- Country
Peru - Departure
Cusco - Arrival
Cusco - Theme
Explorer
Day 1. Cusco – Cloud Forest
- Destination
Madre de Dios - Hotel
Orquídeas de San Pedro Lodge - Attractions
Cloud Forest
Departure from Cusco in the early-morning traveling in our company vehicles. Mid-morning we shall visit the ancient tombs (“Chullpas”) of Ninamarca and then continue to Paucartambo, a colonial town of Spanish origin and a very picturesque town. Then on to the Acjanacu pass that marks the beginning of the Cultural Zone in the Manu Biosphere Reserve. The Zone is characterized by a thick blanket of clouds that creates a constant state of high humidity and consequently is an ideal habitat for plants such as the epiphytic bromeliads.
In this particular environment, we find the Cock-of-the-Rock, Spectacled Bear, orchids, tree ferns (one of the world’s oldest living plants), moss and lichens. Sitting between 2,000 and 3,500 metres above sea level, the cloud forest is special because 50% or more of plant species found here are indigenous to the region. Along the way we shall have lunch and then continue to our destination: the “Orquídeas de San Pedro Lodge”.
Day 2. Cock-of-the-Rock – Madre de Dios River
- Destination
Madre de Dios - Hotel
Erika Lodge - Attractions
Cock of the Rock
Having reached the right location by Day 2, we wake very early in the hope of finding the Cock of the Rock, Peru’s national bird. The males of the species are a bold reddish orange color, and several dozen may come together at one time for the ritual mating dance in an area called Lek. From a platform, we shall have an excellent chance of watching males display their crest, a “show off” posture for attracting the females. The females are fewer in number but watch this mating ritual intently in order to select the most desirable males.
After breakfast, we travel down a narrow road—flanked by waterfalls and canyons—toward the town of Pilcopata (*1), and then on to Atalaya Port where we stop for lunch. It is here that we board our own covered outboard motorboat and head down the Alto Madre de Dios River. About 50 minutes down river, we will arrive at the “Erika” private reserve, a rustic yet comfortable lodge. Here we will explore an intriguing trail system and hike through this “transitional area” located between the high and low jungles, to see the treasures this unique area offers. On this day traveling is over and we will spend the night at the lodge.
*1 Option #1 (Free): In Pilcopata, we make our final arrangements for a 1.5 hour rafting trip (with simply class I and class II rapids) down the Koshñipata River. You will have a chance to take a dip in the river or simply relax and soak in the breathtaking views of the spectacular Koñeq Canyon.
Day 3. Erika Lodge – Machuwasi Lake
- Destination
Madre de Dios - Hotel
Erika Lodge - Attractions
Machuwasi Lake
The Lodge sits in a transition zone; it is nestled between the high and low jungle (500–1,150 metres above sea level). After breakfast, our guide will explain the different habitats of the area, the range of altitudes and the dramatic diversity of the wildlife.
To increase our chance of seeing more wildlife, we set off immediately after breakfast walking along the nearby riverbanks and our guide will describe insects, medicinal plants, various trees, reptiles, mammals, and more. Lunch will be served later —before we head out on our boat for the day. But just 5 minutes into our sail to Lake Machuwasi we will stop for a short 30-minute hike down a most pleasant trail. We will have a chance to observe and learn about the plant life found here, including rare plants, heliconias, fruit plantations, and more. Once at the lake, we have the pleasure of watching great egrets, tucanets, carpenters, Keskadees, cardinals, etc.— all with the aid of a telescope! In the evening, we will take a short walk to observe American bullfrogs, horned frogs, tree frogs, and an amazing variety of insects!
*2 Option # 2 (Free): Canopy Zip Down: At the Lodge, our guests have the opportunity of crossing the rainforest canopy: tree-to-tree, platform-to-platform, utilizing a system of pulleys on horizontal zip lines. The zip line allows you to soar through the treetops and over the trails far below. Well-trained guides are there to assist you and to explain what you are experiencing — from the time you leave terra firma until you rappel back down to the forest floor at the end of this adventure.
Day 4. Parrots & Macaws Clay Lick – Cusco
- Destination
Cusco - Hotel
End of the Tour - Attractions
Macaws Clay Lick
On Day 4, we will again rise very early—but it is worth it! We board our boat once more for a short five-minute trip down river to watch a colony of parrot clay lick on the banks of the river (called a “Collpa”) congregating here in the morning ; they include the blue-headed parrot and the white-eyed parakeet. The birds get vital mineral and salt supplements by eating the clay which helps them digest seeds and fruits.
After watching and photographing the parrots, we shall cruise back to Erika Lodge, enjoy breakfast, and then board our boat back to Atalaya Port. There, we meet up with the bus that will take us back to Cusco. Along the way we shall enjoy lunch and arrive back in Cusco late in the evening.
usd 495
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