Photographic Tour in the Manu Amazon – 5 Unforgettable Days
The Manu Photography Tour Immerse yourself in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth through the lens of your camera. This photographic expedition through the Manu jungle is perfect for lovers of photography, nature, and wildlife.
From the Andes to the depths of the Peruvian Amazon, you’ll encounter fascinating bird species, elusive mammals, breathtaking landscapes, and remarkable cultural experiences.
Day 1: The Manu Photography Tour from Cusco – Paucartambo – Cloud Forest – Rainforest Lodge
We begin our journey early, picking up travelers in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. We travel toward Manu National Park, passing through stunning Andean scenery. Along the way, we stop in the picturesque town of Paucartambo, known for its colonial architecture and rich cultural traditions.
Climbing higher, we reach the Acjanaco viewpoint—the official gateway to Manu—where a short hike through the puna grasslands reveals opportunities to spot Andean foxes, grey deer, and, if lucky, the elusive spectacled bear.
Descending into the cloud forest, we enter a world of lush vegetation and vibrant birdlife. Here, we hope to
photograph the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock performing its famous courtship display. Other possible sightings include
the blue-banded toucanet, golden-headed quetzal, and woolly monkey. We conclude the day at Rainforest Lodge, where we spend the night.
Day 2: The Manu Photography Tour and Rainforest Lodge – Puerto Atalaya – Madre de Dios River – Tambo Blanquillo Lodge
After breakfast, we head to Puerto Atalaya to begin our boat journey down the Madre de Dios River. Along the way, we capture images of hummingbirds, Aracari toucans, and the intriguing Amazonian umbrellabird.
From the river, the Amazon reveals its incredible diversity—capybaras grazing along the banks, howler monkeys in the canopy, roseate spoonbills wading in the shallows, king vultures soaring overhead, and the striking Caracara.
We pause for a soothing soak in natural hot springs before continuing to Tambo Blanquillo Lodge. After settling in,
we enjoy a twilight walk to listen to the jungle’s evening chorus and look for owls, dusky titi monkeys, and other nocturnal species. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 3: The Manu Photography Tour to Macaw Clay Lick – Cocha Blanco Lake – Night Walk
At dawn, we visit one of the Amazon’s top bird photography locations: the Blanquillo Macaw Clay Lick. From a well-
camouflaged blind, we photograph parrots, parakeets, and brilliantly colored scarlet, blue, and yellow macaws as they gather to feed on mineral-rich clay—an essential part of their diet.
In the afternoon, we explore Cocha Blanco, an oxbow lake, aboard a catamaran. The calm waters offer the chance to
photograph giant river otters, spider monkeys, agami herons, kingfishers, and many other species. As night falls, we take a guided walk in search of nocturnal wildlife—frogs, insects, and spiders revealed under the beam of flashlights.
Day 4: Tambo Blanquillo – Rainforest Lodge – Sunset Walk
The morning offers another opportunity to photograph white caimans, turtles, capybaras, and—if fortune favors us—even a jaguar along the riverbank.
By mid-afternoon, we return to Rainforest Lodge. Enjoy free time to relax, review your photos, or take a short sunset
walk. The golden light of dusk creates a perfect atmosphere for capturing the jungle’s textures and moods. Dinner and optional night walk included.
Day 5: Parrot Clay Lick – Return to Cusco
We wrap up our adventure with a final visit to a nearby parrot clay lick, just 20 minutes from the lodge. As the sun
rises, the sky fills with a dazzling array of green, blue, and yellow feathers—an unforgettable finale for bird enthusiasts.
After breakfast, we return by boat to Puerto Atalaya and continue by private vehicle back to Cusco, arriving between
7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. This marks the end of a truly transformative photographic journey through the heart of the Peruvian Amazon.
