|
|
|
Manu Cloud Forest Tours |
|
Operator:
InkaNatura |
|
Cock of the Rock Lodge 3
days / 2 nights |
|
Price: US$ per person
|
|
Fixed Departure Dates 2008 |
Tour Includes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tour Itinerary |
Cock of the Rock Lodge
Itinerary .
The Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, located at 5000-feet elevation in the
Kosñipata Valley, 165 kilometers by road from Cusco, and situated within
the 10,000 acre cloud forest reserve of the conservation group Peru
verde and Selva Sur, has 10 double-occupancy bungalows, hot showers,
flush toilets and a rustic dining room. And just a 7-minute walk from
the lodge is the world's largest, most accessible and tamest known group
of displaying Andean Cocks-of-the-Rock.
In just 7 to 8 hours by bus from Cusco it is possible to relax in the
rustic comfort of the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, from which you can explore
the valley and the narrow, switchback road that the world's leading bird
tour company has called "the best road in the world".
ITINERARY
Daily Departures
Day 1 - Cusco/Cloud Forest
After an early breakfast we pick you up by bus from your hotel and set
off for the Manu 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 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 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 begin our
exploration of the surrounding forest before dinner.
Day 2 - Cloud Forest
Rising before dawn we 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 observation blind, 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 display at a traditional mating ground,
15-feet in front of the blind. 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 can 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-coloured 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.
Day 3 - 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.
Manu Cloud Forest Tours
Minimun 2 Passengers
Daily departure
|
|
What to bring: |
|
|
|
Useful Information: |
|
|
|