Manu National Park Photography Tour 6 D / 5 N Cloud Forest to Lowland Amazon

Manu National Park Photography Tour 6 D / 5 N Cloud Forest to Lowland Amazon with Bird & Wildlife Focus

Join our Manu National Park Photography Tour for 6 unforgettable days of wildlife and bird photography across one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. From the misty Andean cloud forests to the vibrant Amazon lowlands, this expedition is designed to give photographers exclusive access to some of the most iconic and colorful bird species in Peru.
Stay at three of Manu’s top lodges for birding and photography: Wayqecha Biological Station, Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, and the Manu Biological Station. Expert naturalist guides and flexible schedules ensure the best possible light and conditions for capturing stunning images of endemic and exotic birds in their natural habitat.

Day 1: Cusco – Wayqecha Cloud Forest Lodge (2,900m)

Depart Cusco via the scenic Manu Road, birding stops along puna grasslands and Polylepis patches.
Afternoon birding and photography near Wayqecha Lodge, set at the transition between high Andes and cloud forest.
Target Birds:
Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan
Barred Fruiteater
Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager
Hooded and Masked Flowerpiercers
Night at Wayqecha Lodge

Day 2: Wayqecha – Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge (1,600m)

Sunrise shoot over cloud forest canopy.
Slow descent with birding and photography along the lush elfin forest corridor.
Afternoon visit to the Cock-of-the-Rock lek—the highlight for any bird photographer.
Target Birds:
- Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (lek display!)
- Golden-headed Quetzal
- Blue-banded Toucanet
- Versicolored Barbet
- Buff-throated Saltator
Night at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge

Day 3: Cock-of-the-Rock – Manu Biological Station (500m)

Morning bird photography around the lodge and trails.
Descent into the Amazon basin with photo stops along the way.
Arrival at Manu Biological Station, deep in the regenerating Amazon rainforest.
Target Birds:
- Rufous Motmot
- Amazonian Umbrellabird
- White-lined and Black-tailed Trogons
- Plumbeous Kite
Night at Manu Biological Station

Day 4: Manu Lowlands – Jungle Trails & River Photography

arly morning jungle hike with photography hides for lowland species.
Riverbank photography session at golden hour.
Possible clay lick visit depending on season.
Target Birds:
- Hoatzin
- Blue-and-yellow Macaw
- Chestnut-fronted Macaw
- Cream-colored Woodpecker
- Lineated Woodpecker
Night at Manu Biological Station

Day 5: Manu Biological Station – manu endemic reserve

Dawn photo session along trails or canopy tower (if available).
Gradual return through the altitudinal range with birding en route.
Overnight stop back at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge or nearby cloud forest base.
Target Birds (en route):
- White-capped Dipper
- Torrent Duck
- Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant
Night at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge

Day 6: manu endemic reserve Return to Cusco

photography walk.
Scenic return drive to Cusco with final stops for any missed high-elevation species.
Wrap-up session and photo sharing.

What’s Included:

Why Photographers Love This Tour

Private ground transport from Cusco and throughout the route
5 nights lodging at Wayqecha, Cock-of-the-Rock, and Manu Bio Station
All meals and snacks
Photography-focused naturalist guide with scope and ID expertise
Bird checklist and species photo list
Entrance fees and permits

Golden hours in each zone with flexible time to set up tripods and shoot.
Multiple ecosystems: Highland, cloud forest, and lowland rainforest in one trip.
Lodges with feeding stations and proximity to trails.
Chance to capture over 400 bird species in just 6 days.
Expert bilingual guides with birding and photographer-friendly pacing.

Wayqecha Biological Station & Cloud Forest Lodge

Manu Learning Centre / Manu Biological Station Lodge

Location: ~2,900 meters above sea level, on the edge of the cloud forest near the entrance to Manu National Park.
Purpose & Importance:

Managed by ACCA (Asociación para la Conservación de la Cuenca Amazónica).
Functions as a high-elevation research station, protecting a transitional zone between the Andes and the Amazon.
Home to many cloud forest endemics, orchids, mosses, and rare birds like the Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan.
Supports long-term ecological studies on climate change, species migration, and biodiversity.

For Nature & Conservation:

Preserves fragile cloud forest ecosystems that are highly sensitive to climate shifts.
Hosts scientists and students conducting biodiversity and ecosystem research.
Offers eco-friendly lodging for birders, photographers, and nature lovers to support conservation financially.

Location: ~500 meters elevation in the lowland Amazon rainforest, along the Madre de Dios River.
Purpose & Importance:

Operated by CREES Foundation, a conservation NGO.
Acts as a lowland Amazon research station in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
Focuses on forest regeneration, wildlife monitoring, and community engagement.

For Nature & Conservation:

Located in regenerating rainforest—shows how nature rebounds with the right support.
Important site for studying Amazon ecology, mammals, birds, reptiles, and plants.
Provides environmental education and promotes sustainable tourism as an alternative to deforestation.

Why Visit These Stations on a Birding Tour?

You're directly supporting conservation-based tourism.
You get access to prime wildlife habitats not overrun by general tourism.
Your stay helps fund research, reforestation, and local employment.

Price Based Per Person:2025

1 people : US$3260.00 per person
2 people : US$1750.00 per person
3 people: US$1700.00 per person
4 people : US$1650.00 per person
5 people : US$1600.00 per person
6 people : US$1550.00 per person