aerial view of green trees and river during daytime

Manu Road Birdwatching

6 Days

Private departures available year - round

Signature Experience

Michael Tweddle

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The Experience

Discover the Bird Paradise of Manu Road, Manu National Park & Biosphere Reserve

We present a unique experience for nature lovers, bird watchers, and photographers in Peru, one of the world's top three countries with bird species. If you are looking for an adventure combining Peruvian biodiversity's splendor with unparalleled opportunities to capture spectacular images, Manu Road is a destination you cannot miss. We invite you to explore the magical Manu Road, a destination globally recognized for its astonishing and elusive birdlife, incredible landscapes, and diverse cultural heritage.

Manu Road is one of the world's most iconic birdwatching routes, crossing the Peruvian Andes and descending into the Amazon. This ecological corridor is a wildlife paradise, home to more than 1,000 species of birds, including many local endemic species found nowhere else on the planet. From the colorful Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Peru’s national bird, to the three species of Quetzals, Manu Road is a dream destination for bird watchers and photographers alike.

During the trip, you will be guided by expert bird watchers with years of experience in the field, biologists, and nature photographers who will share their profound knowledge about birds and their habitats. Additionally, our guides are trained to help you identify species, provide interpretation of the ecosystems present, and ensure the presence of a certain group of birds in natural spaces that offer opportunities to take home one of the best photographic memories.

Your adventure begins in Cusco, where we will pick you up to embark on a road trip through the Qoshñipata Valley. We will travel from the city of Cusco to Paucartambo to start the transition from one side to the other of the Andes mountain range. As we descend from the Andes to the lowlands of the Amazon, you will witness one of the most impressive landscape and ecosystem transformations that offer a stunning backdrop for your photographs. Along the route, you will have access to a series of habitats rich in biodiversity: from high Andean grasslands and cloud forests to the rainforest and low Amazon jungle. Each of these ecosystems offers unique opportunities to observe and photograph an impressive variety of bird species, waterfalls, landscapes, and plants.

Get ready to experience bird watching and photography on one of the most biodiverse routes on the planet. Join us on this journey and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Book your place now on our expedition to Manu Road and embark on an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Peruvian biodiversity!

Journey Highlights:

One of the world's most iconic birdwatching routes

Wildlife paradise with more than 1.000 species of birds

Birdwatching photografy

Unparalle opportunities to capture spectacular images

One of the most biodiverse routes on the planet

Birdwatchers

Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts

Photographers

Couples or small private groups

Those seeking remote, immersive experiences

Perfect for:

Day 1 - Journey to the Cloud Forest

Your adventure begins when we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. We head towards the city of Paucartambo, a three-hour drive. Our first stop is the Huacarpay Lagoon, a significant Meso-Andean lagoon crucial for migratory and wetland birds. Depending on the season, you'll see a variety of migrating and resident bird species, perfect for birdwatching.

We then continue to Abra Acjanaco, the highest point on the route and the gateway to the buffer zone of Manu National Park. Here, you'll witness a dramatic change in ecosystems, transitioning from high Andean grasslands to lush cloud forests.

We arrive at Wayquecha, our first hotel, where lunch awaits. After settling into your rooms, we'll explore the cloud forest facilities, including a trail, an orchid circuit, and areas set up with feeders for photographing high Andean hummingbirds.

Overnight at Wayqecha Cloud Forest Biological Station (Lunch and Dinner included)

Day 2 - Exploring the Hanging Bridges and Valleys

Rise early for a hearty breakfast before embarking on a visit to the hanging bridges. Here, you'll have the opportunity to spot vibrant mountain tanagers, majestic mountain toucans, and a multitude of other bird species thriving in this unique ecosystem. After a delightful lunch, we continue our descent through the picturesque Qosñipata Valley. Our first stop is at the enchanting Pillahuata tunnels, where you'll be captivated by the cascading waterfalls and the elusive golden-headed quetzal, a true gem for bird enthusiasts.

As the day winds down, we arrive in the tranquil area of San Pedro and check into the charming Cock of The Rock Lodge. Enjoy a delicious dinner and settle into your comfortable accommodations, where you'll stay for the next two nights.

Overnight at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

Day 3 - Dance of the Cock-of-the-Rock

Awake early to witness the breathtaking spectacle at the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek, conveniently located near the hotel. Spend three mesmerizing hours observing these striking birds' vibrant displays and elaborate courtship dances. After the lek activity, we leisurely descend from the observation blind back to the hotel, keeping an eye out for the stunning crested quetzal, playful woolly monkeys, and a variety of birds along the way.

The remainder of the morning and afternoon will be spent at the bird feeders, where you'll encounter a dazzling array of tanagers, numerous hummingbirds, and the striking versicolored barbet, one of the most photogenic birds along the route. We'll also explore a scenic trail to spot manakins and other fascinating canopy-dwelling species.

Overnight at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

Day 4 - Descending to the Amazon Foothills

Another early start, as we aim to spot any remaining bird species before breakfast. We then journey down the valley to the quaint town of Pilcopata, where we'll stay at the historical Villa Carmen estate, now known as Manu Biolodge. After settling in, we'll explore the estate's well-maintained feeders, providing excellent birdwatching opportunities until lunch.

Following a satisfying meal, we'll venture to Cocha Tom, a serene natural lagoon rich with birdlife from both the Amazon lowlands and the mountainous foothills. This tranquil setting offers fantastic opportunities for birdwatching and photography.

Overnight at Manu Biological Station and Biolodge (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

Day 5 - Birdwatching Extravaganza at Manu Bio Lodge

Start your day with early morning birdwatching from the estate's panoramic viewpoints before enjoying a hearty breakfast. We then head to the renowned InkaAmazonia hummingbird viewpoint, a haven for birdwatchers and photographers alike. Spend the morning captivated by the myriad of hummingbird species, including some rare endemics, as they flit and feed in this specially designed-observation area.

After returning to the lodge for a delicious lunch, we'll explore the Piñi Piñi River and the remaining scenic trails and viewpoints of the estate. Dinner is followed by a chance to reflect on the day's experiences and prepare for our final day of birdwatching and photography.

Overnight at Manu Biological Station and Biolodge (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

Day 6 - Final Birdwatching & Return to Cusco

Our final day begins with an early breakfast before heading to the Pico de Hoz viewpoint, a prime location for observing a variety of bird species. You'll be captivated by hummingbirds in their natural habitat and might even spot the majestic king vulture, the vibrant scarlet-hooded barbet, or the versicolored barbet, all perfect for photography. We spend the morning immersed in birdwatching, enjoying the rich biodiversity and stunning views.

As the morning draws to a close, we return to Pilcopata for a hearty lunch, reflecting on the incredible wildlife we've encountered. We then embark on the scenic drive back to Cusco, concluding our adventure with cherished memories of the diverse landscapes and remarkable birds we've seen.

Transfer to the airport and end of services (Breakfast and Lunch included).

Itinerary - 6 Days

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Services

Included

All transfers from the arrival in Puerto Maldonado until the return to the airport on the last day.
5 nights at Lago Soledad ARCC Lodge.
Meals from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last day, including free filtered water.
WiFi and Electricity.
Entrance fees for Ecological Reserves/Rescue and Research Center.
Experiences: trail walks, lake visits, canopy tower, and macaw clay lick.
Rubber boots and ponchos.
Experience with wildlife photographer and EpicTerra expedition leader Michael Tweddle.

Practical Information

Best dates for this experience: March - November
Diffuculty level: 2 - Moderate, outdoor focused experience
This experience is also availble in 4 or 5 days. Please contact us for more information.

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Not Included

Travel Insurance (highly recommended to avoid inconveniences).
Cost of obtaining a visa (if there is any)
Communication costs, such as phone calls and faxes
Inoculations, excess baggage charges, personal insurance.
Alcoholic beverages or liqueurs (unless stated otherwise); soft drinks & bottled water with meals.
Gratuities for local guides and drivers.
Air tickets to/from Puerto Maldonado or other destinations within Peru.
Airport taxes for domestic flights (included in the cost of your domestic flights) or for international flights (please check if they are included in the cost of international flights).
Laundry services.
Any other service not mentioned.

From AUD $5,500*

per person, minimum 4 people

Spaces are limited to ensure a personal, curated experience

Your Signature Guides

Michael Tweddle is a photographer and conservationist, specializing in guided nature tours and photography expeditions in some of the world’s most biodiverse regions. With decades of on-the-ground experience—particularly in the Peruvian Amazon—he brings deep local knowledge of ecosystems, wildlife, and cultures, creating highly immersive and educational journeys.

With a wealth of experience capturing the allure of the Amazon, Michael's work has adorned books, articles, and various media, showcasing the region's unparalleled biodiversity. Join him for a captivating journey into the heart of one of the world's most remarkable natural wonders.

He has collaborated with leading institutions, including the Smithsonian (notably the book Amarakaeri: Connecting Biodiversity) and the Pulitzer Center, contributing to projects on biodiversity and environmental threats like illegal logging.

Michael’s contributions extend beyond storytelling—he documented the first known golden (leucistic) Andean bear, and his work has inspired national conservation initiatives in Peru, including wildlife coin series and postal collections.

His photography has been exhibited internationally (Spain, Australia, UK, UAE and more) and has earned awards in prestigious competitions, with works like Two in One and Amazon Reflection receiving top honors.