If you are coming to Cusco and want to get to
the jungle, take a look at EcoManu Center Expeditions. You don’t have to book from home,
although you can at www.ecomanuperu.com.
It’s just as easy to drop in; they
are conveniently located near the Plaza des Armas on Calle Arequipa. Ruth usually takes care of the office
while husband Fernando is off guiding. And baby Bruce is always a fun distraction.
EcoManu has budget pricing but provides a
great experience. While birding
tours with other companies can cost hundreds of dollars a day, a four-day/three-night trip to Manu
National Park with EcoManu will set you back less than $100. Six and eight day through Puerto Maldonado cost about $100
per day.
This isn’t a specialized birding trip. There are no 16-hour days with a guide
pointing out every species and rushing you off to the next spot. It’s relaxing and interesting enough
for the serious birder or the beginner.
Fernando grew up in the area and knows the birds pretty well. We saw around 100 species, 45 which
were new to us, including cock of the rock, golden-headed quetzals, and
hoatzins.
There were only three of us on the trip in a
10-passenger van. Fernando’s
brother arranged the family boat from the family home in Atalaya and sister Betty handled all of the
cooking chores. The food was
varied and plentiful with a vegetarian option. The “lodge” was rustic but comfortable with solar lighting
and cold water showers. And when
the weather didn’t cooperate Fernando always had an alternative plan. And it is so much warmer than Cusco in April!
