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MANU
Nowadays, the earth holds few places free from pollution and depredation where we can fully enjoy the magnificence and majesty of nature. One of these places is the "Manu National Park".
In 1977, UNESCO officially declared this area a Biosphere Reserve. These 2 million hectares of protected forests are recognised worldwide for their incomparable biological diversity. Manu shelters more animal and plant species than any other forest in the world. It is located between the districts of Cusco and Madre de Dios.
Manu is home to about 1,000 bird species, 900 butterfly species and more than 100 species of trees. Manu is also the refuge of the jaguar (the biggest feline in the world), wild cats, peccaries, tapirs and the giant river otter; one of the rainforest’s most endangered species.
The otter lives along the park’s river banks, as do the human inhabitants of the rainforest. The black caiman, turtles and many other animals survive in this magnificent region: one of the last great natural refuges on Earth.
If you have an adventurous spirit and delight in nature, visit the Manu National Park.
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| MASTER PROGRAM (8 DAYS/ 7 NIGHTS) |
1ST DAY.- We depart from Cusco early and travel over two mountain ranges before plunging down into the cloud forest of the eastern slopes of the Andes. We will be able to look out over the Amazon Basin from a height of 3,500 metres above sea level. We then pass through pristine mountain rainforest, amidst orchids, bromeliads and cascading waterfalls. After a picnic lunch, in the late afternoon we will reach the Upper Madre de Dios River, which we cross by boat. |
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2ND DAY.- After a hearty breakfast of regional specialties, we board our canoes and go downstream on the Madre de Dios River, reaching the confluence of the Manu River in the early afternoon. The chocolate colored waters of the Manu River contrast with the deep green forest that surrounds us. We camp by the river at a beahc campsite just before sundown.
3RD DAY.- Early in the morning we continue up the river, reaching the base camp at Lake Salvador. A trail cut through the jungle will bring us to this oxbow lake. We spend the rest of the day observing the surrounding flora and fauna. Camp in the vicinity.
4TH DAY.- Cocha Salvador: Today we hike along fascinating trails and paddle silently around the lake to the hoarse calls of hoatzins and caciques. We will be able to observe a multitude of wildlife in this lovely protected area, such as the giant otter and the black caiman.
5TH DAY.- We visit the nearby Lake Otorongo, a smaller oxbow lake, by canoe, having a chance to see other wildlife. We spend the afternoon hiking an interesting trail back to our campsite.
6TH DAY.- After an early morning walk through the jungle we return by boat to Boca Manu at the confluence of both rivers and camp nearby.
7TH DAY.- Boca Manu to Atalaya. We arrive for a farewell dinner, our last night spent in the jungle.
8TH DAY.- Atalaya to Cusco. We arrive in the afternoon. |
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Manu |
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