Manu Birding 4 days

Manu Birding

Manu Birding Adventure: An Unforgettable Journey into Peru’s Natural Wonders

Embark on a thrilling 4-day birdwatching journey through the heart of Peru's Manu Biosphere Reserve. This adventure takes you from the high Andes down to the lush Amazon rainforest, where you’ll encounter a vast array of endemic birds, wildlife, and stunning landscapes. Perfect for nature lovers and avid birdwatchers, this itinerary is packed with exciting experiences, from observing rare bird species to exploring pristine rainforests.

Day 01: Cusco to Paradise Lodge (Lower Manu Cloud Forest - 1400m).

Your adventure begins with an early departure from Cusco, driving through the stunning intermontane valleys. Along the way, we’ll stop to visit the Lupaca Pre-Inca cemetery and explore the charming Paucartambo village. As we ascend to the Ajanaco mountain pass, the real adventure begins, descending into one of the most untouched wilderness areas on Earth.

This journey along the winding road through the Manu foothills offers a remarkable altitudinal transect, allowing you to witness a changing variety of wildlife. In the high-altitude zones, you’ll be on the lookout for Mountain Caracara, Shining Sunbeam, and Moustached Flower-piercer. As you descend into the cloud forests, keep an eye out for the famous Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Peru's national bird), as well as stunning Orchids.

At lower elevations, you may spot Woolly Monkeys and Brown Capuchin Monkeys. We’ll spend the night at the Paradise Lodge, with an optional night walk to spot nocturnal creatures in the lower Manu cloud forest.

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner Overnight at Paradise Lodge  Amazonia Tours

Day 02: Manu Birding  to Paradise Lodge to Amazonia Lodge (500m/1,750 feet)

After a final morning in the cloud forests, we’ll continue our descent along the Manu Road to the comfortable Amazonia Lodge, located near a serene lake. This is a prime spot to observe the White Caiman and Smooth-fronted Caiman that inhabit the waters, along with several bird species that frequent the area.

We’ll visit a Coca farm and an Orchid Garden on the way. If we’re lucky, we may spot the colorful Military Macaws and Blue-headed Macaws. Later, we’ll cross the Alto Madre de Dios River to reach the Amazonia Lodge, our base for the next two nights.

In the evening, enjoy an optional night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight at Amazonia Lodge

Day 03: Manu Birding to Parrot Clay Lick & Machuwasi Lake .

Today begins early with a visit to the Parrot and Macaw Clay Lick, located just 25 minutes downriver along the Madre de Dios River. Here, you’ll witness Chestnut-Fronted Macaws, Blue-headed Macaws, Dusky-headed

Parakeets, White-eyed Parakeets, and more, as they congregate at the clay lick to ingest minerals. This fascinating natural behavior helps the birds neutralize toxins from their diet, and the vibrant spectacle is an unforgettable experience.

Next, we’ll board our motorized canoe for a scenic ride to Machuwasi Lake, where you’ll have the chance to see Hoatzins, Tanagers, Oropendolas, and the Horned Screamer, a truly unique bird species. As we explore the lake and its surrounding forest, you’ll be immersed in the sights and sounds of this biodiverse paradise.

After a full day of birdwatching, we return to Amazonia Lodge for an optional night walk to spot nocturnal birds and wildlife.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight at Amazonia Lodge

Day 04: Amazonia Lodge – Return to Atalaya and Cusco

After breakfast, we’ll board a motorboat for one last visit to the Parrot and Macaw Clay Lick, where the early morning activity of the parrots and macaws is simply mesmerizing.

Following this, we’ll head back to the lodge for breakfast before beginning our return journey. We’ll board our

motorized boat for a short ride back to Port Atalaya, where a private vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Cusco,

arriving between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM.

Manu Birding Adventure: A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Discover a breathtaking 4-day Manu Birding expedition in the heart of Peru’s Manu National Park, one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Nestled between the towering Andes and the lush Amazon rainforest, the Manu

Biosphere Reserve offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe an astonishing variety of bird species in their

natural habitats.

From the cloud forests to the riverbanks, Manu’s ecosystems are home to hundreds of uncommon, non-native, and endemic bird species, making it a must-visit destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Why Manu is a Birdwatcher’s Ultimate Destination Manu Birding

Manu is globally recognized as a birdwatching paradise, boasting more than 1,000 species of birds. It ranks as one of the top birding destinations worldwide due to its exceptional biodiversity and range of habitats. From the misty

highland cloud forests to the vibrant lowland rainforests, each environment provides unique opportunities to spot

rare species, including those that are found nowhere else on the planet.

Whether you’re a dedicated birder or a first-time traveler eager to explore Peru’s wild side, Manu’s varied ecosystems—from towering mountains to riverine forests—are teeming with wildlife that will captivate your senses.

Manu Birding Tour: 4-Day Birdwatching Adventure from Cusco

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day birding expedition from the high Andes to the lush cloud forests of the Manu Biosphere Reserve. This itinerary is specially designed for travelers passionate about nature, conservation, and photographing rare and endemic species. With expert guides and access to prime locations like Huacarpay Lake, Huayquecha Biological Station, and the famous Cock-of-the-Rock lek, you’ll experience one of Peru’s richest birding regions. Manu rainforest

Day 1: Manu Birding  from Cusco – Huacarpay Lake – Huayquecha Biological Station .

We begin our adventure early, departing Cusco at 5:30 a.m. for a 45-minute drive to Huacarpay Lake, one of the best places to spot Andean wetland species. Here, our main target is the Bearded Mountaineer, an exquisite hummingbird endemic to the Cusco region and found nowhere else on Earth.

Around the lake, we’ll also search for species such as: Plumbeous Rail, Cinnamon Teal, Puna Teal, Yellow-

billed Pintail, White-tufted Grebe, Cinereous Harrier, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Streak-fronted Thornbird,

Many-colored Rush Tyrant, Rusty-fronted Canastero (endemic), and Creamy-crested Spinetail (endemic). top birding

After a quick field breakfast, we continue exploring the wetlands before beginning our scenic drive toward Manu. At the highest point of the route, near the entrance of the Manu National Park (3,565 m), we stop for lunch.

From here, we descend into the lush cloud forest, an area rich in hummingbirds, tanagers, toucans, toucanets, antpittas, flycatchers, and tyrannulets. By around 4:30 p.m., we arrive at Huayquecha Biological Station, our lodge for the night.

After dinner, we head out for a night walk with the goal of spotting the Swallow-tailed Nightjar.

Overnight : Wayque Lodge .

Day 2: Manu Birding  – Full Day Birding at Huayquecha Biological Station .

We start early at 5:40 a.m. to explore high-elevation habitats around 3,600 meters. This area is superb for specialized Andean birds. Morning highlights may include:

Puna Thistletail, Rufous Antpitta, Puna Tapaculo, Great Sapphirewing, Yungas Pygmy-Owl, Red-crested Cotinga, Barred Fruiteater, Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager, Hooded Mountain Tanager, Grass-green Tanager, Golden-

plumed Parakeet, Scaly-naped Parrot, Moustached Flowerpiercer, Rufous-bellied Bush-Tyrant, Sedge Wren, Scarlet-

bellied Mountain Tanager, White-browed Conebill, Three-striped Hemispingus, Line-fronted Canastero, Scribble-tailed Canastero, and many more.

We return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest before our afternoon session. Later, we search for:

White-winged Black-Tyrant, Rufous-capped Thornbill, Plushcap, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Trilling Tapaculo, Gray-breasted Mountain Toucan, and Blue-capped Tanager.

After dinner we once again head into the forest, hoping for more encounters with the Swallow-tailed Nightjar.

Overnight : Cock of the Rock Lodge /Paradide Lodge .

Day 3: Huayquecha Station – Cock of the Rock Lodge .

Today we travel deeper into the cloud forest toward the iconic Cock of the Rock Lodge, birding throughout the journey. On our way we look for:

Golden-collared Tanager, Grass-green Tanager, Scaled Metaltail, Mountain Cacique, White-collared Jay, Barred Parakeet, Barred Fruiteater, Band-tailed Fruiteater, Marcapata Spinetail, Red-and-white Antpitta, Blue-banded

Toucanet, Hooded Mountain Tanager, Black-and-Chestnut Eagle, Black Solitary Eagle, White-throated Antpitta,

Slaty Tanager, Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant, Fulvous Wren, Chestnut-crested Cotinga, Crested Quetzal, Golden-headed Quetzal, Black-streaked Puffbird, Yellow-throated Tanager, Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager, Superciliary Hemispingus and others.

After dinner at the lodge, we head out to look for the Rufous-bellied Nighthawk, a fascinating nocturnal species.

Overnight : Cock of the Rock Lodge /Paradide Lodge .

Day 4: Cock of the Rock Lodge /Paradise Lodge  – Birding at the Lek – Return to Cusco .

This morning starts very early as we visit one of the region’s greatest spectacles: the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek,

where males display in brilliant red plumage. Known locally as the Gallito de las Rocas, this iconic bird is Peru’s national symbol.

At the lek and nearby forest we may also see: White-crowned Tapaculo, Yungas Manakin, Crested Quetzal, Versicolored Barbet, Orange-eared Tanager, Highland Motmot, and other specialties.

After breakfast back at the lodge, we set off on trails to look for additional species such as: Slaty Gnateater, Chestnut-breasted Wren, Cinnamon-faced Tyrannulet, Spotted Nightingale-Thrush, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Tyrannine Woodcreeper, Masked Trogon, Crimson-bellied Woodpecker, Black-streaked Puffbird,

Paradise Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Golden Tanager, Brown Tinamou, and possibly monkey troops moving through the canopy.

Around the lodge garden, flowering plants attract an impressive variety of hummingbirds. We commonly see up to 13 species, including:

Booted Racket-tail, Wire-crested Thorntail, Green Hermit, Buff-tailed Sicklebill, Many-spotted Hummingbird,

Violet-fronted Brilliant, White-bellied Woodstar, Peruvian Piedtail, Long-tailed Sylph, Wedge-billed Hummingbird,

Speckled Hummingbird, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, and the Sparkling Violetear.

After lunch we begin our return journey to Cusco, ending this unforgettable birding experience in the Peruvian Andes and cloud forest.

 

 

WHAT INCLUDED?

What’s Included in This Birding Tour

• Comfortable Lodging
• Double-occupancy cabin accommodations at all research stations
• Private in-room bathrooms for added comfort and convenience

Experiences & Admissions

• Entrance to the Cock-of-the-Rock lek, one of the most iconic wildlife spectacles in the Andes
• Full access to each station’s trail network, observational areas,

Expert Guidance & Support

• Services of a professional English-speaking birding guide
• Private driver and dedicated ground transportation throughout the itinerary

Meals & Beverages

• Three freshly prepared meals daily
• Unlimited drinking water, tea, and coffee available at the stations
• Transportation bus and boat
• mineral water
• bird list
• snacks
• rubber Boots

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

What’s Not Included

• Flights to or from Cusco
• Alcoholic drinks
• Laundry services
• Gratuities
• Any additional activities, services, or personal expenses not specifically listed as included.

RECOMMEND TO BRING TO RAINFOREST BIRDS 

• Binoculars
• Cameras
• hats
• Rain poncho
• Insect Repellent
• torch
• extra drinks , beer wine, juice , or soda
• sun block
• Dark clothes for birding .
• Extra clothes for change , sandak, shirt, pants, jacket.
• Long sleeve , Umbrella , rain jacket, Little Bagpack, hat , sun block , insect repellent ,

RECOMMENDATIONS OF WHAT TO BRING:

Birds You Can Spot in Manu Birding: A Complete Birdwatcher’s Guide

Manu National Park is one of the world’s premier birdwatching destinations. With an extraordinarily diverse bird list and pristine rainforest habitats, Manu captivates both beginner and expert birders. Below is a curated guide to the top birds in Manu, along with the best time to visit and a day-by-day birding itinerary to help you plan your perfect trip.

Top Birds to Spot in Manu National Park

Manu’s extensive bird diversity offers a rewarding experience for bird enthusiasts. Some of the most remarkable species you may encounter include:

1. Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruvianus)

Peru’s national bird is famous for its brilliant orange plumage and dramatic courtship displays. It is one of the must-see species in Manu’s cloud forests.

2. Golden-headed Quetzal

A rare and magnificent bird featuring radiant green and golden plumage. It’s often spotted in the misty cloud forests along Andean slopes.

3. Andean Toucan

Recognized for its large, colorful beak and striking calls. The Andean Toucan is a highlight for any birder exploring Manu.

4. Orinoco Goose

A rare riverine species that thrives along Manu’s waterways. Its unique markings make it easy to identify on riverbanks and oxbow lakes.

5. White-throated Jacamar

A jewel-like bird with metallic colors, commonly observed perched near forest edges and open clearings, making it a delight for photographers.

6. Harpy Eagle

One of the largest and most powerful raptors in the world, the Harpy Eagle inhabits Manu’s deep, untouched rainforest. Spotting this apex predator is a rare and unforgettable experience.

Best Time to Visit Manu for Birdwatching

The best time for birdwatching in Manu is during the dry season from May to October. Expect:

• Clearer skies
• Less rainfall

More predictable weather

Easier access to trails and viewing platforms

The rainy season (November–April) offers lush scenery and vibrant plant life but may present challenges such as muddy trails and increased river levels. Serious birders generally prefer the dry season for optimal visibility and comfort.

4-Day Manu Birdwatching Itinerary

This sample itinerary offers a balanced combination of cloud forest, lowland rainforest, and river habitats—maximizing your chances of spotting Manu’s iconic bird species.

Day 1: Arrival and Journey to the Cloud Forests

Your tour begins with a scenic descent from the Andean highlands into Manu’s famous cloud forests. This biodiverse environment hosts:

• Golden-headed Quetzal
• Andean Toucan
• Mountain Cock of the Rock
• Your first sightings set the tone for an extraordinary birding adventure.

Day 2: Exploring Manu’s Tropical Rainforest

Venture deeper into the Manu Biosphere Reserve, where dense rainforest bursts with life. Bird species commonly observed include:

• Orinoco Goose
• White-throated Jacamar
• Harpy Eagle

Expert local guides help you navigate jungle trails and riverbanks for optimal birdwatching opportunities.

Day 3: River Expedition & Birdwatching by Boat

Embark on a scenic boat ride along the Madre de Dios River, ideal for spotting riverine birds such as:

• Kingfishers
• Neotropic Cormorants
• Rufous-tailed Jacamar

After lunch, enjoy more jungle exploration, ending the day with the serene sounds of the Amazon at dusk.

Day 4: Final Morning Birdwatching & Departure

Make the most of your final morning with one last exploration of Manu’s trails and riverbanks. This is your final opportunity to record any birds you may have missed before returning to Cusco or continuing your travels through Peru.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Manu Birding Adventure

What is the Manu Birding Adventure?

The Manu Birding Adventure is a 4-day guided birdwatching tour through Peru’s Manu Biosphere Reserve, offering an immersive experience from the high Andes to the Amazon rainforest. It includes birdwatching, wildlife observation, and cultural visits.

What types of birds can I expect to see?

You may see a diverse range of bird species, including the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Mountain Caracara, Shining Sunbeam, Moustached Flower-piercer, Military Macaws, Blue-headed Macaws, Hoatzins, and the Horned Screamer.

What other wildlife might I encounter?

In addition to birds, you may spot Woolly Monkeys, Brown Capuchin Monkeys, White Caimans, Smooth-fronted Caimans, and various nocturnal creatures during optional night walks.

Is prior birdwatching experience required?

No prior experience is needed. The tour is suitable for both beginners and seasoned birdwatchers, with expert guides providing assistance and information.

What is the best time of year to take the Manu Birding Adventure?

The tour operates year-round, but the dry season (May to October) offers clearer skies and better birdwatching conditions. The wet season (November to April) provides lush scenery and unique bird activity.

What should I bring on the tour?

Essentials include binoculars, a camera, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, rain gear, comfortable hiking shoes, and lightweight clothing suitable for both cool and warm climates.

Are accommodations provided during the tour?

Yes, you will stay at Paradise Lodge on the first night and Amazonia Lodge for the following two nights. Both lodges offer comfortable accommodations and meals.

Are meals included in the tour?

Yes, all meals are provided during the tour, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Vegetarian options are available upon request.

Is the tour physically demanding?

The tour involves moderate physical activity, including walking on uneven terrain and optional night walks. Participants should be in reasonable physical condition.

How do we travel between locations?

Travel is by private vehicle along the Manu Road and by motorized canoe along the Alto Madre de Dios River. Both modes of transport provide scenic views and wildlife opportunities.

What is the Parrot and Macaw Clay Lick?

It is a natural clay deposit where parrots and macaws gather to consume mineral-rich clay that helps neutralize toxins from their diet. The visit offers a spectacular display of bird activity.

Is there an opportunity for night walks?

Yes, optional night walks are available at both lodges, providing a chance to observe nocturnal birds, insects, and other wildlife.

How long is the journey from Cusco to the Manu Biosphere Reserve?

The drive from Cusco to Paradise Lodge takes approximately 8-9 hours, including scenic stops at Paucartambo village and the Lupaca Pre-Inca cemetery.

Is there a guide provided throughout the tour?

Yes, experienced and knowledgeable guides accompany you throughout the journey, providing insights into bird species, local ecosystems, and cultural landmarks.

How do I book the Manu Birding Adventure?

You can book the tour through a licensed tour operator specializing in the Manu Biosphere Reserve. Advance reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.