Manu National Park and Biosphere Reserve

In order to preserve its huge diversity of flora and fauna and pristine areas, Manu was declared a National Park in 1973, designated a World Biosphere Reserve in 1977 and made a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. It covers an area of 1.5 million hectares and is one of the largest protected areas in South America .

It is situated in a spectacular, untouched area of south-eastern Peru and is possibly the sole, accessible piece of pristine rainforest that exists in the world today; a number of indigenous tribes who have never had contact with outsiders also continue to live in the Park.

There is a huge range of altitude in the Park; from high Andes (4200m/13779ft) to cloud forests to lowland tropical jungle (150m/492ft). This altitude variation accounts for the huge diversity of plant and animal species that exist in the territory. It is estimated that at least 10% of plants found in Manu are unknown by science!

There are also about 200 species of mammals, more than 800 bird species, the largest diversity of amphibians in the Amazon basin and more insect species in one tree than the total of insect species registered in the British Isles !!! It is considered one of the most bio-diverse zones on earth!

Apart from the amazing variety of wildlife, the journey from Cusco to the park is spectacular. It is a 2-day journey through mountains, cloud forest and lowland rainforest. The scenery of snow-peaks and glaciers is dramatically beautiful and make the sometimes precarious descents worthwhile!

 

DAY 1: Cusco-Cloud Forest

Leaving Cusco early in the morning, we begin an 8-hour journey over the Andes by bus, stopping for a coffee at the beautiful colonial village of Paucartambo. Continuing, we climb to the highpoint of the Manu Biosphere at about 3,530 m before descending to the cloud forest. In these mysterious surroundings we take a hike to the lek of the incredible cock-of-the-rock, to see the 'performance' of the males right under our eyes. We spend our first night in the rustic lodge Posada San Pedro (appr. 1,600 m).

DAY 2: Cloud Forest-Atalaya-Manu River

At daybreak we continue by bus to tropical lowland rainforest. Here at the small village Atalaya at 650 m, we change into a motorized canoe to navigate some 5 hours down the turbulent Alto Madre de Dios River to Boca Manu. As night falls we stay in a basic lodge, or camp next to that lodge, depending on availability.

On the morning of the third day we turn up the Manu River for a 6 hour ride into the heart of Manu?s Reserved Zone. From this vantage point we will have great views of riverside birds, sunbathing caiman, and the enormous aquatic guinea pig, the capybara. We reach our camping huts deep inside Manu in the afternoon. This will be our base for the next two days. During this time, we will hike through virgin forest and explore one of the most beautiful lakes of the Manu basin, Lake Salvador, by catamaran. There is a chance to see a huge variety of colourful birds, numerous species of monkey and with luck, a family of giant otters. There is another hike in this habitat-rich forest, that will end in Lake Otorongo and a 20 metre-high observation platform overlooking the lake. At night we can explore the forest by torchlight or go moonlight caiman-spotting on the lake.

After a final walk through the forest surrounding Lake Salvador (flight schedule permitting), we return back down the Manu River. At Boca Manu, you return mid-day to Cusco by light aircraft.

DEPARTURES

Tours depart every Sunday.

INCLUDED

Naturalist guide in English and Spanish

Transportation Cusco/Atalaya by private bus

Transportation by private boat: Atalaya/Lake Salvador/Boca Manu

Flight Boca Manu/Cusco

Overnights in lodges and camping huts Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Guide book for rainforest of Manu - Talking About Manu

Entrance fee reserved zone Paper work for entrance

Airport tax

Soft drinks and beers

What you need to take:

• Sleeping bag
• Walking boots/hiking sandals
• Cotton t-shirts
• Long-sleeved tops
• Light trousers
• Sweater
• Cotton underwear
• Waterproof jacket
• Sun hat
• Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended)
• Insect repellent (with minimum 25% DEET)
• Swimsuit
• Toiletries
• Personal medication
• Camera and films
• Binoculars
• Torch (powerful) with spare batteries

*7 or 9-day trips are also available. Please contact us for further information about these alternative tours.