|
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 – PANTIACOLLIA 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: PANTIACOLLIA 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)
END OF OUR SERVICES
Important Note: Please note that the program may vary slightly so as to
maximize your wildlife sightings, depending on the reports of our
researchers and experienced naturalist guides based at the lodge.
|
Click to
enlarge
Area Map, click to enlarge
|
Cusco &
Machupicchu 
.jpg)
