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Cock of the Rock Lodge is named after the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Peru's bright red national bird, and is located on the forested eastern slopes of the Andes. It is owned by the Peru Verde Conservation Group, a non-profit non-government organization involved in rainforest conservation projects.
Cock of the Rock Lodge consists of 10 double bungalows. Each bungalow has good quality foam mattresses and all beds have cotton sheets and quilts. The rooms are fully screened and the beds are also furnished with individual mosquito nests, although they are only really needed for peace of mind because at 1600 metres elevation the lodge is mosquito free! Furniture includes bedside tables and writing tables. All the bungalows have private toilets (flush) and shower facilities. Hot water is available during the early morning and in the evening. The dining area is separate from the other facilities but close to all bungalows and the nearby kitchen area. Food is good and wholesome, not gourmet, and uses a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, grains and meats in the menu. The cook is used to providing for vegetarian diets. The lodge does not have any electricity, but a generator is available to recharge camera and camcorder batteries.
The drive to the lodge, which usually takes about 8 hours, is spectacular. From Cusco the road passes over two Andean chains of almost 4,000 metres elevation through a steppe-like landscape, or Puna to the eastern slope of the Andes. If the weather is clear there are views over the cloud forest and the vast sprawling expanse of the lowland rain forest stretching out below. The road then suddenly descends down the eastern slope of the Andes, plunging downwards past remnant patches of elfin forest, through swirling mist and cloud, to emerge in a forest of stunted, evergreen trees, festooned with mosses, lichens, bromeliads and other epiphytes. The lodge is set amongst the forest between the road and the rushing Kosñipata River, and borders Manu National Park.
Just minutes away the male Andean Cock-of–the-Rock presents his mating display, an elaborate dance to attract females. Watch as these outrageous birds strut, curve their wings and dip their crested heads in the hope of attracting a mate. The very best months for viewing Cocks-of-the-Rock are in September, October and November, although the males display every month of the year. On a good day it is possible to see over 20 males displaying from a hide just 5 metres from the display ground. As well as the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock the cloud forest reserve protected by the lodge supports two species of quetzals, Woolly Monkey, Brown Capuchin Monkey and mountain toucans. Spectacled Bears, South America’s only bear species, live here and although rare have been observed foraging just steps from the lodge! The road which bisects this cloud forest reserve is excellent for eye-level cloud forest birding, with many species of hummingbirds and tanagers, and Torrent ducks and Andeans dippers can be seen in the river and cascading mountain streams.
A visit to Cock of the Rock Lodge can be combined with a visit to Manu National Park and/or Manu Wildlife Centre.