We leave Cusco very early in the morning in one of our vehicles and cross interesting valleys between the mountains of the Andes and picturesque rural communities. We then visit the pre-Incan tombs of the Lupaca culture before we stop in Paucartambo, a beautiful colonial city, and visit the interesting museum of the town. On the way, we have lunch in the cloud forest.

We then continue our descent through the cloud forest, an area rich in endemic species, such as the spectacled bear and the cock-of-the-rock, the Peruvian national bird that performs a ritual of unique courtship. We can also see orchids, bromeliads, ferns and more stunning flora. We continue to observe the spectacular nature throughout the day until we reach our hostel, Pilcopata Inn, where we spend our first night.

Early after breakfast, we embark on a hike to observe the forest wildlife, such as monkeys and birds. Next, we visit a coca plantation and a wildlife rescue center. Afterward, we travel to Puerto Atalaya, located on the banks of the Alto Madre de Dios River at 500 m (1,640 ft). From there, we will begin our descent by boat to observe the vast diversity of bird species, including herons, vultures, cormorants, and more, until we reach Amazon Manu Lodge. There, we swim in the river and have lunch. In the afternoon, we go to visit Lake Machuwasi, where we go exploring on rafts to observe birds like the prehistoric hoatzin and, with luck, other animals such as monkeys and capybaras. We then spend the night at the lodge.

Very early in the morning we board our boat and head to the macaw clay lick, a wall along the riverbank where different species of parrots gather every morning, including the blue-headed parrot, white-eyed parakeet, chestnut-fronted macaw among others. Here, they consume clay, which is rich in minerals and helps them digest and rid their bodies of toxins. After observing this spectacle, we will return to our lodge for a delicious breakfast.

Following breakfast, we embark on a 2 to 3-hour hike through the forest. We’ll return to the lodge for lunch and then have time to rest or swim in the river. In the afternoon you can go ziplining; Our guests at Amazon Harpy Lodge have the opportunity to appreciate a unique and breathtaking view of the jungle while flying through the canopy between platforms built high up in the trees. All equipment used is of high quality and safe. After soaring at high speed through the treetops of the incredible Amazon jungle, you can also rappel down from a height of 25 meters to the ground.

Later in the evening, we take a nocturnal forest walk to search for insects and amphibians. After the night walk, we enjoy a tasty dinner and spend the night at the lodge.

After breakfast, we will take the boat upstream to Atalaya, where our vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. We’ll have lunch on the way back to Cusco, and we expect to arrive between 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm!