Manu Jungle Ride

Andes to the Cloud Forest

Our motorbike expedition begins early in the morning as we leave Cusco behind, riding through the dramatic landscapes of the Vilcanota Valley. The winding roads and changing elevations offer an exciting start to the journey.

We cruise through scenic mountain passes following the Vilcabamba River, surrounded by towering peaks and breathtaking inter-Andean valleys. After a few hours on the road, we stop in the colorful town of Pisac, where we enjoy a quick taste of the region’s famous traditional empanadas.

Back on the bike, the ride continues toward Paucartambo, a charming colonial town rich in Andean culture. The twisty roads through this highland terrain offer perfect riding conditions for adventure enthusiasts.

Next, we climb further into the mountains until reaching the legendary Tres Cruces Viewpoint — one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth. From this “Balcony of the East,” you’ll witness (weather permitting) an epic view over the Amazon Basin, where the Andes dramatically give way to the jungle below.

From this high point, we begin an exhilarating descent into the Manu Cloud Forest. The ride takes us through a shifting environment — from cold, crisp mountain air to warm, misty jungle — with tight curves, waterfalls, and spectacular natural scenery along the way.

We enter the southern edge of Manu National Park and reach the remote village of San Pedro, deep within the cloud forest. Here, we’ll rest for the night surrounded by nature and jungle sounds.

📍 Day 1 Riding Summary:

• Total Distance: 200 km / 124 miles

• Terrain: Asphalt and gravel, winding mountain roads, jungle descents

• Riding Time: ~5 hours (with scenic and cultural stops)

• Start Point: Pick-up in Cusco (airport or hotel)

• Lunch: Traditional lunch in Paucartambo – Not included

• Dinner: Included at the lodge

• Overnight Stay: 🛏️ Cock of the Rock Lodge (3-star) – Breakfast included

Deep into the Jungle: Riding the Amazon Roads

After a relaxing breakfast at the lodge, we gear up and begin our descent deeper into the Amazon rainforest, riding toward Pillcopata, a small jungle town nestled within the Manu National Park.

Upon arrival, we check in at our lodge and leave our luggage before continuing our ride through the lush surroundings of the park. Our journey takes us to the port town of Atalaya and then further into the jungle to the native community of Huacaria, giving us a closer look at the diverse natural and cultural richness of the region.

Along the way, we’ll be riding through vibrant lowland rainforest, with opportunities to spot wildlife, such as monkeys, colorful birds, and — with some luck — the famous Cock of the Rock, Peru’s national bird.

After exploring these off-the-beaten-path routes, we return to Pillcopata to rest for the night, surrounded by the sounds and energy of the jungle.

📍 Day 2 Riding Summary:

• Total Distance: 120 km / 75 miles

• Terrain: Jungle dirt roads, riverbanks, mixed gravel and paved stretches

• Estimated Riding Time: ~5 hours (including stops and exploration)

• Lunch: Box Lunch – included

• Dinner: In Pillcopata – not included

• Overnight Stay: Gallitos de las Rocas Lodge – Breakfast included

After breakfast, we begin our return journey, riding out of Manu National Park and back into the highlands. The route takes us once again through the picturesque town of Paucartambo, where we stop briefly before taking an alternate road with sweeping views of the Andes Mountains.

This section offers some of the most scenic riding of the entire trip — winding roads, dramatic elevation changes, and breathtaking viewpoints all the way into the Sacred Valley.

We follow the Urubamba River through lush valleys and ancient Incan landscapes as we make our final stretch toward Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon.

It’s the perfect finish to a three-day adventure — one that blends the raw power of the Amazon, the beauty of the Andes, and the freedom of the open road.

📍 Day 3 Riding Summary:

• Total Distance: 280 km / 174 miles

• Terrain: Mountain roads, valley routes, asphalt

• Estimated Riding Time: ~5 hours (not including breaks)

• Lunch: On the road (Huambutio or surrounding area) – not included

• Estimated Arrival in Cusco: Around 5:00 PM