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Day 01: CUSCO / CLOUD FOREST
After an early breakfast, we will pick you up by bus from your hotel and set off for the Manu cloud forest. We will pass over two Andean chains of almost 13,100 feet elevation through a steppe-like landscape, or Puna. On the way, we will pass stone Chullpas, or burial chambers, of the Pre-Inca Lupaca people and will hope to catch site of some of the bird species of the high Andes, including the Giant Hummingbird and Mountain Caracara. After a delicious boxed lunch at Ajanaco which, if clear, affords views over the cloud forest and the vast sprawling expanse of the lowland rain forest, the road suddenly descends down the eastern slope of the Andes. We will plunge downwards, past remnant patches of elfin forest, through swirling mist and clouds, 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 begin our exploration of the surrounding forest before dinner. (Box lunch, D)

Day 02: CLOUD FOREST
Rising before dawn, we will visit the traditional display ground of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, which has become famous among scientists, tourists and the international press, as there is no other spot in the world where so many of these spectacular blazing red birds can be seen so easily. From our point of observation, which is within 30-feet of the narrow switchback road that runs through the center of the reserve, we will watch as between 6-20 or more male birds interact at a traditional mating ground, 15-feet in front of the point of observation. We will watch as these outrageous birds strut, curve their wings and dip their crested heads in the hope of attracting a mate. Please note that the very best months for viewing Cocks-of-the-Rock are in September, October and November, although the males display every month of the year. Returning for breakfast, the rest of the day will be spent exploring the forest overhanging the single lane road near the lodge, or some of the miles of trails that wind through the valley, to see high elevation cloud forest birds, such as the Golden-headed Trogon, as well as numerous, brightly-colored tanagers and hummingbirds. If you are very lucky you might see a troop of muscular-limbed Woolly Monkeys or Brown Capuchin Monkeys, which regularly forage through the reserve, or perhaps even a Spectacled Bear. Bears are present, but they are shy and hard to see. This mysterious cloud forest harbors species of flora and fauna new to science. Indeed, in 1995 two Peruvian biology students, sponsored by Selva Sur, carried out basic survey work on orchids, reptiles and amphibians. They recorded two entirely new (previously undescribed) species of orchids, and four new species of reptiles and amphibians for Peru. After an exhilarating exploration of the road and trails, bathe in the cool, clear waters of the San Pedro stream as it flows from the virgin forests of the surrounding mountains toward the rushing Kosñipata River.(B, L, D)

Day 03: CLOUD FOREST / CUSCO
We will rise again before dawn for another chance to see the displaying Cocks-of-the-Rock. We will return to the lodge for breakfast and then board the bus for the return journey to Cusco, arriving in the early evening for dinner. (B)

Area Map, click to enlarge

Cock of the Rock

Tamarin Monkey

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