards where local people build the dugout boats essential to river life.

After about six hours by boat, we arrive at Manu Wildlife Center, one of the world’s top wildlife lodges. Following a brief orientation, we settle into our private bungalow and rest before exploring the surrounding rainforest trails, where we learn about the forest’s plants and ecology and may encounter monkeys such as Spider Monkey and Emperor Tamarin. (B, Box Lunch, D)

After breakfast, we visit the Macaw Clay Lick Project, where scarlet macaws gather in a vibrant display at the clay banks. After exploring the lodge trails, we return for lunch.

In the afternoon, we continue through the rainforest, visit the 34 m (112 ft) Canopy Tower at dusk, and then head to the famous Tapir Clay Lick. From a raised platform, we may observe tapirs feeding on mineral-rich clay—an excellent chance to see one of the Amazon’s most elusive mammals. (B, L, D)

We set off early to explore an old oxbow lake filled with water lilies and sunken logs. By catamaran, we may spot the resident Giant Otter family fishing, monkeys moving through the trees, and birds such as Wattled Jacanas, Sun Grebes, Anhingas, Ospreys, Hoatzins, macaws, toucans, and parakeets around the lake.

After lunch, our guide may lead more wildlife excursions, or we can explore the lodge trails independently. In the late afternoon and evening, we may search for caimans and other nocturnal wildlife along the riverbank by boat, depending on river conditions. (B, L, D)

Early departure from the lodge for a 2.5-hour boat trip to Colorado Village, with breakfast served onboard and chances to observe early morning wildlife along the river. We also pass local settlements and gold mining activity on the Madre de Dios River.

From Colorado, we continue by land and boat via Puerto Carlos and Santa Rosa for approximately one hour, before a drive by van or bus to Puerto Maldonado (approx. 2.5 hours). From there, we take a domestic flight to Cusco or Lima. (B)