Embark on an exhilarating 4-day, 3-night Manu Jungle Expedition that plunges you into the heart of the Amazon from Cusco. This unique tour combines a visit to an active Tapir Clay Lick with the spectacular Macaw Clay Lick, offering unparalleled wildlife viewingopportunities. Witness a vibrant array of parrots, parakeets, and majestic Red and Green Macaws. Journey through the stunning Cloud Forest, search for the Peruvian National Bird, and immerse yourself in one of the world's most biodiverse regions.

Availability: This tour featuring the Macaw Clay Lick is available exclusively during the dry season, May to October.

Day 1: Cusco – Cloud Forest – Pilcopata Lodge (Andean Peaks to Jungle Mists)

Day Highlights:

• Scenic drive through picturesque Andean valleys and traditional communities.
• Visit the ancient pre-Inca "chullpas" (funeral towers) of Ninamarca.
• Explore the mystical Cloud Forest, a hotspot for endemic species.
• Witness the spectacular "Displays" of the Peruvian National Bird, the Cock of the Rock, at its lek.
• Overnight at the comfortable Pilcopata Lodge.

Day Itinerary:
Your Manu Jungle Expedition begins with an early morning departure from Cusco in our specially equipped private transport. We'll journey through captivating Inter-Andean valleys, pausing to explore the pre-Inca burial towers of Ninamarca. Next, we visit Paucartambo, a charming colonial town rich in history. Our ascent peaks at the Abra de Accjanaco (3850m / 12,630ft), marking our descent into the breathtaking Cloud Forest. This ecologically rich area is home to endemic species like the Andean Bear (Tremarctos Ornatus), vibrant orchids, bromeliads, and ferns. A highlight will be visiting a Cock of the Rock lek, where these magnificent Peruvian National Birds perform their intricate courtship "Displays." We'll spend our first night immersed in the jungle sounds at Pilcopata Lodge.

Day 2: Pilcopata Lodge – Atalaya – Manu Lodge (Amazon River & Tapir Clay Lick)

Day Highlights:

• Early morning birdwatching and small monkey sightings.
• Scenic boat journey from Atalaya Port.
• Visit Machuhuasi Oxbow Lake to spot capybaras, monkeys, and diverse bird species.
• Guided afternoon jungle exploration for monkeys, macaws, and toucans.
• Unique night observation at a Tapir Clay Lick from a hidden blind.

Day Itinerary:
Before breakfast, we'll take an invigorating walk near Pilcopata Lodge, focusing on early morning birdwatching and spotting small monkey species. After a rewarding two-hour walk, we'll enjoy breakfast at Atalaya Port, where our boat journey officially begins. A short 20-minute boat ride takes us to Machuhuasi Oxbow Lake. Here, we'll have excellent opportunities to see various bird species, along with capybaras and monkeys.

In the afternoon, we arrive at our tranquil Manu Lodge for lunch and a short break. Our afternoon walk promises chances to encounter more monkeys, macaws, and toucans. A special highlight of the day will be our visit to a Tapir Clay Lick. We'll position ourselves in a concealed blind, waiting patiently for these shy creatures to emerge from the jungle. After this incredible experience, we return to the lodge for dinner.

Day 3: Manu Lodge All Day (Macaw Clay Lick & Jungle Wonders)

Day Highlights:

• Explore extensive jungle trails around the lodge for diverse birdwatching and mammal sightings.
• Visit an active Macaw Clay Lick (weather permitting) to see macaws, parrots, and parakeets.
• Opportunity to see Caimans at a nearby lake.
• Option to revisit Machuhuasi Oxbow Lake for more bird and mammal observation.

Day Itinerary:
Today is dedicated to exploring the rich biodiversity around our Manu Lodge. Before breakfast, we'll embark on a guided walk along one of the lodge's many trails. This is a fantastic opportunity for intense birdwatching, spotting tanagers, flycatchers, trogons, parrots, macaws, hawks, falcons, and manakins. Beyond birds, we may also encounter various monkey species, peccaries, and with extreme luck, even a jaguar or puma. Late in the afternoon, we'll visit a nearby lake to observe caimans.

Optional (Weather Dependent): If weather conditions are favorable, we will visit the spectacular Macaw Clay Lick! Here, you'll witness a vibrant, noisy congregation of parrots, parakeets, and large Red and Green Macaws descending to extract vital minerals from the clay. On our return to the lodge, we may revisit Machuhuasi Oxbow Lake for additional bird, monkey, and mammal sightings.

Day 4: Manu Lodge – Macaw/Parrot Clay Lick – Cusco (Return Journey)

Day Highlights:

• Final morning visit to a Parrot Clay Lick to see macaws, parrots, and parakeets.
• Scenic boat and bus journey back to Cusco.
• Opportunities for birdwatching, including searching for Quetzals and Peruvian National Bird in the Cloud Forest.

Day Itinerary:
We rise early for a final immersive wildlife experience: a visit to a Parrot Clay Lick. Here, you'll observe three different types of macaws, parrots, and parakeets as they gather on the riverside clay wall to consume essential minerals for their diet. This impressive activity provides another fantastic opportunity for birdwatching and photography.

After this vibrant display, we board our boat back to Atalaya, where our private bus awaits. Our return journey to Cusco takes us back through the stunning Cloud Forest and Paucartambo. Keep your eyes peeled for final glimpses of exotic birds like Quetzals and the Peruvian National Bird as we transition from the jungle back to the Andes. We will arrive back in Cusco in the late afternoon, concluding your unforgettable Manu Jungle Expedition.

Why Choose Our Manu Jungle Expedition?

• Unique Clay Lick Focus: Experience both the magnificent Macaw Clay Lick and the elusive Tapir Clay Lick – a rare combination!
• Expert Local Guides: Travel with highly knowledgeable naturalists who enhance your wildlife spotting and understanding.
• Diverse Ecosystems: Explore the Andean valleys, Cloud Forest, and Amazon lowlands in one comprehensive tour.
• High Wildlife Probability: Maximize your chances of seeing unique birds, monkeys, capybaras, caimans, and tapirs.
• Efficient Itinerary: Packed with essential Manu highlights over 4 days.

Book your 4-day Manu Jungle Expedition now for an unparalleled Amazon adventure from Cusco!