Discover the extraordinary Manu Cultural Zone, an immersive 4-day expedition that begins in Cusco and winds through Peru's most diverse ecological landscapes. Traverse historic inter-Andean valleys, explore the colonial town of Paucartambo, and descend into vibrant cloud forests where endemic wildlife like the stunning Cock-of-the-Rock thrives. Your adventure takes you deep into the heart of the Madre de Dios region, offering unprecedented access to rainforest ecosystems and rich Andean cultural heritage.
Navigate the Upper Madre de Dios River, hike through lush tropical landscapes, and witness incredible biodiversity through expert-guided experiences. From observing parrots at their natural clay licks to exploring Machuwasi Lake's teeming wildlife.
Our journey begins with an early morning departure from Cusco, perched at 3,400 meters above sea level. Traveling through the scenic inter-Andean valleys, we'll explore the rich cultural landscape of the region. Our first stop is the funeral towers or chullpas of Ninamarca, an intriguing pre-Inca archaeological site, followed by Paucartambo, a charming town known for its Spanish colonial architecture and recognized as Cusco's folkloric capital.
Ascending to the breathtaking Acjanaco Pass at 4,000 meters, we'll then descend into the magical Cloud Forest. Here, nature reveals its splendor—home to the vibrant Cock-of-the-Rock, Peru's national bird, and a stunning array of biodiversity. Expect to marvel at endemic orchids, exotic bromeliads, and delicate ferns while enjoying a scenic lunch.
Our day concludes at the lodge, at 700 meters above sea level.
After a delightful breakfast, we'll continue our adventure by minivan, first stopping at a vibrant Hummingbird Garden. Our journey then leads us to Atalaya port, where we'll board a boat for a scenic 30-minute ride along the Upper Madre de Dios River, immersing ourselves in the tropical rainforest's warm embrace. Watch in wonder as herons gracefully wade through shallow waters, egrets stand sentinel along the riverbanks, and vibrant kingfishers dart across the sky. Overhead, vultures circle majestically, with the particularly magnificent King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) stealing the show—its striking white, black, and red plumage a testament to the region's incredible wildlife.
Midday brings a delightful interlude at natural hot springs, where you'll spend an hour soaking in mineral-rich waters that soothe both body and spirit. This rejuvenating experience marks your arrival at the lodge, providing a moment of relaxation amid the forest's intense natural beauty.
As evening descends, the Amazon transforms into a different world. Embark on a captivating night walk that reveals the forest's hidden nocturnal inhabitants. With careful guidance, you'll discover the intricate world of night creatures—from fascinating frogs and toads to elusive snakes and intricate spiders. Each step brings new surprises, as the forest comes alive with sounds and movements typically unseen during daylight.
Day 3 | Aventura
As dawn breaks, set out on an exhilarating morning exploration of the lodge's pristine forest trails. This early adventure offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness the Amazon's incredible biodiversity. Your path will be alive with the vibrant colors and melodious calls of numerous bird species—from the jewel-like tanagers and dynamic flycatchers to the elegant trogons, raucous parrots and macaws, and majestic hawks and falcons. Watch for the delicate dance of manakins; their unique courtship displays add a touch of magic to the forest landscape.
Beyond the avian wonders, the trail promises encounters with the forest's mammalian residents. Keep your senses alert for troops of playful monkeys swinging through the canopy, herds of peccaries foraging on the forest floor, and—if fortune truly smiles—the rare, breathtaking sight of a jaguar or puma moving silently through the undergrowth.
As the afternoon unfolds, a tranquil visit to a nearby lake awaits. Here, you'll observe prehistoric-looking caimans, their primordial forms a testament to the enduring nature of this remarkable ecosystem.
For the truly fortunate, weather permitting, an optional excursion to a parrot clay lick offers an unparalleled wildlife spectacle. On the return journey, the Machuhuasi oxbow lake presents another opportunity to marvel at the rich tapestry of Amazonian life—birds in stunning variety, playful monkeys, and an array of mammals that call this extraordinary landscape home.
Each moment promises a new discovery, a glimpse into one of the most biodiverse environments on our planet.
On our final day, we’ll start with a hearty breakfast before packing up and beginning our journey back to Cusco. A short 30-minute boat ride will take us to the port of Atalaya, where we’ll board a minivan for the return trip. If the weather is kind, we’ll enjoy a final walk through the enchanting cloud forest, offering one last chance to spot wildlife.
By late afternoon, we’ll arrive back in Cusco, around 6 pm, marking the end of this unforgettable adventure.
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Anastasia E
December 12, 2024
We did the 4D, 3 nights Inca Trail with Jorge the first week of December 2024. The tour was incredible with beautiful views along the way and of course a worthwhile final destination. The Inca Trail team was great and our guide was very knowledgeable the only thing to note was that we wish that the guide matched our walking pace more. We were happy with the equipment borrowed/rented that were in fair condition. Food was overall very tasty and varied but the portions were a bit small for some. Very value for money, would recommend.
Thomas M
December 10, 2024
Tout était très sympa ! grâce à Javier, le voyage a été différent avec lui. Je recommande extrêmement cette entreprise et vous avez également la chance de choisir Javier comme guide !
GoPlaces708610
December 9, 2024
Io e la mia compagna abbiamo fatto un trekking di 2 giorni per visitare Machu Picchu. Lo abbiamo fatto durante la stagione delle piogge, quindi ci siamo dovuti equipaggiare di conseguenza, perché abbiamo avuto pioggia per quasi tutte le 6 ore di camminata. Il percorso è stato eccezionale, una bellezza mozzafiato. La nostra guida, Henrry, ci ha accompagnato durante la camminata, raccontandoci la storia dell'impero Tahuantinsuyo e spiegandocela perfettamente e con passione. Ne siamo rimasti davvero colpiti. A causa del cattivo tempo, il primo giorno non siamo riusciti a vedere tutto il sito, ma grazie al suo impegno è riuscito a farci recuperare il giorno successivo! Esperienza davvero raccomandata: la camminata è intensa e la pioggia rende tutto più complicato, ma ne vale davvero la pena.
Ruben S
December 7, 2024
I recently completed the 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, and it was an absolutely flawless experience from start to finish. The communication with the company ITEP beforehand was outstanding—every question was answered promptly and clearly, which gave me a lot of confidence heading into the adventure. My guide Jorge Calderón was exceptional. He was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also extremely attentive to needs and individual pace. He tailored the experience to match my abilities, ensuring I felt comfortable and supported throughout. His explanations about the landscapes, history, and culture were fascinating, and he always had answers to my questions, no matter how detailed or specific. The entire trek felt incredibly safe, and I always knew what to expect thanks to the Jorge’s clear instructions and thorough preparation. The route itself was breathtaking, and every day brought new highlights—whether it was the stunning views of the Salkantay Pass, the lush cloud forest, or the incredible final approach to Machu Picchu. Even the occurring rain couldn't diminish that. These four days were incredible, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. If you’re considering this trek, I highly recommend it—you won’t be disappointed!
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