Manu Birding Lodge
Nestled in the Andean foothills, perched between the mountains and the lowlands, Manu Biological Station is located in Pillcopata, Paucartambo. It offers birdwatchers the opportunity to see a Blue-headed Macaw, Hairy-crested Antbird, Roufous-capped Nunlet, and charismatic Hoatzin. The 7,600-acre property is located in the buffer zone of Manu National Park, and boasts over 25 miles of trails spanning a wide variety of habitats, including old-growth rainforest, lower montane forest, secondary forest, streams, rivers and waterfalls.
The station also neighbors several indigenous Wachiperi and Machiguenga communities as well as the Haramba Queros Wachiperi Conservation Concession, established with assistance from Amazon Conservation as the first conservation concession in Peru run by an indigenous community. As part of your itinerary, we can book tours to the Santa Rosa de Huacaria or Queros Wachiperi indigenous communities.
At Manu, welcoming cabins with floor-to-ceiling screened windows await you. Each cabin features comfortable beds (your choice of single or double) with mosquito nets, two Adirondack chairs, a luggage and clothes rack, and a luxurious private bathroom. A brand new dining room, lounge, and bar welcome you for meals and provide comfortable seating for reviewing your lists at the end of the day.
Max occupancy 12 (2 per cabin), minimum stay 1 night. Children must be accompanied by their parent(s) but are welcome throughout Manu. Children under age 13 are eligible for a discounted stay.
Limited internet available 24/7. The cellular signal (Claro, Bitel and Movistar) reaches all our facilities. Smoking is prohibited indoors.
Manu is not handicap accessible; paths may include steps and be fashioned from a variety of materials including loose gravel, cement, or dirt. Physical limitations should be considered when contemplating hikes or other excursions.
Meals include local, fresh Peruvian cooking sourced from the kitchen garden. If you have special meal requirements (vegetarian, gluten free, etc.) please inform the reservation staff prior to your arrival to the station. Given the location of stations, it may be difficult to accommodate all dietary preferences and the variety of food may be limited.
Prices: Cabin with private bathroom: $150 per person, double occupancy; $210 single occupancy. Prices include three meals a day, access to trails, and taxes.
Our staff in Peru will meet you at the airport or dock to ensure a smooth next leg of your trip.
TO PROCEED WITH ANY BOOKING
1) To assure your space we require the payment 45 days before departure date.
2) To continue with your reservation, please send your full information: Name, passport number, nationality and dietary restriccions.
POLICY BOOKING
1) If there is any service included in the tour that you are not going to take or you want to cancel the reservation, it will not be possible to refund unless you tell us 30 days prior to the services. We will apply the administrative fee services over your refund.
2) Office hours are Monday to Friday 8:00- 13:00 p.m. and 15:00- 18:00 p.m. If you have any emergency and it is a weekend YOU MUST MAKE A PHONE CALL to our EMERGENCY CELL/MOBILE PHONE (+51) 984 765547.
Manu is located approximately 7 hours by road from Cusco at Pilcopata, Kosñipata Valley. The road is paved for the first two hours of the journey, and the remainder is a winding dirt road with spectacular views of forests, steep ravines, waterfalls, cultural sites, and of course birds. We can arrange for a private vehicle with an experienced driver.
If you are prone to motion sickness, you might consider taking medication such as Dramamine.
The elevation at Manu is 1,700 to 3,940 feet; however, to travel there you will start in Cusco at 11,500 feet. For those affected by altitude, keep hydrated, rest and eat lightly. Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a recommended preventative medicine.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit our three lodges is May through November. At Manu, the mean annual temperature is 72° F, with the daytime temperature generally in the high 80s. There are occasional “friajes” or cold fronts that bring cooler temperatures in June or July. The rainy season is roughly December through March. During the rainy season, the road to Manu is prone to landslides, and we can assist in arranging alternate travel plans as necessary.
LOCAL GUIDES
We highly recommend that a guide accompany you throughout your trip. Please let us know at the time of your reservation if we can arrange one for you.
HEALTH PRECAUTIONS
Visiting Manu should be done at your own risk. You should schedule an appointment with a travel clinic at least four to six weeks prior to travel. We encourage talking with your doctor to decide what is most appropriate for you given your health history. We also encourage you to take precautions against leishmaniasis. Though there have been no known reported cases of yellow fever or malaria at Manu, you should make the decision that is right for you regarding vaccination and medication. Please see more information on our Traveler’s Health Info sheet.
PACKING LIST
Highlights of a stay at Manu
- Over 460 birds listed
- Brand-new cabins
- Hot showers/private baths
- Internet (limited)
- Friendly staff
- Fresh Peruvian cooking sourced from the onsite farm
- Visit to indigenous communities
Sounds of Manu
What Travelers Say
Great birds with marvelous dawn chorus of chachalacas, jays and many other birds. Wonderful macaws in late p.m. Difficult to find a lodge anywhere with such nice rooms, super friendly and helpful staff and incredibly good food. Highly recommend.