Dive deep into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon on this comprehensive 6-Day / 5-Night expedition to the renowned Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick. Starting in Cusco, this all-inclusive jungle tour offers a complete journey through the stunning ecological transition zones of the Manu National Park buffer area.

Key Tour Highlights 

• The Macaw Spectacle: Witness the unforgettable, colorful Macaw Clay Lick at Blanquillo, where hundreds of vibrant Red-and-Green Macaws and Parrots gather daily in a stunning natural event.

• Andes to Amazon Transit: Enjoy a scenic private bus journey descending from the Cusco Andes through the mystical Cloud Forest, with stops to observe the national bird of Peru, the bright-red Andean Cock-of-the-Rock.

• Giant Otter Search: Explore the pristine Oxbow Lakes (like Blanco or Camungo) by catamaran, searching for the endangered and charismatic Giant River Otter.

• Deep Jungle Wildlife: Spend multiple days Jungle Trekking and on river excursions, maximizing opportunities to spot iconic Amazon species like Tapir, various monkeys (Capuchin, Spider, Howler), Caiman, and over 600 species of Amazon birds and tropical flora.

• All-Inclusive Experience: Comfort and safety are guaranteed with private transportation (bus and boat), comfortable jungle lodges (including Tambo Blanquillo), all meals, and a professional Bilingual Naturalist Guide.

This 6-day Amazon adventure is the ideal choice for birdwatching enthusiasts, nature photographers, and wildlife lovers seeking an authentic, high-impact Peruvian rainforest experience without entering the strict Manu Reserved Zone.

Detailed Itinerary 

Day 1: Cusco to the Manu Cloud Forest & Pona Lodge

• Cusco, Manu National Park, Cloud Forest, Cock-of-the-Rock, Paucartambo, Ninamarca.

• Start your Manu jungle tour with a private bus transfer from Cusco. The first stop is the pre-Inca burial towers of Ninamarca.

• Travel through the mountains to the traditional, folkloric town of Paucartambo.

• Ascend to Ajanaco, the highest point and official entrance to the Manu National Park.

• Descend into the mystical Cloud Forest and stop at San Pedro. Enjoy a 1-hour hike to an active Cock-of-the-Rock (Gallito de las Rocas) lek to observe Peru's National Bird and various monkeys, orchids, and endemic flora.

• Overnight: Pona Lodge (Pilcopata area).

Day 2: Cloud Forest to Lowland Jungle, Hot Springs & Papaya Eco Lodge

• Amazon Rainforest, Atalaya Port, Natural Hot Springs, Jungle Night Walk.

• Continue by private bus, stopping to view a coca plantation and enjoy panoramic views of the Amazon basin before arriving at Atalaya Port.

• Board a motorized boat for a river journey to Aguas Calientes to relax in the natural hot springs.

• Proceed by boat to the dedicated camping platforms at Papaya Eco Lodge (reserved ecological zone).

• In the late afternoon, enjoy a jungle walk and try some river fishing.

• After dinner, experience a thrilling jungle night walk to spot nocturnal creatures like tarantulas, snakes, and other insects.

• Overnight: Papaya Eco Lodge (camping platforms).

Day 3: Deep Jungle Trekking at Papaya Eco Lodge

• Jungle Trekking, Wildlife Sightings, Tapir, Giant Ceiba Tree, Amazon Birds.

• Dedicate the day to an extensive 7-hour deep jungle trek near the lodge. This is your prime opportunity for wildlife sightings.

• Look for major Amazon mammals and Amazon birds like Tapir, Collared Peccaries, monkeys, Coati, Eagles, Parrots, and Toucans.

• Identify various medicinal plants and marvel at the size of the Giant Ceiba Tree near the Manu Restricted Zone boundary.

• Enjoy lunch right in the jungle and return for a relaxing evening after a final fishing attempt.

• Overnight: Papaya Eco Lodge.

Day 4: River Journey to Boca Manu, Giant Otters & Tambo Blanquillo

•  Madre de Dios River, Boca Manu, Giant Otters, Oxbow Lake, Caiman.

• Travel by boat downriver, spotting diverse birds and mammals along the banks, towards Boca Manu.

• Continue along the Madre de Dios River to Tambo Blanquillo Lodge.

• In the evening, take a catamaran excursion on Blanco Oxbow Lake. This special activity focuses on searching for the endangered Giant Otters and various species of Caiman.

• Overnight: Lodge in Blanquillo.

Day 5: Macaw & Parrot Clay Lick Spectacle

•  Macaw Clay Lick, Parrot Clay Lick, Wildlife Spectacle, Birdwatching.

• Wake before dawn to visit a large Macaw and Parrot Clay Lick. Use a camouflaged hide to witness the incredible wildlife spectacle as hundreds of birds flock to eat mineral salts.

• Spend 3-4 hours observing and taking photos, enjoying breakfast right at the hide.

• After the Macaw Clay Lick event, begin the boat journey back to Boca Manu, then continue upriver to your last night at Papaya Eco Lodge.

• Overnight: Papaya Eco Lodge.

Day 6: Return to Cusco

• Jungle Tour Conclusion, Return to Cusco.

• Enjoy a final early morning jungle ambiance before taking the boat ride back to Atalaya Port.

• Board the private bus for the return trip through the Cloud Forest and mountains, arriving back in Cusco at approximately 8:00 p.m.

Services Included 

• Transportation: Private tourist bus (Cusco-Atalaya-Cusco) and motorized river boat.

• Accommodation: 1 Night Camping Platform (Papaya Eco Lodge), 4 Nights comfortable Jungle Lodge (Pona Lodge, Blanquillo Lodge, Papaya Eco Lodge).

• Meals: Full board (3 meals per day) prepared by a professional cook, plus purified mineral water.

• Activities & Entrance Fees:

  • All Park Entrance Fees (Papaya Eco Lodge reserved ecological area, Macaw Clay Lick, Blanco Oxbow Lake, Natural Hot Springs).

  • Guided visits to Cock-of-the-Rock lek, Macaw Clay Lick, and Giant Otter search.

  • Jungle walks and night walks.

• Equipment & Personnel:

  • Professional Bilingual Naturalist Guide.

  • Complete First Aid Kit.

  • Rubber boots and rain poncho provided.