Manu Cloud Forest (3 days)
Manu Cloud Forest (3 days)
Duration
3 days
Start/End
Cusco
Tour type
Private · Group
Level
Simple
Overview
The road from Cusco to Manu is one of the world's premier birding routes: its elevation gradients hold over 1,000 bird species. It crosses the Andes via the Acjanaco Pass (3,530 m / 11,580 ft), the gateway to Manu National Park, and descends into the misty cloud forest – an enchanted world of tree ferns, orchids, bromeliads and waterfalls. This fully private tour is designed for passionate birders, wildlife photographers and nature lovers. The highlight is the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek at sunrise, where Peru's national bird performs its courtship display. We also search for the Gray-breasted Mountain Toucan, Golden-headed Quetzal and Red-and-white Antpitta, and photograph tanagers and hummingbirds at the feeders of Paradise Lodge. Private transport from Cusco, bilingual birding guide, 2 nights at Paradise Lodge, all meals as per itinerary and all entrance fees are included.
Tour Code
Maximum altitude
Travel Program
Day 1
Cusco – Ninamarca – Paucartambo – Acjanaco – Paradise Lodge
Paradise Lodge (Manu Road)
Scenic drive of approx. 7–8 h with stops · max. 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
We leave Cusco early in private transport and climb through the dramatic peaks of the Andes. Along the way we visit the pre-Inca burial towers (chullpas) of Ninamarca and the historic town of Paucartambo. At the Acjanaco Pass (3,530 m / 11,580 ft), the gateway to Manu National Park, we begin our descent into the misty cloud forest. We stop along high-elevation roadside trails to search for the Gray-breasted Mountain Toucan, Hooded Mountain Tanager and mixed canopy flocks. In the afternoon we arrive at Paradise Lodge, settle into our room and watch the feeders before a locally sourced dinner.
Cusco – Ninamarca – Paucartambo – Acjanaco – Paradise Lodge
Day 1
Paradise Lodge (Manu Road)
Scenic drive of approx. 7–8 h with stops · max. 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
We leave Cusco early in private transport and climb through the dramatic peaks of the Andes. Along the way we visit the pre-Inca burial towers (chullpas) of Ninamarca and the historic town of Paucartambo. At the Acjanaco Pass (3,530 m / 11,580 ft), the gateway to Manu National Park, we begin our descent into the misty cloud forest. We stop along high-elevation roadside trails to search for the Gray-breasted Mountain Toucan, Hooded Mountain Tanager and mixed canopy flocks. In the afternoon we arrive at Paradise Lodge, settle into our room and watch the feeders before a locally sourced dinner.
Day 2
Cock-of-the-Rock Lek & Cloud Forest
Paradise Lodge (Manu Road)
Full-day birding along the road and on forest trails
At dawn we head to a private observation platform to witness the spectacular Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek, where dozens of brilliant orange males display and call in the canopy to attract females. After a hot breakfast at the lodge, we spend the day exploring different elevations along the Manu Road. We search the understory for the elusive Red-and-white Antpitta, look for Golden-headed Quetzals in the mid-canopy and photograph colorful mixed tanager flocks. The afternoon focuses on hummingbird feeders and slow-paced forest trail walks.
Cock-of-the-Rock Lek & Cloud Forest
Day 2
Paradise Lodge (Manu Road)
Full-day birding along the road and on forest trails
At dawn we head to a private observation platform to witness the spectacular Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek, where dozens of brilliant orange males display and call in the canopy to attract females. After a hot breakfast at the lodge, we spend the day exploring different elevations along the Manu Road. We search the understory for the elusive Red-and-white Antpitta, look for Golden-headed Quetzals in the mid-canopy and photograph colorful mixed tanager flocks. The afternoon focuses on hummingbird feeders and slow-paced forest trail walks.
Day 3
Cloud Forest – Cusco
Drive of approx. 7–8 h with birding stops
We make the most of the early morning light for a final birding session along the cloud forest corridor, targeting any species still missing from your checklist. After a hearty breakfast we begin the comfortable private drive back across the Andes to Cusco, arriving by late afternoon. The tour combines perfectly with Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley or the Inca Trail.
Cloud Forest – Cusco
Day 3
Drive of approx. 7–8 h with birding stops
We make the most of the early morning light for a final birding session along the cloud forest corridor, targeting any species still missing from your checklist. After a hearty breakfast we begin the comfortable private drive back across the Andes to Cusco, arriving by late afternoon. The tour combines perfectly with Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley or the Inca Trail.
Price from
US$680.00
Services
What's included
Pre-Tour Briefing: Briefing at your hotel in Cusco two days before departure.
Birding Guide: Native bilingual specialist (Spanish and English) certified in cloud forest ornithology and bird call identification.
Transportation: Dedicated private vehicle (4x4 or van) for all 3 days, including pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco.
Accommodation: 2 nights at Paradise Lodge on the Manu Road in a private double room with hot water and electricity.
Meals: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches (picnic/box lunch) and 2 dinners, plus purified water and high-energy field snacks; vegetarian and special diets on request.
Entrance Fees: All official permits and access fees for Manu National Park, private leks and reserves.
Field Gear: Customized Peru bird checklist, spotting scope and comprehensive first-aid kit.
What's not included
Meals: Breakfast on day 1 and dinner on day 3 in Cusco.
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is required.
Binoculars: High-quality rental binoculars available on request.
Tips & Personal Expenses: Discretionary tips for guide and driver, drinks outside main meals and souvenirs.
Flights: Domestic and international flights.
Hotel in Cusco: Accommodation in Cusco after day 3.
Character of the trip
Condition
Simple
Altitude
Gentle (up to 3,900 m)
Culture / nature
Balanced
Fitness – easy to moderate: Leisurely walks on forest trails and along the road, with long drives on a winding mountain road. A basic level of fitness is enough.
Altitude – moderate: The road crosses the Andes at up to 3,900 m / 12,795 ft; the lodges lie in the cloud forest at around 1,600 m / 5,249 ft.
Culture & nature – nature-focused: Cloud forest, the Andean cock-of-the-rock, quetzals, toucans, tanagers, hummingbirds, monkeys and an incredible variety of orchids – a paradise for birdwatchers.
Lodge: 2 nights at Paradise Lodge on the Manu Road, private double room with hot water and electricity.
Dates and Prices
Individual Dates
Optional
Cusco City Tour (half day)
Public tour – the private tour is available under “Day Tours”.
US$20.00
per person
Sacred Valley Tour (full day)
Public tour – the private tour is available under “Day Tours”.
US$25.00
per person
Groups of 5 or more: contact us for special rates and tailor-made options.
Travel Information
Good to know
Itinerary: The schedule may vary slightly to maximize bird sightings, depending on the latest reports from the guides on site.
Best time to go: Birding on the Manu Road is excellent year-round. The dry season (May to October) offers drier trails and clear mountain passes. The green season (November to April) brings warmer temperatures, lush foliage and heightened activity thanks to breeding displays and migrants.
Climate: The Manu cloud forest receives about 5,000 mm of rain per year; daytime temperatures reach up to 29 °C (84 °F), nights cool down to about 11 °C (52 °F).
All skill levels: From curious nature lovers and casual photographers to life-list birders – your private guide adapts the pace, identification depth and route to your interests.
Fitness: A moderate level of fitness is ideal. Most birding takes place along quiet gravel roads, forest clearings and gentle lodge trails at a slow pace, with the vehicle always nearby.
Paradise Lodge: Private double rooms with hot water and electricity, with hummingbird and tanager feeders right at the lodge. Space is limited in peak months – we recommend booking 3 to 6 months in advance.
Combine it: As the tour ends in Cusco on day 3 by late afternoon, it is an ideal prelude to the Inca Trail, a Sacred Valley tour or a train trip to Machu Picchu.
What to bring
Clothing: Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and quick-dry trousers in natural/earth tones (khaki, olive, tan) – avoid bright colors. Add a breathable waterproof jacket or heavy-duty poncho and a fleece or down sweater for the cold Acjanaco Pass and cool forest mornings.
Footwear: Waterproof, broken-in hiking boots with deep tread, plus lightweight shoes or sandals for the lodge.
Binoculars: Essential – ideally waterproof 8x42 or 10x42. High-quality rental binoculars are available on request.
Camera: Camera with a telephoto zoom lens (300–600 mm), extra batteries, memory cards and a lens rain cover; dry bags or ziplock bags to protect gear from moisture.
Daypack: 20–30 L, waterproof or with rain cover.
Headlamp: With spare batteries for dawn starts.
Protection: Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin), high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen, wide-brimmed sun hat and beanie.
Original passport: Required at the national park checkpoints.
Other: Personal medication, blister kit and a reusable water bottle.