5 Day Wildlife and Community Experience in Peru
This adventure in the Manu jungle invites you to connect with the wilderness and awaken your “inner jaguar.” Far more than a typical rainforest trip, the journey is a personal awakening in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. With guided jungle walks, breathing exercises, meditation, and time spent with local Matsigenka communities, this experience offers a rare chance to reconnect with nature and embrace a spirit of conservation.
Day 1: Journey to the Cloud Forest. Departing from Cusco by public or private transport, we’ll head towards the lush cloud forest, passing through the Acjanaco pass—the gateway to Manu National Park. Along the way, you canpause to experience the unique scents and fresh air of the Amazon. We reach Villa Salvación by late afternoon, where you’ll spend the night.
Included: Box lunch, dinner, transport, breathing exercise
Day 2: Machuwasi Lake & Shipetiari Community. Early in the morning, you’ll visit the beautiful Machuwasi Lake, where you can hear the awakening birds before a peaceful lake journey on a raft. We continue on to the Shipetiari community, where the Matsigenka people will offer a warm welcome. After settling in, you can explore the rainforest, tune into its natural sounds, and enjoy a tranquil evening walk.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, guided jungle walks, raft lake visit, breathing exercise Accommodation: Pankotsi Lodge, Shipetiari
Day 3: Connecting with Matsigenka culture. After a sunrise meditation, we’ll spend the morning learning about daily life in Shipetiari. Why not join the Matsigenka for seasonal harvesting activities and perhaps try a local drink, such as masato. A campfire lunch includes traditional dishes like pacamoto (bamboo-cooked fish). The day ends with a Matsigenka herbal sauna—a perfect opportunity for relaxation and reflection.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, cultural activities, sauna session Accommodation: Pankotsi Lodge, Shipetiari
Day 4: Shintuya Community and jungle pools. We say farewell to Shipetiari and travel to the Shintuya Community. Here, we’ll take an invigorating hike to a waterfall and relax in natural thermal pools—a perfect mix of adventure and wellness. For those interested, there’s also an optional night walk to explore the jungle’s nightlife.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, waterfall hike, thermal pool visit Accommodation: Aguas Calientes Lodge, Shintuya
Day 5: Parrot clay lick and departure. For guests with private transport, the morning includes a visit to a parrot clay lick—a unique sight in the Amazon. Afterwards, you’ll begin the journey back to Cusco, reflecting on a transformative jungle experience.
Included: Breakfast, transport to Cusco
Your Local Impact
By choosing this adventure, you’re directly supporting community-based tourism in a remote region, helping preserve local traditions and promote environmental awareness. With small groups and low-impact practices, the trip supports the Matsigenka’s sustainable tourism efforts and incorporates biodegradable products, locally sourced food, and refillable water to minimise plastic waste.
Moreover, each trip helps restore Andean forests, with a commitment to plant one tree for every £15 paid. This adventure lets you immerse yourself in nature and experience the Amazon in a way that nurtures both its ecosystems and communities.
Itineraries That Can Include This Experience
20 Days: From £2550 per person
Colca Canyon - Community and Family Stays – Lake Titicaca – Cuzco – Sacred Valley – Chocolate Making - Machu Picchu
16 Days: From £3500 per person
Cuzco, community and family stays, Amazon jungle adventures, hiking, Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca Machu Picchu
13 Days: From £1800 per person
Sacred Valley – Traditional Rural Life - Community Visit – Machu Picchu – Cuzco – Amazon Jungle - Birding
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Our Experiences are short immersive trips designed to make your holiday even more memorable! They can be woven into our itineraries to deepen your connection with the country, people and wildlife, while supporting communities and conservation.
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