Manu Reserve Zone Tours – Tambo Blanquillo Lodge 7D/6N

We will enjoy breakfast before departing by vehicle toward Atalaya, a small river port. The 45-minute drive takes us past lush vegetation and warm lowland scenery. Along the way, we may see coca crops, banana trees, and palm-covered slopes. Tropical butterflies and flowers line the road.

At Atalaya Port, we receive rubber boots and load gear into our motorized boat. From here, we begin our journey down the Madre de Dios River, one of the Amazon’s lifelines. The waters are calm and full of surprises.

We might spot herons, kingfishers, turtles, and the striking king vulture (Sarcoramphus papa). Along the riverbank, monkeys leap from tree to tree. The forest begins to feel vast and endless.

A stop at natural hot springs gives us a chance to soak in thermal waters. Steam rises as we relax, surrounded by lush greenery and birdsong. Afterward, we enjoyed a picnic-style lunch along the riverbank.

If conditions permit, we will visit Diamante, a Yine native community. Here, we will learn about their traditional stilt houses, seasonal fruits, and daily life. Local children may greet us with smiles and curiosity.

By afternoon, we reached Boca Manu at 280 meters, a jungle village and checkpoint. We continued a short distance to Dorado Lodge, our home for the night. The lodge features comfortable rooms, solar power, and internet access from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 P.M. A warm meal concludes the day.

Day’s stats: 

• Distance: 130 km 

• Max Altitude: 650 meters above sea level 

• Min Altitude: 280 meters above sea level
• Difficulty: Easy

Today, we enter the heart of Manu’s Reserved Zone. This sector is strictly protected and home to rare wildlife. After breakfast, we board our boat and head to Limonal checkpoint. Park rangers will verify permits and allow access.

As we float down the Manu River, the landscape becomes wilder. We pass immense ceiba trees, vine-covered walls, and clay riverbanks. Our guide will scan the shorelines for movement.

We might see capybaras, South America’s largest rodents. We could spot white caimans basking on sandbars. If lucky, we may glimpse a jaguar resting in the shade.

Birds are abundant. Orinoco geese, horned screamers, and red-and-green macaws fly overhead. Our guide will explain their behaviors and jungle survival tactics.

At around 4:00 p.m., we reach Casa Matsiguenka, a rustic lodge built by the local indigenous community. Here, we rest in simple yet cozy rooms with mosquito nets and shared bathrooms.

Before dinner, we head out for a night walk. Flashlights in hand, we discover a new side of the jungle. Tarantulas, tree frogs, and glowing fungi light up the darkness.

Day’s stats: 

• Distance: 70 km by river 

• Max Altitude: 320 meters above sea level 
• Difficulty: Moderate

We wake to the sounds of howler monkeys echoing across the forest. After breakfast, we take a 30-minute boat ride to Cocha Salvador. This oxbow lake is teeming with life.

We walk quietly along the trails. A guide shows us animal tracks and edible plants. Then we board a silent catamaran to float across the lagoon. The water reflects the canopy above.

We may see giant river otters fishing in family groups. Squirrel monkeys swing from trees. Sunbitterns and anhingas perch along the banks.

Back at Casa Matsiguenka, we visit the community center. Matsiguenka families welcome us and share their stories. We learn how they make tools, prepare food, and weave fibers into useful items.

Later, we participate in a cultural exchange. The villagers show us how they connect with the forest spiritually. Songs, stories, and ancestral beliefs enrich our view of the jungle.

After dinner, we may join another night walk. Nocturnal creatures like owls and frogs wait in the dark.

Day’s stats: 

• Distance walked: 5 km 

• Max Altitude: 320 meters above sea level 
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

We say goodbye to Casa Matsiguenka after breakfast. The boat takes us back to the Madre de Dios River. As we ride, our guide will help us spot more wildlife.

Macaws fly in pairs over the trees. River turtles sunbathe on logs. A giant heron watches us pass.

We reach Makisapayoc Lodge, surrounded by tall trees and thick vines. After lunch and a rest, we explore a clay lick. Here, capybaras gather to consume mineral-rich soil.

We follow a trail through lowland forest. Giant trees host bromeliads and orchids. Ants, frogs, and butterflies appear at every turn.

Our guide explains how the forest feeds itself. Decomposition, rain, and light create balance. Back at the lodge, we eat dinner and share stories under a starlit sky.

Day’s stats: 

• Distance walked: 4 km 

• River distance: 65 km 
• Difficulty: Moderate

We rise early for the Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick. A wooden platform lets us watch hundreds of birds. Macaws, parrots, and parakeets cover the cliffs in a festival of color.

While we enjoy breakfast outdoors, the forest comes alive. Parrot calls echo as they land and feed. It is one of the Amazon’s most impressive sights.

Later, we visit Cocha Blanco, a remote lagoon inside the Peruvian Amazon. In silent catamarans, we drift across the water. Wildlife appears at every edge.

We may see dwarf caimans, howler monkeys, and herons. Floating lilies bloom beside the boat. Our guide shares insights on aquatic ecosystems.

We eat lunch by the riverbank. A short motorized tricycle ride takes us to Blanquillo Lodge. After settling in, we hike a forest trail to discover birds and insects. A final dinner and the sound of cicadas mark the night.

Day’s stats:

•  Distance walked: 3.5 km 

•  Max Altitude: 300 meters above sea level
•  Difficulty: Easy

We wake up early to witness the jungle sunrise. Golden light filters through the canopy. Birds sing and monkeys howl in the distance.

After breakfast, we begin our boat ride toward Puerto Colorado. We travel 70 km (43 mi) downstream. Along the way, we may see kingfishers, hawks, and even tapirs.

At Puerto Colorado, our vehicle awaits. We drive for three hours to Puerto Carlos, passing jungle farms and rivers. The final road journey leads us to Puerto Maldonado.

Our tour to Manu ends here. We will drop you off at your hotel or airport. The forest will stay in your heart forever.

Day’s stats:

• Boat: 70 km

• Road: 95 km 

• Max Altitude: 240 meters above sea level
• Difficulty: Easy