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Manu 3 Day Birdwatching Tour - Full Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco to the cloud forest
After an early breakfast, we will pick you up by private vehicle from your hotel and set off for the Manu cloud forest. We will pass over two Andean chains of almost 13,100 feet elevation through a steppe-like landscape, or Puna. On the way, we will pass stone Chullpas, or burial chambers, of the Pre-Inca Lupaca people and will hope to catch site of some of the bird species of the high Andes, including the Giant Hummingbird and Mountain Caracara.
After a boxed lunch at Ajanaco which, if clear, affords views over the cloud forest and the vast sprawling expanse of the lowland rain forest, the road suddenly descends down the eastern slope of the Andes. We will plunge downwards, past remnant patches of forest, through swirling mist and clouds, to emerge in a forest of stunted, evergreen trees, festooned with mosses, lichens, bromeliads and other epiphytes. If time, we might explore in the forest before dinner.
Accommodation: Camping on platform at Cock of the Rock Lodge. You will have access to the shared bathrooms and be provided with meals at the Lodge.
Day 2 : Birdwatching in the cloud forest
Rising before dawn, we will visit the traditional display ground of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, which has become famous among scientists, tourists and the international press, as there is no other spot in the world where so many of these spectacular blazing red birds can be seen so easily. The observation blind is located metres from the narrow switchback road that runs through the centre of the reserve. From here, you can watch as between 6-20 or more male birds put on a display at a traditional mating ground, metres in front of the blind. Observe as these fascinating birds strut, curve their wings and dip their crested heads in the hope of attracting a mate.
After breakfast the rest of the day can be spent exploring the forest overhanging the single lane road near the lodge, or some of the miles of trails that wind through the valley, to see high elevation cloud forest birds, such as the Golden-headed Trogon, as well as numerous, brightly-coloured tanagers and hummingbirds. If you are very lucky you might see a troop of muscular-limbed Woolly Monkeys or Brown Capuchin Monkeys, which regularly forage through the reserve, or perhaps even a Spectacled Bear. Bears are present, but they are shy and hard to see. After an exhilarating exploration of the road and trails, bathe in the cool, clear waters of the San Pedro stream as it flows from the virgin forests of the surrounding mountains toward the rushing Kosñipata River.
Accommodation: Camping on platform at Cock of the Rock Lodge. You will have access to the shared bathrooms and be provided with meals at the Lodge.
Day 3: Return to Cusco via Chahuaytire
We will rise again before dawn for another chance to see the displaying Cocks-of-the-Rock. We will return to the lodge for breakfast and then return on our public transport to Paucartambo. We will stop to stretch our legs here and visit the famous church of the Virgen del Carmen and wander these quaint streets. The market is also interesting.
We will return to Cusco via a little known route through the mountains to the weaving community of Chahuaytire. If you are interested, we will stop and see traditional people weaving in a remote environment. You will also have the opportunity to purchase fine weavings from the people who made them! We will arrive in Pisac in the late afternoon. After some hours of driving if there is time and you are interested, you can have a quick look around this famous traditional market before we return to Cusco.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
• Private transport from Cusco to San Pedro and return
• English/Spanish speaking guide
• Camping at the Cock of the Rock Lodge 2 nights
• Camping equipment - tents and mattresses
• English/Spanish speaking guide
• Camping equipment - tents and mattresses
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
• Sleeping bag
• Breakfast day one, dinner day three
• Tips for guides
• Snacks
• Drinking water.
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING
• Good binoculars
• Four pairs of absorbent socks
• T-shirts and one long sleeved cotton shirt
• Camera gear (ASA 50, 100 and 200) there is very little light in the lek in the early morning.
• Rain suit or large poncho
• Two pairs of sneaker or hiking boots.
• One pair of shorts
• A bottle or canteen to carry water
• Insect repellent
• Swimsuit
• Sandals or thongs for shower
• Towel for shower and swimming
• Personal items and toiletries
AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS
(these discounts are not cumulative)
•5% discount when booked with one of our treks
TO MAKE A BOOKING
Please visit our Make a Booking page.
You will need to email us to check availability, receive booking forms and then make your deposit. For our payment conditions and booking please refer to our Make a Booking page.
