You will leave
from Cusco in a light aircraft that flies
over the Andes, and down into the rainforest
and the airstrip of Boca Manu. You will
visit the village of Boca Manu, whose
residents specialize in building boats for
the rivers of the Amazon. In the afternoon a
motor canoe will take you up the Manu River.
As night falls, you will make camp on one of
the beaches.
Days 02 & 03
Lake Salvador
& Lake Otorongo
On the morning
of the second day you will go up the Manu
River. From this vantage point you will have
great views of riverside birds, sunbathing
caiman, and the enormous aquatic guinea pig,
the capybara. You will reach your campsite
deep inside Manu in the afternoon. This will
be your base for the next two days. During
this time, you will hike through virgin
forest and explore one of the most beautiful
lakes of the Manu basin, Lake Salvador, by
catamaran. There is a chance to see a huge
variety of colorful birds, numerous species
of monkey and, with luck, a family of giant
otters. A five-hour hike through the forest
takes you to Lake Otorongo and a 20 meter-high
(60 ft.) observation platform that overlooks
the lake. At night you can explore the
forest by flashlight or go moonlight caiman
spotting on the lake.
Day 04
Lake Salvador
- Boca Manu
After a final
walk through the forest surrounding Lake
Salvador, you will return back down the Manu
River. At Boca Manu, you will return to
Cusco by light aircraft.
Includes:
Bilingual
nature guide
Flights:
Cusco - Boca Manu - Cusco
Transport:
Boca Manu - Lake Salvador – Boca Manu in
private boat
Tent and
mattress
Meals
Permit for
Reserved Zone
Guide book
of Manu
THE SERVICE INCLUDES
All river,
land, and air transportation described,
professional and specialized guides, 3 meals
per day during the expedition, entrance fees,
dining and cooking tents for comfortable and
hygienic meals, two person tents, thick
mattresses, pure bottled water, medical and
security supplies, radio communication in
cultural zone, and professional cook and
motorboat staff. Manu guide book.
WHAT WE ADVISE YOU TO BRING
Sleeping bag,
warm clothes (for misty mornings on the
river), water bottle or canteen, rain gear,
sunblock, flashlight with extra batteries,
hat with brim, binoculars, mosquito
repellent and anti-itch preparation (such as
Afterbite), camera and extra film (ASA 100
is good for lakes and river, but inside the
forest you will need ASA 400), long sleeve
shirts and long trousers (ideal is
lighweight, but thick fabric), sandals,
bathing suit, towel, day pack, at least one
pair of trekking boots, personal hygiene and
medical supplies, plastic bags, some money
to buy beverages, etc.
HEALTH PRECAUTIONS AND CLIMATE
Consult your
doctor before your journey to Peru. If you
plan to visit Manu you will need a yellow
fever vaccination. There have been no
recorded cases of malaria in Manu. The
precautions are optional. It is important to
note that our programs take you to remote,
uninhabited jungle areas. As such, you
should be prepared to forego most normal
western comforts. The area has a wide range
of climates, from the cold dry Andes to the
hot, humid Amazon jungle. There are two
clear seasons during the year: the rainy
season from November to December, when
temperatures and rainfall are higher, and
the dry season from May to October, when
temperatures are lower and rainfall
diminishes. Total annual rainfall in the
lower rainforest is approximately 4000 mm
(157 in.). Temperatures range in the lowland
forest from approximately 15 C to 35 C (60 F
to 95 F), generally being hot and humid,
even at night.
