Peru Tours and Travel

Manu Cloud Forest Lodges in Peru

Cock-Of-The-Rock Lodge

The Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, located at 5000-feet elevation in the Kosnipata Valley, 165 kilometers by road from Cusco, and situated within the 10 000 acre cloud forest reserve of the conservafion group Selva Sur, has 10 double-occupancy rooms, hot showers, flush toilets and a rustic dining room. Meals are served on the fully screened dining platform. The lodge cook prepares hearty dishes using fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and meat. Vegetarian and other special diets can be provided upon request. And just a 7-minute walk from the lodge is the world's largest, most accessible and tamest known group of displaying Andean Cocks-of-the-Rock. In just 8 hours by bus from Cusco it is possible to relax in the rustic comfort of the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, from which you can explore the valley and the narrow, switchback road that the world's leading bird tour company has called "the best road in the world".

Day l Cuzco/Cloud Forest - After an early breakfast we pick you up by bus from your hotel and set off for the Manu cloud forest. We pass over two Andean chains of almost 13,100 feet elevation through a steppe-like landscape, or Puna. On the way we pass stone Chullpas, or burial chambers of the Pre-Inca Lupaca people and will hope to catch site of some of the bird species of the high Andes, including the Giant Hummingbird and Mountain Caracara. After a delicious boxed lunch at Ajanaco which, if clear, affords views over the cloud forest and the vast sprawling expanse of the lowland rain forest, the road suddenly descends down the eastern slope of the Andes. We plunge downwards, past remnant patches of elfin forest, through swirling mist and cloud, to emerge in a forest of stunted, evergreen trees, festooned with mosses, lichens, bromeliads and other epiphytes. Nestled in this forest within a 2-minute walk of the road, and within earshot of a rushing mountain stream, lies the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge. If there is time available, we will have a chance to briefly began our exploration of the surrounding forest before dinner.

Day 2 Cloud Forest - Rising before dawn we visit the traditional display ground of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, which has become famous among scientists, tourists and the international press, as there is no other spot in the world where so many of these spectacular blazing red birds can be seen so easily. From our observation blind, which 'is within 30-feet of the narrow switchback road that runs through the center of the reserve, we will watch as between 6-20 or more male birds display at a traditional mating ground, 150 feet in front of the blind. We will watch as these outrageous birds strut, curve their wings and dip their crested heads in the hope of attracting a mate. Please note that the very best months for viewing Cocks-of-the-Rock are in September, October and November, although the males display every month of the year.

Returning for breakfast the rest of the day can be spent exploring the forest overhanging the single lane road near the lodge, or some of the miles of trails that wind through the valley, to see high elevation cloud forest birds, such as the Golden-headed Trogon as well as numerous, brightly-coloured tanagers and hummingbirds. If you are very lucky you might see a troop of muscular-limbed Woolly Monkeys or Brown Capuchin Monkeys, which regularly forage through the reserve, or perhaps even a Spectacled Bear. Bears are present, but they are shy and hard to see.

This mysterious; cloud forest harbors species of flora and fauna new to science. Indeed, in 1995 two Peruvian biology students, sponsored by Selva Sur, carried out basir survey work on orchids, reptiles and amphibians They i'ecorded two entirely new (previously undescribed) species of orchids, and four new species of reptiles and amphibians for Peru After an exhilarating exploration of the road and trails, bathe in the cool, clear waters of the San Pedro stream as it flows from the virgin forests of the surrounding mountains toward the rushing Kosnipata River.

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Day 3 Cloud Forest/Cuzco - We will rise again before dawn for another chance to see the displaying Cocks-of-the-Rock. We will return to the lodge for breakfast and then board the bus for the , return journey to Cusco arriving in the early evening for dinner.

2010 Price Per person: US$ 595 for 2-4 people, US$490 for 5 or more. Single supplement US$150 (Minimum 02 passengers)

Manu Cloud Forest With Parrots Clay Lick

Our brand new Lodge is located in the heart of the Cloud Forest at six hours by road from Cusco and one hour distance from the air strip in Patria which gives us the possibility of doing short programs to this interesting and beautiful area. We truly believe that our PARADISE LODGE is situated in a privileged spot (between the Kosñipata and the San Pedro Rivers) giving us a magnificent view of this green paradise.
The perpetual humidity of the Cloud Forest makes it a ghostly-lit world were brilliant red Cock of the Rocks , spectacled Bears , and scores of dripping tree ferns, bromeliads, and many species of Orchids live. All this is possible to be close to, staying at our Paradise Lodge.
Based at our Lodge you can also have the opportunity to adventure-activity programs like mountain biking and rafting in tropical rivers, or have a cultural experience of visiting the near by Native Community of Huacaria. Gives also the alternative of seeing the cloud forest from a different perspective , that is from a wagon pulled by two Llamas.
Paradise Lodge offers you very comfortable accommodations in rooms with private bathrooms and hot water, dinning room , living room with a fire place and terraces equipped with telescopes for wild life observation.
Our Lodge is ideal for long terms staying for researchers and students of many of the endemic species of flora and fauna in the cloud forest.

3 Day Itinerary

Day 01. Cusco - Paradise Lodge (Bus & hikes)
An early start from Cusco is required in order to reach the cloud forest - travelling through Andean landscapes of great beauty, with deep valleys, highlands, rural communities where you are able to see highland birds like the Mountain Caracara, Puna Ibis, Andean Flicker and the burial towers of the Lupacas pre-Inca culture before arriving at the town of Paucartambo. This colonial-style town is known as the folkloric capital of the Cusco region, and we will visit the church with its image of the Virgin of Carmen, as well as the Carlos V colonial bridge spanning the river which has been the gateway to the Manu forests since pre-Hispanic times. We continue our journey to the Acjanaco Pass (3350-m/10,988 ft), which marks the official entrance to the Manu National Park. From here the road descends to the cloud forest, passing through Andean grasslands, where sparse vegetation is the habitat of the Andean Guan, White-collared Jay, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker and the endemic Puna Thistle tail. We will have plenty of time to walk along the road and enjoy the area's flora and fauna, which includes the Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicula peruviana), Golden-headed Quetzal, Blue-crowned motmots, Mountain Toucans and many Tanagers, Flycatchers, jays and hummingbirds as well as the Spectacled Bear (South America's only bear), White-tailed deer, butterflies, ferns and orchids. We will spend the first night in our comfortable Paradise Lodge (1470 mt/4821ft).
Driving distance: 181 km/113 miles (6 to 8 hours - includes 3 hours hikes).

Day 03. Paradise Lodge - Sacred Valley or Cusco (Bus)
This is our last day in the forest. We will have another opportunity to observe the Cock-of-the-Rock perform its daily display ritual at the lick. After breakfast we will board our bus for the return trip to Cusco. We follow the now-familiar route as far as Paucartambo, from where we follow the course of the Qenqomayo River to Colquepata and on to the high pass at Apacheta (4,100m/13448ft). From here we descend into the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas, stopping along the way to enjoy the countryside, studded with traditional Andean villages inhabited by weavers, llama herders and farmers. We will be met by spectacular views of the Pisac archaeological site. We can also can take the traditional route via Huambutio. Transfer to the hotel in Cusco.

2009 Price per person: US$ 825 single, 698 double

4 Day Itinerary

Day 02. Paradise Lodge - Lodge (Bus, hikes & boat)
After our first night in the cloud forest, and before breakfast, we will take a walk to observe the Cock-of-the-Rock perform a daily ritual in which eight to ten males display at their lick to attract a female. Then we will return to the Lodge for a healthy breakfast and continue our trip to Pilcopata. After breakfast, we will take the bus to the port of Atalaya. During this trip we will see many plantations of manioc, papaya, pineapple and coca, as well as some local fauna, such as Spider Monkeys, Brown Capuchin Monkeys and birds such as Spix Guans, Plumbeous Kites and Black Vultures. We will spend the night at a local lodge in the Amazon forest. After dinner we will have a chance to take a short hike around the lodge to observe the nocturnal life of the surrounding trails.

Day 03. Amazon Base - Clay Lick - Paradise Lodge (Boat & Bus)
Today we will visit the macaw clay lick. This is one of the great highlights of any trip to the Peruvian rainforest. The visit to the macaw clay lick is an unforgettable experience. This mineral-rich riverbank clay deposit is visited daily by hundreds of parrots and macaws which gather there in a spectacularly colourful and noisy display to feed on the mineral deposits in the clay riverbank.
This is a good opportunity to see Cuvier's Toucans, Red and Green Macaws, Blue Headed Parrots and many other bird species. We will then return to the lodge. After breakfast we will hike for two or three hours on the trail system, then we will return to our jungle lodge for a typical lunch. After lunch we will return to the riverbank to take our boat to Atalaya, where our transport will be waiting to drive us back to the Paradise lodge.

Day 04. Paradise Lodge - Sacred Valley or Cusco (Bus)
This is our last day in the forest. We will have another opportunity to observe the Cock-of-the-Rock perform its daily display ritual at the lick. After breakfast we will board our bus for the return trip to Cusco. We follow the now-familiar route as far as Paucartambo, from where we follow the course of the Qenqomayo River to Colquepata and on to the high pass at Apacheta (4,100m/13448ft). From here we descend into the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas, stopping along the way to enjoy the countryside, studded with traditional Andean villages inhabited by weavers, llama herders and farmers. We will be met by spectacular views of the Pisac archaeological site. We can also can take the traditional route via Huambutio. Transfer to the hotel in Cusco.

2009 Price per person: US$ 825 single, 698 double

5 Day Birds and Bikes

Day 01. Cusco - Paucartambo (Bus & Bikes)
After an early start from Cusco we drive to the high pass at Huachuccasa (4,100m/13448ft). From here, after preparing our bikes, we descend to Paucartambo through an Andean landscape of deep valleys and rural communities where you will be able to see highland birds like the Mountain Caracara, Puna Ibis and Andean Flicker before arriving at the town of Paucartambo. This colonial-style town is known as the folkloric capital of the Cusco region, and we will visit the church with its image of the Virgin of Carmen, as well as the Carlos V colonial bridge, which spans the river and has been the gateway to the Manu forests since pre-Hispanic times. We will spend our first night at a restored colonial house, with time to explore and visit some of the local wood-burning oven bakeries and traditional mask makers.
Driving distance: 110 km /69 miles. Bike ride distance: 30 km/ 18 miles

Day 02. Paucartambo - Cloud Forest (Bus & Bikes)
After a typical breakfast we continue our journey to the Acjanaco Pass (3350-m/10,988 ft), which marks the official entrance to the Manu National Park. From here the road descends to the cloud forest, passing through Andean grasslands, where the sparse vegetation is the habitat of the Andean Guan, White-collared Jay, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker and the endemic Puna Thistle tail. We will have plenty of time to enjoy the area's flora and fauna, which includes the Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicula peruviana), Golden-headed Quetzal, Blue-crowned motmots, Mountain Toucans and many Tanagers, Flycatchers, jays and hummingbirds, butterflies, as well as ferns and orchids. We will spend the second night in our comfortable Paradise Lodge (1470 mt/4821ft).
Driving distance: 71.6 km/44.8 miles (5 hours).

Day 03. Paradise Lodge - Lodge (Bus, hikes & boat)
After our first night in the cloud forest, and before breakfast, we will take a walk to observe the Cock-of-the-Rock perform a daily ritual in which eight to ten males display at their lek to attract a female. Then we will return to the Lodge for a healthy breakfast and continue our trip to Pilcopata. After breakfast, we will take the bus to the port of Atalaya. During this trip we will see many plantations of manioc, papaya, pineapple and coca, as well as some local fauna, such as Spider Monkeys, Brown Capuchin Monkeys and birds such as Spix Guans, Plumbeous Kites and Black Vultures. We will spend the night at a local lodge in the Amazon forest. After dinner we will have a chance to take a short hike around the lodge to observe the nocturnal life of the surrounding trails.

Day 04. Amazon Base - Clay Lick - Paradise Lodge
Today we will visit the macaw clay lick. This is one of the great highlights of any trip to the Peruvian rainforest. The visit to the macaw clay lick is an unforgettable experience. This mineral-rich riverbank clay deposit is visited daily by hundreds of parrots and macaws who gather there in a spectacularly colourful and noisy display to feed on the mineral deposits in the riverbank.
This is a good opportunity to see Cuvier's Toucans, Red and Green Macaws, Blue Headed Parrots and many other bird species. We will then return to the lodge. After breakfast we will hike for two or three hours on the trail system, then we will return to our jungle lodge for a typical lunch. After lunch we will return to the riverbank to take our boat to Atalaya, where our transport will be waiting to drive us back to the Paradise lodge.

Day 5. Paradise Lodge - Cusco or Sacred Valley (Bus)
This is our last day in the forest. After breakfast and a short walk we will board our bus for the return trip to Cusco. We will follow the now-familiar route to Paucartambo. We continue to Ninamarca, the burial towers of the Lupacas pre-Inca culture, with spectacular views of the Ausangate and Sawasiray mountains before arriving in Cusco.
Driving: Distance 182 km/113 miles (6 to 8 hours).

2009 Price per person: US$ 1129 single, 982double

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Our service includes
• Specialized bilingual guide.
• nights in lodges.
• Private bus transportation.
• Motorized boats with cushioned seats, life jackets and roofs.
- Mountain bikes with front suspension - 21 gears
• Entrance fees to Manu National Park.
• All meals indicated on the itinerary: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner (soup, main dish and dessert), BL=box lunch. No additional charge for vegetarians.
• Natural drinking water from Cusco.
• Basic first-ait kit.
• Specialized books are available during the trip.

Equipment checklist:
• 1 Photocopy of passport.
• Daypack.
• Hiking boots.
• Sweater.
• Light warm jacket.
• Rain gear.
• Long- sleeve cotton shirts.
• Hiking shorts.
• Headgear.
• Swimsuit/sport sandals.
• Sunscreen/sunglasses.
• Insect repellent.
• Flashlight.
• Pocket knife.
• Camera and film (ASA 200/400).
• Binoculars.
• Ziplock bags and plastic bags for clothes, etc.
• One bottle of water for the first day.

Phone: 800-232-5658 or 1-512-443-5393 email

Peru Tours and Travel

Manu Cloud Forest Lodges in Peru

Cock-Of-The-Rock Lodge

BOOKING REQUEST

Manu Cloud Forest With Parrots Clay Lick

3 Day Itinerary

4 Day Itinerary

5 Day Birds and Bikes

BOOKING REQUEST

Phone:
800-232-5658 or
1-512-443-5393
email

BOOKING
REQUEST

BOOKING
REQUEST