Manu

Manu Biosphere Reserve

Manu National Park, which covers an area of ​​4.3 million acres and extends across the departments of Cusco and Madre de Dios, is the largest protected natural area in Peru and one of the largest on the planet. Its biological diversity is incomparable anywhere else on earth. UNESCO declared the biological reserve a World Heritage Site in 1987.

The area has three levels of protection: an untouchable center to preserve wildlife and virgin forest; A reserved area, where strictly controlled use is permitted for resource extraction, research and tourism; And a cultural area, where villages and agriculture are allowed.

Manu is home to indigenous tribes, many choosing to live in voluntary isolation. Each group is unique, with its own language, harvesting techniques, hunting and fishing practices, religious rituals and medicine. Manu is also home to more than 800 species of birds, including the harpy eagle, jabiru and cock of the rock, and 200 species of mammals, such as the black maquisapa monkey, giant river otter, black caiman, jaguar, ocelot, bear of spectacles and humal deer. There are many varieties of insects and reptiles yet to be classified and more than 2,000 classified species and unique varieties of plants, including giant orchids and trees that rise up to 45 meters high and 3 meters in diameter (147 feet high and 10 feet in diameter). ).

To really get the best of everything Manu has to offer, a longer trip that allows you to go deeper into the park is advisable.

Practical information for the Manu National Park:

Due to its isolation, reaching Manu can be difficult. Although some companies offer direct flights from Cusco directly to the reserve, weather conditions and safety can be an issue, and there are currently no scheduled flights to the region. Therefore, despite it being a longer trip, we recommend interested guests enter the reserve by a combination of driving from Puerto Maldonado Cusco and then taking a boat down the river to their chosen jungle lodge.

Attractions and activities:

• Anthropology
• Ecotourism
• Tours with specialized and highly experienced guides and naturalists
• Wildlife and bird watching
• Walks in the jungle
• River rafting
• Canopy

Take a look at some sample itineraries, or contact us to start designing your own custom itinerary.