An expedition into the lower Manu Biosphere Reserve to Shintuya offers an immersive journey into the heart of the Amazon rainforest(Cusco side). Located along the Alto Madre de Dios River, Shintuya is renowned for its rich indigenous culture (Harakbut community), abundant wildlife, vibrant birdlife, and natural hot springs, providing a true off-the-beaten-path jungle adventure..
05:00 AM – 09:00 AM | Departure & Mountain Pass: Depart Cusco early in a private vehicle, climbing past high-altitude Andean lakes and traditional communities before crossing the Acjanaco pass, the dramatic gateway to the Manu National Park buffer zone.
09:00 AM – 01:00 PM | The Cloud Forest Descent: Descend rapidly down the eastern slopes through lush cloud forests draped in orchids, ferns, and mosses. Stop to spot wildlife such as the Peruvian national bird, the Cock-of-the-Rock (Tunqui), and colorful tanagers.
Lunch
01:00 PM – 05:00 PM | Arrival at Atalaya Port: Continue descending through tropical valleys and small jungle hamlets until reaching the port town of Atalaya on the banks of the Alto Madre de Dios River. Settle into your jungle lodge for the night.
07:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Boat Ride on the Alto Madre de Dios: Board a motorized wooden canoe (peque-peque or similar river boat) and navigate downstream. Enjoy sweeping river views, sandbar turtles, caimans, and a wide variety of wading birds.
11:30 AM – 02:00 PM | Arrival & Community Welcome: Arrive at Shintuya, a welcoming native community belonging to the Harakbut ethnic group. Check into an eco-lodge or community-run cabins.
02:00 PM – 06:00 PM | Cultural Exchange & Sunset Hike: Participate in an authentic cultural presentation or guided walk with local community members to learn about traditional medicinal plants, hunting techniques, and ancestral forest stewardship.
06:00 AM – 09:00 AM | Morning Bird Watching: Wake up with the jungle chorus for an early morning walk or boat excursion to observe macaws, toucans, and monkeys feeding in the riverbanks.
09:00 AM – 01:00 PM | Trail Trekking & Ecosystem Exploration: Hike deeper into primary and secondary rainforest trails with a naturalist guide to discover insects, unique flora, and mammal tracks.
02:30 PM – 05:30 PM | Relaxation at Shintuya Hot Springs: Head to the nearby Baños termales, natural thermal baths tucked into the edge of the jungle, perfect for a soothing soak surrounded by lush greenery.
07:00 PM onwards | Night Walk: Embark on a thrilling guided night walk with flashlights to spot tarantulas, tree frogs, snakes, and glowing fungi.
06:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Upriver Journey to Atalaya: Board the motorized boat for the scenic return voyage up the Alto Madre de Dios River against the current, offering a final chance to catch glimpses of river life and wildlife.
11:00 AM – 06:00 PM | Drive Back to Cusco: Meet your transport at Atalaya port, enjoy lunch on the route, and journey back up through the cloud forest and Andean highlands, arriving in Cusco by evening.
Shintuya Native Community: Experience a profound cultural exchange with the indigenous Harakbut people, learning about their rich history, traditions, and sustainable relationship with the Amazon.
Alto Madre de Dios River Navigation: Traverse winding jungle rivers by boat, surrounded by dramatic forest walls, soaring raptors, and sunbathing turtles.
Natural thermal baths: Unwind in naturally heated thermal waters tucked seamlessly into the tropical rainforest backdrop.
Cloud Forest Biodiversity: Witness the staggering ecological transition from high Andean puna down to the dense Amazon basin, spotting rare species like the Cock-of-the-Rock and troops of wild monkeys.
| N° people | 1 Person | 2 People | 3 People | more people |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group | 400 USD | 0 USD | 0 USD | 0 USD |
| Private | 800 USD | 0 USD | 0 USD | 0 USD |
private service: includes – entrance tickets to archaeological places and lunch(buffete).
Complete the form to book the tour
Acclimatization: Because the elevation stays around 3,500–3,600 meters, this is an ideal warm-up hike for your first or second day in Cusco before tackling higher treks like Salkantay or the Inca Trail.
Packing: Bring 1.5–2 liters of water, sun protection (hat and sunscreen), comfortable trail shoes, and snacks or a packed lunch.
Navigation: Offline maps (such as Maps.me or AllTrails) are recommended if hiking self-guided, as signage along the trial can be sparse.
When to book a trek: trek permits are not required for this trek. Departure dates depend on availability of the group.
Group size: minimum 03 people, typical group size 7 – 8 people, maximum 12 people.
Hiking time will depend on the group progress and the guide can change the itinerary depending on the group progress.
Our program is subject to change because of the weather conditions or any other unexpected circumstances.
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