[ SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES ]

Leaving Cusco after an early breakfast, we traverse the Andes, overlooking the majestic snowed capped mountains of the sacred valley. We arrive in Paucartambo, the center of ancient trading routes of the Incas, where we will learn about the famed traditional local dances and celebrations. Before we leave we enjoy a warm drink and learn about Andean communities use of biodiversity. We will continue our way towards one of the highest points of the day at Acjanaco (3,500 m), a Park Rangers Station and the entrance to Manu National Park. If the weather conditions permit, we will have the first spectacular view of the one of the largest National Parks of Peru. Amidst the clouds, we will start our descent until we reach San Pedro, where we will have lunch. As we observe the dramatic changes of the landscape, we will reach our Cloud Forest lodge where we will have dinner and spend this first night. B:L:D

This morning we head out to the main attraction in the Cloud Forest, the Cock of The Rock bird, the national bird of Peru. Rising before breakfast we head to a lek to watch males perform an amazing dance ritual to attract the females, at incredible short distance. After the spectacular display of colour, the ten-minute walk that takes us back to the lodge for breakfast gives us great chances to see a band of monkeys looking for breakfast themselves among the trees, by the road. Then, our journey continues down the Cloud Forest through the trees and water falls of the narrow ravine, home to one of the richest varieties of birds and to the spectacled bear. As we approach Pillcopata, coca plantations become visible and we will stop to visit one of them, to learn about the uses of the coca leaves and their medicinal properties. After a short stop at Pillcopata, we head for the port-town of Atalaya, where we will board a motorized canoe. A one-hour ride to the Manu Learning Centre gives us the first impression of a meandering Amazonian river, the Alto Madre de Dios, one of the most southern tributaries of the legendary Amazonas River. This afternoon we will explore the local trail system with our naturalist guides, before relaxing in the centre to the sounds of forest. Whilst staying at this beautiful lodge guests can learn about the human history of Manu and the challenges conserving this beautiful and fragile environment place or let the world disappear sipping a great drink, watching the sunset on the Amazon.B:L:D

One of the most interesting activities at the Manu Learning Centre is the monitoring of the clay lick or collpa where, among others, the Blue Headed Macaw is observed and studied, as it is an endangered species. At 5:00 a.m. in the morning, we join the scientists and researchers on the boat and head for the hide, five minutes up river, to observe the activity of macaws, parrots, and parakeets. As the day breaks and the rays of the sun paint the walls of the clay lick with magic colors, the birds display their dances, come and go in pairs, in flocks, until they leave to continue their day, deeper in the jungle. Then, we go back to the centre for breakfast. On our way back into the forest we can visit a bio-garden part of the centre's sustainable project and supplier of the kitchens. From here we head through differing terrain to experience multiple forest types, running into squirrel monkeys humming birds and also razor-billed curassows. We have the possibility of heading out on a night walk. B:L:D

After breakfast, we prepare for departure and take the boat back to Atalaya port-town, where we will board our transport back to Cusco. The landscape will change again before our eyes as we climb the Cloud Forest towards the Andes and then down to Cusco. The car will leave you at your hotel to complete this extraordinary journey. B:L

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 Dates 2011 / 2012: