English and Spanish-speaking guide
Small-group tour (up to 12 participants)
This activity is non-refundable
Pickup included
Skip the line through express security check
Check the Dates
This comprehensive 4-day Amazon tour from Cusco maximizes wildlife sightings by dedicating extensive time to the Manu Cultural Zone. The itinerary includes specialized viewing at two lagoons and the renowned Green Parrots Clay Lick. The expedition is led by a professional guide and covers historic sites like Ninamarca and Paucartambo on the road journey.
Highlights:
- Witness the spectacular gathering at the Green Parrots Clay Lick and the unique mating ritual of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock.
- Explore diverse ecosystems, including the high Andean passes, the mysterious Cloud Forest, and the Manu jungle.
- Search for diverse Amazonian wildlife, including the Hoatzin bird, capybaras (ronsocos), and dwarf alligators at Machuwasi Lake.
- Navigate the Madre de Dios River by boat and ride a typical catamaran across Cocha Machuwasi for wildlife viewing.
- The tour includes all food, mineral water, accommodation, and expert professional guide services over the 4-day expedition.
About this tour:
Embark on an immersive 4-day Amazon tour from Cusco, designed as an expedition that guides you from the high Andean valleys through the mysterious Cloud Forest and deep into the biodiverse heart of the Manu Jungle Reserve. This comprehensive tour focuses on wildlife viewing, colonial heritage, and navigating the vast waterways, ensuring a full immersion into one of the most pristine ecosystems on Earth.
Day 1: Andean Passes and Cloud Forest Descent. Your adventure begins with a 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM pickup in Cusco. Traveling by private bus, you will first visit the pre-Inca funerary towers (Chullpas) of Ninamarca and the charming colonial town of Paucartambo, including its historic bridge. You will then ascend to the Acjanaco sector, the entry point to Manu National Park. From there, you descend into the mysterious Cloud Forest, where you will take a walk to witness the spectacular mating ritual of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Peru’s national bird) and search for the elusive Spectacled Bear. You will arrive at the Pilcopata Lodge in the late afternoon.
Day 2: River Expedition and Machuwasi Lake. After breakfast, you continue by bus for 45 minutes to Atalaya port (490 m.s.n.m.). Here, you switch to a motorized boat for a 30-minute journey to the Paititi Lodge. Following a delicious lunch, you will visit the Cocha Machuwasi (Machuwasi Lake). You will ride a catamaran typical of the area to observe diverse wildlife, including the prehistoric-looking Hoatzin bird, capybaras (ronsocos), dwarf alligators, and various monkeys and insects. An optional night trekking program is available before spending the night at the lodge.
Day 3: Parrot Clay Lick and Cocha Maravilla. Day three begins very early with a boat ride to the green parrots clay lick, a mineral-rich wall where several species of parrots gather—a vibrant, colorful spectacle. You will then return to the lodge for breakfast before taking a walk inside the forest. This walk leads you to Cocha Maravilla, a private lagoon where, from a platform, you can observe a variety of birds, small reptiles, dwarf alligators, and monkeys. Night walks are scheduled in the evening for nocturnal wildlife observation.
Day 4: Return to Cusco. After a final breakfast at the Paititi Lodge, you will return by boat to Atalaya. Your private bus awaits to take you on the scenic return journey, passing back through the beautiful Cloud Forest to Cusco. The tour concludes with your arrival back in the city, typically between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM.
Included:
- Accommodation & Meals: 3 nights in typical lodges with private bathrooms and showers. Includes all food prepared by a professional chef, and mineral water.
- Transportation: Private bus transport (round trip Cusco to Atalaya). Private river transport (motorized boat).
- Guiding & Equipment: Services of a specialized professional bilingual guide. Use of equipment including a telescope and binoculars.
- Extras: Security team, first aid kit, entrance ticket to tourist attractions, and a pre-tour briefing the day before departure.
Essential Information:
- Cancellation Policy: This activity is non-refundable.
- Exclusions: Breakfast on the first day and alcoholic beverages.
- What to Bring: Long pants, long-sleeved shirt, insect repellent, sun hat/sunglasses, comfortable clothes/shoes, rain gear, flashlight, and a reusable water bottle.
- Logistics: Pickup is from your hotel in Cusco Historic Center (5:30 AM – 6:00 AM). The tour requires a pre-tour briefing the day before departure.
Activity provider: www.iziperu.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this 4-day Amazon tour from Cusco include?
The price is comprehensive, covering all accommodation: 3 nights in typical lodges with private bathrooms and showers. It includes all food (3 meals and mineral water daily), prepared by a professional chef, and all specialized private transport: a private bus from Cusco and a motorized boat for river travel.
What is not included in the tour price?
The tour price specifically excludes breakfast on the first day and any alcoholic beverages.
What should I know before I go on this tour?
You should know that this activity is non-refundable. The tour requires a small group size, limited to 12 participants. A required pre-tour safety briefing will be held at the operator’s office the day before the expedition. Pickup is early, between 5:30 AM and 6:00 AM, from your hotel in the Cusco historic center.
What should I bring for this 4-day Amazon tour from Cusco?
You should bring comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for jungle trekking, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants to protect from insects. Essential items include insect repellent, a sun hat/sunglasses, rain gear, a flashlight, and a reusable water bottle.
What will I experience during this 4-day tour?
This expedition begins with a scenic drive through the Andes, visiting the pre-Inca tombs of Ninamarca and the colonial town of Paucartambo. You will then descend into the mysterious Cloud Forest—the entry point to Manu National Park—where you will walk to witness the spectacular mating ritual of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock and search for the elusive Spectacled Bear. The first night is spent at the Pilcopata Lodge.
The core of the adventure involves a boat expedition deeper into the reserve. You will explore Cocha Machuwasi (Machuwasi Lake) by catamaran to spot the unique Hoatzin bird, capybaras, and dwarf alligators. Day 3 features the highly anticipated Green Parrots Clay Lick spectacle, followed by a walk to Cocha Maravilla for more specialized wildlife viewing. Optional night trekking is available to observe nocturnal animals.