Trade Andean passes for river wakes on a six-day journey into Manu’s protected lowlands. This guided expedition from Cusco explores cloud forest, oxbow lakes and rivers where giant otters, cock-of-the-rock and caimans reveal themselves to patient observers.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
At dawn the bus peels away from Cusco and climbs through high puna into a thinning sky where clouds hug the road like a shifting wall. Descending the eastern slope, the landscape exhales: orchids and heliconias flare at the forest edge, and the river below threads the lowlands, daring you to follow. Over the next six days you trade Andean stone for humid timber, river wakes for frog choruses, and city light for a canopy that lives and breathes around you.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 days, 5 nights
Fitness Level
Light-to-moderate fitness: able to walk uneven, sometimes muddy jungle trails for up to several hours and tolerate long bus and boat transfers.
Wildlife
History
Manu was designated a national park in 1973 and later recognized as a biosphere reserve; its protection preserves both indigenous territories and extraordinary biodiversity.
Conservation
Visitor numbers and guide-led activities help limit impact; follow leave-no-trace practices, avoid flash photography near wildlife, and respect community guidelines to support conservation.
Reserve your spot on the Manu Reseved Zone 6days 5nights today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start early for bird activity
Arrive at viewpoints and lek sites before sunrise when cock-of-the-rocks and many birds are most active.
Bring insect protection
Use a DEET or picaridin insect repellent and long, breathable sleeves for evenings and riverine trails.
Carry waterproof storage
River travel and tropical rain mean electronics and papers should be in drybags or zip-locks.
Respect night safaris
Night walks reveal owls, frogs and nocturnal mammals—move quietly and follow your guide’s light discipline to avoid disturbance.
Light waterproof jacket
Protects against sudden tropical showers during river travel and forest walks.
Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin)
Essential for daytime and nocturnal protection against mosquitoes in lowland rainforest.
Waterproof daypack or dry bag
Keeps camera, documents and clothes dry during long boat trips and rain.
Sturdy breathable hiking shoes
Provides traction on muddy trails and comfort for multiple short hikes and lodge approaches.