Manu Road

Cusco y Madre de Dios > Peru

Manu Road is one of the most productive birding routes on Earth, with nearly 1,000 species recorded.

Added* by Danny Vargas
Most recent update 13 apríla 2026

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Description

Manu Road offers one of the most remarkable birding experiences in South America because it allows birders to explore a continuous gradient of habitats along the eastern slope of the Andes. Over a distance of just 100 km, the road descends from windswept puna grasslands at 3,500 meters to lush lowland rainforests at 400 meters. As the road descends from high Andean grasslands into elfin forest, cloud forest, and finally the Amazon foothills, each elevation reveals its own distinct bird communities. This diversity of habitats creates excellent opportunities to observe a wide range of species within relatively short distances.

Among the most sought-after birds along the route are the spectacular Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Peru’s national bird, as well as species such as White-throated Antpitta, Blue-banded Toucanet, Amethyst-throated Sunangel, Golden-plumed Parakeet, and Versicolored Barbet. Mixed flocks of colorful tanagers, numerous hummingbirds, and a variety of forest specialists can be encountered throughout the cloud forest and foothill sections. The constantly changing landscape, combined with the exceptional bird diversity, makes every stretch of Manu Road rewarding and full of surprises for birdwatchers.

Details

Access

From Cusco drive east over Acjanaco Pass and descend toward Pilcopata. Best explored slowly by car over several days, stopping at key elevations along the road. Press a P on the map for directions.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Mountain , Valley , River

Conditions

Hilly , Rocky , Open landscape

Circular trail

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Route

Paved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

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Map

Top 5 birds

1. Andean Cock-of-the-rock
(Rupicola peruvianus)

2. Amethyst-throated Sunangel
(Heliangelus amethysticollis)

3. Booted Racket-tail
(Ocreatus underwoodii)

4. Peruvian Piedtail
(Phlogophilus harterti)

5. Red-and-white Antpitta
(Grallaria erythroleuca)

Other birds you can see here

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Gallery

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Comments & Tips

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