Start Time: Early Morning – Cloud Forest to Amazon Lowland (400 m.a.s.l.) The day begins very early with a guided excursion in search of the Cock-of-the-Rock, Peru’s national bird, known for its intense colors and fascinating courtship dance. This is one of the best opportunities for birdwatching in the Manu cloud forest, where this iconic species can often be observed in its natural habitat.

After breakfast, we continue our journey toward the Amazon lowlands, passing through the small jungle town of Pilcopata, an important gateway to the Manu rainforest. From there, we head to Atalaya Port, located on the banks of the Madre de Dios River at around 700 meters above sea level.

At Atalaya, we board a motorized boat and begin navigating deep into the Amazon rainforest toward the Erika Private Reserve. During the river journey, we enjoy excellent opportunities for wildlife observation in the Peruvian Amazon, including birds such as herons, vultures, and cormorants, as well as the rich tropical scenery of the riverbanks.

Upon arrival at Erika Lodge, located at approximately 400 meters above sea level, we explore the surrounding jungle trails in the transition zone between the cloud forest and lowland rainforest. Here, your guide will explain the incredible biodiversity of the area, including flora, insects, and wildlife typical of the Amazon ecosystem.

The morning begins with a guided jungle walk around the Erika Lodge area, where your naturalist guide will explain the rich diversity of Amazon rainforest wildlife and flora. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about medicinal plants, tropical trees, and the complex ecosystem of the Peruvian Amazon.

After the walk, we cross the river by boat and continue along a forest trail for approximately 30 minutes, surrounded by lush vegetation such as sensitive plants, heliconias, fruit trees, and other tropical species typical of the Manu rainforest.

We then arrive at Lake Machuwasi, a peaceful oxbow lake where we explore by traditional raft. This area is ideal for wildlife observation in Manu, offering chances to see the prehistoric-looking Hoatzin bird, as well as caimans, monkeys, and capybaras depending on luck and conditions.

After returning to the lodge, there is time to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings of the Amazon jungle.

In the evening, we take part in a guided night walk near Erika Lodge, searching for nocturnal wildlife such as insects, frogs, tarantulas, and other fascinating creatures that emerge after dark, offering a completely different perspective of the rainforest ecosystem.

As an optional activity, guests may also enjoy the Canopy Zip Line experience, where you glide between platforms high above the Amazon forest using a secure harness system. The adventure includes multiple lines and finishes with a 15-meter rappel descent back to the jungle floor, offering an exciting and unique view of the rainforest canopy.

Very early in the morning, we take a short guided walk around the Erika Lodge area to admire one of the Amazon’s natural giants, the impressive ceiba buttress tree, an iconic species of the Peruvian rainforest ecosystem.

After breakfast, we board our boat and navigate for approximately 90 minutes along the Alto Madre de Dios River, enjoying a scenic and relaxing journey through the lush Amazon landscape of Manu National Park.

Our destination is the natural hot springs of Aguas Calientes, surrounded by pristine jungle vegetation. This is a perfect place to relax in warm thermal waters while immersed in the sounds and beauty of the Amazon rainforest.

A refreshing cold lunch will be served in this unique natural setting, offering a peaceful break in the middle of the jungle. In the afternoon, we return by boat to Erika Lodge, where you can relax and enjoy the surrounding rainforest environment.

Very early in the morning, we board our boat and navigate along the Alto Madre de Dios River to visit a nearby parrot clay lick (collpa), one of the most fascinating wildlife spectacles of the Amazon rainforest. Here, you can observe different species such as the blue-headed parrot, white-eyed parakeet, and occasionally the maracana macaw, as they gather to feed on mineral-rich clay essential for their diet and digestion.

After this unique birdwatching experience in the Peruvian Amazon, we return to Erika Lodge for breakfast. Following breakfast, we pack our belongings and begin the return journey.

We travel by boat back to Atalaya Port, where our private vehicle will be waiting to continue the drive back toward Cusco. The route takes us once again through the transition zones of the rainforest and Andes, offering final views of the diverse landscapes of the Manu Biosphere Reserve.