Hiking from Tres Cruces through the jungle
After a sunrise over the Amazon rainforest’s sea of clouds you will hike on old Inca trail along the eastern slopes of the Andes through the Cloud Forest of the Manu Biosphere Reserve. At the Manu Eco Lodge TAMBO PAITITI you may observe monkeys, birds and more animals of the jungle. Go on discovery walks and explore this unique ecosystem with an unbelievable variety of orchids and other exotic plants.
Difficulty: |
The trip starts in the early morning leaving from Cusco in private bus. During the journey along the small road, you can enjoy the impressive landscape of the Andean highlands, crossing the Huachuqasa Pass (4100 m/ 13.451 ft), and passing small communities. Leaving the colonial village of Paucartambo behind, you will reach the Acjanaco Pass (3550 m / 11.647 ft), the entrance of the Manu National Park. You will start a two hour walk off the road until reaching Tres Cruces de Oro (3600 m/ 11.811 ft). This place offers a great view over the eastern slopes of the Andes and the green canopy of the Amazon jungle. Camp at the viewpoint. (B, L)
Early birds will be able to observe a spectacular sunrise, being surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of the Cordillera Vilcanota and Cordillera Urubamba. You will look over the Andes to the Amazon Rainforest that extends to the horizon. After breakfast, you will start your hike descending the lush eastern slopes of the Andes. Enjoy the fascinating change from the Altiplano to the Cloud Forest of the Manu Biosphere Reserve with its rich fauna and flora! In the afternoon, you will reach the San Pedro River. A short jungle walk will take you to the Manu Eco Lodge TAMBO PAITITI (1470 m/ 4.826 ft). (B, L, D)
The early morning is the best time for bird watching and observation of other animals of the Cloud Forest. From the observation tower or the different platforms of TAMBO PAITITI itself and right above the San Pedro River you may see the Andean Cock of the Rock (national bird of Peru), Toucan, Quetzal, Tanager and Motmot as well as Woolly Monkeys, Brown Capuchin Monkeys, Tayra, Agouti, Southern Tamandua and South American Coati. The Manu Cloud Forest is also habitat of the Night Monkey, the rare Spectacled Bear, the Jaguarondi, Ocelot, Puma, Weasel, Otter, squirrels and a big family of rodents and bats. After a delicious breakfast in TAMBO PAITITI your guide will invite you to leave the Manu Eco Lodge for a hike through the Manu Cloud Forest, another observation walk will be offered in the afternoon. Of course, you may also just relax observing nature from the terrace of the lodge and other viewpoints, or you can have a refreshing bath in the San Pedro River. After dinner you may experience nature within dark and learn more about the fauna and flora of the Manu Cloud Forest. (B, L, D)
This morning offers another opportunity for the observation of the Manu Cloud Forest’s wildlife. After breakfast, you will take our bus back to the Acjanaco Pass and down to Paucartambo. During our journey towards Cusco you can enjoy once more the variety of landscapes Peru offers. Arrival at Cusco in the afternoon.
Private transport, 1 night in camp, tent, camping mat, 2 nights in TAMBO PAITITI, meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), potable water, hot drinks, and specialized English speaking guide.