Journey from the dizzying heights of historic Cusco, the once capital of the Inca Empire in Peru, down through the Andes Mountains and into the steaming tropical jungle.
Photo gallery of a 5 day tour to the Manu Learning Centre (MLC), following the Lelieveld family as they explore the diverse nature and culture of Peru while learning about the Crees Foundation’s scientific research and sustainable living initiatives.
Our adventure begins in the lively city of Cusco, where the infamous Inca legacy mixes with the Andean culture and Spanish colonial style – immersing you in Peru’s rich history.
A picturesque bird watching spot where we have our picnic breakfast alongside the wetland, hugged by the spectacular Andean mountains.
After travelling through breathtaking scenery, we arrive at the historic town of Paucartambo where we discover more about Peru’s history and culture, especially the colourful Virgen del Carmen festival.
Soon we’re at the gates of Manu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, and we’re about to witness a jaw-dropping change of scenery as we delve into cloud forest.
Surrounded by swathes of rich, lush cloud forest we stop off at a waterfall and cross our fingers for a rare sighting of the elusive spectacled bear – our very own Paddington.
After a good night’s sleep at the beautiful Cock-of-the-Rock lodge surrounded by the sounds of the forest, it’s an early start to try and spot Peru’s flamboyant national bird.
A contender for the world’s most colourful bird, the Andean cock-of-the-rock congregates in what is known as a Lek and the males perform dramatic displays of dancing and strange calls to impress females.
Making our way down towards the lowland rainforest that sits at the foot of the Andes, we stop off for some bird watching and to soak in the dramatic views of the forest valley.
Hopping on a boat down the Alto Madre de Dios river to make our way to the Manu Learning Centre (MLC), our field research station and ecotourism site in the Amazon rainforest.
This is home for the next few days: time to explore the beauty of the forest, meet its wildlife, and learn how conservation scientists are working with local communities to protect it.
When we arrive at the MLC, lunch is served – we sit down to eat a traditional Peruvian dish in a communal dining room, as hummingbirds flutter around us and the sounds of the jungle fill the air.
Our boat driver Willie picks up a bunch of bananas – the most important crop in the region – to give to the researchers and volunteers back at camp: a favourite snack for everyone after a day in the field.
A visit to the clay lick to watch parrots and macaws as they feed and socialise, while our researchers explain the importance of the monitoring programme that assesses threats to the birds.
We’re travelling down stream on our way to visit a native community for a short hike through the forest, a refreshing shower below a waterfall and a dip in the hot springs.
A boat trip on the river is the perfect way to see a variety of bird life, like this faciated tiger heron who patiently spends the afternoon fishing.
Hiking through the rainforest towards the waterfall, as our guide Ricardo tells us about the fauna and flora, as well as the traditions and cultures of different indigenous communities in the Amazon.
Curious and charismatic, the capuchin monkey is one of the many species of primate that we meet over the next few days while we explore the forest.
After a sweaty hike, the glistening waterfall and pool is so inviting – nothing can beat swimming on your back, with the sunshine warming your face, as you watch colourful butterflies flutter in the canopy above.
The huge, glittering blue morpho butterfly makes the rainforest that little bit more magical.
Now it’s time for lunch and there’s no better place to sample more Peruvian cuisine than in a natural hot spring surrounded by the Amazon jungle.
Drifting across an oxbow lake on a wooden raft is a beautifully peaceful way to spot Amazonian bird life.
Winning the prize for being the oddest bird in the Amazon, the hoatzin is one of the only primarily herbivorous birds on the globe, spending most of its time eating succulent leaves.
After a full day of wildlife watching, there’s nothing quite like laying on the waters edge and simply relaxing to the sound of the jungle. It’s sure to put a smile on your face.