Capture the vibrant essence of the Amazon on this 5-day, 4-night Manu Photo Tour. Designed for nature enthusiasts and photographers, this journey takes you from...
Moderate to challenging
Lodge & Eco-lodge
3,500 m / 11,480 ft
2 – 8 People
Capture the vibrant essence of the Amazon on this 5-day, 4-night Manu Photo Tour. Designed for nature enthusiasts and photographers, this journey takes you from the Andean highlands to the heart of Manu’s lowland rainforest, including visits to a spectacular macaw clay lick and a hidden mammal clay lick.
With expert guidance and ample opportunities for wildlife sightings, you’ll have the chance to photograph an incredible array of birds, mammals, and diverse ecosystems, creating lasting memories of Peru’s wild beauty.
2 – 8 People
Local naturalists every day
Transport, lodges & meals handled
We begin our journey from Cusco, traversing the majestic Andes in our private minivan. On the way, we visit the picturesque town of Paucartambo, famous for its traditions and colonial architecture. We then ascend to the Acjanaco Pass, the gateway to Manu National Park. From there, we gradually descend through ecosystems that change with altitude: high Andean grasslands, dwarf forests, and finally the cloud forest. We walk along hidden trails to observe the fascinating mating dance of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruviana), Peru’s national bird. It’s also possible to spot quetzals, trogons, monkeys, and a wide variety of wild orchids. At dusk, we arrive at our cozy Bamboo Lodge, where we’ll spend the night.
After breakfast, we continue our journey towards the port of Atalaya. Along the way, we make a stop at a hummingbird garden and enjoy viewpoints with spectacular views of the jungle and the Madre de Dios River. From Atalaya, we embark on a motorized boat towards Blanquillo Lodge. The river navigation is an unforgettable experience: exotic birds, jungle formations, and possibly some mammal species accompany our journey. In the afternoon, we arrive at Blanquillo Lodge. After a short rest, we take a night walk to search for arachnids, insects, and reptiles that inhabit the forest. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Very early, we depart for a macaw clay lick, a natural ravine where these colorful birds come to feed on mineral-rich clay. From a camouflaged hide, we silently observe this natural spectacle. We return to the lodge for lunch and a rest. In the afternoon, we head to Cocha Blanco Lake, one of the most biodiverse wetlands in the region. Aboard a rustic raft, we navigate its calm waters in search of giant otters, caimans, spider monkeys, herons, kingfishers, and other riverside birds like the horned screamer. We return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
At dawn, we take an interpretive walk along the trails of Blanquillo. Then, we board our boat to continue upstream to the Bonanza Ecological Reserve, with a brief stop in the town of Boca Manu. Along the way, it’s possible to see caimans, turtles, and perhaps a tapir crossing the river. Once settled in Bonanza, we head to a camouflaged observatory at night, located next to a mammal clay lick. There, in rotating shifts, we wait in silence to observe species such as Amazonian tapirs, deer, and nocturnal rodents, which are attracted by the minerals in the soil. We spend part of the night in the observatory, a unique experience of connecting with wildlife.
Very early, we begin our return by boat to the port of Atalaya, enjoying the splendor of the forest one last time. In Atalaya, our private minivan will be waiting for the return journey to Cusco. We arrive in the city in the afternoon, concluding this unforgettable experience in the deep Amazon.
Amazon specialist — Manu & Tambopata
I help you choose dates, lodges and the right pace for real wildlife — from clay licks to the Restricted Zone.
Personal planning support. Concierge help with dates, permits and logistics before you travel.
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