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Manu Cloud Forest Biology study tour

Introduction

Known for its biodiversity, the cloud forest is a perfect classroom to introduce students to the ecology of orchids, birds, reptiles, various species of monkeys, as well as to experience first hand how a private cloud forest reserve is managed to ensure its long term protection.

The Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge was designed to provide easy access to the dancing of the Cock-of-the-Rock The lodge protects and supports a 12,500-acre private cloud forest reserve in the Kosñipata valley, which seems to be clearly understood by the inquisitive local population of Capuchin Monkeys.

This trip takes you along the upper part of the best transect of highlands to lowlands in South America. Starting in Cusco, you drive across the Andean plateau until well above treeline, then plunge into successive ecosystems of highland temperate forest into the cloud forest. Extensions are possible to complete the journey into the lowlands or explore various possibilities in Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Day 1 Cusco to Manu Cloud forest
Early departure to the Manu Cloud Forest. We will drive across and learn about the high Andes, see the treeless Puna habitat, where we will stop for a scenic picnic. After lunch we descend through temperate highland forest, high-altitude cloud forest, and down to the comfort of the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge. The journey lasts approximately 8 hours and is one of the most impressive drives in Peru.
Evening lecture: Bird diversity in the Manu Cloud forest reserve.

Day 2 Manu Cloud Forest - Birding workshop
We visit the display ground of the stunning Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, where large, bright red males strut, bow and squawk in a frantic attempt to impress potential mates. After a breakfast at the lodge we spend the morning studying and observing cloud forest mixed bird flocks. Field identification of several colorful species present in the Kosñipata cloud forests.
Return for lunch and rest to the lodge. Afternoon forest hikes to continue the birding workshop.
Evening lecture: Orchids and flowering plants of the Cloud forest.

Evening lecture: Bird diversity in the Manu Cloud forest reserve

Day 3 Manu Cloud forest - Plants and trees of the cloud forest
After an early breakfast we take a hike through the cloud forest trails studying the orchids and other flowering plants, as well as the forest community of the Kosñipata cloud forest. Field identification. Description of types of flowers and fruits.
Evening lecture: Reptiles and amphibians.

Day 4: Manu cloud forest - Amphibians and reptiles
After and early breakfast we explore the Kosñipata Valley and River in search of amphibians and reptiles. Return for lunch to the lodge Afternoon discussion of the threat and conservation of the Manu Cloud forest. Management of Peru Verde's cloud forest reserve. Presented by Peru Verde and the rangers. Peru Verde will present the history of conservation of the Peru Verde Cloud forest reserve and the National Parks in southeastern Peru. The park rangers will talk about their daily challenge to ensure the conservation of the Kosñipata Valley.
Evening lecture: Field studies, methodology and results. Case study of the Cock-of-the Rock.

Day 5 : Manu Cloud forest
Field study of capuchin monkeys or the Cock-of-the Rock. Logging social behavior, determine dominant individuals, identify families, etc. during this exercise the group will be split to conduct different types of behavioral observations of the Capuchin Monkeys or the Cock-of-the Rock. In the afternoon we will prepare the results and present them within the group.
Evening farewell dinner.

Day 6: Manu Cloud forest - Cusco
Morning departure to Cusco, arrival in the afternoon.

Optional extension: Visit Machu Picchu the famous inca citadel.

Recommended optional tours for Lima : City tour of Lima or exploration of Pucusana sea birds.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVEL

Accommodation
Peru Verde owns the 12,500 acre private cloud forest reserve and the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge. During this program we will be staying 5 nights in the Lodge. There are 10 bungalows with two twin beds and private bathrooms with hot water showers.
In Cusco, there are different options from 3 to 5 stars hotel.

Food
Full board is included at the Lodge and this includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack or box lunch when it is necessary. If a traveler has a any special dietary requirements, he/she must inform as soon as possible to be prepared.

What to bring

Our price include
Transportation in Lima and Cusco city and from Cusco to the Manu cloud forest and back by van or private bus; accommodations with meals according to the program; English-speaking assistant, lectures, guided excursions and list of most used Spanish phrases and expressions, as well as the list of Cloud forest birds and mammals.

Our price does not include
Airport taxes, excess baggage charges, additional nights in Cusco caused by flight cancellations. Travelers should bring some to pay for sundries such as domestic or international telephone calls, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, airport taxes, tips and other personal expenses.

General Conditions
In each booking please indicate the following information:

• Complete name of the passenger and birth date.
• Passport number and nationality.
• Occupation.
• Any special food requirements (vegetarian, low salt, low fat, diabetic or other)
• Any special medical requirements.

Bibliography

• Aldrich, M 1997. Tropical Montane Cloud Forest: An urgent priority for conservation WCMC Biodiversity Bulletin # 2 World conservation Monitoring Centre, Cambridge, UK.
• Hamilton, L.S. Juvik, J.O & Scatena, F. N. 1995. Tropical Montane Cloud Forest Ecological Studies. Springer Verlag, NY.
• Nadkarni, N.M & Wheelwright, N. T. 2000, Monteverde: Ecology and conservation of a Tropical Montane forest. Oxford university Press, Oxford.
• Leo, M 1995. The importance of tropical Montane cloud forest for preserving Vertebrate endemism in Peru: the Rio Abiseo National Park as a case study. In: L.S Hamilton et al 1995.

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