Manu Endemic - Land of Clouds

Manu Endemic Lodge & Reserve is located at 1,000 metres above sea level, between the Andes and the Amazon Basin. We are a locally owned and operated lodge offering the comforts of home in the heart of the jungle. From here, you can enjoy:

• Birdwatching

• Photography

• Butterfly watching

• Hiking

• Rafting

• Cycling

• Motorcycling

About the Journey

Manu Endemic Lodge is located in the heart of Manu Road, approximately six hours from Cusco. The road is paved for the first two hours, followed by a well-maintained dirt road for the remainder of the journey. Along the way, you can enjoy panoramic views of mountains, forests, and flocks of birds.

If you prefer, we can arrange a private car with an experienced driver for your journey. If you are concerned about altitude sickness, consider consulting your doctor before travelling for professional advice, including advice on any medication you may need.

Manu Endemic Lodge is located at 1,000 metres above sea level, while Cusco, where the journey begins, is at approximately 3,400 metres. To reduce the effects of altitude, we recommend staying well hydrated, resting adequately, and eating well before the journey.

The nearest health centre is approximately a 30-minute drive from the lodge. The town also has three pharmacies, a petrol station, and a police station.

How to Get Here: Transport Options

• • Option 1 - Private Car or Your Own Vehicle

It takes approximately six hours to reach Pillcopata from Cusco, passing through Huancarani, Paucartambo, Abra Acjanaco (the entrance to the Manu Biosphere Reserve), and San Pedro before reaching Manu Endemic Lodge at km 159.

The cost of a private van for up to 3 people from Cusco to Manu Gallito de las Rocas is US$180.

• Option 2 - Public Bus

Local transport companies depart from the San Jeronimo Central Bus Stop on Avenida Los Jardines (Paucartambo/Kosñipata terminal). It is approximately 20 to 25 minutes by taxi from Cusco’s main square.

Please keep your luggage with you at all times, as you would in any busy bus terminal.

Schedule

Cusco – Pillcopata

Monday to Saturday: 10:00 – 11:00 am / 4:00 pm

Sunday: 10:00 – 11:00 am / 4:00 pm

Holidays: 10:00 – 11:00 am

Pillcopata – Cusco

Monday to Saturday: 10:00 – 11:00 am

Sunday: 10:00 – 11:00 am

Holidays: 10:00 – 11:00 am

Recommendation

Buy your ticket in advance (here) to secure a comfortable seat with a better view. Seats near the back are usually more crammed. 

• Option 3 - Recommended: Arrive by Private Car and Return by Bus

We recommend hiring a private van for up to 4 people from Cusco to Pillcopata for US$180, or a private bus for larger groups (please contact us for a quote). Travelling privately allows you to stop along the way and visit the beautiful colonial town of Paucartambo and Abra Acjanaco, the entrance to the Manu Biosphere Reserve, before arriving at the lodge.

At the end of your stay at Manu Endemic Lodge, we can check the timetable and reserve a seat for you on a return bus to Cusco. The bus will drop you off on the main avenue at the San Jeronimo stop, where you can take a taxi to your hotel in Cusco.

Before You Travel to Peru and the Amazon

The best time to travel is generally during the dry season, from May to November, while December to April is the rainy season. Temperatures here range from approximately 25°C to 38°C (77°F to 100°F) in full sun. During “friajes”, cold fronts can cause temperatures to fall into the low teens Celsius.