Cusco Rainforest Tour: 3-Day Trip to the Manu Jungle

Experience the Macaw Clay Lick and the Cock of the Rock on this all-inclusive rainforest tour from Cusco, which includes river tubing and cultural visits.

3 days
English and Spanish-speaking guide
Small-group tour (up to 9 participants)
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Pickup included

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FROM $787 PER PERSON

Book a seamless rainforest tour from Cusco to explore both the high-altitude heritage of Paucartambo and the tropical Amazon Basin. Your package includes thrilling activities like river tubing in the Palotoa River and a cultural visit to a local indigenous community. The trip is led by naturalist guides and covers all meals, accommodation, and private transport.

Highlights:

  • Explore the cultural zone of the Manu jungle, searching for diverse birds, flora, and fauna during guided hikes.
  • Witness the spectacular Macaw Clay Lick and the mating ritual of the Andean Cock of the Rock (Peru’s national bird).
  • Stay at the exclusive, family-owned Treehouse INN for two nights in the heart of the jungle.
  • Gain firsthand insights into the lifestyle of a local indigenous community near the lodge.
  • Explore the colonial heritage of Paucartambo and the unique ecosystems of the cloud forest and Amazon Basin.
  • The trip includes all meals, accommodation, private transport, and experienced naturalist guides.

About this tour:

 

Join an unforgettable Cusco rainforest tour, an intensive 3-day expedition that dramatically shifts from the majesty of the Andean grasslands to the vast, biodiverse Amazon Basin (Manu Cultural Zone). This adventure offers a unique immersion into the jungle, combining essential wildlife viewing with engaging activities and a stay at an exclusive, family-owned lodge.

Day 1: Andes to Amazon and Treehouse INN. Your journey begins with an early morning hotel pickup in Cusco, traveling via private transport from the Andes to the Amazon. The first stop is the Andean town of Paucartambo, where your guide will explain the local, untouched culture and traditions. You will then head to the picturesque viewpoint of Tres Cruces (3,900m), which offers a staggering panoramic view of the Amazon basin. Next, you descend into the Manu Cloud Forest for a short tour to spot the Peruvian National Bird, the Andean Cock of the Rock. A small motorboat at Santa Cruz Port takes you to the exclusive Treehouse INN. After a native lunch, your adventure officially kicks off with a guided hike to observe regional plants and bird species before returning for a campfire dinner.

Day 2: Macaw Clay Lick, River Tubing, and Culture. Day two begins before dawn with a short boat ride to the spectacular Macaw Clay Lick. It is crucial to be there early to witness hundreds of vibrantly colored parrots and macaws flocking to the clay cliffs to consume mineral-rich clay, a breathtaking and unique spectacle. After returning for a hearty traditional breakfast, you will set off on a hike along an exclusive trail, encountering more native flora and fauna. The afternoon is dedicated to adventure: you will spend time river tubing in the Palotoa’s crystal clear waters. As evening sets in, you will visit a local indigenous community to gain firsthand insights into their Amazonian lifestyle before enjoying a final campfire dinner.

Day 3: Return to Cusco. The final day of your rainforest tour from Cusco begins with a traditional native breakfast at the Treehouse INN. Afterward, you will board a boat back to the Santa Cruz pier, where your driver awaits. The journey back to Cusco takes you once again through the awe-inspiring cloud forests and the quaint town of Paucartambo, concluding your three-day adventure with a drop-off back in the city in the late afternoon.

Included:

  • All meals (vegetarian food is accommodated upon request)
  • Services of the professional cook (chef)
  • Excursions with knowledgeable naturalist guides
  • Private ground transportation by minivan
  • River transportation by canoe
  • Accommodation at the lodge (2 nights)
  • Tickets for the Manu national park
  • Rubber boots

 

Essential Information:

  • Pickup: Complimentary pickup from hotels within Cusco’s historic c If outside, the meeting point is the water fountain in the main square.
  • Not Suitable For: Pregnant women, wheelchair users, and people over 70 years.
  • What to Bring: Valid passport/ID, comfortable shoes/clothes, biodegradable sunscreen/insect repellent, swimwear, towel, flashlight, daypack, and a reusable water bottle.
  • Restrictions: Littering, feeding animals, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed. Good physical condition is required for moderate hikes.

 

Activity provider: Bio Manu Expeditions Peru

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this Cusco rainforest tour include?

The price is all-inclusive, covering 2 nights’ accommodation at the exclusive Treehouse INN and all meals (vegetarian food is accommodated upon request). It includes the services of knowledgeable naturalist guides and a professional cook (chef), along with tickets for the Manu National Park. All private ground and river transportation (minivan and motorized canoe) and the use of rubber boots are also included.

What is not covered by the tour price?

The tour price does not specifically list exclusions other than what is implied (personal expenses, tips, drinks other than those provided, etc.).

What should I bring for this tour?

You must bring your valid passport/ID. Essential gear includes comfortable shoes and clothes, a flashlight, a daypack, swimwear, a towel, and a reusable water bottle. For safety and environmental reasons, biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent are strongly recommended.

Who is this rainforest tour from Cusco not suitable for?

Due to the physically demanding nature of the moderate hikes, this tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people over 70 years old.

What is not allowed on this tour?

For safety and preservation, littering, feeding animals, and unaccompanied minors are strictly not allowed.

What should I know before I join this Cusco rainforest tour?

You should know that this is a small-group tour (limited to 9 participants) and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Complimentary pickup is available for hotels within Cusco’s historic center; otherwise, the meeting point is the water fountain in the main square. Good physical condition is required for the moderate hikes.

What will I experience during this tour?

This intensive 3-day expedition begins with a dramatic journey from the Andes, stopping at the colonial town of Paucartambo and the Tres Cruces Viewpoint for staggering views of the Amazon Basin. You will descend into the Manu Cloud Forest to spot the Peruvian National Bird, the Andean Cock of the Rock, before arriving by motorboat at the exclusive Treehouse INN for your two-night stay and a welcoming campfire dinner.

The adventure peaks on Day 2 with an early morning boat ride to the spectacular Macaw Clay Lick, where hundreds of vibrantly colored parrots and macaws flock to consume mineral-rich clay—a breathtaking spectacle. The afternoon includes thrilling river tubing in the Palotoa’s crystal clear waters and a visit to a local indigenous community to gain cultural insights. The entire trip is led by professional naturalist guides, maximizing your exposure to the Cloud Forest and Manu jungle ecosystems.

Who should I contact with questions regarding this Cusco rainforest tour?
For any questions regarding this rainforest tour from Cusco, you should contact the organizer behind the activity, Bio Manu Expeditions Peru, via the tour page on GetYourGuide.