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New !!! M/V Aqua River Boat Expedition ...8, 5 & 4 day Deluxe Amazon cruises

Description about the M/V Rio Amazonas.... 3 & 6 night cruise itinerary.

-Amazon River Expedition.... 9 days -aboard deluxe boat Aquamarina, Amatista, Turmalina & La Turquesa . Optional Extension to Cuzco & Machu PIcchu

- The Amazon Canopy Walkway...9 days visiting Explorama Lodge,  Explornapo & The ACEER Amazon Center. Optional Extension to Cuzco & Machu PIcchu

- Sandoval Lodge & Heath River Wildlife Center..... information about the lodge and its 3 & 4 night packages

-Manu National Park....5 days and 6 days itineraries

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ABOUT THE M/V RIO AMAZONAS

The M/V Rio Amazonas carries 46 passengers in 20 air-conditioned cabins on an itinerary which explores life on the Amazon and its people. There is an ample deck area, both covered and uncovered, with comfortable chairs and hammocks, for a leisurely look at life on the river. The main deck contains the bar and an a/c dining room.There is a jacuzzi on the upper deck. Standard twin (13) and Sun deck triple (2) cabins all have private bath/shower, picture windows. Senior Suite (1) and Junior Suites (2) are slightly larger, have private bath/shower, lower beds, a small closet and a sitting area. There are also two Family Cabins that will hold four persons.

There are one or more experienced, English  speaking Guides/Naturalists on board. The ship carries its own shore boats for excursions. A SSB radio keeps the ship in contact with the Operations Office. Down river cruises operates from Iquitos, Peru, to Leticia, Colombia & Tabatinga, Brazil departing on Sundays and arriving on Wednesdays. Up river cruises reverse the pattern but with different stops and excursions, departing Tabatinga/Leticia on Wednesdays and arriving Iquitos on Saturdays.

Day 01-Sunday: Transfer* from the airport/hotel to dock. Board the M/V Rio Amazonas. While sailing down the Amazon River, you will be able to appreciate the varied and beautiful landscapes along the river. Afternoon stop at Yanamono to visit a sugar cane rum still, then a short walk at Chamaleon Island to observe water Lilies.

Day 02-Monday: Early wake up call for morning bird watching at the Ampiyacu River. Visit the Bora and Huitoto villages. Later, stop at the town of Pevas, oldest Peruvian town on the Amazon. In the afternoon, a jungle hike through the dense rain forest at the Shishita River with opportunities to view wildlife.

Day 03-Tuesday: Morning jungle walk and visit to Paranaquiro village followed by a piranha fishing expedition on a small black water lake. In the afternoon a brief visit to the village of Caballococha. After sunset, cross the lake to look for the Amazon caiman in the reedy shallows and listen to the sounds of the rain forest.

Day 04-Wednesday: Early morning arrival in Santa Rosa Island, Peru, opposite to Leticia/Tabatinga cities. Transfer* to a hotel or airport in Leticia or Tabatinga

Day 01-Wednesday: Late morning transfer* from hotel or airport in Leticia or Tabatinga to Santa Rosa Island. Board the M/V Rio Amazonas. If time permitting there will be a late afternoon, or early evening shore excursion.

Day 02-Thursday: A morning jungle hike at Chimbote area to observe a wide variety of flora and fauna. Early afternoon, visit to the river village of San Pablo. Night exploration by launch up the Peruate River to listen to the sounds of the jungle and spot Amazon caiman.

Day 03-Friday: Morning visit to a Yagua village for trading your manufactured goods for native handicrafts. Late afternoon, shore excursion at the Apayacu River to observe this beautiful black water river and its lakes.

Day 04-Saturday: Early morning arrival in Iquitos in time for transfer to the airport for connecting flights to Lima or to a hotel in Iquitos.

Combines the down river and up river cruises for a closer and more leisurely look at life on the Amazon. Wednesday morning, while the ship will remain in Santa Rosa Island, Peru, you will be transferred across the Amazon River to the twin cities of Leticia, Colombia and Tabatinga, Brazil. Plenty of time to shop and walk along both cities on your own pace. You might want to visit the local zoo and museum (NOT included in our cruise rate). Noon return across the river and board the M/V Rio Amazonas for the up river sailing.

Note that different shore excursions are made on the down and up river segments. The Amazon area has so many things to offer to our clients who are willing to taste a little bit of this fantastic paradise full of flora and fauna as well as its incredible people.

Single rates 3n Cruise $1445; Jr.Suite $952; Sr.Suite $1150

Single rates 6n Cruise $2650; Jr.Suite $1690; Sr. Suite $1870

A remarkable voyage exploration has been professionally organized to travel up on the Amazon river and beyond its confluence of the Ucayali and Marañon Rivers in the remote Peruvian Amazon. Amazing wildlife is identified as the expedition navigates into one of the world’s largest wild wet land Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Many species of monkeys, hundreds of colorful exotic birds and family groups of both Gray and Pink River Dolphins are observed in a single day exploration. Its classic early nineteenth-century styled vessel will be your home for a week. The vessel has been impeccable hand crafted to offer an extraordinary air-conditioned state rooms accommodations each with private bath; a superb exclusive dining with fine cuisine; an observation upper-deck equipped with a full service bar; and a personal attention from our highly skilled naturalists.

Day 01 SAT. USA-LIMA

Depart from USA via American Airlines to Lima, Peru. Arrive and transfer to hotel Lima-Sheraton.

Day 02 SUN. Lima-Iquitos-Amazon River

Transfer to the airport for flight to Iquitos. Upon arrival, our staff will transfer you directly to the classic ninetieth-century vessel, a first class accommodations for seven days. Right after, our journey begins toward the most incredible voyage experience in natural history. As we navigate along the Amazon river, the breeze and the sky overwhelms and incredible spectacle blending with nature. (B, L, D)

Day 03 MON. Amazon River-Ucayali River

An early morning wake-up on the majestic Amazon will enhance our perception of the rainforest. Occasional fishermen paddling their Doug-out canoes and children at villages along shore wave us with a smile and a variety of birds, including Oriole Blackbird, Purple Gallinule and Yellow-headed Caracara shares the friendly environment. We join the fork of the Marañon river and Ucayali river where the Amazonas river begins by name, just about 2,400 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean. Then we turn left upriver on the Ucayali having the wildlife-rich Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve on our right side. One of the feature to look-out are the Gray and Pink Amazon River Dolphins, often swimming near our vessel. (B, L, D)

Day 04 TUE. Ucayali Rive- Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve

As our journey continues, we venture in fast excursion boats to explore black water tributary streams. After lunch the ship arrives to the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve the largest wild wetland national reserve. We easily spot Horned Screamers, Wattled Jacana, Black-capped Heron, Scarlet Macaw often flying by pairs, troops of playful Squirrel Monkeys along the river and high up in the trees the Red Howler Monkey joining a small family group. Over 200 hundred species of birds, ten species of primate, Spectacled Caiman and many other mammals can be spotted in a single day excursion. At night the ship will depart to the Ucayali river. (B, L, D)

Day 05 WED. Ucayali River / Marañon River

We awake early this morning to take a boat excursion for bird watching and continuing after breakfast our journey exploring many black water tributaries. After lunch the ship sails up the Marañon river having the enormous wildlife-rich Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve on our left. One of the feature to look-out are the Gray and Pink Amazon River Dolphins, often swimming near our vessel. During the afternoon we board excursion boats to search for wildlife while the ship continue our voyage toward La POSADA lodge, where we’ll arriving at dusk. At La Posada Lodge we are in the "Terra Firma" forest, this is the type of forest that is conjured up by the world "jungle". Large trees festooned with epiphytes, palms, woody vines and vaulted canopy combine to create the shadowed mystery of tropical rainforest. Overnight on board the ship B / L / D

Day 06 THU. La Posada

A morning hike through a winding trail will lead us to explore the rainforest on a suspended canopy walkway that has open the opportunity to experience wildlife observation at tree-top level. Following an outdoor activity after lunch is to swim or paddle our native Doug-out canoes on black water lake next to a magnificent constructed façade style lodge. At night we will experience a unique wildlife, hiking through a jungle trail. Overnight on board the ship . (B, L, D)

Day 07 FRI. La Posada-Amazon river

We awake early this morning to take an open boat excursion through the "Lost Creek" for bird watching and right after breakfast we take a jungle trail hiking to "La Lupuna" Refuge which is locate 3 miles away from the main Lodge where we’ll have a Picnic lunch.During the afternoon we visit the medicine man "Shaman" to receive an explanation about Amazon medicine plants. At dusk our ship will depart to Iquitos sailing down the Marañon and Amazon Rivers. That night our crew will offer us a fare well party on the ship’s upper deck (B, L, D)

Day 08 SAT. Amazon River- Iquitos

After an early breakfast, arrive in Iquitos. Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima where you will be taken to hotel Lima Sheraton. Afternoon at leisure to explore the City of Kings.

Day 09 SUN. LIMA-USA : 

Transfer to the airport for flight to Miami or Dallas with connection to your home town.(B).

Airfare from Miami  to Lima  via American Airlines. English speaking naturalist tour guides. 6 night cruise aboard the M/V La Amatista , Turmalina or La Esmeralda. All shore and boat excursions. Transfers to/from piers, airports, hotels and boats. Meals as mentioned in itinerary B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner. Two night hotel accommodations in Lima at hotel Sheraton (first and last night) with Buffet Breakfast. Local aifare Lima-Iquitos-Lima.

NOT INCLUDED: USA departure tax of $197.  *Departure tax of US$32.00 when leaving Peru.* Tips to tour guides, hotel porters, bus/boat drivers, and any other service not specifically mentioned in itinerary. Insurance is not included and Tara Tours strongly recommends that you purchase travel insurance. Insure America has designed a policy for Tara Tour’s clients. Cost for this program is US$262.00 (please refer to the Terms and Conditions).

Add $100 from LAX, SFO, DEN,LAS and Zone 5; Add $140 from ATL, ORL, SJU, TPA & ZONE 1; Add $200 from DFW, HOU & ZONE 2; Add $280 from BDL, BOS, BWI, CHI, EWR, NYC, WAS, ZONE 3; Add $340 from ZONE 4. Add $350 from JAC, PDX, SEA.(See below Zone Chart). RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME.

IMPORTANT: We recommend getting a Yellow fever vaccination and taking Malaria pills for this trip.

DEPOSITS: US$300.00 per person at the time of booking. Final payment is due 60 days before departure.

CANCELLATIONS: Before departure: (at any time) US$100.00 per person, 60 to 30 days penalty, 29 to 15 days 60% penalty of total tour cost, less than 14 days -no refunds. Please see back page Term and Conditions.

ABOUT The Amatista (30), Turmalina (28), La Esmeralda (17), La Aquamarina (24 ), La Turquesa (47 passengers)

All these boats were built in their own ship yard (Iquitos) with a unique combination of Amazonian hard wood and steel, the result is a classic early nineteen century style.  They are beautifully furnished with polished wooden floors.  The air conditioned ships have one restaurant, an open bar area and one observation deck.  All cabins are air conditioned, mainly twin beds and are comfortable and spacious provided with individual drinking water bottles each day, private shower with toilet and hot/cold water 24 hours a day.  All of the ships are very similar and offer the same facilities and service, the only difference is the number of cabins in each boat

TURMALINA DECK PLAN

First Deck

Second Deck

Observation Deck

Day 01-09 (As above itinerary)

Day 10 Sun. Lima to Cuzco: Transfers. PM City-ruins tour. (B)

Day 11 Mon: Machu Picchu: Full day excursion to Machu Picchu. (Optional overnight in M. Picchu available upon request.) (B)

Day 12 Tue. Cuzco: At leisure. (B)

Day 13 Wed. Cuzco-Lima-Miami. Connecting flights.

Day 14 Thu. Arrive in USA

Includes 3 nights hotel accommodations (Hotel Novotel  in Cuzco) with breakfast, city tour of Cuzco with visit to ruins nearby, full day excursion to Machu Picchu with train/bus tickets, entrance fees, English speaking tour guides, transfers on arrival and departure and domestic airfare LIMA-CUZCO-LIMA

Amazon Canopy Walkway

Departs every Saturday from Miami, New York, Dallas or Los Angeles.(Add-ons from more than 100 other USA cities -see below)

9 days/8 nights

DAY 01 THU. USA-LIMA: Depart USA for Lima, Peru. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the new hotel Faraona located in Miraflores.

DAY 02 FRI. LIMA-IQUITOS-EXPLORAMA LODGE: Transfer to the airport for flight to Iquitos. Arrive and transfer to the Explorama pier to board a motorized canoe for a 50-mile journey down the Amazon River to the Explorama Lodge. In the afternoon, you will participate on a hike along the "Lake Trail" through lowland rain forest that is seasonally flooded (B,L,D).

DAY 03 SAT. EXPLORAMA LODGE-AMAZON CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION RESEARCH (ACEER): After breakfast you will be taken for a 2 hour boat ride down the Amazon and up the Napo River to the 250,000-acre Amazon Biosphere Reserve, ExplorNapo Lodge and the ACEER. In the afternoon, you will have a hike through primary Reserve rain forest to the ACEER, where you will get a brief orientation to canopy biology and an opportunity to visit the Canopy Walkway . At night visit to the canopy walkway is also planned if weather allows. (B,L,D).

DAY 04 SUN. ACEER: Early risers can take advantage of an optional morning birding excursion along the Canopy Walkway. Then, enjoy a morning hike along the "Medicine Trail" where you will see a demonstration of the use of local rain forest plants in modern medicine as well as examples of native plant remedies that may be used in the future. In the afternoon, choose from a return to the Canopy Walkway, a hike along one of the many forest trails or a canoe trip along the Quebrada Grande, a small stream passing in front of the ACEER facility (depending on water level) (B,L,D).

DAY 05 MON. ACEER-EXPLORNAPO LODGE: Morning hike through terra firma, non-flooding primary rain forest to the ExplorNapo Lodge. Enjoy an excursion to a black water oxbow lake, which was formed when water from the Napo River became separated from the river’s main flow. Often these lakes are covered with giant Victoria Regia water lilies. In the afternoon climb aboard a canoe to explore one of the Napo tributaries. Watch for sloths and exotic birds and even try your hand at piranha fishing. (B,L,D).

DAY 06 TUE. EXPLORNAPO LODGE-EXPLORAMA LODGE: Morning excursion from ExplorNapo Lodge. Early lunch and boat trip back to Explorama Lodge passing by the town of Francisco de Orellana where a statue was erected to the intrepid explorer who at the mouth of the Napo River became the first European to see the Amazon River (B,L,D).

DAY 07 WED. EXPLORAMA LODGE: Morning excursion to the neighboring Yagua Native Community and an explanation of their culture and customs. Time to trade or buy local handicrafts. Then continue to the Amazon River’s edge to see a local school, store and sugar cane rum operation. Afternoon canoe excursion along the Amazon in search of either of the two species of freshwater dolphin found in the river (B,L,D).

DAY 08 THU. EXPLORAMA LODGE-IQUITOS- LIMA: After breakfast, 1 1/2 hour boat transfer upriver from Explorama Lodge to Iquitos and to the airport for flight to Lima. Arrive and transfer to hotel Faraona located in Miraflores. Balance of day at leisure. (B)

DAY 09 FRI. LIMA-USA: Transfer to the airport for flight to USA via American Airlines. (B)

About EXPLORAMA LODGE: Established in 1965, 80 km. (50 mi.) down the MAIN AMAZON RIVER,

About EXPLORNAPO LODGE: Built in 1983 and recently renovated, off the Napo River on the small Sucusari stream, ExplorNapo allows you to enjoy a privately owned Plant and Animal Reserve as well as visiting the adjoining Amazon Canopy Walkway, the longest treetop walkway in the world. ExplorNapo gives the visitor the opportunity to enjoy open-hearth cooking and more remote rain forest surroundings.

INCLUDED: Meeting and transfer service as per itinerary, including tips to airport porters. Tours as noted, including entrance fees when necessary with English speaking tour guides. All hotel/lodge accommodations (8 nights), including room taxes and service charges. Meals as noted, CB=Continental Breakfast, B=Buffet breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner. Airfare via American Airlines from Miami.

NOT INCLUDED: Other services not mentioned in this itinerary or Passport fees. $79 U.S. departure tax. Peru departure tax US $28.00 per person to be paid upon leaving the country. Insurance (Insure America has designed a policy for Tara Tour’s clients. Insurance cost for this program is $159.00 p.p.

*AIR-LAND TOUR RATES 2008 (See dates & add-ons below)

*From  Jan.02 to Apr.16 and Jun.15 to Aug.15 add $100 p.p

From Dec.10 to 31 -please add $250 per person. 

Single supplement for this program  $610.00.

ADD-ONS VIA AMERICAN AIRLINES: For same package.....

Add $100 from LAX, SFO, DEN,LAS and Zone 5; Add $140 from ATL, ORL, SJU, TPA & ZONE 1; Add $200 from DFW, HOU & ZONE 2; Add $280 from BDL, BOS, BWI, CHI, EWR, NYC, WAS, ZONE 3; Add $340 from ZONE 4. Add $350 from JAC, PDX, SEA.(See below Zone Chart). RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME.

Zone 1: FL; Zone 2: AR, LA, MS, NM, OK, TX; Zone 3: CT, GA, MA, MD, NC, NH, NY, PA, RI, SC, VA, VT; Zone 4: AL, AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, WI; Zone 5: CA, ID, NV, UT; Zone 6: OR, WA 

Deposit: US$300 per person at the time of booking.

Final Payment: 60 days before departure.

Cancellations: Please see Terms and Conditions at the back of brochure.

IMPORTANT: We recommend a Yellow fever vaccination and Malaria Pills for this trip.

OPTIONAL TOUR TO CUZCO AND MACHU PICCHU: (See program "Tara’s Amazon River Journey

Located a 25 minute motor canoe ride down the River Madre de Dios from Puerto Maldonado, Sandoval Lake Lodge is perched above what many rainforest specialists feel is the most attractive lake in Southern Peru, if not in the entire Peruvian Amazon.

The whole complex is housed in one structure and includes 25 double occupancy rooms (16 with private baths and 9 with sharing facilities), hot showers, and a spacious dining room overlooking the lake.

For a more relaxed, complete introduction to the rainforest, we recommend a two nights stay. However, with the easy access from Puerto Maldonado, for the first time it is possible to spend only one night in the rainforest and still get a good preliminary idea of the splendor of the Peruvian Amazon.

Transfer from Puerto Maldonado airport to the river port on the Madre de Dios River. A 25 minutes journey down the Madre de Dios River by motor canoe brings you to the end of the trail in to Sandoval Lake Lodge. From here the trail takes you on a 2-mile walk/or rickshaw ride through secondary forest, until we reach a small canal where we board canoes and are paddled 220 yards through a flooded forest of 100-foot tall Mauritia palms. As the canal opens onto the shimmering surface of the lake, we transfer to a catamaran and are leisurely paddled across half the lake to the lodge.

After lunch and a brief rest to avoid the early afternoon heat, we once again board the catamaran and set off to explore the entire west end of the lake. Here, in the flooded palm forest we drift to the sounds of hundreds of Red-Bellied Macaws as they return to the palm forest for the night. We return to the lodge around nightfall for dinner.

After dinner we will return to the canoes to look for the large and extremely rare Black Caimans. If it is a clear starlit night, we will also be able to float in the middle of the lake and marvel at the brillance of the sky.

Day two

A pre-dawn wake-up call will enable us to be on the lake for sunrise and a hopeful encounter with the family of Giant Otters which frequent the lake and are most active at this time of day. Most of the fish-eating water birds around the lake actively fish in the early morning as well, and this outing should provide excellent views, and photographs, of the prehistoric- looking Hoatzins.

After returning for a late breakfast we set off into the cool understory of the tall virgin forest near the lake to see some towering wild Brazil Nut trees and a demonstration of how our hosts collect, open and commercialize this important natural product.

After lunch and an hour or so to relax we once again board the catamaran to explore the eastern part of the lake, where we might see one or more of the five species of monkeys which live in the forest near the lake, such as the Brown Capuchin Monkey.

There is a final chance after dinner to try and spot some Black Caimans on the lake, or to go on a short night walk through the primary forest.

Day three

Rising once again at dawn, we have a quick snack before boarding the catamarans to explore the western end of the lake in the hope of an Ecounter with Giant Otters.

After a late breakfast we explore some of the rain forest trails with our knowledgeable resident naturalist guide. As we walk the forest will be brought to life as your guide explains the ecology of the rain forest and its diverse flora and fauna.

We return for lunch, and then there is an optional rest for those who would like to escape the early afternoon heat. For those still full of energy, there is an option to independently explore some of the forest trails.

In the cooler late afternoon we will once again board the catamaran to explore the eastern end of the lake, and hopefully experience a spectacular sunset over the lake before returning to the lodge for dinner.

After dinner, there is a final chance to look for Black Caiman on the lake, or to go on a short night hike through the forest.

Day four

After a dawn breakfast we take a final, shorter paddle around the west end of the lake to try and glimpse the Giant Otters before returning to Puerto Maldonado to catch the flight to Lima.

COST PER PERSON: Includes all meals

4 days/3nights: Sharing Double $335; Single $412 (Does not inc. airfare)

3 days/2nights: Sharing Double $250; Single $340 (Does not inc. airfare)

4 DAY/3 NIGHT ITINERARY (Macaw clay lick)

Day 1 - Puerto Maldonado to Heath River Wildlife Center 
We meet at the Puerto Maldonado airport and drive through town to the Tambopata River port. After boarding motorized canoes, we travel downriver to the mighty Madre de Dios, which we follow for approximately four hours to the Heath River. We then travel up this wild and intimate river, which forms the wilderness border between Peru and Bolivia, and arrive at the Heath River Wildlife Center. Note that the Lodge is located on the Bolivian side of the Heath River so passports are required to clear Bolivian passport control. (L, D).

Day 2 - Heath River Wildlife Center
We rise early in the morning to board a motorized canoe for the 10-minute journey up the Heath River to the macaw and parrot clay lick. Brightly-colored parrots and macaws fly in by the hundreds to feed on the clay that detoxifies certain seeds and nuts they eat. Marvel at the cacophony of sound and color as Red-and-green macaws vie for the best clay-eating position. A specially-designed floating blind allows for proximity and complete concealment -- so you can even have breakfast and coffee while the birds are performing their morning ritual. 

When we return to the lodge, the guide leads us on an ethno-botanical walk through the forest, pointing out flora used in the daily lives of rainforest people. The guide explains how certain plants are used for medicinal or healing purposes, which ones can be made into the best bows and arrows, and how to select trees and leaves for home construction. 

After lunch and a short rest, we hike through the rainforest to the Pampas del Heath, the largest remaining undisturbed savanna in the Amazon. The contrast is striking as we emerge from the mature rainforest onto the grassland plain of the Pampas. (B, L, D)

Day 3 - Heath River Wildlife Center
We breakfast in the floating blind at the macaw and parrot clay lick for a last round of looks and photos. Then we return to the lodge to explore some trails.
After lunch we could visit the Ese'Eja native community of Sonene, where there will be an opportunity to interact with the community and purchase local handicrafts or explore the trails.
After dinner we'll explore the forest by flashlight, including a visit to a small mammal clay lick if it is active. (B,L,D)

Day 4- Heath River To Cusco or Lima
Early morning departure to Puerto Maldonado. During the river trip back downstream, families of Capybaras are often spotted on the banks of the river. Weighing up to 120 pounds (55 kilograms), this giant, three-toed relative of the guinea pig is the largest rodent in the world. If time permits If time permits we will also Upon arrival, reception and transfer to the airport for the flight back to Cusco or Lima. (B)

COST PER PERSON: 2006

4days/3nights Sharing Double $590; Single $961 (Does not inc. airfare)

5days/4nights Sharing Double $691; Single $1168 (Does not inc. airfare)

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MANU NATIONAL PARK

Manu-the very word has become synonymous with the best rain forest in the world. The protected areas of the great Manu wilderness have become world famous because of their unspoiled rain forest and amazing wildlife. Manu protects more species of animals and plants than any other park on Earth. 

The Manu National Park contains 1,000 species of birds, or one out of every nine on Earth, and 200 more than the U.S. and Canada combined. Approximately 550 bird species occur within a few square miles of lowland forest. Try a short visit to the spectacular lowland forest of Manu to see the world's best rain forest wildlife, including the world's most approachable, photographable macaw clay lick.

Also featured are the biggest clay lick of South America's largest land animal--the 600-pound (250 kilos) Lowland Tapir, playful Giant Otters, Jaguars, and ten species of monkeys, including the amazing mustachioed Emperor Tamarin. Or lengthen your stay to include the incomparable two-day road entry from Cusco to Manu through the world's most intact and accessible tropical cloud forest, which features exotic tree ferns, orchids, and the world's largest known display ground of the blazing red Andean Cock-of-the-Rock.

 ABOUT MANU WILD LIFE CENTER 

"...Manu Wildlife Center offered, hands down the most intense wildlife experience I've had in the Amazon....." 
Conde Nast Traveler - December 2002

From Cusco this lodge is only 35 minutes by air and 90 minutes by river. No other lodge in Manu offers all the major wildlife attractions in one spot:

The world's largest tapir lick. 
The most photogenic large macaw lick. 
Miles of monkey-rich trails through mature rain forest. 
Two 120-foot-tall (35-m) canopy platforms. 
Two mature lakes complete with Hoatzins and Giant Otters. 

Manu Wildlife Center is located in a private, 40,000-acre rain forest reserve adjacent to the 1 million acre protected area named the “Amarakaeri Reserved Zone”. The Center is the only lodge in the Manu lowlands with roomy, private bungalows, each of which has en suite private bathrooms complete with tiled, hot water showers. 

Manu Wildlife Center Tours - Prices 2007
Fixed departures from Cusco with a minimum of two people

Departures from Cusco : Thursday & Saturday -Please call...

Including: 
Round trip transfers to and from the Cusco Airport 
Round trip airfare from Cusco to Boca Manu 
Round trip canoe transportation to the lodge 
Private bungalows with private bathrooms 
All meals and snacks 
Purified drinking water and juices 
Bilingual naturalist guide 
Visits to macaw and tapir clay licks, oxbow lake, canopy platforms and trail hikes 

  Sample 5 day/ 4nights itinerary: 

Day 1
Early morning our representative will pick you up from your hotel to transfer to Cusco airport. 

A thirty-five minute flight in a radar-equipped twin engine plane takes you to Boca Manu. Here you take a motorized canoe for the 90 minutes journey down the Madre de Dios River to Manu Wildlife Center to arrive for lunch. The afternoon will be spent exploring some of the 30 miles of clean forest trails that surround the lodge. On these trails you have an excellent chance to encounter some of the 12 species of monkeys, which include the Monk Saki and Emperor Tamarin, which inhabit the surrounding forest. 

After dinner you will have a short night excursion to explore nocturnal life in the rainforest.

Day 2
Rising before dawn, we take a 25 minute boat journey downstream to the only large parrot and macaw clay lick in the Manu area. From a floating catamaran blind we are afforded excellent views and photo opportunities of hundreds of medium-sized and large parrots arriving first at the lick, followed by the large Red-and-Green Macaws arriving to eat the clay. 

Please note that :

-The clay lick activity reaches its best from August to October and decreases during the months of May and June. 
-During the dry season (June-September) the water level on the river does not always allow for a floating blind and it will then be sitting on the ground. 

After lunch at the Center we continue to explore the forest trails surrounding the lodge, and plan to spend the late afternoon up a 34 meter canopy platform. Here, we watch the last frantic activity in the rainforest canopy, or rush hour, before night settles. 

We can return for dinner back at the Center, or pack our meal for the leisurely hike about 60-75 minutes through the night forest to the Amazon’s largest known Tapir clay lick. Here we climb a 17 by 17 foot observation platform perched almost 20 feet above the lick itself where we wait for the lumbering Tapirs to arrive. Then, using powerful flashlights we hope to observe and photograph them in action. Our scientific reports reveal that tapirs usually visit the clay lick between 9:00 pm and midnight; however, their activity continues until dawn. (B/L/D)

Day 3
After another early morning departure by boat and short hike from the river, you have what promises to be an exciting visit to Blanco Oxbow Lake. This lake has populations of a variety of aquatic life and water birds, including the prehistoric-looking hoatzin and the possibility to see the resident family of giant otters.

After returning for lunch at the Center your guide is available to further explore the forest trails for more wildlife encounters. Alternatively, time is available to independently practice your abilities and experience this expanse of rainforest habitats on your own.This evening, from the late afternoon until after Dinner, we offer an opportunity to search for caiman and other nocturnal life along the riverbank by boat. (B/L/D)

Day 4
Rising at dawn you will board the motor-canoe to visit the Camungo Oxbow Lake. In addition to touring the lake by catamaran to look for the resident family of giant otters and other lakeside fauna, we will explore the forest trails and visit the 40 meter or 130 foot high canopy platform. This platform provides a beautiful view of the Camungo Lake as well as the forest canopy, and on very clear days it is possible to look over the rainforest to the Andes. 
After lunch at the Center we will explore the forest trails with the emphasis on visiting the fruiting and flowering trees that our experienced naturalist guides have been monitoring. Here we will hope to encounter more monkey species as well as numerous species of birds. Again, before or after supper, those explorers still with enough energy will have another chance for an additional visit to the Tapir clay lick. (B/L/D)

Day 5
After early breakfast, we leave near dawn by motor canoe for the two hour return trip to the Manu landing strip, taking advantage of valuable early morning wildlife activity along the river. From here you fly to Cusco, where your jungle adventure ends. Arrival at Cusco Airport, reception and transfer to your hotel. (B)

Please note that the program may vary slightly so as to maximize your wildlife sightings, depending on the reports of our researchers and experienced naturalist guides based at the lodge.

American Airlines City Zones:

ZONE 1: APF, EYW, FLL, FMY, JAX, PBI, SRQ.

ZONE 2: ABI, ABQ, ACT, AMA, AUS, BPT, BTR, CLL, CRP, ELP, FSM, FYV, GGG, HRL, ILE, JAN, LAW, LBB, LFT, LIT,LRD, MAF, MFE, OKC, SAT,SHV, SJT, SPS, TUL, TXK,TYR.

ZONE 3: ALB, BDL, BGR, BTV,BUF, CLT, GSO, GSP,HAR, HPN, ISP, MHT, ORF, ORH, PIT, PVD, PWM, RIC, ROC, SAV, SWF, SYR

 ZONE 4: AZO, BHM, BNA, CID, CMH, CMI, COS, CVG, DAY, DBQ, DLH, DRO, DSM, EGE, EVV, FWA, GRB, GRR, GUC, HDN, HSV, ICT, IND, LSE, MEM, MKC, MKE, MSN, MSP, OMA, PHX, PIA, RST, SDF, SGF, STL, TOL, TUS, TVC, TYS.ALO, BRL, CGI, COU, DEC, FSD, IRK, MKL, JLN, LEX, LNX, MLI, MWA, OWB, PAH, SPI, SUX, SBN, TBN,UIN

ZONE 5: BFL, BUR, FAT,LAS, LGB, MRY, OAK, ONT, PSP, RNO, SAN, SBA, SBP, SJC, SLC, SMF, SNA.

ZONE 6: JAC, PDX, SEA

For further information about these programs have your Travel Agent call Tara Tours

1-800-327-0080 or send mail to: tara@taratours.com

For more programs to Central & South America visit www.taratours.com

Copyright © 1980- 2008 Tara Tours Inc.    Last modified: March 13, 2008