Mountains to Manu 5 days - Full Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Chayhuatire - Paucartambo
We will drive to the Sacred Valley of the Incas through to Pisac and then take a private taxi to the Abra, stopping for a break in the village of Chayhuatire where the locals will explain their natural dying techniques, and show us some of their works in progress. We also have the opportunity to buy (usually off blankets on the ground in a very informal atmosphere) goods from the person who made it. These are good quality products.
From the Abra it's all downhill as we pass through interesting high Andes villages. We stop for lunch in Colquepata (or before) and might look at the colonial church, if it is open. From here, it's 26 kilometres more of exhilarating downhill through eucalypt plantations and alongside a roaring canyon. We arrive in the charming village of Paucartambo, famous for its devotions to the Virgen of Carmen, who we will visit. Your support vehicle will accompany you for the whole day, meaning that if you have had enough bike riding you can get off and take a break.
Accommodation: Basic Hostel
Please note: In May, June and July we will change the itinerary in order to camp at Tres Cruces (13km from Acjanaco) and rise at dawn to see the specactular sunrise and optical illusions.
Day 2 : Paucartambo – Acjanaco – San Pedro
Before heading off, we enjoy the colonial ambience of Paucartambo with its cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and people in traditional dress. Then we head towards what local call "The Valley" - that is, the huge expanse down from the mountains that is Manu National Park. Our support car will climb to Acjanaco (3530metres), the start of the National Park. It is 3 to 5 hours downhill, depending on conditions and your ability to ride. We'll stop for lunch on the way and also at various pretty waterfalls. We will either visit the dancing Cock of the Rock (Gallito de las Rocas) Peru's National Bird this afternoon, or early in the morning.
Accommodation: Camping San Pedro
Day 3: San Pedro – Pilcopata
We will get an early start - either to visit the Cock of the Rock, or to head downhill. It is four hours to Pilcopata, firstly through evermore lush rainforest and then onto flat grasslands. As our support car is acompanying us, when you feel tired we will load the bikes and continue to Pilcopata. We'll lunch in Pilcopata and then visit the community of Villacarmen that have an interesting collection of native animals. From here, its two hours uphill, much of it rocky, steep and washed out until we arrive at the native Huancari village of Huacaria. We'll camp at the community organised campsite with a lovely river in which we can swim Accommodation: Camping Huacaria
**Note – the visit to Huancaria depends on local conditions. If its not available, we will substitute with another activity. **
Day 4: Huancaria – Pilcopata-Atalaya-Jungle Lodge
We can buy some souvenirs from the village folk before heading back to Pilcopata - a hone hour rough, but pulse racing downhill ride. After a break in Pilcopata, we'll continue to Atalaya, the tourist port, a gently sloping uphill and downhill 2-hour ride with beautiful views. After lunch we will take a traditional "peek peke" boat up the Alto Madre de Dios River to our basic lodge.. In the evening we will visit a lagoon to try to observe caiman and other night animals. Accommodation: Jungle lodge.
Day 5: Jungle Lodge - Atalaya – Cusco
We'll rise early to visit a clay lick and see the associated bird life feeding there. From here we will visit a jungle lodge to hike on their trails and take a close look at the wonders of the jungle. We'll return to Atalaya and then to Pilcopata and then drive back to Cusco, arriving late in the evening. (approx 1opm)
- Note, if you have extra time and would like to make Day 5 more leisurely, then you can stay overnight in Pilcopata, returning the next day (Day 6). This will involve extra costs.
Itinerary Notes
- The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Times depend on the group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group. Each guide has their own preferred route and it might not correspond exactly to the route described here.
- This is an adventurous trip. You should be sure to bring an open mind, flexibility and a sense of humor. Most of all you should be prepared to go with the flow.
- This region is not frequently visited by tourists, therefore tourist infrastructure is limited. This tour incorporates use of local facilities. Visitors should be aware that things change, or may not go to plan. This is all part of the adventure!
- You should remember that though we will be passing through towns regularly, only limited and basic supplies are available.
- You need to have a fair amount of physical fitness to do this trip. We have no support vehicle if you get tired on the bikes. The route is not so much physically demanding in terms of pedalling but the condition of the road that is quite jarring on the upper body.
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WHAT’S INCLUDED?
• Transport & support vehicle while riding bikes.
• While camping, 3 good and nutritious meals per day made by experienced cook. Optional meals for vegetarians.
• Camping equipment includes tents, mattresses, and kitchen equipment.
• Guide
• Cook
• Modern bicycles with helmets
• First-Aid kit.
• Entry to the Cock of the Rock Viewing Lek
• Entry to the community of Huacaria
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WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
• Snacks or high energy trekking food
• Drinking water.
• Breakfast Day 1/ Dinner Day 5
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WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING
• Sleeping bag
• Changes of clothes for cool weather on the mountain passes and hot, humid weather in the jungle
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Good trekking footwear and socks
• Sandals
• Plastic poncho, as well as other suitable rain protection
• Special medication
• Any special or high energy snacks that you might wish on the trail,
• Swim-suit & towel
• Water bottle and purifying tablets
• Toilet paper
• Binoculars (if you have them)
• Mosquito repellent
• Sun block and sunhat
• Extra rolls of film or well charged batteries for your digital camera.
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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.
