Manu Cloud Forest (4 days)
Manu Cloud Forest (4 days)
Duration
4 days
Start/End
Cusco
Tour type
Private · Group
Level
Easy to moderate
Overview
The Manu Road is celebrated as the world's most biodiverse mountain highway. On this private 4-day expedition you follow it from the high-Andean wetlands at about 3,500 m down to the Amazonian foothills at about 700 m – across the Acjanaco Pass, the gateway to Manu National Park, through elfin forest, cloud forest and subtropical montane forest. Highlights include a private Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek watched from a hide, mountain-toucans and more than 30 tanager species. We also target endemics such as the Bearded Mountaineer, Red-and-white Antpitta and Marcapata Spinetail, as well as the Amazonian Umbrellabird. Private transport, bilingual birding guide, 3 nights at research stations and lodges, all meals as per itinerary and all permits are included.
Tour Code
Maximum altitude
Travel Program
Day 1
Cusco – Huacarpay Lake – Acjanaco Pass – Wayqecha
Wayqecha Biological Station (approx. 2,900 m)
Birding at Huacarpay and in the elfin forest · 3,400 m down to 2,900 m
We leave Cusco early to catch peak morning activity at Huacarpay Lake, a key high-Andean wetland home to specialized marsh birds and high-altitude hummingbirds. After a field breakfast, our private vehicle climbs to the Acjanaco Pass (3,500 m / 11,500 ft), the official entrance to Manu National Park. In the elfin forest with its stunted trees we look for treeline specialists. In the afternoon we slowly descend into the upper cloud forest to our lodge. Target species: Bearded Mountaineer, Many-colored Rush-Tyrant, Plumbeous Rail, Puna Teal, Giant Hummingbird and Scribble-tailed Canastero. Meals: field breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Cusco – Huacarpay Lake – Acjanaco Pass – Wayqecha
Day 1
Wayqecha Biological Station (approx. 2,900 m)
Birding at Huacarpay and in the elfin forest · 3,400 m down to 2,900 m
We leave Cusco early to catch peak morning activity at Huacarpay Lake, a key high-Andean wetland home to specialized marsh birds and high-altitude hummingbirds. After a field breakfast, our private vehicle climbs to the Acjanaco Pass (3,500 m / 11,500 ft), the official entrance to Manu National Park. In the elfin forest with its stunted trees we look for treeline specialists. In the afternoon we slowly descend into the upper cloud forest to our lodge. Target species: Bearded Mountaineer, Many-colored Rush-Tyrant, Plumbeous Rail, Puna Teal, Giant Hummingbird and Scribble-tailed Canastero. Meals: field breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 2
Wayqecha – Mid-elevation Cloud Forest
Cloud forest lodge (approx. 1,400 m)
Road walks and forest trails · 2,900 m down to 1,400 m
In the morning we explore the pristine temperate forest around Wayqecha. Further down the Manu Road the vegetation turns into lush, moss-draped forest, where hyperactive mixed-species flocks surge through the mid-canopy. This zone is renowned for mountain-toucans and some of South America's most brilliantly colored tanagers. We move at a birder's pace, giving photographers time for sharp images in variable light. Target species: Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Red-and-white Antpitta, Golden-collared Tanager, Grass-green Tanager, Marcapata Spinetail, Hooded Mountain-Tanager and Scaly-naped Parrot. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Wayqecha – Mid-elevation Cloud Forest
Day 2
Cloud forest lodge (approx. 1,400 m)
Road walks and forest trails · 2,900 m down to 1,400 m
In the morning we explore the pristine temperate forest around Wayqecha. Further down the Manu Road the vegetation turns into lush, moss-draped forest, where hyperactive mixed-species flocks surge through the mid-canopy. This zone is renowned for mountain-toucans and some of South America's most brilliantly colored tanagers. We move at a birder's pace, giving photographers time for sharp images in variable light. Target species: Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Red-and-white Antpitta, Golden-collared Tanager, Grass-green Tanager, Marcapata Spinetail, Hooded Mountain-Tanager and Scaly-naped Parrot. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3
Cock-of-the-Rock Lek & Subtropical Foothills
Foothill eco-lodge (approx. 700 m)
Viewing from a hide · forest trails · 1,400 m down to 700 m
Before dawn we visit a private, protected lek of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Peru's national bird. From an unobtrusive hide we watch males call loudly and snap their wings to impress the females. The rest of the day we explore mid-elevation trails where cool cloud forest air meets Amazonian warmth, creating an exceptionally high density of species. Target species: Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Golden-headed Quetzal, Highland Motmot, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Versicolored Barbet, Crested Quetzal and Ornate Antwren. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Cock-of-the-Rock Lek & Subtropical Foothills
Day 3
Foothill eco-lodge (approx. 700 m)
Viewing from a hide · forest trails · 1,400 m down to 700 m
Before dawn we visit a private, protected lek of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Peru's national bird. From an unobtrusive hide we watch males call loudly and snap their wings to impress the females. The rest of the day we explore mid-elevation trails where cool cloud forest air meets Amazonian warmth, creating an exceptionally high density of species. Target species: Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Golden-headed Quetzal, Highland Motmot, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Versicolored Barbet, Crested Quetzal and Ornate Antwren. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 4
Hummingbird Gardens – Manu Road – Cusco
Birding in the lodge gardens · return drive with stops
approx. 7–8 h drive with birding stops
On the final morning the lodge's verbena and nectar gardens attract hummingbirds, barbets and tanagers – perfect light for photographing whirring wings and intricate plumage. After breakfast we drive back up the Manu Road, with your guide targeting any species still missing from your list. Target species: Wire-crested Thorntail, Rufous-crested Coquette, Blue-banded Toucanet, Green Jay, Paradise Tanager and Golden Tanager. We arrive in Cusco in the late afternoon. Meals: breakfast, lunch.
Hummingbird Gardens – Manu Road – Cusco
Day 4
Birding in the lodge gardens · return drive with stops
approx. 7–8 h drive with birding stops
On the final morning the lodge's verbena and nectar gardens attract hummingbirds, barbets and tanagers – perfect light for photographing whirring wings and intricate plumage. After breakfast we drive back up the Manu Road, with your guide targeting any species still missing from your list. Target species: Wire-crested Thorntail, Rufous-crested Coquette, Blue-banded Toucanet, Green Jay, Paradise Tanager and Golden Tanager. We arrive in Cusco in the late afternoon. Meals: breakfast, lunch.
Price from
US$780.00
Services
What's included
Pre-Tour Briefing: Briefing at your hotel in Cusco before departure.
Birding Guide: Native bilingual birding guide (Spanish and English) with spotting scope, laser pointer and in-depth knowledge of Andean and Amazonian bird vocalizations.
Transportation: Private high-clearance vehicle with dedicated driver, optimized for frequent roadside stops, from/to your hotel in Cusco.
Accommodation: 3 nights in double rooms or cabins at research stations and birding lodges with private bathroom and hot water.
Meals: 3 freshly prepared meals daily with local ingredients as per itinerary, energy snacks, purified water, herbal teas and Peruvian coffee.
Permits: All entry permits for Manu National Park, the private Cock-of-the-Rock lek and reserves.
Fair Working Conditions: All drivers and staff work under Incatrekkers' fair-wage, insurance and working condition standards.
What's not included
Flights: International or domestic airfare to/from Cusco.
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is mandatory.
Drinks & Laundry: Alcoholic beverages and laundry service at the lodges.
Tips: Discretionary gratuities for your guide and driver.
Character of the trip
Condition
Easy to moderate
Altitude
Moderate (up to 3,500 m)
Culture / nature
Balanced
Fitness – easy to moderate: Most birding takes place right along the Manu Road or on well-maintained lodge trails. With a private vehicle and guide, the pace is fully tailored to you.
Altitude – moderate: From the high-Andean wetlands at around 3,500 m (11,500 ft) down to the Amazonian foothills at around 700 m (2,300 ft). Expect about 5 °C (41 °F) on cold mornings at Acjanaco Pass and up to 28 °C (82 °F) in the foothills.
Culture & nature – nature-focused: Over 1,000 bird species along the Manu Road – Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, mountain-toucans, quetzals and more than 30 tanager species.
Lodges: 3 nights at research stations and birding lodges with private bathrooms and hot water.
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.
Best time to go: Peak season is the dry season from May to November, with clearer skies, dry trails and stable road conditions. April and December are equally rewarding thanks to intense mixed-flock activity and courtship displays.
Fitness: Easy to moderate. Most birding takes place along the unpaved Manu Road or on well-maintained lodge trails, and the pace is tailored to you.
Health: The route stays in the cloud forest and foothill zones (700–3,500 m), where mosquito-borne risks are low. Please consult your travel health clinician about yellow fever and malaria before visiting Peru.
Electricity & connectivity: Lodges run on solar power or generators; electricity is usually available in the evening (about 6:00–9:30 pm). There is virtually no cell service or Wi-Fi.
Private tour: All Manu Road birding trips are private, with a maximum of 6 guests. For larger groups we offer custom pricing and a second guide at no extra cost.
Combine it: As the tour starts and ends in Cusco, it is an ideal extension before or after the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek or a visit to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
What to bring
Clothing: The climate shifts sharply – from about 5 °C (41 °F) at Acjanaco Pass to 28 °C (82 °F) in the foothills. Quick-dry synthetic or merino shirts (no heavy cotton), long pants and long-sleeved shirts against sun and sandflies, a warm fleece or down jacket for chilly mornings and a waterproof rain jacket or heavy-duty poncho.
Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots with high-traction soles for muddy trails, plus lightweight sneakers or sandals for the lodge.
Binoculars: Waterproof, ideally 8x42 or 10x42.
Camera: Telephoto lens (300–600 mm), ideally fast (f/2.8–f/4); extra batteries (charging at the lodges is limited to generator/solar hours), memory cards and dry bags. A light monopod or tripod is strongly recommended for the lek.
Field reference: Birds of Peru (Schulenberg et al.) or the Merlin Bird ID app with the Peru pack downloaded offline.
Protection: Broad-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, reef-safe SPF 50 sunscreen and insect repellent (picaridin or DEET).
Medication: Personal medication, altitude medication and motion-sickness tablets for the winding mountain road.
Water bottle: Reusable – we avoid single-use plastic in Manu.
Original passport: Required at the national park checkpoints.