Day 1: Cusco to Pona Lodge

Start: Depart from Cusco at 5:00 am.

• Highlights:

  • Explore the ancient chullpas (funerary towers) of Ninamarca.

  • Descend through the captivating cloud forest, teeming with orchids, heliconias, and lush ferns.

  • Witness the dazzling mating display of the Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruviana).

  • Spot other unique wildlife, such as the Amazonian umbrella bird (Cephalopteros ornatus) and the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus).

Stay: Relax at Pona Lodge with shared facilities.

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Day 2: Pona Lodge to Papaya Eco Lodge – Camouflage House

Morning:

• Enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading to the port of Atalaya.

• Embark on a scenic four-hour boat ride along the Alto Madre de Dios River, keeping an eye out for herons, kingfishers, and the majestic King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa).

Afternoon:

• Take a refreshing dip in the region’s natural hot springs.

Night:

• Stay in the Camouflage House, a prime location to observe tapirs visiting the clay lick to feed on mineral-rich soil. With luck, you’ll see multiple tapirs in their natural habitat.

• Overnight in the Camouflage House.

Day 3: Papaya Eco Lodge – Jungle Exploration

Morning:

• Set out on a guided trek through the jungle:

  • Search for wildlife like monkeys, macaws, parrots, and jaguars.

  • Learn about medicinal plants and survival techniques in the rainforest.

Lunch: Savor authentic jungle cuisine at the lodge.

Afternoon Activities:

• Try your hand at fishing for piranhas and other river fish.

Evening:

• Venture out on a nocturnal walk to discover frogs, toads, snakes, and spiders.

• Visit an Ox Bow small lake or stream to search for caimans.

• (Optional) Enjoy a BBQ and a bonfire to close the day.

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Day 4: Papaya Eco Lodge to Cusco

Morning:

• Wake early and enjoy breakfast on a scenic boat ride back to Atalaya.

• From Atalaya, board a bus for the return journey to Cusco.

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Included Services

• Private transportation (bus and boat)

• Rubber boots for jungle treks

• Bilingual native guide

• Mineral water and first aid kit

• 3 meals daily prepared by a professional cook

• Accommodation:

  • 2 nights in lodges

  • 1 night in the Camouflage House (or camping during summer)

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What to Bring

• Lightweight clothing suitable for humid weather

• A warm jacket for those ocational cold evenings

• Rain gear and waterproof bags

• Sunscreen and insect repellent

• Binoculars and a camera

• Flashlight for nighttime activities

• Personal medications and toiletries

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This jungle discovery is more than a trip—it’s an adventure of a lifetime, bringing you closer to the vibrant heart of the Amazon. Ready to uncover Manu’s secrets?