Bird Tours Peru - Manu
Manu Biosphere Reserve
We offer four routes, they differ in lenght, destination and price.
Our main tour "Manu complete" gives you everything: from puna,
the cloudforest to the lower rainforest including the clay lick for macaws.
The same is true for the tour that combines the Manu Road with some lodges near Pto.Maldonado. The tour " Manu till Pantiacolla" does not reach the lower
rainforest, but gives you the best ratio between prices and number of bird
species. The tour "Pantiacolla Lodge" is made for dedicated birders with a smaller budget, for people that like to explore the amazonian rainforest for a longer time at one of the best lodges for birders.
In schedule- click on the tour title to see the itinerary:
| day | Manu complete | Manu till Pantiacolla | Pantiacolla Lodge | Manu Road + Maldonado |
| 1 | ACCA biol. station | ACCA biol station | to Pos. San Pedro | to COTR Lodge |
| 2 | to COTR Lodge | to COTR Lodge | to Pantiacolla L. | Cock-of-the-Rock L. |
| 3 | Cock-of-the-Rock L. | Cock-of-the-Rock L. | Pantiacolla L. | to Amazonia lodge |
| 4 | to Amazonia Lodge | to Amazonia Lodge | Pantiacolla L. | Amazonia Lodge |
| 5 | Amazonia Lodge | to Pantiacolla Lodge | Pantiacolla L. | back to ACCA |
| 6 | to Pantiacolla Lodge | Pantiacolla Lodge | Pantiacolla L. | back to Cusco |
| 7 | Pantiacolla Lodge | Pantiacolla Lodge | Pantiacolla L. | flight to Mald. for the 6D/5N programs in Tambopata or las Piedras.
|
| 8 | to MWC | back to COTR Lodge | to Cusco or S. Pedro | |
| 9 | Manu Widlife Center | back to Cusco | (Manu road) | |
| 10 | Manu Widlife Center | (Manu road) | ||
| 11 | Manu Widlife Center | (back to Cusco) | ||
| 12 | to Pto. Maldonado | fly-out-Cusco/Lima | ||
| 13 | fly out- Cusco/Lima |
Information about Manu
The Manu Biosphere Reserve
Created in 1977, the Manu Biosphere Reserve covers an area of 1,881,200 hectares, almost half the size of the Netherlands. It is one of largest conservation areas on earth and extends between 4100 meters to 200 meters above sea level. Manu is one of the most biodiverse areas on this planet and is home to 1000 species of bird, more than 10 % of the world total!
The Manu Biosphere Reserve is divided in three zones: the Cultural Zone where all the lodges are situated, the Reserved Zone designated for tourism, and the National Park where only scientists have access. Just a few companies who have a permit to camp are allowed into the Reserved Zone.
Distances from Cusco to Manu
The below graph shows how the altitude varies with distance from Cusco. Journey times are also indicated.
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Manu Complete (12-13 days)
Nights at Manu Wildlife Center can be replaced by the cheaper Amazon Manu Lodge.
Day 1 Cusco- Huacarpay-Pillahuata
After an early start from Cusco we take time at Lake Huacarpay to observe highland lake and marsh birds like Plumbeous Rail and White-tufted Grebe and then we go on to our "special" spot for not less then 4 endemics (Bearded Mountaineer, Rusty-fronted Canastero, Creamy-crested Spinetail and Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch). Around midday we arrive at the Acjanaco pass at 3550 where the Manu Bioshere Reserve begins.
Here the montane forests, unlike other parts of the eastern Andes, are almost completely untouched. As far time allows we drive and walk between 3200 and 2700 m.a.s.l. searching for Metaltails and other species of hummingbirds, Yungas Pygmy-owl, White-collared Jay, Mountain Cacique, Grass-green - & Golden-collared Tanagers, Hooded - & Scarlet-bellied Mountain-tanagers, Masked Flowerpiercer, as well as Andean Guan, Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan and the endemic Puna Thistletail. If available, we will sleep in the ACCA research center, strategically situated at 2700 m.a.s.l.. If not we go to the Cock-of-the Rock lodge.
Day 2- to the Cock of the Rock lodge
A whole day birding between 2700 and 2000 m.a.s.l. The main target is Red-and-white Antpitta. In the first hours we will see flocks of tanagers, woorcreepers and ovenbirds. A special one that we have to meet is the endemic Marcapata Spinetail. After lunch in the ACCA research center we go down to 1500 m. and will overnight in the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge
Day 3- Cock of the Rock lodge
A whole day birding near the lodge. The subtropical area approachs the highest possible avian diversity: mixed tanager-flocks of more than 20 species, a lot of different flycatchers, but also Rufescent Screech-owl, Highland Motmot, the stunning Versicoloured Barbet, Cock-of-the-Rock, Chestnut-backed Antbird, Yungas Manakin and many other birds are possible. Regular we encounter Solitary Eagle and/or Black-and-Chestnut Eagle. At dusk we will go to a stakeout for Lyre-tailed Nightjar.
Day 4- Lower Manu Road and Amazonia Lodge
Going down we will explore the area between 1500 and 1000 m.a.s.l. The
area is home to a lot of interesting species like Peruvian Piedtail, Rufous-webbed
Brilliant and Black-backed Tody-Flycatcher (all endemic) and Golden-bellied
Warbler (possible splitted as Cusco Warbler). Regularly we encounter in
the same area Amazonian Umbrellabird and we will see our first tropical
birds like Bluish-fronted Jacamar, different species of antbirds, vultures
and other species of raptors.
In Atalaya we have to cross the river to reach the grounds of Amazonia
Lodge. While the staff is bringing our luggage to the lodge we walk the
2 km long so-called Jeep-trail. Tinamous, Trogons, Purple-throated Cotinga,
Long-tailed Tyrant and diff. parrots are some of the possibilities. Military
- & Blue-headed Macaw are the two most scare macaws of Manu but here
we have a good opportunity to see them. The lodge has a very nice garden
where you will see 6-10 different species of hummingbirds with the male
Rufous-crested Coquette and Wire-crested Thorntail as being the most
attractive ones. Amazonia is also a good place to see one of more of the
3 species of Potoos.
A small oxbox lake close to the lodge gives us the possibility to see Hoatzin,
Sungrebe, Sunbittern, Rufescent Tiger-heron, all species that you normally
not will see during the rest of the trip.
Day 5 - Amazonia Lodge
A whole day at Amazonia Lodge in order to explore the trails in the lower part and uphill. Also we will go to the canopy tower for a while.
Day 6- to Pantiacolla Lodge
After breakfast birding we walk to the river, where the boat picks us up for a 2 hour drive to Pantiacolla Lodge. This river trip on the Alto Madre de Dios river is a very relaxed way of observing herons, terns, vultures and overflying parrots. We arrive at Pantiacolla Lodge before midday so we have time to get a first impression of the rain-forest here.
Day 7- Pantiacolla Lodge
Pantiacolla Lodge has extensive patches of bamboo, where you can meet such specialities as Rufous-headed Woodpecker, Bamboo Antshrike, Manu Antbird and White-cheeked Tody-Tyrant. It has good primary forest, where are always less birds than in the secondary growth, but a lot more than you encounter on other comparable places. Pantiacolla is one of the best places to see a range of tinamous and antbirds, two typical rainforest families. Not only birds we encounter. Seven different species of monkeys live around the lodge including the only nocturnal monkey in the world (the Night Monkey) and many other mammals.
Day 8- to Manu Wildlife Center
From Pantiacolla Lodge we go 3-4 hours by boat downstream the Alto Madre de Dios river. Near Boca Manu, when the Manu river comes in the Madre de Dios River we will see more and other birds along the river than on the first part: Jabiru, Horned Screamer, Pied Plover and more raptors for instance. Before arriving at the new lodge we visit - in some years- the nest of a Crested Eagle. In 2006 this impressive, rare eagle had a young.
Day 9,10,11 - Manu Wildlife Center (or altern. Amazon Manu Lodge )
MWC has a extensive trail system and a canopy tower. And there is the option to visit the nearby clay-lick for macaws at Blanquillo.and Cocha Blanco,that hosts Giant Otters. There will be a lot of new bird species compared with the lodges (situated in the foothills) we did before. For instance Great Black Hawk, Common Piping-Guan, Blue-and-yellow Macaw, Black-capped Parakeet, Amazonian Pygmy-Owl, Rufous Motmot, Pavonine Quetzal, Long-tailed Woodcreeper, Chestnut-winged Foliagegleaner, Plain Softtail, Fasciated Antshrike and Plumbeous Antbird. Finally we can visit the Tapir lick at night. As a cheaper alternative (for MWC) we can also book Amazon Manu Lodge. This less luxury lodge is situated in the same area and covers the same bird species.
Day 12- to Puerto Maldonado
We go further downstream to Laberinto, arriving there around 3 p.m. From there it is a short drive to Puerto Maldonado, where we spend the night in a hotel. In some years we change the program. That will happen if the Harpy Eagle should breed. That was the case in 2006, so we expect another possibility in 2009.
Day 13- flight to Cusco or Lima
A morning flight will bring you in 0.5 hour to Cusco or from there inmediately to Lima ( 1 hour more). THE FLIGHT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE .
Price Information
| Price p.p. in US dollars | Manu Complete- 12 days | ||
| Number of pax | 2 | 3 | 4-7 |
| Bird guide included | 3860 | 3000 | 2580 |
Amazon Manu Lodge is per night per person $ 30 less expensive
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Manu till Pantiacolla ( 9 days)
Day 1- Huacarpay-ACCA biological station
After an early start from Cusco we take time at Lake Huacarpay to observe
highland lake and marsh birds like Plumbeous Rail and White-tufted Grebe
and we will search for the two endemics (Bearded Mountaineer and Rusty-fronted
Canastero). .Afterwards we drive in two hours to the folkloric village
of Paucartambo. Above this village we will make a stop for Creamy-crested
Spinetail and White-winged Black-Tyrant. Early in the afternoon we arrive
at the Acjanaco pass at 3550 where the Manu Bioshere Reserve begins.
Here the montane forests, unlike other parts of the eastern Andes, are almost completely untouched. As far time allows we drive and walk between 3200 and 2700 m.a.s.l. searching for Metaltails and other species of hummingbirds, Yungas Pygmy-owl, White-collared Jay, Mountain Cacique, Grass-green - & Golden-collared Tanagers, Hooded - & Scarlet-bellied Mountain-tanagers, Masked Flowerpiercer, as well as Andean Guan, Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan and the endemic Puna Thistletail. Overnight in the ACCA bilogical station at 2700 m.a.s.l.
Day 2,3 - Cock-of-the- Rock lodge
On day 2 birding around 2700 m.a.s.l. during the morning. The ACCA-station is an excellent place for the birds already mentioned on day 1, but also for Red-and-white Antpitta and Roufous Antpitta. Near the tunnels we hope to find Marcapata Spinetail, Fulvous Wren and many more. The afternoon we spend birding going down to the Cock-of-the Rock lodge. One of the targets is Blue-banded Toucanet and also one or both species of Quetzals is very wll possible. The third day birding near the lodge between 1600 and 1400 m.a.s.l. The subtropical area approachs the highest possible avian diversity: mixed tanager-flocks of more than 20 species, a lot of different flycatchers, but also Rufescent Screech-owl, Highland Motmot, the stunning Versicoloured Barbet, Cock-of-the-Rock, Chestnut-backed Antbird, Yungas Manakin and many other birds are possible. Regular we encounter Solitary Eagle and/or Black-and-Chestnut Eagle. At dusk we will go to a stakeout for Lyre-tailed Nightjar.
Day 4- Lower Manu Road and Amazonia Lodge
Going down we will explore the area between 1500 and 1000 m.a.s.l. The
area is home to a lot of interesting species like Peruvian Piedtail, Rufous-webbed
Brilliant and Black-backed Tody-Flycatcher (all endemic) and Golden-bellied
Warbler (possible splitted as Cusco Warbler). Regularly we encounter in
the same area Amazonian Umbrellabird and we will see our first tropical
birds like Bluish-fronted Jacamar, different species of antbirds, vultures
and other species of raptors.
In Atalaya we have to cross the river to reach the grounds of Amazonia
Lodge. While the staff is bringing our luggage to the lodge we walk the
2 km long so-called Jeep-trail. Tinamous, Trogons, Purple-throated Cotinga,
Long-tailed Tyrant and diff. parrots are some of the possibilities. Military
- & Blue-headed Macaw are the two most scare macaws of Manu but here
we have a good opportunity to see them. The lodge has a very nice garden
where you will see 6-10 different species of hummingbirds with the male
Rufous-crested Coquette and Wire-crested Thorntail as being the most
attractive ones. Amazonia is also a good place to see one of more of the
3 species of Potoos.
A small oxbox lake close to the lodge gives us the possibility to see Hoatzin,
Sungrebe, Sunbittern, Rufescent Tiger-heron, all species that you normally
not will see at Pantiacolla.
Day 5- to Pantiacolla Lodge
After the morning birding we go back to the river, where the boat picks us up for a 2 hour drive to Pantiacolla Lodge. This river trip on the Alto Madre de Dios river is a very relaxed way of observing herons, terns, vultures and overflying parrots. Arriving at Pantiacolla Lodge early in the afternoon we have time to get a first impression of the rain-forest here.
Day 6,7- stay at Pantiacolla Lodge
Pantiacolla Lodge is not as famous as some other lodges in the area, but
for bird watchers possibly the best of all. It has extensive patches of
bamboo, where you can meet such specialities as Rufous-headed Woodpecker,
Bamboo Antshrike, Manu Antbird and White-cheeked Tody-Tyrant. It has good
primary forest, where are always less birds than in the secondary growth,
but a lot more than you encounter on other comparable places. Pantiacolla
is one of the best places to see a range of tinamous and antbirds, two
typical rainforest families. Not only birds we encounter. Seven different
species of monkeys live around the lodge including the only nocturnal monkey
in the world (the Night Monkey) and many other mammals.
Day 8- to the Cock-lodge
We will leave Pantiacolla lodge early in order to visit the nearby small claylick on our way back to Atalaya. Except Mealy Parrots, Blue-headed Parrots and White-eyed parakeets also the rare Blue-headed Macaw often comes to this claylick. By boat it is 3-4 hours back because we go now upstream the Alto Madre de Dios. The car brings us back to the Cock-of-the-Rock lodge.
Day 9- back to Cusco
In the morning we bird those parts of the Manu Road where we may expect new birds, birds that we missed on the way down. Around midday we reach the pass again and we drive back to Cusco.
Price Information
| Price p.p. in US dollars | till Pantiacolla L. - 9 days | ||
| Number of pax | 2 | 3 | 4-7 |
| + bird guide | 2500 | 1900 | 1620 |
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Manu Road and las Piedras/Tambopata (12 days)
A cheaper alternative for our Manu Complete Tour is the following:
Doing first the Manu Road till Amazonia lodge, then return to Cusco and fly to Pto.Maldonado and visiting:
- two lodges along the las Piedras river (option 1).
- the Tambopata Reserve (option 2)
The two parts can be done as one trip or separately.
Part 1: 6 days Manu road and returning to Cusco
This part of the trip gives you the same birds as the first 5 days of the Manu Complete tour.
Included dinner and hotel in Cusco on day 6.
| Part 2: 5 nights/6 days from Pto. Maldonado |
All the Amazonian rainforest birds and some extra species possible like Black-faced Cotinga, Rufous-fronted Anttrush, Sulphur-bellied Tyrant-Manakin and Rufous Twistwing.
See our Pto. Maldonado page for the itineraries
Price Information (flights not included)
| Price p.p. in US dollars | Manu- 12 days |
||
| Number of pax | 4 | 5 | 6-7 |
| part 1: Manu Road | 1020 | 930 | 870 |
| option 1: las Piedras | 980 | 930 | 910 |
| option 2: Tambopata | 1040 | 1020 | 1000 |
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A week at Pantiacolla Lodge (9 days) + extension (3 days more)
This is an alternative tour for small groups (2-3 people) of independent birders planning to visit Manu. Private overland and river travel and a specialised birding guide are expensive, but when travelling with a group of four or more the price per person is reasonable. When those same costs must be paid by one or two people, the price per person is too high for many people.
In cooperation with Pantiacolla Tours, we have devised a solution for small groups. You will travel into and out of Manu with Pantiacolla Tours groups, sharing transport costs with a much larger group. While you stay at Pantiacolla Lodge, Miguel, the lodge administrator will accompany you on an early morning walk each day. Miguel is one of our bird guides, and will help you find some of the more elusive specialty birds as well as pointing out productive trails and areas. This also offers you savings: it is much cheaper than bringing in a bird guide from Cusco, and it is ideal for people who like to bird alone for most of the day.
Day 1-
Travel from Cusco to San Pedro by bus.
With the transport of Pantiacolla Tours you will go from Cusco to San Pedro, where this agency has his own Posada. There will be stops on the way, but keep in mind that other people in the bus are not especially coming to Manu for birds alone. Essentially this day is a travelling day.
Day 2 - Cock-of-the -Rock, to Pantiacolla lodge
Visit the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek in the morning, then travel by bus and boat to Pantiacolla Lodge. Here the Pantiacolla Tours group will continue downriver, while you meet Miguel and begin your exploration of Pantiacolla Lodge.
Day 3-8- Pantiacolla lodge
Five full days to explore the extensive trail system at Pantiacolla Lodge. Given the lodge list of almost 600 species, and the challenges of birding the most diverse tropical rainforest in the world, these 6 days will feel too short for most birders!
Day 9- back to Cusco or extension Manu Road
After the early morning birding we go back to Cusco
11 days PROGRAM - Pantiacolla Week and Manu Road
Of the over 1000 bird species recorded in Manu, almost half of them are found on the Andean slopes. This alternative program, while considerably raising the price, gives you a chance to see a much greater variety of birds.
Days 1-8 as above.
Day 9: Travel by boat and bus to San Pedro (where you spent the first night) with Pantiacolla Tours, then meet the Tanager Tours driver/birder and spend the night at San Pedro.
Days 10-11: Explore the Manu Road between 1000 m. and 2000 m. elevation with your own private transport. Nights at San Pedro.
Day 12: Early departure; birding the upper part of the Manu road (2500-3500 m.) before driving to Cusco in the afternoon.
Price Information
| Price p.p. in US dollars | Pantiacolla |
||
| Number of pax | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 9 days tour | 890 | 860 | 840 |
| 12 days tour | 1560 | 1380 | 1290 |
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| TANAGER TOURS | ||
| Lima - Peru | ||
| Phone: | +51 1 9858 36609 | |
| e-mail: | info@tanagertours.com | |
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