When planning my trip to Peru, I knew there was absolutely one place I wanted to visit: The Amazon Rainforest. I love the jungle and had previously visited the Amazon in Bolivia and Ecuador, so I was keen to see how it differed in Peru.
There are three main destinations in Peru where you can visit the Amazon Rainforest: Iquitos, Manu, and Tambopata. Manu National Park tends to be the most accessible as it’s possible to join a tour from Cusco. In Cusco, you’ll also find popular attractions such as Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain.
Once I arrived in Cusco, I visited several operators to find the perfect tour. In the end, I opted to visit the Manu Reserve on a seven-day tour with Palotoa Amazon Travel. In this guide, I’ve shared all you need to know about tours with Palotoa and my honest thoughts on the tour.
Disclaimer: The information below is based on my experience with Palotoa Amazon Travel on their 7-day tour into the Manu Reserve. Inclusions and itineraries can change, so it’s sensible to check the latest information directly with the company. As always, feel free to contact me if any of the information in the below article is out-of-date.
About Palotoa
It was very important for me to choose the right company for my trip to the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest. I wanted a company that offered good service, supported locals, respected the wildlife, and operated sustainably. In Bolivia, I witnessed guides feeding and chasing animals to get their customers closer to the wildlife. I had heard of similar activity in Iquitos (Peru), and wanted to avoid this.
Thankfully, Palotoa Amazon Travel ticked all the boxes for me. I went into their office and was taken through the 7-day tour, which sounded perfect.
One of the great things about Palotoa is their focus on the Amazon Rainforest. So many tour operators in Cusco offer tours to almost every tourist destination, which sometimes means the tours drop in quality and don’t feel very personal. Palotoa is dedicated to the Amazon Rainforest. They stick with what they know and do it well.
The company is also 100% local. All your money goes back into supporting a local business, something that’s very important in a country like Peru.
Overall, Palotoa offers a very high-quality service for a reasonable cost.
Which tour to choose
To visit the Amazon in Peru, you must head to Manu, Tambopata or Iquitos. Due to my itinerary, I had ruled out Iquitos, so I was looking for an authentic tour in the Cusco area.
Palotoa operates tours to both Manu National Park and Tambopata. I was still unsure which to visit, but the agent told me that the Manu Reserve offers the most authentic jungle experience in Peru, so I went with that.
Before I discuss Manu National Park, I’ve heard Tambopata is also a great experience. The tours here tend to be cheaper (unless you are staying in the Reserve itself), but you’ll need to get to Puerto Maldonado by bus or plane first. Tambopata does tend to be more touristy than the Manu Reserve, but it still offers excellent wildlife viewings.
Find out more about the best place to visit the Amazon in Peru.
In terms of Manu National Park, this can be split into three areas:
- The Core Zone (or Biological Zone). Tourists can’t visit here.
- The Manu Reserve. Only a limited number of tourists can visit this protected area.
- The Cultural Zone. This is where most of the lodges are, and also many local communities.
Palotoa offers tours to both the Manu Reserve and the Cultural Zone.
I can’t emphasise this enough: if you’re visiting Manu and have the time, go to the Reserve Zone.
Visiting the Reserve Zone requires at least six days, but it’s literally one of the best things I’ve ever done. Only a handful of tourists can enter the Reserve at any one time (my group of four were the only visitors there for the entire three days we were there), meaning it’s much less touristy than other spots.
The Reserve Zone is pretty much as deep into the Amazon as tourists can go; the jungle is dense, and the wildlife viewing is incredible. I’ve also visited the Amazon in Bolivia and Ecuador, and this was by far the best and most authentic experience.
The main catch of visiting the Reserve Zone is the time it takes. You’ll need at least six days, but I’d go for seven to have the best experience. There are also some long days on the boat, but you’ll spend most of the time looking for wildlife anyway. So, look at it as a bit of a river safari.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of the Cultural Zone. We didn’t see much wildlife, and it felt very disturbed by humans. So I would choose the Reserve Zone or Tambopata over visiting just the Cultural Zone.
Palotoa offers tours to all of the places mentioned.
About the 7-day tour into the Manu Reserve
A summary
I opted for the 7-day tour of the Manu Reserve from Cusco. The Palotoa website has example itineraries, but the activities depend heavily on the weather and wildlife activity, so it’s worth getting the latest information directly from the agency.
For example, we weren’t supposed to visit the Macaw Lick as there had been minimal activity recently. As we had some free time, we went anyway and were lucky enough to see the macaws. We also couldn’t visit one of the observation towers mentioned, as the non-contact indigenous people had been spotted in the area.
One thing to note about the tour of the Manu Reserve is that this isn’t a walk in the park. You must be mentally prepared to go into the depths of the jungle. I had always been a tiny bit disappointed by my previous jungle trips. We always seemed to spend more time eating and relaxing than exploring. It also always felt very touristy, with other lodges right next door.
I longed for a real jungle adventure, which is EXACTLY what Palotoa’s tour to the Manu Reserve offers. You’re deep in the jungle, completely cut off, no one else is around, and it’s undisturbed by humans. The days are long and filled with adventures; I was normally asleep by 9 pm as I was so tired. The accommodation is fantastic, but it’s basic (as expected in the jungle), and nature is the only bathroom option during the day.
So, a trip into the Reserve is an adventure. If you want something easier, I’d look at Palotoa’s tours to the Cultural Zone or Tambopata.
What’s included?
Pretty much everything! Aside from breakfast on the first day, all our meals, accommodation, entry fees, activities, transport, and an English-speaking guide were included. We were also given sturdy rain boots. Other than tipping at the end, I didn’t spend any money during the tour.
You can check the latest inclusions directly with Palotoa.
How is the food?
The food is AMAZING. I will always be baffled by how the chefs create delicious meals with just a saucepan and gas cooker. Palotoa includes a chef on each tour, so you’ll have your own chef for the entire trip.
We were given three sufficient meals a day and snacks for on the boat or when we were eating breakfast a bit later. More often than not, we ate breakfast and lunch on the boat (which was an experience). But this means you can get to where you need to be without needing to eat breakfast at 4 am.
I told them in advance I was vegetarian, and I never went hungry. Here’s an example of what we would eat.
- Breakfast: Eggs, bread, fruits, pancakes, cake, omelette.
- Snacks: Fruit, granola bars, sweets, cookies
- Lunch: Pastas, frittatas, omelettes, meats, salads
- Dinner: Meat or fish, a range of vegetables, rice, fries
Filtered water is also included as well as tea and coffee.
What wildlife can you see?
On our trip to Manu, we saw endless animals. It’s worth pointing out that we saw most of this wildlife in the Reserve and didn’t see much in the Cultural zone other than birds and the Tapir (but we were still close to the Reserve when we saw this). In my experience, it’s a great place to see birds and insects. But if you want to see the mammals, you should visit the Reserve.
No wildlife sightings are guaranteed, but here are just a few of the species we saw:
- Jaguars
- Sloths
- Howler monkeys
- Capuchin monkeys
- Spider monkeys
- Woolly monkeys
- Titi monkeys
- Squirrel monkeys
- Several species of Macaws (including Red, Blue and Scarlett)
- Toucans
- Parakeets
- Hoatzins
- Eagles
- Oropendolas
- Kingfishers
- Black caimans
- White caimans
- Possums
- Tapirs
- Giant river otters
- Regular otters
- Capybaras
Honestly, the list goes on and on… and this doesn’t include all the insects, snakes and frogs we saw.
It’s worth noting that there are no Pink River Dolphins in this area. If you want to see them, you’ll need to head to Iquitos.
What was the guide like?
Our guide, Juan Carlos, was fantastic. It was so refreshing to have a knowledgeable guide who respected the wildlife. He never once disturbed or touched animals and ensured the group respected the jungle.
Palotoa includes English-speaking guides for most tours, but it’s worth checking this in advance.
How is the accommodation?
It goes without saying that the accommodation is basic in the jungle, but for the most part, it exceeded my expectations.
Camping aside, everywhere we stayed was comfortable and clean. Some nights we had private bathrooms, but other nights we had to share. Most of the lodges were basic, with a bed, mosquito net and some space to put your belongings.
Everywhere we stayed had electricity except for the second night, so make sure to have your head torch charged up. There was power in the dining hall, but the rooms were pitch black.
The place where you camp on night five is very basic. It’s literally a platform with a roof and some mattresses. The toilet is nature’s toilet, so you’ll need to be comfortable peeing in a bush. It’s such a unique experience, though, and well worth it.
Note: Aside from when you’re in the Reserve, you’ll be in a different accommodation each night.
What’s the boat like?
The boat will be your main mode of transport on this trip. The seats are comfortable and even reclined on the boat we had. There’s also a roof to protect you from the sun.
There are no toilets on the boat, and with very long travel days, you’ll use nature as a bathroom. We told our guide whenever we needed to go, and the driver found a safe spot for us to get out of the boat.
What are the activities?
Each day usually involved some walking, including longer hikes and night walks. We also went camping, explored a lake by a ‘catamaran’, visited the hot springs and climbed an observation tower.
Besides that, much of your time will be spent on a boat looking for wildlife.
This tour is for you if…
- You enjoy an adventure
- You want to see lots of wildlife, especially mammals
- You want to go deep into the jungle
- You want to be pushed outside your comfort zone
- You don’t mind going off-grid
- You’re happy with basic accommodation and facilities (or no facilities)
- You want to experience the true Amazon Jungle
This tour isn’t for you if…
- You’re scared of insects and bugs
- You don’t enjoy long travel days
- You can’t cope with the heat
- You’re not bothered about seeing wildlife
- You want to feel 100% comfortable
- You have high standards of accommodation
- You need to be connected to the outside world
If the idea of being disconnected from the outside world in the heart of the Amazon Jungle fills you with dread, look at Cultural Zone or Tambopata tours instead.
Can you travel solo and what’s the group like?
Yes, I did the tour solo, as did another group member. Palotoa prides itself on smaller groups, and our tour only had four people: a couple and two solo travellers. The maximum number in a group is ten.
How much does it cost?
You should contact Palotoa for the latest costs, as this can vary depending on the season and size of the group. I booked my tour a few days before in Cusco, but it’s possible to book through the website.
Visiting the Manu Reserve will cost more money than the Cultural Zone. This is due to the cost of permits and the length of the tour. It’s worth noting that not many people visit the Reserve, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Is there WiFi?
Some of the lodges had WiFi in the common area, but this was only on one or two nights in the evening. I’d prepare yourself for going off-grid for the week.
Can you charge your devices?
Some lodges had electricity available during the evening, so cameras and phones could be charged. However, I’d suggest packing a portable charging device just in case. (Check out my helpful packing guide for the Amazon).
When is the best time of year to visit?
Manu National Park can be visited all year round, but the dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit. I went in the middle of the dry season (August), but we still had some very heavy rain. Here are some pros and cons for each season.
Dry season (May to October)
- There is little rain
- It’s the best chance of seeing jaguars and other mammals
- The trails are accessible and not very muddy
- There are fewer mosquitos
- The water levels can be low, which makes river crossings on foot easier, but it can be a struggle for the boats (ours got stuck several times)
Rainy season (November to April)
- Lush and green trees and plants
- The forest can become flooded, and trails inaccessible
- Deeper water makes it easier for boats, and there are more waterways to explore
- There are more mosquitoes
- Rainforest looking its best
Can you go swimming?
Swimming in the Manu Reserve is forbidden. There are caimans and piranhas, so it’s not somewhere you’d want to swim anyway. Our guide took us to a swimming spot close to Atalaya Port on the second day.
Will you see the native people?
The Manu Reserve is home to a native tribe known as the Mashco Piro Tribe. They are believed to be one of the largest uncontacted tribes on earth and live deep in the Amazon jungle.
With basically no contact with the outside world, the indigenous people have no idea who or even what we are. They don’t have boats, have never seen any modern civilisation and rely solely on the jungle to survive. In the past, there have been clashes between local communities, loggers and the Mascho Piro Tribe, which have sadly resulted in some deaths.
When entering the Reserve Zone, the Ranger will tell you what to do if you see any of the native people. Basically, keep moving and be respectful. As of 2024, there have never been any issues or clashes involving tourists.
It’s important to remember that they are people too, and shouldn’t be treated like looking at animals in a zoo. While on the boat, we saw some people looking at us through a bush. It was a little bit unnerving, but our driver kept moving.
A recap of my 7-Day experience
Your itinerary will vary depending on which tour you choose, but below, you’ll find a recap of my 7-day adventure with Palotoa. Other factors, such as weather, wildlife activity and water levels, can also impact your itinerary.
Day one: Journey into the Amazon
Whichever tour you choose, day one is very much a travel day. The entrance to Manu National Park is about a 3-hour drive from Cusco. Once you’ve entered the park, you still have roughly another 3-hours of driving ahead, plus plenty of stops for scenic views and wildlife viewing. We were picked up from our accommodations at 6 am and arrived at the lodge at 5 pm, so it was a long day.
The first stop of our day was Nincamarca, a pre-Incan site home to several funeral towers where bodies used to be laid to rest. After another stop for breakfast, we eventually arrived at the entry to Manu National Park. You’re still at a high altitude and amongst the clouds, but the Amazon Basin and Cloud Forest views are incredible.
After signing into the park, we descended into the Amazon and stopped at several viewpoints to admire waterfalls and look for wildlife. Despite still being on the edge of the jungle, we saw several different species of birds.
As we approached our accommodation for the night, we saw tourists admiring some Capuchin monkeys by the side of the road. It soon became apparent that the tour guides were feeding the monkeys bananas, something I’m absolutely against. Our guide from Palotoa said they shouldn’t be doing this and assured us it wouldn’t happen once we got into the Reserve Zone.
I know feeding monkeys fruits they can find in the wild might seem harmless, but it can be very dangerous for the monkeys (and humans, too). While volunteering at a Wildlife Rescue Centre in Costa Rica, I worked with many monkeys injured due to human activity.
Feeding monkeys makes them more confident around humans. It also encourages them into environments that aren’t safe for them, and they’re more at risk of being hit by cars or attacked by dogs. Additionally, feeding them reduces their ability to find food naturally and can increase their risk of catching diseases.
The Monkey Forest in Bali is a prime example of why we shouldn’t ever start feeding monkeys. Despite being wild animals, they have no wild hunting abilities and rely entirely on humans to survive. They’ve also become very aggressive and put humans at risk. It’s a shame to see this happening in Manu, but I’m thankful it’s not something Palotoa supports.
Day two: Down the river into the jungle
Day two is another travel day, but you’ll only spend an hour in the van before transferring to a boat. On the way, we stopped at a centre with several species of Hummingbirds. We also saw monkeys, squirrels, a tarantula and even a snake! The centre had food for all the animals, which was frustrating and made it all feel very artificial. But we didn’t stay for long.
Thankfully, from here on out, that all changed, and our adventure into the Amazon truly began.
At Atalaya Port, you’ll board your boat for the week and meet your driver. The boat is simple but comfortable. Once the boat ride started, we had the option for a quick swim before beginning our long journey down the river.
The biggest caveat about a 7-day tour into the Manu Reserve is the long travel days. You’ll be spending A LOT of time on the boat, and today was no exception (we spent about six hours on the boat). One day, we spent around 9 hours on the boat. Personally, I don’t mind this as it feels a bit like a safari. You’re constantly looking for wildlife and could see something at any moment. It’s a fun experience.
On day two, you’ll speed down the Madre de Dios river. This is in the Cultural Zone, meaning it’s less protected. Much of the natural vegetation has been removed for farming, but it’s still interesting to see the fruit farms and local communities. We also saw several capybaras.
We arrived at our lodge around 5 pm and opted to do a jungle night walk where we saw tarantulas, frogs and a coral snake (plus a million insects).
Day three: Entering the Manu Reserve
On day three, you’ll say goodbye to the Cultural Zone and enter the famous Reserve Zone. As soon as you enter the Manu River, there’s a noticeable change in the vegetation and wildlife. The trees become much more wild and dense, and the animal sightings increase dramatically. The area feels so undisturbed and wild.
We started our day very early and went to a parrot clay lick where we saw several species of parrots. After this, we visited the Ranger Station to get our briefing. It was refreshing to see how strict they were about protecting this area.
The Ranger also told us about the indigenous people who live in the area known as the Mascho Piro tribe. These natives are ‘no-contact’ people, meaning they’ve had minimal to no contact with the outside world. In the past, there have sadly been some incidents between the tribe and locals which have resulted in deaths. Ultimately, we were told that if we saw them, we needed to keep moving and not make any contact with them.
The afternoon was spent cruising along the river to our lodge and looking for wildlife. We saw endless species of birds, caimans and lots of monkeys (but no jaguars). We also saw no-contact people looking at us through the bush… slightly unnerving.
The local Matsiguenka community owned our lodge for the night. Despite being the only lodge currently operational in the reserve, we had the entire place to ourselves. This goes to show just how off-the-beaten-path you are. Our guide said it’s normal to have at least one other group, so I guess we were lucky.
In the evening, we went for a hike around the lodge and to the famous Lake Cocha Salvador. This isn’t normally on the itinerary for today, but our guide was happy to take us. We saw several Giant River Otters on the lake, which was very exciting.
Day four: Hiking, Macaw Lick and Otters
Today was the only day we didn’t spend much time on the boat. Instead, the day starts before sunrise to the noise of the howler monkeys. The first activity of the day was before breakfast, and we returned to Lake Cocha Salvador to search for more Giant River Otters and other animals.
The Catamaran ride around the lake was one of my favourite activities of the entire trip. It was so peaceful to be on the lake at sunrise, and we saw so, so many different animals. We even saw two groups of Giant River Otters.
After breakfast, we walked through the jungle to a Macaw Lick and were lucky to see several Scarlet and Red Macaws. It felt very surreal to be that close to wild Macaws. In the afternoon, we embarked on another jungle hike to learn more about the trees and animals.
While I loved the entire trip, day four was a highlight (despite the raging heat and humidity). It felt like a real adventure. This is the only time we spent two nights in the same accommodation.
Day five: Leaving the Reserve and camping in the jungle
You can only spend a maximum of three days in the Manu Reserve, and sadly, our time was up. Once again, we started the day at 5 am (get used to early mornings on this trip) and started the return to the Cultural Zone.
The goal of the day was to drive back to the Ranger Station to sign out and get to our lodge in time to pack an overnight bag and hike to a camping spot. However, driving down the Manu River would be our last chance to see most of the wildlife, including the jaguars, so our driver took his time.
I could not believe just how lucky we were! Within about thirty minutes of leaving, we saw a sloth and another Giant River Otter. Then, it finally happened… just as we were finishing breakfast, we saw not one but TWO jaguars. They were walking along a beach and stopped to look at us. Seeing two jaguars was such an incredible experience. It was one of the reasons I wanted to visit the Manu Reserve, so I’m very happy we got to see them.
Once you leave the Manu River and return to the Madre de Dios River, there’s a noticeable change. Human activity is very apparent, with logging vehicles and fruit farms lining the river. The chances of seeing wildlife also decrease dramatically. After spending three days in the Reserve, it was a bit of a shock to the system.
In the evening, we hiked for one hour to our campsite, which is basically a platform with a roof (but open walls). There are mattresses and mosquito nets, which you can set up once you arrive. Camping is basic, and you’ll need to carry your dinner there and anything else you need for the night.
The campsite overlooks a clay lick used by various mammals, including the elusive Tapir. Once the sun sets, it’s a case of waiting and seeing what animals might turn up. We were lucky as a Tapir came at about 9 pm. Our group was exhausted from all the travelling, so we slept after that. I did look out several times during the night, but we didn’t see anything else.
Day six: Hot springs and a night walk
After a relatively sleepless night camping in the jungle, I welcomed a 4:30 am start. We hiked back to the lodge in the dark but stopped at a lookout tower to watch the sunrise. Due to the clouds, we didn’t stay here for long and returned to the nearby lodge for breakfast.
The rest of the day was spent travelling back upstream with a stop at some relaxing hot springs. I knew Peru had volcanoes, but I wasn’t expecting natural hot springs in the middle of the jungle. They were some of the hottest I’ve ever experienced!
This is the area where many of the Cultural Zone lodges are located, so you’ll likely encounter several other tour groups.
Once we reached our lodge for the night, we went on our final night walk of the trip (after a HUGE rainstorm). The accommodation is surrounded by banana plantations, so aside from insects, there’s not a lot to see here. Seeing the difference between the Cultural and Reserve Zones made me so grateful for paying the extra money to enter the Reserve. It’s a completely different experience and much more authentic.
Day seven: Back to Cusco
The day starts with a short boat ride back to Atalaya Port, where you’ll jump back in the van and begin the journey to Cusco.
We started the day at 5 am, and arrived back in Cusco just after 3 pm. So, all in all, it’s not too bad. The drive back into the mountains seemed slightly more terrifying this time. The road is very narrow and bumpy, with lots of sheer drops. I tried to sleep to tune it out, but didn’t have much luck. Our driver from Palotoa was exceptional though, and I felt very safe.
Summary: Honest review of Palotoa
I am so glad I chose Palotoa for my trip to the Manu Reserve. I had visited several tour operators in Cusco beforehand, but Palotoa seemed to offer the highest quality of service. They also answered all my questions about how sustainable and ethical the trip was.
Value for money
In my opinion, the tour with Palotoa is excellent value for money. This isn’t just a regular jungle tour; you’re going deep into the Amazon rainforest, which requires expensive permits and lots of fuel for the boat. Once you’re on the tour, everything is included (except tips for the guide, boat driver, and chef).
The tour guide
Our guide, Juan Carlos, made the tour so special for me. He was extremely knowledgeable and always made sure we had everything we needed. It was so apparent that he loved and respected the jungle and its animals. He worked so hard to spot wildlife and got just as excited as us when we saw something. I’ll never forget his (quiet) shriek when we saw the Jaguars. It felt very special.
The accommodation
The accommodation exceeded my expectations. If you’re expecting five-star accommodation, a trip to the Amazon isn’t for you. However, considering the lodges’ location, they were all fantastic. Each lodge was clean, well-maintained and had everything we needed.
The food
The food was exceptional. There was always plenty to go around, and we never went hungry. Palotoa also provided enough filtered water for the trip.
Overall experience
I can’t fault my experience with Palotoa. From day one, the communication was excellent, and they went above and beyond to ensure we had the best time.
It goes without saying that a trip into the jungle is not for everyone, and this is especially true for the Manu Reserve. The tour tested me more than I thought it would, both mentally and physically. You’re hours and hours away from any civilisation, it’s hot & humid, there are insects everywhere, and you’re surviving on the very basics.
However, Palotoa Amazon Travel goes above and beyond to make the experience enjoyable. They offer a top service and I really can’t recommend them enough.
