THE BIRDWATCHER PHOTO SAFARI TRIP
DATES & PRICING
Departures: Last Thursday of each month
Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy.
Price per person from:
USD. $ 3,740.00
This trip requires minimum of 4 persons.
If your group is less than 4 people, we can make some arrangements.
THE BIRDWATCHWER TRIP
Embark on one of the world's most captivating nature expeditions. Our journey spans diverse landscapes, from highlands to lowlands, showcasing unique ecosystems rarely seen together. We traverse valleys, puna, grasslands, cloud forests, and tropical valleys rich with coca and exotic fruits. Throughout, we encounter countless bird species. Our adventure continues along the Amazon River, leading us to the renowned Manu Wildlife Center. Here, we witness the remarkable This trip is for demanding people Tapirs, regular visitors to the lodge's mud wallow. Mornings bring the spectacle of macaws at the clay lick, while the network of trails, canopy tower, and pristine lake offer unparalleled rainforest exploration. This privileged journey promises abundance of an wildlife encounters and unforgettable moments in the heart of nature's wonders
ITINERARY: 8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS
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Our journey kicks off at 3,400m/11,150 ft, departing early from Cusco. En route, we stop to observe Andean birds at a lagoon and then venture into the lush cloud forest as the Andes give way to the Amazon basin. It's a day of breathtaking vistas and dramatic contrasts. We visit a mountain wetland habitat bustling with migrant and local waterfowl before crossing mountain ranges, reaching heights of 3,900m/12,790ft. As we descend, we encounter mountain villages, ancient burial sites, and Ajanaco's ridge, marking the transition from Andes to Amazon. Clear weather, we're treated to panoramic views of forest and mountains yielding to lowland rainforest plains. Bamboo patches and streams along the trail host diverse bird flocks. Descending through the tropical Andes, we witness rapid environmental shifts, from grassland to lush forests teeming with life. Frequent stops offer glimpses of quetzals, trogons, and guans. Arriving at the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, we're greeted by the iconic lek, a vibrant display of Peru's national bird, the Cock-of-the-Rock. It's the perfect end to a day filled with wonders. (Box Lunch/D).
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In the early morning we have a second chance to view the Cock-of-the-Rock display. This lek and its observation blind are famous among birders, since nowhere else on the planet allows so many of these spectacular blazing red birds to be seen so easily. (Note that the very best months for viewing Cocks-of-the-Rock are in September, October and November, although the males display throughout the year.) Afterwards we can stroll along the clearing formed by the nearby road, spotting other birds, and with luck some Brown Capuchin or Woolly Monkeys. Following a hearty breakfast, we begin our outing, a leisurely trip for wildlife spotting. In the afternoon we explore the riverside trail system near the lodge, enjoying the peace and seclusion of the cloud forest, with its profusion of plants and flowers, insects and butterflies, and a section of bamboo thickets. (B,L,D)
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Rising early, we have a chance to scout more birds, and perhaps Brown Capuchin or Woolly monkeys along the nearby road. Or we can take a secluded nature walk on a short trail loop to the river and back. After breakfast we continue our drive, as mountains give way to low rolling hills and farmland. At Patria we visit a plantation of coca grown legitimately for the Peruvian coca leaf market. At midday we reach Atalaya, a tiny port where the Piñipiñi River meets the Alto Madre de Dios. We arrive to the lodge in time for exploration and wildlife viewing – which may include toucans, kingfishers, a rare endemic hummingbird and a multitude of butterflies -- along one of its many forest trails. (B/Box Lunch/D)
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In the early morning we star our birding activity in many different habitats like bamboo forest, flood plain area and hill forest. We explore the rainforest and spot different species of birds such as hummingbirds (Golden tailed sapphire, Sapphire Spangle Emerald, Rufus Crested Coquette, Violet Headed Hummingbird, Gould´s jewelfront, Blue Tailed Emerald, Fork-Tailed Woodnymph, Gray-Breasted Sabrewing, White Necked Jacobin, Koepcke´s Hermit). This is a good place to increase your own birding list. (B,L,D).
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Before departing for Manu Wildlife Center, we embark on a short morning hike along the lodge trails. As we navigate the Alto Madre De Dios river, we spot terns, cormorants, White-winged Swallows, and nighthawks startled by our engine's hum. The forested slopes burst with vibrant hues, and the air carries the intoxicating scents of the tropics. Passing the mouth of the Manu River, we pause at Boca Manu village during our 6-hour boat journey. Upon arrival at Manu Wildlife Center, we settle into our private bungalow, escaping the midday heat. In the afternoon, we explore the lowland rainforest, starting with the Macaw Lick project. Later, we delve into the forest's secrets on lodge trails, culminating at a 34m/112ft canopy tower. Here, amidst twilight's rush-hour activity, we witness the rainforest's lively canopy before nightfall. (B/Box Lunch/D)
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Another early start marks our day, as we embark on a short boat ride downstream to the Blanquillo Clay Lick. A 20-minute trail leads us to a hide with individual seats and ample space for cameras, offering a prime view of the spectacle about to unfold. While enjoying breakfast, we witness the arrival of Red-and-Green Macaws, accompanied by other colorful parrots and the occasional Great Black Hawk. The drama unfolds as these magnificent birds cautiously approach the lick, eventually converging in a vibrant display of squabbling and clay scraping. After lunch, our guide leads us on wildlife expeditions or invites us to explore the lodge's trails. Later, we venture along the "collpa trail" to the renowned Tapir Clay Lick. This bustling site hosts Tapirs, drawn to the clay's detoxifying properties. An elevated observation platform offers a close-up view, with mattresses and mosquito nets ensuring comfort. Remaining still and silent is key as we await the Tapirs' arrival, a moment many find worth the wait for a glimpse of these elusive creatures in their natural habitat. (B/L/D)
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Following a delightful breakfast, we embark on a journey to an oxbow lake adorned with water lilies and sunken logs. Navigating the lake on a catamaran, we may encounter Giant Otters fishing or monkeys swinging through the trees. Wattle Jacanas gracefully tread on lily pads, while Sun Grebes glide across the water and Anhingas dry their wings. Ospreys may also join the scene, scanning for fish from high branches. Near the waterline, Hoatzins, resembling rust-colored punk chickens, emit distinctive wheezing calls. Woodpeckers, tanagers, macaws, toucans, and parakeets gather around the lake, some roosting for the night. After lunch, we journey by motorized boat to explore the bamboo forest, home to unique bird species like the Peruvian Recurvebill and Manu Antbird. In the late afternoon and evening, weather permitting, we offer a boat excursion along the riverbank in search of caimans and nocturnal wildlife. (B/L/D)
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We depart early on a two-and-a-half hour boat journey downstream to Colorado Village. Depending on our schedule, breakfast will be served either at the lodge or on the boat, offering a chance to observe wildlife along the river. Along the way, we pass native settlements and gold miners along the Madre de Dios River. Stopping at Colorado, we begin a 45-minute overland journey to Puerto Carlos, then cross the Inambari River for 10 minutes to Santa Rosa. Finally, a van or bus transports us to Puerto Maldonado Airport, marking the end of our jungle adventure. (B)
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Overland and boat transportation
Macaw clay lick
2 nights at Cock of the rock lodge
2 nights at Pantiacolla
Amazonia or Manu Learning Center Lodge
03 nights at Manu Wildlife Center
English speaking birder guide
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Travel Insurance (Recomended)
Gratuities to the staff
Sales Taxes 18% for Peruvian residents.
The service begins in Cusco and ends in the city of Puerto Maldonado. Do NOT included ticket from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco.
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We value the satisfaction of our clients and understand that sometimes unforeseen events may arise that affect travel plans. To ensure a fair and transparent experience, we have established the following cancellation policies for cancellations made 60 or more days before the start of the trip:
60 or more days prior to trip start, 50% of Trip Price
31 - 59 days, 30% of trip price
16 - 30, 50% of trip price
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We can prepare AND QUOTE any private tour program any day of the years according to the interest of individual travelers or small groups.
• Prices are per person in double accommodation (Twin) and subject to change without notice due to entrance fees, price of oil, airfares, taxes, and other increases out of our control.
• We have quoted USD 75 as Manu National Park entrance fee.
• One tour conductor free of cost for each 15 paying passengers. (Airfare and Manu National park entrance fee not included). Max 2 free.
• Fam trips for professional travel agents available at discounted rates.
• Educational, birding and family itineraries upon request.
• Children under 10 years: 10% discount off per child (Traveling with two adults).
• Perfect Fit Travels, strongly recommends purchasing travel insurance to ensure you are appropriately and adequately covered during your trip in Peru.
• For more information, itineraries & maps please contact us.
• Air tickets are not included. Please note the following timing when booking the flights.
• Arrival Day: A previus day to Puerto Maldonado for these programs:
– Manu Wildlife Center
– Manu & Beyond
– Manu Explorer
• Departure Day: to departure from Puerto Maldonado book the latest fly.