Why is Bonanza Tours Peru different from other companies?

We are a family-run company based in Cusco offering camping and trekking expeditions deep into the jungle, our expeditions bring you close to the restricted Biological Research Zone of the park. We offer full adventure, fishing, climbing trees and survival training. Our guides have lived all their lives within the jungle and know everything about its distinctive plants and animals.
Our objective is to give you a REAL JUNGLE EXPERIENCE, something different from all the other trips in Manu, something authentic. To achieve this we camp in all our trip and use tents and hammocks so that you are close to nature.
Reserve Ecological Bonanza is our property of 12 500 hectares. There, deep in the jungle (Mammals Clay Lick), we also have a NEW CAMOUFLAGED HOUSE, where you will enjoy watching wildlife during day and night.
We also have two private lodges, Rainforest Lodge and Bonanza Lodge. There you have many facilities such as: single and double bungalows, dining room, kitchen, toilets, showers, games area, bar service and also walking trails. You will enjoy a phenomenal stay and man-nature contact.

I do not want to stay in a Lodge, I want to do camping?

If you do not want to stay in a Lodge, we also have a raised platform where you can do camping while having access to all the facilities.

What is the camping equipment like?

For comfort we provide 4-person tents for 2 people or smaller tents for single travellers. We also provide sleeping mattress, you only need to bring your own light sleeping bag. You can hire sleeping bags at our office for US$2.00 a day. All tents are fitted with mosquito nets.

What facilities do you have in the Bonanza Lodge?

We have single and double bungalows, toilets, showers, dining room, kitchen, two platforms for tents, hammocks and deck chairs, game area, bar service and walking trails. Close to the lodge, you can swim safely in the river.
We also have our NEW CAMOUFLAGED HOUSE deep in the jungle, where you will enjoy watching wildlife during day and night.

Will there be a Pre-departure briefing?

The day before the departure there will be a briefing. In case you cannot attend, please let us know in advance so we can make different arrangements.

Do I have to be fit to do your trips?

For our trips it is necessary to be in good physical health, but how fit depends on the itinerary you choose. The areas where we walk are flat. We always walk very slowly in the jungle, as this is the best way to observe the flora and fauna, but also because it can be very hot and humid.
If you take one of our tours, then you will be walking for 3 to 4 hours per day, carrying only a small day pack to carry your water, binoculars and camera. You will return to our comfortable Lodge.
The expedition trips involve walking for 6 hours or more and carrying your tent, sleeping bag etc.
All night walks are optional; if you are tired you are welcome stay in the lodge.

How to decide between doing a Tour or Expedition?

Our expeditions are for 5 days or more, taking you deep into the jungle, walking for 6 hours or more and carrying your equipment (tent, sleeping bag, clothes etc.). These expeditions give you more contact with nature and many chances to see wild life because of the length of time you are walking and also because you will sleep deep in the jungle in tents or hammocks, not in lodges or organized camp grounds.
Our tours range from 3 to 7 days and involve walking for 3-5 hours at a time. You will not need to carry all your equipment, only water for the walk and your camera and binoculars. The tours also give you the option to visit the Blanquillo private reserve, where you can see the famous Macaw Clay Lick.
There is also the option of flying back to Cusco from Boca Manu or Pto. Madonado on our longer tours.
Of course, as with all our trips, the tours or expeditions can be adjusted to your specific requirements.

What is included in the tour?

• Private transportation (bus and boat)
• All camping equipment (chair, tens, tables, mattress, rubber boots, rain poncho)
• Professional bilingual local guide
• Mineral water
• First aid kit
• 3 meals per day
• Cook
• Snacks (biscuits, candy, fresh fruit, juice)
• Entrance to the natural hot springs
• Duffel bags
• Entrance to Reserve Ecological Bonanza
• Entrance to Rainforest Lodge
• Entrance to Casa Machiguenca Lodge
• Entrance to the Manu National Park
• Entrance to Isla de los Valles Lake
• Entrance to the Native Community of Diamante
• And much more...

What to bring into the jungle?

• Light Sleeping bag
• Repellent with a minimum of 25 % deet
• Binoculars
• Camera with extra batteries
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Sun lotion
• Pocket Money
• Daypack
• Water bottle
• Sun hat
• Hiking sandals
• Toilet paper
• Dark clothes
• Towel

What do I need to do if I want to reserve a trip to Manu?

Please use our reservation form on the webpage.
In order to make a reservation we need your full name, address, age, profession, passport number and nationality. To secure you reservation we need a minimum deposit of 25% (USD) of the total cost per person. You can put the deposit in our Bank in Cusco, Peru, or deposit through Western Union or Visa. We will confirm the receipt of your deposit and reservation.

 If I return to Cusco by plane, what time will I fly?

The planes from the Jungle are small (Beechcraft 90 or Twin Otter) and the itinerary depends on the demand and is not very exact. Usually the planes leave between 8am and 1pm. One the day before you leave we will know the approximate time of the flight. Please remember that the flights from the jungle are not like the flights from Cusco to Lima. They are very dependent on the weather, especially between December and March (rainy season). We will book your flight tickets, but we have no influence on the airline. We recommend that you have one spare day in Cusco before your flights to Lima, or more if you have international flights.

What is the maximum group size?

In our tours and expeditions we have a maximum of 8 people per guide. With more than 8 passengers we will use two guides and divide the group in two for walking and expeditions. We do this so that you have a higher chance of seeing animals and can hear the explanation from the guide.

Do you provide clean drinking water?

Yes, all tour prices include mineral water throughout the entire trip. The expeditions include mineral water as well but when you are deep in the jungle river water is boiled to make it suitable for drinking. In addition, you can bring some purification pills.

What type of food will we eat and are there choices if you are a vegetarian?

The food we provide during these tours will be mostly food native to the jungle (typical jungle food and drinks). It will include fish, chicken, beef, vegetable and fruit. Drinks during the tour will include natural juices like pineapple, star fruit, passion fruit, coffee and hot chocolate. We also offer vegetarian food.

Are there Mosquitoes?

Yes, there are mosquitoes and sand flies. The mosquitoes are most active in the morning and at dusk. We recommend that you bring a very good mosquito repellent with you to help avoid these mosquitoes while you are walking in the jungle. All the lodges provide mosquito nets for you beds and the tens which are used have a mosquito net as well.

Do you provide a first – aid kit?

Yes, we do have a very comprehensive first aid kit with us, but we also recommend that you bring a small first aid kit of your own (basic items of a first-aid kit).

Is there Malaria and Leishmaniasis in Manu Cultural Zone and the Bonanza Ecological Reserve?

The risk of Malaria is very low in Manu and in the Bonanza Ecological Reserve. We recommend that you bring good insect repellent (with at least 25% deet) and use long sleeved shirts and trousers. If you choose to use strong medicine against malaria, please check the side effects of these medicines as they can be quite severe! No method is 100% safe against Malaria. If you want you can bring your medication to the jungle (Malaria can be detected from a blood analysis). It is also possible to get medication in the jungle. The risk of Leishmaniasis is also very low in Manu, the best protection being long sleeved shirts and trousers. In Manu there is Plasmodium Vivax, this is curable. You also can get vaccinated against Yellow Fever for the jungle. A vaccination against Tetanus is important.

Do I need to bring a sleeping bag, flash light and binoculars?

You need to bring a sleeping bag for the tour or expedition. Normally the temperature is 15C at night, a hot climate, but sometime, it can be colder, in the winter months (December to March). Binoculars are essential, animals can often be at a distance, or high up in the trees, and this is the best way to get a good look at them. Flash lights are very important to watch animals and mall creature at night time. Sleeping bag, binoculars and flash light can be hired in Cusco. Let us know if you want to rent them!

What is the weather like in the Manu National Park?

On sunny days the temperature varies from 25 to 40 C during the day and from 12 to 20 during the night. In June and July it can be colder, with temperatures dropping to 2C. We will inform you about the current weather conditions before you depart on a tour.

If you have any questions please write to us at info@bonanzatoursperu.com and we will be pleased to reply.