From Cusco, our journey begins at 3,400m/11,150 ft, descending into the lush cloud forest where the Andes meet the Amazon basin. We explore a mountain wetland habitat rich with migratory and local waterfowl, then traverse two mountain ranges, reaching 3,900m/12,790ft. Descending through a mesmerizing landscape of forested cliffs and waterfalls, we pause to visit mountain villages and ancient burial chambers. At Ajanaco, the final high point, we witness the transition from Andean peaks to Amazonian plains. After lunch, we descend rapidly, experiencing the dramatic environmental changes typical of the Andes. Passing through grasslands and elfin forests, we enter a world of towering trees, lush foliage, and diverse birdlife. Along the way, we make spontaneous stops, hoping to spot rare species like the quetzal or trogon. Arriving at the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge in the late afternoon, we witness the courtship display mesmerizing of Peru's national bird, the Cock-of-the Rock, a fitting end to a day of adventure. (Box Lunch/D

Rising early, we could scout for birds, and perhaps Brown Capuchin or Woolly monkeys along the nearby road. Or we can take a secluded nature walk on a short trail loop to the river and back. After breakfast we continue our drive, as mountains give way to low rolling hills and farmland. At Patria we visit a plantation of coca grown legitimately for the Peruvian coca leaf market. At midday we reach Atalaya, a tiny port where the Piñipiñi River meets the Alto Madre de Dios. We arrive at our lodge in time for exploration and wildlife viewing which may include toucans, kingfishers, a rare endemic hummingbird and a multitude of butterflies -- along one of its many forest trails. (B/Box Lunch/D)

There is time for another short morning hike on the lodge trails before leaving early for Manu Wildlife Center. As we follow the broad, rushing course of the Alto Madre de Dios River past the last foothills of the Andes, our ever-changing route offers sightings of new birds -- terns, cormorants, White-winged Swallows, and flocks of nighthawks flushed from their daytime lairs by the sound of our engine. Splashes of brilliant yellow, pink and red foliage dot the forest-clad slopes around us, and the breeze is laden with the heady perfumes of the tropical forest. We pass the mouth of the Manu River, the gateway to the Manu National Park. We pause during our journey to stretch our legs and visit Boca Manu, the village a short way downriver. After a boat journey of aprox. 6 hours we arrive at Manu Wildlife Center, one of the world’s top ten wildlife lodges. After a reception and orientation, we move into our private bungalow and rest to escape the midday heat. Later, we make our first acquaintance with the lowland rainforest, learning about the plants and forest ecology as we explore some of the 30 miles of trails that surround the lodge.

the Macaw Clay lick, Canopy Tower & Tapir Clay lick. . At the Manu Wildlife Center begins with an early start as we venture into the forest to witness the Macaw Clay lick project. Scarlet Macaws arrive in groups, their vibrant colors contrasting with the lush greenery. After this spectacle, we explore the lodge's network of trails before returning for lunch. In the late afternoon, we ascend the 34m/112ft Canopy Tower, observing twilight activity in the rainforest canopy. As darkness falls, we embark on the "collpa trail" to the Tapir Clay lick, the most active in the Amazon Here, tapirs, each weighing 600 pounds, gather to consume clay, neutralizing toxins in their vegetarian diet. The observation platform, elevated 5m/17ft above the forest floor, provides a close-up view of these usually shy creatures. Flash photography is encouraged, and participants must remain still and silent for the best chance of observation. Many opt to nap until the Tapirs arrive, typically within 10 20m/33-66ft of the platform. This unique experience offers a high probability of encountering the elusive Tapir in its natural habitat, making the wait worthwhile. (B/L/D)

Hike to an Oxbow Lake and the Wildlife Trails. We set off early for an old oxbow lake. As we circle the lake on our catamaran we might encounter the resident Giant Otter family on a fishing expedition, or troops of monkeys crashing noisily through the trees. Wattle Jacanas and dainty Sun Grebes paddle across the water, supple-necked Anhingas air dry their wide, black wings, and perhaps an Osprey scans for fish from a high branch. Among the bushes near the waterline, Hoatzins, which look like rust-colored, punk chickens, announce their presence with distinctive, bizarre wheezing and grunts. Woodpeckers, tanagers, macaws, toucans and parakeets all finally come swooping in to trees surrounding the lake. Many of them roost around the lake for the night. After lunch at the lodge our guide is available to lead us on freewheeling expeditions in search of further wildlife encounters, or we may take one of the lodge’s many trails on private and personal excursions to commune with the spirits of the rainforest. 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 (If the level of river allows it) (B/L/D)

Departure from Manu Wildlife Center to Puerto Maldonado. We embark on a two-and-a-half-hour boat journey downstream to Colorado Village, enjoying breakfast onboard. Witnessing early morning wildlife activity along the river, we pass native settlements and gold miners. Upon reaching Colorado, we begin a 45-minute overland journey to Puerto Carlos, then a 10-minute boat trip across the Inambari River to Santa Rosa. Finally, a van or bus transports us to Puerto Maldonado Airport, concluding our jungle adventure. (B)