MANU
Air
Inclusive "Manu Plus Explorer" program
| About Manu Biosphere Reserve |
About Manu Wildlife Center |
Going in Overland from Cuzco |
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Andes to Amazon Manu Bio Trip Itinerary |
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| Map of Manu area |
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GOING IN OVERLAND
Over the Andes from Cuzco
Route
Map
If you are a serious birder or a true adventurer, you might elect to go from Cuzco to Manu Wildlife Center via a two day overland expedition.
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The first day's drive (180 km = 110 miles) takes about 7 hours and takes you from the 11,600 feet altitude of Cuzco up over the "puna" via a one track road (on-coming traffic is a reality, necessitating close maneuvering) hitting 14,000 foot pass, passing through Paucartambo, "folklore capital of Peru" (per their welcome sign at the entrance to town), and then plunging down through elfin forests into the cloud forest and the very simple, basic but comfortable Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge for overnight (8 rooms, 16 beds, 2 hot showers and 2 toilet rooms, dining area) and an early morning visit to the display grounds of the very red-headed Cock-of-the-Rock bird, another of nature's shows that reaches a frenzied crescendo. |  |
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Then day two, as the roads get more narrow and bumpier, continue down (3 hours drive) through spectacular cloud forests to the town of Atalaya and the Alta Madre de Dios where you board motorized dug-out canoes for 4 hour cruise to the Pantiacolla Lodge (individual two-room bungalows, shower-bathroom complex, screened dining area, groomed pathways), on the edge of the Manu Biosphere Reserve. If time allows, you can visit a small Macaw Lick, hike scientifically-designed trails and visit a hot springs nearby. There are seven species of monkeys in the area, including Red Howlers, Dusky Titis and Squirrel Monkeys. |
On day three, a 6 hour motorized canoe ride takes you to the Madre de Dios River and the Manu Wildlife Center, and from here you explore Manu.
This two night overland trip is time consuming and tiring. But for birders and adventurers who like overland travel, this is a good one to add to your life experience list.
- Wednesday to Monday
- Saturday to Thursday
