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With this new Bio-Trip itinerary we have prepared an exciting and
rewarding journey overland across the high Andes Mountains from Cusco
into the private Selva Sur Cloud Forest Reserve then continuing by
riverboat into the wildlife intensive Amazon Lowlands. Your lodging on
this trip includes stays in the very best Amazon lodges:
Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge in the Cloud Forest, Amazonia Lodge, and Manu
Wildlife Center, considered the ultimate Amazon nature destination. Your
return to Cusco is by chartered flight from Boca Manu (airfare included).
Day 1 : CUSCO - COCK OF THE ROCK LODGE
We pick you up by bus from your hotel, after your breakfast, and set off
for the cloud forest. We pass over two Andean chains of almost 13,100
feet elevation through a steppe-like landscape, or Puna. On the way we
pass stone Chullpas, or burial chambers, of the Pre-Inca people and will
hope to catch sight of some of the bird species of the high Andes,
including the Giant Hummingbird and Mountain Caracara.
We plan on a delicious boxed lunch at the edge of the cloud forest,
Ajanaco, which if clear affords views over the cloud forest and the vast
sprawling expanse of the lowland rain forest. From here the road
suddenly descends the eastern slope of the Andes. We plunge downwards,
past remnant patches of elfin forest, through swirling mist and cloud,
to emerge in a forest of stunted, evergreen trees, festooned with mosses,
lichens, bromeliads and other epiphytes. Nestled in this forest within a
2-minute walk of the road, and within earshot of a rushing mountain
stream, lies the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, If there is time available, we
will have a chance to briefly began our exploration of the surrounding
forest before dinner. (Box Lunch,D)
Day 2 : COCK OF THE ROCK LODGE / PANTIACOLLA LODGE
We need to get up before sunrise to visit the lek of the Andean
Cock-of-the-Rock. Next, we spend some hours of the morning searching
from the road looking for cloud forest birds, and with luck, Common
Woolly Monkeys. Then continue by bus for Atalaya.
After a 3-4 hour bus ride we reach the Alto Madre de Dios River, where
we may have box lunch in Atalaya or choose to eat on the River. From
here we switch over to a cargo canoe with a 55 hp or 65 HP outboard
motor and continue for 1.5 - 2 hours on the Alto Madre de Dios River to
the Pantiacolla Lodge. If there is time before dark you will be able to
start you exploration of one of the 20 km of gridded forest trails which
surround the lodge. (B, Box Lunch, D)
Day 3 : PANTIACOLLA LODGE - MANU WILDLIFE CENTER
You can take a small hike on the Lodge trails before leaving early for Manu
Wildlife Center. On the way we have wildlife viewing possibilities
throughout the morning until you stop for a visit at an Indigenous Piro
Indian Village. Later after passing the entrance to the Manu National Park,
we take a break at Boca Manu. Now on the River Madre de Dios, after
traveling today approximately 6 hours by boat, you arrive at Manu Wildlife
Center. A Wildlife Center Reception and Orientation are planned before
unpacking in your private bungalow and resting to escape the afternoon heat.
Today, at one of the top ten wildlife lodges in the world, we begin your
exploration through 48 kilometers, almost 30 miles, of diverse forest trails.
(B, Box Lunch, D).
Day 4 : MANU WILDLIFE CENTER
Rising before dawn, we take a 25 minute boat journey downstream to the
only large parrot and macaw clay lick in the Manu area. From a floating
catamaran blind we are afforded excellent views and photo opportunities of
hundreds of medium-sized and large parrots arriving first at the lick,
followed by the large Red-and-Green Macaws arriving to eat the clay. Please
note that the clay lick is not as active in May, June and July.
After lunch at the Center we continue to explore the forest trails
surrounding the lodge, and plan to spend the late afternoon up a 34 meter
canopy platform. Here, we watch the last frantic activity in the rainforest
canopy, or rush hour, before night settles.
We can return for dinner back at the Center, or pack our meal for the
leisurely hike about 60-75 minutes through the night forest to the Amazon's
largest known Tapir clay lick. We climb up a 17 by 17 foot observation
platform perched 17 feet above the lick itself where we wait for the
lumbering Tapirs to arrive, then using powerful flashlights we hope to
observe and photograph them in action. (B,L,D)
Day 5 : MANU WILDLIFE CENTER
After another early morning departure by boat and short hike from the
river, you have what promises to be an exciting visit to Blanco Oxbow Lake.
This lake has populations of a variety of aquatic life and water birds,
including the prehistoric-looking hoatzin and the possibility to see the
resident family of giant otters.
After returning for lunch at the Center your guide is available to further
explore the forest trails for more wildlife encounters. Alternatively, time
is available to independently practice your abilities and experience this
expanse of rainforest habitats on your own.
This evening, from the late afternoon until after Dinner, we offer an
opportunity to search for caiman and other nocturnal life along the
riverbank by boat. (B,L,D)
Day 6 : MANU WILDLIFE CENTER - CUSCO
After early breakfast, we leave near dawn by motor canoe for the two
hour return trip to the Manu landing strip, taking advantage of valuable
early morning wildlife activity along the river. From here you fly to
Cusco, where your jungle adventure ends. Arrival at Cusco Airport,
reception and transfer to your hotel. (B)
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