5-Day Manu National Park Tour: Rainforest Lodges & Wildlife

Summary

Manu Jungle Adventure: Parrot Clay Lick, Hot Springs & Lake Tour

If you want real jungle adventure—parrots at sunrise, hot springs deep in Manu National Park, nights spent listening to frogs instead of traffic—this 5-day trip is it. You’ll travel from Cusco through cloud forests into untouched rainforest, stay in comfortable lodges with good food (and mosquito nets!), paddle lakes in dugout canoes, and spot wildlife most people only see on TV.

What’s the experience like?

The first morning kicked off early in Cusco—still a little chilly, with that sharp mountain air. Our small group piled into a private bus and headed for Ninamarca. The pre-Inca burial towers there are something else; you can actually see the ancient stones up close, with moss creeping over the edges. We made a quick stop in Paucartambo, a town that feels like it’s paused in time—locals out sweeping their doorsteps, pan pipes echoing somewhere nearby. As we climbed higher into the cloud forest, everything changed: mist rolled in, the trees dripped with moisture, and our guide pointed out orchids clinging to branches. In San Pedro, we took an hour-long walk to spot Peru’s national bird—the Cock of the Rock. It’s loud and bright red; you can’t miss it if you’re lucky. We finally reached our rainforest lodge late at night, tired but wired from all the new sights.

After breakfast (fresh fruit and strong coffee), we drove about an hour and a half to Atalaya port—down winding roads where you can sometimes smell wet earth after last night’s rain. From there, we boarded a motorized boat that buzzed along the river toward our next lodge. The jungle here is thick—giant trees overhead, butterflies everywhere. Our guide led us on foot through muddy trails; I spotted tarantulas tucked under leaves and ants marching in long lines across fallen logs. There was even a moment when monkeys rustled above us—hard to see but easy to hear.

The third day started before sunrise—honestly, I’m not usually up that early unless I have to be! But it was worth it for the parrot clay lick: dozens of parrots and macaws squabbling over patches of red clay just ten minutes by boat from camp. Their calls are wild—nothing like what you hear at home. After breakfast back at the lodge, we walked more jungle trails looking for medicinal plants (our guide knew them all by name) and watched monkeys swinging overhead. Later on, we visited Aguas Calientes—the hot springs hidden right inside Manu National Park. The water felt amazing after hiking all day; steam rising up as dusk settled around us. We camped nearby that night—just the sounds of frogs and distant howler monkeys for company.

Another shot at seeing the parrots came early on day four—sometimes you get lucky twice! If you keep your eyes peeled near the riverbanks, there’s even a chance of spotting capybaras or tapirs wandering through the brush (we saw fresh tracks but no animals this time). Lunch was back at Rainforest Lodge—a simple meal but filling after all that walking. In the afternoon we paddled across Machuwasi Lake in hollowed-out tree trunks called “remos.” It’s quiet out there except for birds calling across the water; one local fisherman waved as he passed by with his catch of tiny fish strung together on a line.

On our last morning, we packed up after breakfast and took one final boat ride downriver to Atalaya Port. Our driver was already waiting with cold bottles of water for everyone—a small thing but much appreciated after days in the heat and humidity. The drive back to Cusco took most of the day; I dozed off now and then as green hills gave way to city streets again around 7 pm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cusco to Pilcopata & Paraiso Lodge

• Depart Cusco by private bus
• Visit Ninamarca burial towers
• Drive to Paucartambo town
• Walk in San Pedro to see Cock of the Rock and wildlife
• Arrive at Paraiso Lodge

Day 2 — Travel to Rainforest Lodge & Explore

• Drive to Atalaya port
• Boat to Rainforest Lodge
• Explore nearby forest paths
• Overnight at Rainforest Lodge

Day 3 — Parrot Clay Lick & Aguas Calientes

• Early boat to parrot clay lick
• Breakfast at lodge
• Walk forest trails observing flora and fauna
• Visit Aguas Calientes hot springs
• Set up jungle camp

Day 4 — Clay Lick, Machuwasi Lake & Wildlife

• Visit parrot clay lick
• Lunch at Rainforest Lodge
• Visit Machuwasi Lake and sail in hollowed tree trunks
• Return to lodge

Day 5 — Return to Cusco

• Boat from lodge to Atalaya port
• Drive from Atalaya port to Cusco

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes—as long as they’re accompanied by an adult and comfortable with some walking and basic jungle conditions.

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available?

Absolutely! Just let us know your preference when booking so we can prepare accordingly.

What kind of accommodation should I expect?

You’ll stay in two different rainforest lodges—private rooms with mosquito nets, showers, bath facilities, soap provided.

How physically demanding is this tour?

You’ll need moderate fitness for walks on uneven terrain and some early mornings—but nothing extreme.

Can I join solo or do I need a group?

This tour requires at least two travelers per booking—but if you’re solo just ask about joining another group!

What’s included

Your package covers four nights’ accommodation in private rooms at two different rainforest lodges (with mosquito nets), all meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners), snacks and drinking water throughout your journey. Transport is included from Cusco by private vehicle plus all river transfers by motorized boat. Guided walks through Manu National Park’s trails are part of every day—and yes, vegetarian options are always available if requested ahead!