Manu Rainforest: Biodiversity And Cultura

Day 1: “CUSCO-MANU”

After breakfast, the bus will take us through a zigzagging road through the Andes mountain range. On the way, we will break the journey to visit the Chullpas of Ninamarca, a pre-inca cemetery of the Lupacas culture. Then, we will be descending to the city of Paucartambo, wich has always been an important doorway into the jungle, from inca times onwards. We leave Paucartambo to enter to the “Puna”, a special ecologic zone sheltering unique species, like the viscacha (a small rodent which looks like a rabbit).

With the spectacular view of Amazon rainforest ahead of us, we will stop to have lunch. Then, we will descend into the Rain forest where we will try to find Peru’s national bird: the Cock of the Rock (Rupícola Peruviana).

Arriving at Pilcopata at dusk and before it gets dark, we will reach the river port of Atalaya where we will take the boat to get to the protected Forest Area of Amaru Mayu Reserve where our camp awaits us.  

Day 2: “FOREST OF AMARU MAYU”

Early in the morning we will be entering to the protected Amaru Mayu forest and the local guide will teach us about the incredible biodiversity of the place while hiking through the forest. We will return to the camp to take our breakfast. Until around 10 am., we will take the boat to the lagoon of San Sho. Return to the camp to have lunch.

During the afternoon hike, we hope to be able to see some indigenous mammals like tapirs and monkeys.  

Day 3: “MATSIGUENKAS AND HUACHIPARIS”

After breakfast, we will prepare to take the boat once more to Atalaya, then we will change boat to be able to observe the birds on both sides of the river. Once in Atalaya, we will take the car to Pilcopata, from there, we will reach the native community of Santa Rosa de Huacaria where indigenous members from the Matsiguenkas and the Huachiparis ethnic group will be welcoming us. We will be able to appreciate our hosts’ knowledge of medicinal plants and the traditional use they are put to. Before or after the lunch, we can enjoy a refreshing bath if the weather conditions allow it.  

Day 4:”SANTA ROSA DE HUACARIA-CUSCO”

After breakfast, we will make our last hike into the forest. Another option: Central to the Huachipari culture is the creation myth known as the Tree of Life myth. We then will have a conversation with young children from the school to hear their interpretation of the myth. Then, we will be flying back to Cusco.