Menu
3 Days / 2 Nights · From Cusco
Discover the remarkable transition from the Andes to the Amazon on this 3-day Manu adventure from Cusco. The journey follows one of Peru’s great biodiversity corridors, descending through high Andean landscapes and the cloud forest before reaching the warm tropical forests of the Manu region.
With three days to explore, you will have more time for wildlife observation, river travel, forest walks and wetland exploration. The program combines the Manu Cloud Forest, a boat journey on the Alto Madre de Dios River, Machuwasi Lake on traditional topa rafts, optional river swimming, night walks and an early-morning parrot clay lick experience.
3 Days / 2 Nights
per person
Up to 10 travelers
English / Spanish
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 5:30 AM and begin our overland journey toward the Manu region. As we leave the city, the route crosses the Andes and gradually descends toward the eastern slopes, revealing dramatic changes in landscape, temperature and vegetation.
Our main nature experience begins in the Manu Cloud Forest, part of the extraordinary ecological transition between the Tropical Andes and the Amazon Basin. We make observation stops and short walks along the Manu Road, searching for the Andean Cock-of-the-rock, quetzals, toucans, hummingbirds, monkeys, butterflies, orchids and other wildlife.
We continue descending toward the tropical lowlands, stopping for lunch along the route. As the forest becomes warmer and denser, your guide will explain how the vegetation and animal communities change with altitude.
In the late afternoon, we arrive at our jungle lodge and settle into our rooms. After dinner, those who wish can join an optional night walk, when frogs, insects, spiders, geckos and other nocturnal creatures become active.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Amazon Jungle Lodge
After breakfast, we travel to the river port and board our motorized boat for a scenic journey along the Alto Madre de Dios River to our next jungle lodge. River travel is an essential part of exploring the Manu region and offers a completely different view of the rainforest.
As we navigate downstream, we enjoy broad views of forested riverbanks, gravel beaches and tropical vegetation. We keep watch for riverside birds, monkeys and other wildlife; sightings vary naturally from day to day.
After arriving at our next lodge, we settle into our rooms and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we visit Machuwasi Lake, a small wetland ecosystem surrounded by tropical forest and known for its rich diversity of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies and plants.
We explore Machuwasi on traditional wooden topa rafts. Moving quietly across the water gives us an excellent opportunity to observe the lake and forest edge while looking for hoatzins, herons, kingfishers and other wildlife.
Depending on river level, weather and safety conditions, there will also be an opportunity to swim in a suitable section of the river—a refreshing way to enjoy the Amazon environment.
Later, we return to the lodge for dinner. In the evening, an optional guided night walk offers another chance to discover the rainforest after dark.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Amazon Jungle Lodge
We start early to visit a parrot clay lick. These mineral-rich clay banks can attract parrots and parakeets, creating an exciting natural spectacle when conditions are favorable. Because this is a wild encounter, the number and species of birds present can vary.
After breakfast, we begin our return journey toward Cusco. The road takes us back through the Amazon foothills and the Manu Cloud Forest, giving us another opportunity to search for wildlife and enjoy the dramatic change from lowland rainforest to mountain forest.
We stop for lunch along the return route and make additional wildlife observation stops whenever conditions allow. We arrive in Cusco at approximately 6:00 PM and transfer you back to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
© 2026 Choquequirao Booking. All rights reserved.
