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ITINERARY
DESCRIPTION
Day 01. Upon arrival of your small plane to the Boca Manu airstrip we
transfer you to our boats to ride upstream on the Madre de Dios towards
the village of Boca Manu. Boca Manu is a tiny village and the last human
settlement before we enter the protected Manu National Park.
As soon as we enter the great Manu wilderness, every river bend will
bring us a vista of unspoiled beauty. We may see Black Caiman, White
Caiman, toucans, parrots, scores of wild macaws, several species of
raptors, and maybe even a magnificent Jaguar. The best proof of the
presence of Jaguars and the possibility of many of our tour groups to
see these great cats, are the many wonderful amateur photographs that
our customers have sent back to our company.
After about four hours, we arrive at the Juarez Lake sandbar, then we
hike 600 meters along a flat trail to the Juarez oxbow lake, where
guides paddle us in a catamaran to the secluded Manu Lodge, the only
full Lodge in the entire protected wilderness of Manu. If during the dry
season the catamaran cannot be used due to the low water level in the
lake, we will walk a one kilometer trail (about twenty minutes) only
taking our hand-bags with us while the main luggage is carried by the
Lodge personnel. Overnight: Manu Lodge.
Day 02. We rise to the loud call of Howler Monkeys, and to the option of
a dawn paddle on the lake. During breakfast from the dining room, you
may be able to see entire troops of Squirrel Monkeys, Brown Capuchins,
and White-Fronted Capuchins that may be visiting the lodge clearing in
search of palm fruits. Without any doubt, one of the highlights of Manu
Lodge is the family of four Giant Otters who usually breed there. Manu
Lodge visitors have been able to see these playful and gregarious
carnivores from a 15-meter distance without causing any disturbance of
their daily activities. This group of Giant Otters visits the Manu Lodge
every now and then, and when at Juarez, they can be seen at different
times of the day. Surprisingly, a few dead logs in front of our dining
room are their favorite spot to eat fish, preen, and play.
Manu Lodge offers the largest and most complete trail system available
in Manu (over 20 km of marked trails), and the result of standardized
trail walks completed by groups of researchers over the course of
several years, show that "it is actually those sections closest to the
lodge and most heavily visited, which were the most productive in terms
of mammal sighting. This suggests that the presence of tourists and
researchers is not having a disturbing effect on the local mammal
population." (1995, Durham University Expedition Report.)
Day 03. Two miradors are located within a close distance from the Manu
Lodge; when clear they allow visitors with a vista of the canopy that
stretches to the snow-capped peaks near Cusco. A dawn visit to the
miradors is the most rewarding and while we look at the seemingly
endless horizon, several primate and bird species may reward our
patience. Mirador visitors regularly see: White-throated Jacamar,
Paradise Tanagers, Opal-rumped Tanager, and Swallow Tanager. Eye-level
sights of Red and Green Macaws, Scarlet Macaws, and Blue and Yellow
Macaws as they fly by the mirador, and turn their heads to look at us is
an unforgettable memory. On some occasions visitors have been rewarded
with sights of Ornate-Hawk Eagle, and the monkey-eating Harpy Eagle. At
over a meter-high, its yellow legs and talons seem larger than human
arms and hands.
Macaw Roosting & Nesting Site: In the afternoon we will visit old oxbow
lake, within a 15-minute boat ride from Manu Lodge presents large stands
of Mauritia Palms, which make wonderful roosting and nesting sites for
dozens of Blue and Yellow Macaws and Red-bellied Macaws. An elevated
platform will provide visitors with "next to stage seats" to watch these
colorful birds, as they play, preen and display while their bright
plumage reflect the golden light of the setting tropical sun.
Optional: Canopy climbing. During your stay in Manu Lodge you have the
chance to explore the rainforest canopy at a closer range. Our staff can
take you for a spectacular and safe climb to a platform located 76 feet
above the ground. Overnight: Manu Lodge.
This is an optional activity and must be reserved in advance and paid in
cash at the Manu Lodge.
There are almost 500 bird species recorded in the vicinity of Manu
Lodge. Some of these species have traditional nests right next to Manu
Lodge. These "neighbor" species include: Black-tailed Tityra, Yellow-
rumped Cacique, Golden-bellied Euphonia, Palm Tanager, Silver-beaked
Tanager, and Masked-crimson Tanager. immediate vicinity of the Juarez
lake offers you easy and superb sightseeing of: Striated Heron, Wattled
Jacana, Yellow-billed Tern, the bizarre Hoatzin, White-winged Swallows,
Black-capped Donacobius, and Red-capped Cardinal. Other frequent
visitors of the Manu Lodge are: Great Egret, Green Ibis, Osprey, and
Black-collared Hawk. All of them can be easily seen from the lake banks
or from our comfortable catamaran. Overnight: Manu Lodge.
Day 04. At 06:00 o’clock we start our three-hour river journey back to
the confluence of the Manu and the Madre de Dios river (Boca Manu) to
reach the airstrip of Boca Manu for your small plane to flight back to
Cusco.
END OF OUR SERVICES
Inclusions: Roundtrip boat transport from Boca Manu airstrip to Manu
Lodge, naturalist English-speaking guide, all meals, accommodations at
Manu Lodge.
Not included: Small plane round-trip Cusco-Boca Manu – Cusco (We will
offer you the details for you to make your reservations directly).
Airport and airstrip taxes, Manu National Park entrance fee (about $50
per person, which may change without prior notice), post-tour hotel
transfers in Cusco or Lima, tips, laundry, alcoholic beverages, items of
a personal nature and tips.
Important note: In case of small plane delays and/or cancellations
clients will have to cover all possible additional expenses such us:
accommodations, meals, and alternative transport.
REBATES:
$50.00/person discount if three to five clients rate is paid
three-months prior to departure date.
$100.00/person rebate if three to five clients rate is paid in full six
months or more prior to departure date.
BOOKINGS:
- A 50%/person deposit is required to guarantee the reservation. The
remaining balance must be paid 30 days before the date of departure.
- Your reservation will be automatically wait-listed if no deposit is
received.
- Manu Nature Tours reserves the right to offer special rates for last
minute sales.
DEPOSITS
IN THE USA: check or wire to Boris Gomez Luna-Manu Nature Tours c/o Judy
Berard. 620 Chestnut St. Suite 668. Philadelphia. PA 19106-3413 USA.
Fax: 215-923-5535. Phone: 215-923-3641 .
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