Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1. Cusco - Paradise Lodge
We will make an early start from the city of Cusco, traveling overland through an Andean landscape of picturesque valleys, high Andean grasslands and small rural communities. The bird species in this part of the Andes include the Mountain Caracara, Puna Ibis and Andean Flicker. On the approach to the village of Paucartambo, we will pass the pre-Inca burial towers built by the ancient Lupaca culture. In Paucartambo there will be time to appreciate the tranquil beauty of this charming village, visit the local church and photograph the splendid colonial-era Carlos V Bridge. Leaving this community behind, we will continue our journey as far as the high pass at Acjanaco (3,850 meters / 12,630 feet), where we will pass the entrance to Manu National Park and witness amazing views of the scenery below. From the pass the road descends through Andean grasslands rich in a variety of birdlife, and on to the cloud forest, which we will reach in the afternoon. This fascinating ecosystem is home to Peru’s national bird, the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, as well as Crested and Golden Quetzals, Blue-crowned Motmots, Gray-breasted Mountain Toucans, numerous species of butterflies and many kinds of ferns and colorful orchids. You will spend a comfortable first night in the cloud forest at our Paradise Lodge (1,470 meters / 4,821 feet).

Driving distance: 181 km / 113 miles (5 - 6 hours)
Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2. Cloud forest
After a relaxing night in our cloud forest lodge, before breakfast we will venture into the forest surrounding the lodge to observe the cock-of-the-rock as the males of the species perform their daily courtship ritual. After a good breakfast at the lodge, we will spend the rest of the day exploring the surrounding forest at a leisurely pace, visiting local farmers on their pineapple and coca leaf plantations and enjoying plenty of bird watching, as we look out for Quetzals and Motmots, Green Jays, Paradise Tanagers, Bay-headed Tanagers, Orange-eared Tanagers and Golden Tanagers. All the while, your naturalist guide will assist you in learning more about this unique ecosystem. The road to Pillcopata is ideal for birders, facilitating short hikes into the forest. Our bus will be available to you at any time to take you to the area’s main attractions. And those seeking more adventure can choose optional excursions for mountain biking through the cloud forest or white water rafting (Class II and III rapids) on the Kosñipata River. The night will be spent at our Paradise Lodge.

Driving distance: 71.6 km / 44.8 miles (2 hours)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner


Day 3: Cloud forest - Cusco
This will be your final day in the forest. After an excellent breakfast you will have time to continue relaxing at the lodge or to explore the surrounding area, before boarding our private bus for the return trip to Cusco. We will retrace our route to Paucartambo, from where we will take the road that follows the course of the Quencomayo River as far as Colquepata and over the high pass at Apacheta (4,100 meters / 13,448 feet). From here the road descends into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where we will stop along the way to enjoy the scenery and experience the way of life of local villagers. After passing the impressive Inca archaeological site at Pisac, we will continue to Cusco, where you will be transferred to your hotel.

Driving distance: 192 km / 120 miles (6 hours)
Included: Breakfast and Lunch

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