CUSCO – CLOUD FOREST – BAMBOO LODGE

Starting early from Cusco, we begin our 8-hour-journey by private bus, first ascending to the high mountain area at 4000 meters (13,000 feet). We make a stop in Ninamarca to see the pre-Inca cemetery, and afterwards in the colonial village of Paucartambo. Then we descend the eastern slopes of the Andes through the cloud forest with lush vegetation (ferns, orchids, bromeliads etc.). We enjoy spectacular views of the Andes and can see wildlife as well, such as our national bird: the bright red Cock of the Rocks (Rupicola peruviana), showing his mating dance. Walking along the road we can observe brilliantly colored Tanagers, Quetzals, Trogons, Tucanets and Hummingbirds, as well as hawks and some monkey species, such as the Woolly Monkeys. We arrive at the Bamboo Lodge (950 m.) in the late afternoon and spend the night. After dinner your guide will brief you about the following days activities.

Accommodation: double rooms with private bathroom

BAMBOO LODGE – RIO DE ORO LODGE – MACHUWASI LAKE

After an early breakfast we continue our adventure with our minibus: we will pass the village of Pilcopata and cross the river of the same name to get to the small port of Atalaya (600 m.). On the way, we will stop for some short walks to observe birds and to visit a local orchid garden. In Atalaya, we embark and start our half hour journey in a 15-meter motorized canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios River. We have the opportunity to see wildlife along the rocky river banks, such as Fasciated Tiger Herons, Purplish Jays, Skimmers and some of the monkey species that live in Manu. From the Rio de Oro Lodge we explore some of the trails to observe birds, insects and monkeys. In the afternoon we cross to the other side of the river to discover some monkeys and to visit the Machuwasi Lake. We use a wooden raft to explore the lake and observe the birdlife. In the evening, we will do caiman spotting on the river or go on a night walk. We spend the night at Rio de Oro Lodge.

Accommodation: double rooms with private bathroom

EXPLORING AROUND THE RIO DE ORO LODGE

At dawn, we travel downriver to the parrot clay lick by boat. This is a special place where parrots, parakeets and small macaws, including the Chestnut fronted Macaw and the rare Blue headed Macaw, come to eat minerals which help them with their digestion. After the natural show we walk on the trails to see more animals and you have the opportunity to climb up to a lookout point for a spectacular view over the Alto Madre de Dios River. Another trail then takes us to a huge Ceiba Tree. Later, we can go fishing or have a bath in the river. We spend the night at the lodge and have an optional night walk to see insects, frogs, snakes etc.

Accommodation: double rooms with private bathroom

RIO DE ORO LODGE – CUSCO

After breakfast we take the boat back to Atalaya. Here, our bus is waiting for us and we begin our return trip through the cloud forest and over the Andes back to Cusco. We can stop whenever we spot animals. We arrive around 06:00 pm and then transfer you to your hotel.