Tres cruces (sunrise) with Manu Cultural by biking

We will leave Cusco at 5:30 am and start our 4-5 hour drive to the jungle. We will pass the highest point of our trip at an altitude of more than 4.000 msl. Along the way we will stop a few times, once to see the Chullpas of Ninamarca, a Pre-Inca cemetery. From here we will pass the pastures of the Andes until we reach the town of Paucartambo at an altitude of 2.900 msl. Paucartambo is a small town with a lot of history and tradition, it is also known as the folkloric capital of Peru.

After a short visit to the pretty town center we continue to Acjanaco at 3.560 msl, which also marks the entrance to the National Park of Manu. Here we will prepare our mountain bikes, which will then be inspected by a bike specialist, before we will have our lunch. After lunch the mountain bike adventure begins, riding on a quiet path without traffic.

The path leads trough a wood of small sized trees and we'll be able to enjoy the magical landscape accompanied by the rustling of the Ichu, the Peruvian feather grass. With a bit of luck we'll spot foxes, a spectacled bear, deer, squirrels, guinea pig or an eagle. After about three or four hours we'll reach Tres Cruces (three crosses). The team will put up the tents and prepare everything for the night ahead. We will go to bed early in order to rise early and admire the spectacular sunrise.

Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Dinner (Novo-Amazonian style).

Camping

For Tres Cruces.

The indescribable optical phenomenon of the South American sunrise commences at 3:30 am. At this time of day it is essential to be wrapped in warm clothing and have your camera handy. After a warm breakfast we'll say good bye to Tres Cruces and the impressive APU APUKAÑAHUAY. We will take the bus back to Acjanaco. Here we will prepare our bikes once again to continue our ride. Through the cloud forest of the Manu National Park we will descend in warm temperatures but with damp fog and light rain showers – be prepared. Along the way we'll get to see orchids and birds such as the Resplendent Quetzal, Toucan and Tangara. In San Pedro we'll come across a strategically perfect place to observe the national bird of Peru, the Andean cock-of-the-rock. Inside the LEK we will be able to observe these birds jumping and singing merrily while preforming their typical mating ritual. With a bit of luck we'll spot mammals like monkeys or the spectacled bear. We'll have our lunch in  Pacchatoj. After our delicious lunch, we will continue downhill through tropical rain forest until we reach the „Bambu Lodge“. The bike ride takes about 4 to 5 hours.

Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Dinner (Novo-Amazonian style).

Bambu Lodge with private bath and shower.
Natural mineral water.

For the LEK (A platform built to appreciate the  Andean cock-of-the-rock).

At 7:30 am, after a substantial breakfast, we'll head out by bike to Atalaya. Along the way we'll be able to admire flora and fauna. In Atalaya we'll switch onto a motor boat and head down the river Alto Madre de Dios for about 30 minutes until we reach the  Soga de Oro Lodge. Around the lodge you'll find plenty of small paths, which we will follow in order to search for monkeys, birds and peccaries. After lunch we'll visit a small pond called  Machuwasi, which we will cross on traditional rafts. Here we will be able to observe the pre-historic bird called  Shansho or Hoatzin, as well as capybara and sometimes even caimans. We will spend the night in the lodge. If wanted, we can head out in the night to find spiders, insects, frogs and snakes.

Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Dinner (Novo-Amazonian style).

Soga de Oro Lodge with private bath and shower.
Natural mineral water.

For Cocha Machuwasi (Cocha=lake).

After breakfast at the lodge we will head back by boat to Atalaya where our bus will be waiting. Flower enthusiasts will have the opportunity to visit the local botanical gardens which hosts roughly 200 species of orchids. We will drive back to Cusco, stopping along the way if wanted, to see more animals. We will reach Cusco around 5 pm, you will be taken to your respective hotel.

Botanical gardens – not included in package price.

Breakfast, Snack, Lunch (Novo-Amazonian style).
Natural mineral water.

Package price includes:

• Tourist transport from Cusco to the cultural zone of the Manu and back
• Tourist motor boat
• Mountain bike including protective gear
• Professional guide who carries telescope and binoculars
• Professional cook
• Food for 4 days – 4 x breakfast, 4 x lunch, 3 x dinner (vegetarian alternative available without additional charge)
• Water for 4 days. Please bring an empty 1-2 liter bottle to be refilled
• Admission fee to the LEK to see the Andean cock-of-the-rock
• Admission fee to Tres Cruces
• Admission fee to the lagoon of Cocha Machuwasi
• Admission fee to the Ceiba- Forest of giant trees
• Accommodation at the lodge (3 nights in a double or triple room, each room has a private bath and mosquito netting for every bed)
• Camping equipment (tent and inflatable mattress)
• Rubber boots for the muddy paths in the jungle
• First Aid Kit with venom extractor pump

Package Price does NOT include:

• Additional beverages like soda or beer
• binoculars (we offer binoculars 8X42 for rent in our offices for a daily fee of 4 US $)