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Half day
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Manu National Park – Cultural Zone
The Manu Cultural Zone is one of the three zones in the Manu National Park that boasts high mountains, cloud forests and low jungles. In this area, there are small villages with native farmers. This zone is protected by the Farming Ministry and Manu park authorities to act as a buffer zone to the Reserved and intangible zones. We take you to the cloud forest of the eastern slopes of the Andes (Manu road) and to the upper lowland forest (around 500 – 600m altitude). Great for bird and monkey observation. (Gallito de las rocas, oropendolas, parrots, ) Also suitable for families with younger children.
On the first day of our adventure into the Jungle of Manu, we will pick you up around 5:45 AM from your Hotel in Cusco, using the service of our private SAM transport. The first part of our excursion will take us through the majestic Andean mountains, where we will take a quick opportunity to visit Huacarpay Lake, a high Andean Lagoon that boasts heaps of flora and fauna typical of the Andean mountains.
Visit the town of Huancarani which contains the funeral towers of Ninamarca, a cemetery of the Lupaca Pre –Inca Culture, which we will visit briefly on our way to Paucartambo, the folkloric capital of the district of Cusco. In the face of modern times, this small colonial town has managed to hold on to its rich tradition for centuries upon centuries. At mid-day arrive at the entrance of Manu National Park and access to one of the most protected natural areas in South America. Continue on in our private transport down a dirt road and on through the thick fog from which this section of the forest takes it name.
Eventually we will arrive at the home of the exotic Peruvian National Bird, the “Cock of the Rock”. Here it is known to gather with others of its kind for some sort of social gathering that seems reminiscent of a large courtship. This is an amazing spectacle complete with an impressive array of sounds and colours that can only be found in the jungle. Our first night is spent in the beautiful BAMBU Lodge, arrive at approx. 5:00 p.m.
On the morning drive 1 hour an a half (approximately) to Atalaya port, on the way see a coca plantation and orchid garden. Arrive to Atalaya port, we take a motor boat for about 20 minutes down stream (Alto Madre de Dios river) and finally we arrive to our Lodge, where we will have a lunch.
Very early in the morning we will go on our way to the Parrots clay lick. Have the chance to see dozens of beautifully colored, tropical birds, that gather at the clay wall every morning to eat the nutrients out of the soil. The bright colored birds, with the lush jungle surrounding them, and the morning sunrays bursting through the canopy is a spectacular event that you won´t soon forget. Travel back to the Lodge for breakfast and get ready to leave the lodge to Cusco. Pass through the beautiful Sacred Valley on the way, arriving in Cusco around 6:00 pm.
Manu Extra Information
MANU, Paradise Natural a natural paradise by far the richest, most extraordinary biological transect in the Peruvian Amazon, or the world, starts in Cusco and runs northeast by road and river to the great Manu Wilderness. Manu offers by far the greatest quantity and diversity of animals and plants in the world. No other destination in Peru or beyond can compare with Manu. Nowhere else can you enjoy a superbly intact transect of tropical habitats from Andean grasslands and cloud forests down to foothill and lowland forests.
Is endemic in most parts of the Amazonia and vaccination is obligatory, though there have been no reports of cases in Manu or surroundings lately. Yellow fever which is transmitted by mosquitoes, exists in the forest of remote jungle areas of South America, mainly in Brazil. You can easily get vaccinated against the desease. After you receive the vaccine you will receive a certificate, which is good for 10 years.
Malaria has almost totally been controlled in the area but, as some cases have been reported, some doctors recommend to bring along preventive pills.
Mosquitoes carrying malaria cannot survive in altitudes over 1,500 m ( 5,000 ft.) so if you are traveling in the Andes, you won t have to worry about this disease. To protect yourself, wear mosquito repellent with DEET, wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers, and use mosquito nets. You can also take anti-malaria drugs before you go consult your doctor about the pros and cons of such medications.
Snakes, scorpions and spiders rarely bite without provocation. Keep your eyes open and never walk barefoot. Be sure to shake your clothes and check your shoes before putting then on. The SUN can also be very dangerous in high altitudes. Be sure to bring plenty of high-powered sunblock and a wide-brimmed hat, the sun can inflict serious damage on your skin.
FRIAJE .- From June through September some days with temperatures as low as 7°C can be expected. These are cold fronts from the South Atlantic and usually last only a few days.
Asuncion San Pedro Cloud Forest : Run by a small friendly local family near the beautiful zone of San Pedro – Manu Cloud Forest. The lodge consists of 5 bambu-material private cabins exclusivelly build for our clients adorned with a wild cane “bambu”. These cabins private facilities feature showers and a toilet for a well deserved rest. The lodge has an impressive view of the Cloud Forest where it is possible to find flocks of herons, tanagers, and the Osprey eagle.
We believe that a journey can only be as good as it’s guide and so that is why go to such lengths to contract only the finest guides that money can hire. Our guides are handpicked from the rest for being the most knowledgeable, professional, and fluent of the candidates. They must be “people persons” who don’t just do it because it is their job, but instead do it because they have an authentic love of the nature people and culture.
Most of our guides are biologists, professionals with years of experience doing research and guiding in Manu. They will help you to understand the unique and fascinating world of the rainforest, and the delicate interrelations between the animals and plants of this unique ecosystem, pointing out birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and insects, as well as the medicinal plants of the forest.
The delicious and filling meals of traditional and international food are prepared by our professional and dedicated cooks from a mixture of local and rainforest products. We also cater for vegetarians. Bottle water is provided during the trip and used for cooking.
Half day
We're a family-owned Travel Company and Tour Operator located in the heart of the Inca Empire, Cusco, Peru. We create individually customized tours and treks to Peru's most iconic attractions, as well as untouched, off the beaten track locations high in the Andes Mountains.
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Excellent quality at the best price
Quiet Andean night
Unique and little explored routes
Experience the culture up close
Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.
The Short Inca Trail with José was a once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable experience. In the days leading up to our trek, he was highly communicative and provided all the details we needed (packing lists, expectations, timing) so everything…
Hace 3 meses
After researching extensively, I chose a Peruvian travel company to guide our Sacred Valley adventure for my husband and I. We booked a full day beginning with Maras and Moray, Ollantaytambo, lunch and Pisac.…
Hace 2 meses
We did the Lares Trek with Orange Nation/ Sam's travel and would highly recommend it. Lares has far less tourists than the inca trail (we saw about 4 groups over the two days initial hike up to the 4800m high point). The views are…
Hace 3 semanas
I had extremely high expectations and they were blown away! Our guide Rolando was an absolute legend. You can tell he is looked up to by all the other guides in the industry. He speaks multiple languages, connects deeply with each hiker,…
Hace 5 meses
Two of us did the 2 days Lares trek + 1 day Inca Trail, with a tour of Machu Picchu. We were blown away by the friendliness, knowledge, and kindness showed by both of our guides - Jorge and Carlos. We booked a group tour, but this ended up…
Hace 3 meses
Me and my friend did the 4 day Inca trail with Sam travel Peru, our tour guide was Juan Carlos, he has been doing tours to matchu pichu for over 20 years and his knowledge and expertise was amazing. I would recommend to anyone to as for him…
Hace 5 meses
We did the 2 day Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Our guide was Ray and Michael. It was really great - Ray was amazing and was really passionate about the place and told us loads of amazing stories. We had the perfect weather and even the packed…
Hace 3 meses
Amazing trip across 3 days with Jose! A massive thanks and shout out to our guide, he enriched the entire experience with his massive background of history of the culture and the land…
Hace 5 meses
Me and my Wife did the 5 day Inca trail with Sam Travel in April 2026. Our guide Henry and the incredible team of Porters and our Chef made the trip one of a lifetime. I cannot say enough good things about this group as they went over and…
Hace 3 meses
We were short on time during our trip to Peru, so we decided to do the 1-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Everything was very well organised. We were collected from our hotel and taken to the train, where our journey to the trail began. The first part of the hike was a bit challenging, but it was absolutely worth it. The views of the mountains and the surrounding nature were breathtaking. Reaching the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time was incredible. After the tour, we were taken back by train and dropped off at our hotel. I would highly recommend this hike to anyone visiting Peru, especially if you're short on time but still want to experience the Inca Trail. I also highly recommend our guide, Antonio. He was brilliant, incredibly knowledgeable, and shared so much interesting information about Machu Picchu, its history, and the local flora throughout the trek. He also allowed us to take breaks whenever we needed them.
Written August 6, 2026
I did the Rainbow Mountain tour, and I was the only one in the group who walked up the mountain. My guide Henry stayed with me the whole way, encouraging me and taking lots of photos along the trail. A truly great experience.
Written July 31, 2026
We had an amazing time with Henry our guide on our trek to Rainbow Mountian. With an early pick we left Cusco for the long car ride to Rainbow mountain with a quick stop for breakfast. When we got there Henry helped us reserve horses (highly recommend) and we started towards the mountain. The terrain, snow capped mountains and sediment settlement are a treat to see but it is worth the 10 extra minutes to the top. Because we had the horses we were able to take a long time at the top to take in all of the beautiful wonders. Henry allowed us time to explore and gave us wonderful information about how this beautiful wonder was formed. We definitely got more than our money's worth out of this gem!
Written July 29, 2026
Carlos Estrada was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and organized! Made our trip easy.
Written July 19, 2026
I had an amazing experience touring Sacred Valley and Machu Pichu with our tour guide, Carlos Estrada. He was quite helpful and knew a lot about everything. I recommend him and this tour!
Written July 19, 2026
Had an awesome day out to Rainbow Mountain with our guide Cesar Siccos! He was full of encouragement and positive energy and we made it to the top! Thank you, Cesar!
Written July 16, 2026
Following a great 2-day Inca Trail experience with SAM Travel, I signed up for the one-day Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley trek. Once again our group was small, just 4 people. Junior was our guide - he was friendly and knowledgeable. He seamlessly adjusted to our request for an earlier start time to beat the crowds, and also managed varying group member speeds / fitness levels well. Another positive experience with SAM Travel - highly recommend booking with them, especially if you are a solo traveler.
Written July 16, 2026
Rainbow mountain hike provided for gorgeous views, bunch of alpaca. At up to 5000 meters it provided for a healthy challenge even if the profile does not look that impressive…. Our guide - Cesar Siccos - was with us the whole way and provided the necessary support to get over the challenge. Great day out.
Written July 15, 2026
My trip to the rainbow mountain with my tour guide Siccos was incredible. Siccos was very energetic and kept our spirits high. I would highly recommend this hike to anyone.
Written July 15, 2026
