Manu National Park Birding Tour

Start the day with an early search for the elusive, endemic Red-and-White Antpitta at Wayquecha. As we move towards Tuneles and Esperanza, we’ll seek out high-altitude species like the Gray-breasted Mountain Toucan and Chestnut-crested Cotinga. Continuing our descent into the cloud forest, we’ll encounter a denser canopy, with chances to spot Golden-headed Quetzals, Stripe-faced Wood-Quail, Yungas Pygmy Owl, Blue-banded Toucanet, and the Greater Scythebill. Lower down, we’ll reach a lek where the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock performs its remarkable mating dance, creating an unforgettable spectacle. As dusk approaches, we might catch sight of the Lyre-tailed Nightjar. Overnight at Cock of the Rock Lodge.

Today starts with a visit to the lek to witness the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock in action once again, followed by a walk through flower-filled trails to spot various hummingbirds like the Booted Racket-tail, Wire-crested Thorntail, Violet-fronted Brilliant, and the Sparkling Violetear. Additional species we may encounter include the White-crowned Tapaculo, Crested Quetzal, and Striped-faced Wood-Quail. Later in the day, we’ll travel to Eco Manu Lodge, stopping to birdwatch for species like the Chestnut-breasted Wren, Cinnamon-faced Tyrannulet, Black-streaked Puffbird, and Lanceolated Monklet. A final stop at a Hummingbird Garden lets us observe and photograph lowland hummingbirds and other species before we arrive at Eco Manu Lodge.

Wake to the sound of bird calls, including those of the Mustached and Scaly-breasted Wren, Golden-bellied and Buff-rumped Warblers, and Blue-and-Yellow Macaws flying overhead at sunrise. Our morning will be dedicated to exploring the lodge’s surroundings, where we’ll look for the White-cheeked Tody-Flycatcher, Red-billed Scythebill, Manu Antbird, Black Antbird, and the elusive Rufous-headed Woodpecker. In the afternoon, we’ll shift to a different area of foothill forest, where colorful tanagers such as the Golden-collared Toucanet, Fasciated Antshrike, and Yellow-backed Tanager are often seen in flocks. The dense understory here also hosts Rusty-belted Tapaculo, Black-faced Antbird, and Golden-bellied Warbler. Overnight at Eco Manu Lodge.

At dawn, take a boat ride along the Alto Madre de Dios River to the Parrot Clay Lick, where colorful parrots—including Blue-headed Parrots, White-eyed Parakeets, and occasionally macaws—gather for their mineral-rich clay fix. Continuing along the river, we’ll visit the Machuwasi Lagoon, home to the peculiar Hoatzin and other lake-edge birds like horned screamers, wood-rails, and flycatchers. After a rewarding day of birding, we return to the lodge by boat in the late afternoon.

After breakfast, we’ll cross the river to the Port of Atalaya and then driving back to Cusco. Expect to arrive in the evening, marking the end of this unforgettable Manu birding adventure.