Amazon Manu Cultural Zone 4 Days / 3 Nights

Embark on a captivating 4-day journey through the Manu Cultural Zone, starting in Cusco and exploring the mystical cloud forest, Paucartambo, and Pilcopata. On the first night, experience the charm of camping in Pilcopata. The following morning, enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Pilcopata lodge before heading to Atalaya, where you’ll be mesmerized by the breathtaking scenery. In the afternoon, arrive at the Paititi Lodge for your second overnight stay.

On day three, visit the vibrant Collpa de Loros (Parrot Clay Lick) and marvel at the stunning Cocha Maravilla (Marvelous Lake). After your explorations, return to the Amazon Manu Lodge for your third and final night in the rainforest. On the final morning, savor a last breakfast amidst the lush surroundings before traveling back to Cusco, concluding your unforgettable adventure in the Manu Cultural Zone.

4-Day Manu Cultural Zone Summary

  • Start Point: Cusco, with hotel pickup between 5:30 and 6:00 AM.
  • Ending Point: Cusco city center, Plaza Regocijo.
  • Duration: 4 days and 3 nights.
  • Departure: Daily departures available.
  • Group Size: Up to 10 participants.
  • Entrance Tickets: Included in the package.
  • Meals Included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.
  • Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Available upon request at no extra charge.
  • Free Storage: Available; details provided upon request.
  • High Season: April to October.

Explore the Wonders of Manu

  • Breathtaking Biodiversity: Manu is home to an astonishing variety of plant and animal species. You’ll have the chance to spot rare and colorful birds, various monkey species, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a jaguar or a giant river otter.
  • Guided Jungle Treks: With expert guides leading the way, explore the rainforest’s rich ecosystems, learn about medicinal plants, and observe the unique wildlife thriving in this remarkable habitat.
  • Cultural Interactions: Meet and engage with indigenous communities residing in the Manu Cultural Zone. Gain insights into their traditions, lifestyle, and their profound connection to the rainforest.
  • River Excursions: Discover the Amazon’s beauty from the water, where you might see  river turtles, and a variety of bird species during scenic river journeys.
  • Night Walks: Experience the rainforest’s nocturnal magic on guided night walks, revealing a hidden world of creatures and sounds for an unforgettable adventure.
  • Rainforest Canopy Tower: Visit a canopy tower for panoramic views of the rainforest, offering a unique perspective on its vastness and an opportunity to spot wildlife from above.
  • Sustainable Tourism: The tour promotes responsible travel practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact and supporting local communities.
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Amazon Manu Cultural Zone 4 Days / 3 Nights

Included

  • Ground and River Transportation: Travel by bus and boat, ensuring a comfortable and seamless journey through the region.
  • Bilingual professional guide: Expert guides equipped with telescopes and binoculars to enhance your wildlife viewing experience.
  • Experienced Crew: A skilled boat driver, crew member, and cook to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.
  • Safety Equipment: Comprehensive safety gear to keep you secure throughout the tour.
  • Meals: Enjoy all meals including breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks.
  • Dietary Accommodations: Options available for dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals.
  • 1 night at Pilcopata Inn
  • 2 nights at Amazon EcoLodge
  • First Aid Kit: A fully stocked first aid kit for any minor medical needs.
  • Rubber Boots: Provided for comfortable and practical exploration of the rainforest.
  • Mineral Water: Available at the lodge to keep you hydrated throughout your stay.

Not Included

  • Breakfast on the first morning
  • Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and water for the first day’s breakfast
  • Dinner in the last day

Starting at

$ 330.00USD

per person

Contact travel advisor +51 940 110 208

Day By Day

Day 1: Cusco – Cloud Forest -Pilcopata Lodge Inn

We will depart from Cusco early in the morning in one of our vehicles. We will traverse interesting valleys between the Andes Mountains and picturesque countryside communities. We will visit pre-Inca tombs from the Lupaca culture and then stop in Paucartambo, a beautiful colonial town, to visit its fascinating museum. Along the way, we will have lunch in the cloud forest. We will continue our descent through the cloud forest, a zone rich in endemic species such as the Spectacled Bear and the Cock of the Rock, Peru’s national bird known for its unique courting ritual. We will also see orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and more. We will continue to enjoy the spectacular nature along our journey until we arrive at Pilcopata Inn, where we will spend our first night.

Day 2: Pilcopata –Atalaya – MachuWasi Lagoon – Amazon EcoLodge

We will have an early breakfast and then take a walk to observe the forest fauna, including monkeys and birds. Next, we will visit a coca plantation and a wildlife rescue center. Following this, we will travel to Atalaya port, situated along the banks of the Alto Madre de Dios River at 500 meters above sea level There, we will begin our boat descent to observe the diverse bird species, such as herons, vultures, and cormorants, until we arrive at Amazon Manu Lodge. There, we will bathe in the river and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit a swamp where we can observe birds such as toucans, woodpeckers, and macaws. In the evening, before dinner, we will search for the eyes of caimans that stand out in the night. We will spend the night at the lodge.

Day 3:  Amazon Harpy Lodge- Parrots Clays Lick – Hiking in the Forest- Zip Line

Very early in the morning, we will board our boat and head to the macaw clay lick, a wall along the riverbank where different species of parrots, such as the blue-headed parrot, the white-eyed parakeet, the macaw with chestnut front, among others, meets every morning. Here they eat clay, which is rich in minerals and helps them digest and eliminate toxins from their bodies. After, we will return to our lodge for a delicious breakfast.
Afterwards we will take a walk through the forest for 2 to 3 hours. We will return to the cabin for lunch and then rest or swim in the river. After lunch. In the afternoon, ZIP LINE: Our guests at the Amazon Harpy Lodge have the opportunity to appreciate a unique and impressive view of the jungle as they fly through the jungle canopy between platforms built high up in the trees. All the equipment used is of high quality and safe. After sliding at high speed through the treetops of the incredible Amazon rainforest, you can make a 25-meter-high RAPPEL to the ground.
Then we will do a nocturnal walk through the forest to look for insects and amphibians. After the night walk, we will have dinner and spend the night in the Lodge.

Day 4: Amazon EcoLodge – Cusco

After a delicious breakfast, we will enjoy observing the hummingbirds around the lodge. We will then board our boat back to Port Atalaya, where our bus will be waiting to bring us back to Cusco. We will have lunch along the route and arrive in Cusco around 5:30–6:30 PM.


Price

Price to the Amazon Manu Cultural Zone 4 Days / 3 Nights:

Price: $ 330.00 USD per person

DISCOUNT

  • icon students Student Discount: $20 USD

what to bring

What you need to bring

It is recommended to pack lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for the humid rainforest environment. Essentials include comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, a rain jacket, a flashlight, a reusable water bottle, and any personal medications you may need. It’s also advisable to bring a camera and binoculars to capture the wildlife and bird sightings.

  • Long-Sleeved Shirts (Preferably Dark Colors): For protection against insects and sun.
  • Clothing suitable for cold and damp mornings
  • Long Pants (Preferably Dark Colors): For insect and sun protection.
  • Fleece or Lightweight Insulating Jacket: For warmth in cooler conditions.
  • Comfortable Walking Shoes: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots or shoes.
  • Rain Gear: Lightweight, waterproof rain jacket or poncho.
  • Insect Repellent: To protect against mosquitoes and other insects.
  • Sunscreen: High SPF sunscreen for UV protection.
  • Hat and Sunglasses: For sun protection.
  • Binoculars: For wildlife watching.
  • Extra Batteries: To capture your experiences.
  • Personal Medications: Any necessary medications.
  • First Aid Kit: Basic supplies for minor injuries.

Additional Useful Items:

  • Waterproof Bag or Dry Bags: To keep belongings dry.
  • Reusable Water Bottle: To stay hydrated.
  • Flashlight or Headlamp: For night activities.
  • Snacks: Energy bars or trail mix.
  • Swimsuit: For bathing if available.
  • Wet Wipes or Hand Sanitizer: For hygiene.

Optional Items:

Personal Toiletries: Biodegradable soap, shampoo, toothpaste.

  • Music (iPhone)
  • Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
  • Earplugs

Why Us

Why does Inka Trail Backpacker charge less than other Inca Trail operators?

At Inka Trail Backpacker, we offer you the basic and essential version of the popular treks in the region. We are a 100% local company that wants to provide everything you will need at the real cost of operations—never unfair upcharging! That is why our slogan is “Fun, Not Fancy Trip.”

Are you a certified company?

Inka Trail Backpacker has been a Licensed Inca Trail Tour Operator since 2014. All companies managing the Inca Trail must be certified and have an Inca Trail operators license. This license is issued annually each December; Inka Trail Backpacker is licensed through the year of 2020.

Our license as an Official Travel Agency is under the name Inka Trail Backpacker E.I.R.L. Our license as an Inca Trail Operator is under the name of INKA TRAIL BACKPACKER E.I.R.L We also work with partner company licenses, such as INTI SUN TREK E.I.R.L and GRUPO CAMINOS DEL PERU E.I.R.L. For tourists´protection, getting the permit for the Inca Trail from the government is a complicated and stringent process: in order to guarantee an Inca Trail Permit for all the tourists that have decided to book their adventure with us, we are registered to book using any of the above mentioned company licenses. We are all registered on the official Government web site: www.machupicchu.gob.pe.

Does Inka Trail Backpacker care for their porters?

Yes, we absolutely take care of our porters. We do not charge you less than other companies at the expense of our porters’ pay and wellbeing. Since the end of 2014, Inka Trail Backpacker has been paying our porters a wage of 200 soles for the 4 day trek, plus their transportation costs. That is nearly 20% above the legally required minimum wage agreed upon with the Porters Union. Following talks with our porters, they have told us that they know of only a few trekking companies that offer such competitive pay and benefits. Only two companies pay slightly more (and charge their clients almost US$100 more than us). Of the remaining 170 other licensed trekking operators, only about 60% pay the legal wage and 40% pay less than the legal wage. Some companies pay only 70% of the legal wage. Unfortunately, this is difficult to prove as their porters receive a low wage but are asked to sign receipts showing they received more!

However, improving porter welfare is not just about paying fair wages. It is important that the porters have adequate food, a warm and dry place to sleep, and access to medical attention, just the same as any other member of the group.

The wages that the porters get paid are by no means high by Western standards, but you have to look at wages relative to other professions in Peru. For example, a school teacher gets paid the equivalent of about US$350 per month and has trained for 5 years to become a professional. A porter, if he works 4 treks a month, receives about the same if you include his tips. Most porters are seasonal workers and have no formal qualifications. For just 16 days work per month, they receive wages similar to a teacher who works 22 days. Inka Trail Backpacker also tries to help the porters in additional ways, such as financial and educational support for their families.

Trek with like-minded travellers

As a traveller, you know that one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences of going to new places is meeting people along the way. When you book a tour with us, you can be confident that your group will be filled with similar travellers looking for adventure in the Peruvian Andes. Our groups provide a great opportunity to meet new people and bond with them in an exciting environment. You never know who you will meet!

Community

We are really proud of the work we do for our community. This is a main focus for our company. We have worked with villages directly to help supply them with needs, buy all our food from local farmers and markets, and serve the freshest ingredients.

100% Guaranteed Departures

At Inka trail Backpacker, we like to think we do trekking a little differently than our competitors. We stand by our customers and guarantee that we meet 100% of our departure dates on our treks even if you are a solo traveler.

Office Location

Our office is located at 392 Calle Triunfo (the street is also called Sunturwasi), inside the Centro Artesenal Arte Inka Building, which is on the corner across the street from the Museo Arzobispal and the Twelve-Angled Stone, by a small fountain. We are on the second floor, in Suite 209.

Faqs

What is the Tour Manu Amazon Cultural Zone?

The Tour Manu Amazon Cultural Zone is a 4-day, 3-night tour that takes you to the Manu National Park, located in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest. This tour focuses on exploring the cultural aspects of the region while immersing you in the rich biodiversity of the area.

Where is the Manu National Park located?

The Manu National Park is situated in southeastern Peru, primarily in the regions of Madre de Dios and Cusco. It spans an area of approximately 1.5 million hectares (3.7 million acres) and is known for its incredible biological diversity.

What is the best time to visit Manu National Park?

The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this period, the weather is generally more stable, and wildlife spotting is easier. However, the rainforest can be visited year-round, with each season offering its own unique experiences.

What can I expect to see during the tour?

During the Tour Manu Amazon Cultural Zone, you can expect to see a wide range of flora and fauna, including various species of monkeys, birds, reptiles, and plants. You may also have the opportunity to encounter indigenous communities and learn about their culture and traditions..

How do I get to the Manu National Park?

To reach the Manu National Park, you typically start from the city of Cusco in Peru. From Cusco, you will travel by road to the entrance of the national park, and then continue by boat along the Manu River to explore different areas of the park.

Is there accommodation in Manu National Park?

Accommodation within the park is typically in eco-lodges. These lodgings are basic but comfortable and are designed to minimize environmental impact while providing a close connection to nature.

How is the weather in Manu National Park throughout the year?

Weather can be highly variable, with high humidity and frequent rain throughout the year. The dry season (May to October) generally has more stable weather, while the wet season (November to April) can be rainier and muddier.

Where do I have to be on the morning of the trek and where will I be dropped off at the end of the trek?

On the morning of the trek departure, we will pick you up from inside your hotel in Cusco (don’t wait outside in the street) and drop you off either in the Plaza de Regocijos ( next to the main square) or Plaza San Francisco (two blocks from the main square) upon your return to Cusco. You won’t be dropped off directly at your hotel/hostels.

It helps us if you try to stay in a hotel/hostal that is within a few blocks of the Plaza de Armas (Main Square). If your hotel/hostal is far away from the main square we will ask you to come to our offices with the exact location and name of your accommodation. If you are not staying in the city center, we may not be able to pick you up from your hotel. You must take a taxi to the center. 

The guide will come into your hotel and ask for you at reception. Because the centre of Cusco is full of small cobblestone streets, our larger bus/van is not permitted to enter certain zones in the city centre, so you will then have to walk a short distance to where the bus/van will be waiting for you. Traffic regulations prohibit large buses/van from entering the main square but usually after 10pm we don´t have a problem and will be able to drop you off in the main square upon your return. You can then take a taxi back to your hotel (between US$2 to US$4 for a taxi).

If we have to drop you off in Plaza San Francisco, you may be a bit disoriented (some people may need to be woken up!!) but we recommend that you ask for directions to the Plaza de Armas and our guide or driver will be happy to help. It’s only two blocks away, but usually it’ll be quite late at night so it is best to walk together as a group back to the Plaza before taking a taxi or walking back to your hotel.

Can I bring children to Manu National Park?

Yes, many tours are family-friendly, but it’s essential to choose a tour suitable for children and consider their comfort and safety during activities.

How physically demanding are the tours in Manu National Park?

Tours can vary in physical intensity. Some involve long boat rides and moderate hiking, while others may be more relaxed. It’s important to choose a tour that matches your fitness level and physical abilities.

What vaccines do I need for my trip? Will I need malaria pills?

Before traveling to Peru, you should consult your doctor. Routine vaccines, Hepatitis A, and typhoid vaccines are recommended for most travelers by the CDC. Some travelers may also need vaccines for Hepatitis B, rabies, and yellow fever. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should also be advised that the Zika virus is present in Peru.

Malaria pills are not necessary for Manu Amazon tour 4 day / 3 nights.

Do you recommend a rain poncho, or is a rain jacket okay?

The rainy season in Cusco is generally from November to April, when there are near-daily showers and the ground—especially in trekking areas—is wet and muddy. However, there are occasional showers throughout the rest of the year; you should always pack a rain jacket, regardless of when you plan to visit. For treks, a rain poncho is highly recommended—since you will be walking through rain for potentially several hours without shelter, a poncho will be much more effective at keeping all of your belongings and your base layers warm and dry. Waterproof shoes are also strongly recommended.

What if I get sick on the trail during my tour?

In the event of illness or injury, we will offer all of the support and care we are able; however, you should carry any medications you expect to need with you (ask your doctor for specific recommendations or prescriptions for altitude sickness, traveler´s diarrhea , colds and sore throats, and pain or inflammation). If you are not capable of completing the trek, we will transport you back to Cusco, where you can seek medical treatment. However, the cost of this transportation is not included in your tour and you will be expected to pay the additional expense—for this reason, we highly recommend travel insurance for your trek.

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