Manu National Park Photography & Birdwatching Tour 8 Days in the Peruvian Amazon
The Manu National Park Photography & Birdwatching Tour is an 8-day immersive Amazon wildlife expedition designed for photographers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers seeking one of the most biodiverse destinations on Earth.
Located in southeastern Peru, Manu National Park protects an extraordinary range of ecosystems — from Andean cloud forests to pristine lowland Amazon rainforest — making it a dream destination for wildlife photography and birding tours in Peru.
This carefully crafted journey by road allows you to access remote wildlife zones, photograph macaws, toucans, hummingbirds, monkeys, caimans, giant river otters, and — with luck — elusive species such as jaguar and tapir, all while guided by expert naturalist and photography guides.
This is not a rushed sightseeing trip — it is a deep Amazon photography experience focused on light, behavior, composition, and biodiversity storytelling.
This Amazon rainforest photography tour is designed for serious photographers and birdwatchers alike — capturing the magic of Manu’s ecosystems while promoting conservation and respect for wildlife. Join us for an extraordinary Manu birdwatching photography expedition and return with images and memories that will last a lifetime.
Amazon Wildlife Photography & Birdwatching in Manu National Park
Day 1: Cusco – Cloud Forest (Andean Foothills & Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge)
Depart from Cusco by private bus, stopping at scenic Andean viewpoints.
Birdwatching and photography in the cloud forest, home to tanagers, hummingbirds, and toucans.
Afternoon visit to a Cock-of-the-rock lek for stunning displays of Peru’s national bird.
Overnight at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge.
Morning bird photography in the bamboo forest, where antbirds, woodpeckers, and motmots thrive.
Descend into the Amazon basin, stopping for wildlife sightings along the way.
Boat transfer to an eco-lodge deep in Manu’s rainforest.
Overnight at Amazon Rainforest Lodge.
Day 2: Cloud Forest – Amazon Lowlands (Bamboo Forest & Manu River)
Early morning visit to a macaw clay lick for incredible parrot photography.
Explore an oxbow lake by canoe to spot hoatzins, herons, caimans, and giant river otters.
Night walk for nocturnal wildlife photography.
Overnight at Amazon Rainforest Lodge.
Day 3: Oxbow Lake & Macaw Clay Lick (Parrots, Caimans & Giant Otters)
Day 4: Manu Rainforest Exploration (Harpy Eagle & Canopy Photography)
Early morning visit to a macaw clay lick for incredible parrot photography.
Explore an oxbow lake by canoe to spot hoatzins, herons, caimans, and giant river otters.
Night walk for nocturnal wildlife photography.
Overnight at Amazon Rainforest Lodge.
Day 5: Manu River & Deep Jungle Birding (Specialized Amazonian Birds & Mammals)
Boat ride along the Manu River for close-up photography of kingfishers, horned screamers, and capybaras.
Explore untouched rainforest, home to jaguars, tapirs, and troops of monkeys.
Evening discussion on editing and bird photography techniques.
Overnight at Amazon Rainforest Lodge.
Day 6: Wildlife Photography & Birding Hotspots.
Morning trek to find rare and endemic birds such as the Amazonian umbrellabird.
Macro photography session for capturing frogs, insects, and orchids.
Overnight at Amazon Rainforest Lodge.
Day 7: Manu Lowlands – Return to Cloud Forest (Birding & Scenic Landscapes)
Journey back towards the Andean cloud forest, stopping for birdwatching and wildlife photography.
Overnight at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge.
Sunrise birdwatching and landscape photography.
Scenic drive back to Cusco, with final photography stops.
Why Join This Manu Photography & Birdwatching Tour?✅ Expert Local Guides – Specialized in bird and wildlife photography.
✅ Unmatched Biodiversity – Over 500+ bird species, mammals, and reptiles.
✅ Perfect for Photographers – Custom itineraries for the best lighting and wildlife encounters.
✅ Comfortable Lodging – Stay in eco-lodges with top birding locations.
📩 Reserve Your Spot Now & Capture the Best of Manu National Park!
Day 8: Cloud Forest – Cusco (Final Photography & Departure)
Information
All Meals, snacks, drinking water (vegetarian on request). B:L:D.
– Private transportation ( bus/van & boat)
– Professional expert bilingual Natural History Guide with a spotting scope.
– Hotel transfer and entrance fees.
– First Aid Kit with a poison extractor.
– Flora and fauna checklist.
Not Included:- Does not include air Cusco-Puerto Maldonado-Cusco, but we will purchase these on request
– Airport tax & Personal expenses
TRIPS CONSIDERATIONS
CLIMATE: Hot and humid in the lowlands. This is a dry season tour, but there is the possibilty of a “Friaje”, a strong cold front moving up from the south that can bring periods of unusually cool weather and rain.
DIFFICULTY: Easy there are some long journeys and early starts, but the walking is usually fairly easy.
ACCOMMODATION: The jungle lodges are comfortable but simple; some do not have full-time electricity, but provide a generator for a few hours a day to charge batteries. Matsiguenka Camping Lodge in the Reserved Zone of Manu National Park has shared bathroom facilities and cold showers. Manu Birding Lodge consists of double rooms with a private toilet and shower facilities. Hot and cold water is always available and all toilet facilities are flush.
Wildlife Photography: Opportunities are worthwhile.
What to Bring
We advise you to bring:
Besides from Binoculars and photo-equipment(the important Wildlife Enthusiast stuff) we advise:
Flashlight for night walk
Light day pack
A bottle or canteen to carry water on outings
Sunscreen and insect repellent
T-shirts and a long-sleeved shirt
Jeans or other cotton pants are comfortable, as well as quick-drying nylon ones.
Cotton socks
Light jacket, water resistant, or poncho
Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
Sandals for after hours
Hat that will not come off in windy boat rides and sunglasses
Plastic bags for camera, clothes, etc
Personal toiletries (shampoo, towel, etc)
NOTE: In the rainy season we provide umbrella and rubber boots in many popular sizes for rainy days.
Manu Birding Lodge looks forward to welcoming and guiding you soon!
Price based per person:2026
1.- traveller $4850.00
2.- travellers $2950.00
4.- travellers $2800.00
6+ travellers $2600.00.
