Manu Cultural Zone
Photo Gallery
The Cultural Zone is one of the three zones from Manu National Park which covers high mountains, cloud forest amd low jungle.
In this area there are small villages, setlers and native comunities working in productive activieties such as agriculture and lumber at a low scale, since this activities are controled by the Ministery of Agriculture and Park Authorities.
One of the porpouses of this controled area is to act as a buffer zone to the Reserved and Intangible Zones.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
DAY 01: We leave Cusco early in the morning in our specialized overland vehicles. Approximately mid-morning we visit the interesting Pre- Inca tombs of Ninamarca, commonly known as "Chullpas". We continue to Paucartambo, a picturesque Spanish colonial town, and then to the Acjanacu pass, which marks the beginning of the Cultural Zone of Manu Biosphere Reserve. Here, a thick cloak of clouds provides perpetual humidity and makes an ideal habitat for epiphytic plants such as bromeliads. This varied and fascinating world is home of the Cock of the Rock, Spectacled Bear, Orchids, Tree Ferns (one of the oldest living plants), mosses and lichens. This cloud forest exists between 2000 and 3500 meters above sea level and at least 50% of the plant species found here are endemic to this region. Overnight in our Orquídeas de San Pedro lodge.
DAY 02: Today we wake up very early to observe the Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola Peruviana), Peru's national bird. The male birds are a vibrant reddish orange and about 5:00am. as many as several dozen come together for an exhibition of a ritual mating dance in a comfortably installed on an observation platform called "Lek". The males display their crest, showing off and posturing for the females. The females, fewer in number, watch to select the most suitable males. After breakfast we continue down the narrow road between waterfalls and canyons toward Pilcopata town (*1) for 2 hours approximately (*2). A 30 minutes bus ride to the port of Atalaya where we will board our covered outboard motor boat and head down the Alto Madre de Dios River for approximately 20 minutes toward our private reserve of "Erika Lodge" where we will spend the next two nights. Short walk around the lodge.
(*1) Optional (only for experienced people adding US$25): Descend with mountain bikes from the Cloud Forest (1,700 m.a.s.l.) - to Pilcopata town (700 m.a.s.l.).
(*2) Optional - free: At Pilcopata town we will make the final settings for a 1 hour tropical jungle river rafting down the Kosñipata River having the opportunity for a dip and of course enjoy the spectacular view of the Koñeq Canyon.
DAY 03: Erika Lodge is located in a transition zone between high and low jungle (600 m.a.s.l. to 1,150 m.a.s.l), encompassing different habitats. This altitude range explains the high diversity of wildlife found around this lodge, so immediately after breakfast, we will start walking near the riverbanks, during the hike our guide will talk about insects, medicinal plants, trees, reptiles, mammals, etc. This afternoon we board our boat, and after five minutes, we will walk for another 30 minutes approximately though a very nice trail to observe and talk about the interesting flora fond such as sensitive plants, heliconias, fruit plantations, etc. until we arrive to Machuwasi Lake where with the help of a telescope we can observe great egrets, tucanets, carpenters, Keskadees, cardinals, etc. Short night walk to observe American bullfrogs, horned frogs, tree frogs and an incredible variety of insects.
Free Canopy zip down: Our guests traverse from tree to tree and platform to platform using pulleys on horizontal traverse cables, as they sail through the treetops of the tropical rainforest canopy, and over the trails far below. Expert guides assist you in this exciting journey through the different layers of the virgin rain forests and explain what's going on around you, from the time you leave the ground, until you rappel back down to the forest floor.
DAY 04: This day we will get up very early to board our boat again for only five minutes down river to a Parrot clay Lick called "Collpa" on the riverbanks, where many species of parrots such as the blue headed parrot, white-eyed parakeet, feed for mineral and salt supplements to their diet of seeds and fruits. Immediately after we continue to Atalaya Port where the bus will drive us to Cusco city, arriving late in the night.
SERVICES INCLUDED.
Specialized and bilingual guide, 01 at Orquídeas de San Pedro Lodge, 02 nights at Erika Lodge, meals (vegetarian option also possible to offer), first aid kit including anti-ophidian shots, all land and river transportation, captain and river rafting equipment, mountain biking equipment, special guide for the Canopy Zip down and required equipment, safety box for values and storage for luggage at Cusco's main office.
THINGS YOU SHOULD BRING ALONG ON A TRIP TO MANU
- Binoculars
- Camera and films (ASA 200 and 400 for the inner forest)
- Warm clothing (in case of a cold front), long sleeve shirts and long pants (cotton) wide brim hat and sun glasses for sunny da 100% waterproof rain gear (long poncho or rain wear)
- Insect repellent (at least 50% DEET)
- Sunscreen lotion
- One pair of lightweight ankle height boots (hiking boots) and sandals
- Flashlight, enough batteries (alkaline) and bulbs
- Towel, swimming suit
- Personal medicines and/or supplies (liquid for contact lenses for example)
- One day pack and one back pack or duffel bag of luggage
HOW CAN I MAKE A RESERVATION
1.- Make your reservation by writing us at info@ecotourcusco.com and indicate the date you would like to take the tour on. Pay online with a VISA or MasterCard, or send us your payment through Western Union.:
Pay online with VISA 
Pay online with Mastercard 
(Descargar formulario de pre pago )
Pay with Western Union 
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If you have questions you can communicate with us by email by using the form below and sending it to:info@ecotourcusco.com.
TO RECONFIRM YOUR RESERVATION
Once your necessary information and payment are received we will send you an email within 24 hours, with a reservation code and a service contract.
CANCELLING A RESERVATION
If for whatever reason you must cancel your tour please do so at least fifteen days before the scheduled start date.
If you cancel with fifteen days’ notice we return 100% of your payment.
With only fourteen days’ notice we return 50% of your payment.
If you cancel with thirteen days or less remaining before the start of the tour you forfeit 100% of your payment.
Our reponsibilities:
Eco Service Tours shall provide all services as they are described in the tour itinerary, excepting natural disasters or other acts of God.
