Early breakfast, then set off for the Manu cloud forest passing over two Andean ranges of almost 13,000 feet elevation through high grassland puna and mountain wetland habitat teeming with migrant and local waterfowl. On the way pass stone chullpas, or burial chambers, of the Pre-Inca Lupaca people, and will hope to catch site of some of the bird species of the high Andes, including the Giant Hummingbird and Mountain Caracara.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Ajanaco pass affording a spectacular view on a clear day over the vast expanse of lowland Amazon rain forest. The road plunges down the eastern slope of the Andes, past remnant patches of elfin forest, through swirling mist and cloud, to emerge in a forest of stunted evergreen trees, festooned with mosses, lichens, bromeliads, and other epiphytes. You’ll make frequent, spontaneous stops to look for wildlife, perhaps spotting a brilliantly feathered quetzal or trogon. In the late afternoon, arrive at the Cock of the Rock lodge, nestled within the cloud forest next to a rushing mountain stream. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the lek to hopefully view Peru’s national bird, the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, displaying in all of its glory.