The Manu Road: A Premier Destination for Butterflying Enthusiasts

The Manu Road stands out as one of the world’s most exceptional butterflying locations. Stretching across diverse habitats from the high Andean puna grasslands to the lush lowland Amazonian rainforest, this route offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness a staggering array of biodiversity. Travelling the length of the Manu Road provides a theoretical chance to encounter over 2,000 species of butterflies. Making it a dream destination for lepidopterists and nature lovers alike. In addition to the vast variety of butterflies, you will also see thousands of moths, hundreds of vibrant bird species, several monkey species, and a rich assortment of other wildlife.

The recent paving of the Manu Road has brought about significant changes. While some traditional butterflying hotspots have been altered, the improvement in road conditions has made travel much more comfortable. This upgrade facilitates easier access to numerous excellent butterflying sites along the road, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.

On this specialized butterflying tour, we will be based at two renowned lodges that offer unique perspectives on the region’s biodiversity. Our primary accommodations will be at Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge and Villa Carmen. Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, situated at mid-elevation, provides access to a variety of sites within cloud-forest habitats, allowing us to explore different elevations and their unique butterfly populations. Villa Carmen, located in the foothills, is renowned for its incredible diversity of lowland butterflies, making it an ideal base for observing a wide range of species. We will spend our last two nights at Wayqecha Biological Station near the treeline. This fascinating habitat is home to many rarely-observed species.

Tour Dates:

October 17-November 02, 2025, is the perfect time for Manu Road butterflying.

Tour Leaders:

Rob Gilson and David Geale, both experts in Manu Road butterflying.