|
|
ORNITHOLOGY PROGRAM
CUSCO / MANÚ / CUSCO
9 Days /8 Nights
INTRODUCTION: Manu Biosphere Reserve has the highest concentration
of bird life on Earth. At the moment there are 925 species of birds and
ornithologists expect this figure to break the 1000 mark in the near
future. No other protected area on Earth contains so many birds, the
explanation for so much diversity is that the Manu National Park contains
a great variety of altitudinal zones and habitats types. Altitudes vary
from over 4000 m. in the high Andes down to 350 m. in the lowland
Amazonian rainforest, and for every 1000m. gained or lost the structure of
the bird communities differs. This coupled with the variety of forests
types, grasslands, lakes, and microhabitats such as bamboo stands,
reed-beds, etc. has produced the highest bird count for any area in the
world. Manu is a bird watchers paradise where in a two week birding trip
from the high lands to the low lands bird watchers can record aprox. 450
species.
1st Day
We leave Cusco early in the morning in our specialized overland vehicle
until Huacarpay lake (2,900 m.a.s.l.) to observe aquatic birds.
Approximately mid-morning we visit the interesting tombs of Ninamarca,
commonly known as "Chullpas". We continue to Paucartambo, a
picturesque Spanish colonial town, and then to the Acjanacu pass, which
marks the beginning of the Cultural Zone of Manu Biosphere Reserve, from
this point we start walking down for 3 hours aprox. Passing through many
different ecological floors observing different species of high Andes
birds such as: tinamus, Andean caracara, Red backed hawk, etc., after this
hike, we arrive to Pillahuata site, where we will spend the night in our
facilities.
2nd Day
Very early morning we continue the trip down to 1,800 m.a.s.l. to San
Pedro open air Lodge, here, a thick cloak of clouds provides perpetual
humidity and makes an ideal habitat for epiphytic plants such as
bromeliads. This varied and fascinating world is home of the Cock of the
Rock, motmots, chachalacas, the Golden Quetzal, oriols, trogons, humming
birds, also the Spectacled Bear, Orchids, Tree Ferns (one of the oldest
living plants), mosses and lichens. This cloud forest exists between 1800
and 3000 meters above sea level, and at least 50% of the plant species
found here are endemic to this region. Walks around the trails of this
private Reserve and on the road. Overnight in our open air lodge.
3rd Day
Today we wake up very early to observe the Cock of the Rock (Rupicola
peruviana), Peru's national bird. The male birds are a vibrant reddish
orange, and at about 5:00AM as many as several dozen come together for an
exhibition of a mating ritual dance in a place called Lek. The males
display their crest, showing off and posturing for the females. The
females, fewer in number, watch to select the most suitable males. After
breakfast we continue in our overland transport down the narrow road
between waterfalls and canyons toward the town of Atalaya. Here, we board
our covered, motorized canoe and head down the Alto Madre de Dios River
observing egrets, vultures, cormorants, etc. until Erika Lodge, where we
will stay for two nights, having the opportunity to walk through the
interesting trails. Overnight at the lodge.
4th Day
This day we have the chance to enjoy the incredible diversity of birds of
the zone. Being Erika at 550 m. and with trails going up to 1000 m., gives
an extraordinary opportunity to observe birds, considering there are more
than 500 species of birds counted in this area. Overnight in the lodge.
5th Day
After breakfast today we will board our canoe down the Alto Madre de Dios
River to visit the native community of Shipetiari, where we will walk the
trails and have the chance to observe toucans, woodpeckers and many other
interesting species. We continue the boat ride to Boca Manu, a small
village where you can buy your last fresh supplies and cold drinks before
setting off again in the canoe. Now we enter the Manu River and the
Reserved Zone, stopping at Limonal where we camp along the riverbank at
the Park Rangers Headquarters.
6th Day
After registering in the official tourist logbook and eating an early
breakfast, we follow the Manu River until we arrive to Salvador Lake (Matshiguenka
House), during this boat ride we can observe a number of species such as:
black skimmers, large and yellow billed terns, The Orinoco Goose, Jabiru,
American Stork, Rosate Spoonbill, many different species of egrets, etc.
This canoe ride gives us the opportunity to observe the immensity of the
rainforest and the diversity of birdlife, reptiles and mammals. You will
often see animals sunning themselves on beaches, or foraging for food in
the trees lining the riverbanks. We arrive early in the afternoon and have
lunch before setting off on a jungle trail. Our time is spent looking for
wildlife inside the rainforest and on the Salvador Oxbow Lake, until the
sun goes down and we return to the Lodge.
7th Day
We rise early in the morning, as the forest is awakened by the Red Howler
monkey (Aloatta seniculus) declaring its territory. A morning walk before
breakfast is a great way to catch wildlife in the pursuit of food, and the
temperature is very pleasant at this time of day, using the catamaran at
the lake we can see birds: anhingas, the Muscovy Duck, Red Capped
Cardinal, Hoatzins, jacanas, etc. After relaxing and swimming in the river
we enjoy lunch along the riverbank. After eating, we cross the river to
walk an 8 km trail to another oxbow lake called Otorongo. A strategically
located observation tower rises 15 meters above the lake and the jungle
floor, giving us more chances to observe wildlife. With luck we will see
the Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) which is an endangered specie.
Late in the afternoon, the black caimans rise from the depths of the lake
and begin their search for prey. We return to the Lodge. At night, with
the help of flashlights, we can also observe some caimans in the lake and
river close to the Matshiguenka House.
8th Day
Once again we wake up early, enjoy a brief morning walk, eat a delicious
breakfast, then pack up camp and descend the Manu River. We arrive at Boca
Manu midday. From here we descend the Madre de Dios River for three hours
to Blanquillo. After a refreshing shower, we set off for a short walk to
Blanquillo Lake. Overnight at Tambo Blanquillo Lodge.
9th Day
After a very early wake up, we board a camouflaged catamaran and go down
the river to the "Collpa" macaw lick. We quietly observe the
various parrots feeding on the clay for mineral and salt supplements to
their diet of seeds and fruits. The brightly colored macaws usually wait
patiently in the surrounding trees until the smaller parrot species have
left the area. Slowly, the macaws come down to the clay wall to feed. We
need a lot of patience and silence on the catamaran so as not to disturb
them as they eat the clay. Around mid morning we board our canoe to return
to the airstrip at Boca Manu and take the 45 minutes flight back to Cusco
where a transfer from the agency will take us to the hotel.
SERVICES INCLUDED :
Specialized and bilingual guides, all ground and river transportation, air
- charters (maximum 10kgr. of luggage per person), 01 night in Pillahuata
site, 01 night in San Pedro Lodge, 02 nights in Erika Lodge, 02 nights in
Matshiguenka House, 01 night in Tambo Blanquillo Lodge, two-person tents,
sleeping mattress, dining tent, cooking tent, meals, first aid Kit,
paperwork and payment for Park Permits, safety box for values and storage
for luggage.
THINGS YOU SHOULD BRING ON A TRIP TO MANU
Binoculars, Sleeping bag, Warm clothing (in case of a cold front), long
sleeve shirts and long pants (cotton), 100% waterproof rain gear (long
poncho or rain wear), Insect repellant (at least 50% Deet), sunscreen
lotion, One pair of lightweight ankle height boots and sandals, Flashlight, enough batteries
(alkaline) and bulbs. Wide brim hat (for
sunny days), sun glasses. Towel, swimming suit, personal medicines and/or
supplies (liquid for contact lenses, for example). Day pack, and one back
pack or duffel bag of luggage per person. Camera and film ASA 200 and 400
for the inner forest. One bottle of water for the first day, plastic bags.
|