The Manu National Park is the perfect tourist destination for those who seek to enter the Amazon jungle, see wild animals and get in touch with native tribes.
The Manu National Park, located between the departments of Cusco and Madre de Dios, is the perfect tourist destination for those who seek to enter the Amazon jungle, see wild animals and get in touch with native tribes.
Created in 1973, the Manu National Park has been recognized as a Biosphere Reserve because it is one of the most biodiverse places in the world and the habitat of native communities that still preserve their ancestral traditions. This park, which has also been declared a Natural World Heritage Site, is home to more than 100 species of bats, spectacled bears, tigrillos, choro monkeys and harpy eagles. It is even considered the second best place in America to see jaguars, after the Pantanal of Brazil.
In their lands grow trees that reach up to 45 meters high, the most representative being the cedar, the cetico, the topa, the screw, the white lupuna and the mata palo.
There are almost 2 million hectares of landscapes that range from the Andes mountain range at 4000 masl and 10ºC, to the Amazon basin at 300 masl and 35ºC, passing through the cloud forest at around 1500 masl, which makes the National Park of the Andes Manu the only place in South America that houses the entire range of ecosystems in the Amazon.
Manu National Park has become one of the favorite parks for travelers who seek to know the wilder side of the Amazon. Unlike the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve in Iquitos or the Tambopata Reserve, which borders Bolivia, the Manu National Park is less known, therefore less touristy and more virginal.
To maintain this situation, the authorities of the area have decided that the only way to enter this pristine corner of the Peruvian Amazon, is through tourism agencies, which in addition to offering packages and activities, also organize the stay in the hostels of the park.
Areas of the Manu National Park
The Biosphere Reserve is divided into two large areas: the Manu National Park and the Manu Cultural Zone.
Manu National Park: it is the largest area and is 100% protected. This zone is divided into two more:
-The intangible zone: here the tribes live in voluntary isolation and is where Cocha Cashu is located, one of the most important biological stations in the world. This area is not suitable for tourists since it is intended for research.
- The reserved zone or zone of buffer: this area is destined to tourism but it can only be accessed through a few tourist agencies that have special permission.
Cultural area of the Manu: tourism is also allowed in this area, especially experiential tourism, because it is the home of Matsiguenka communities.
What to do in the Manu National Park?
In this wonderful park of dense forests, it is possible to observe birds, night excursions, trekking through the jungle, camping and navigating among other activities.
What is the best time to travel to the Manu National Park?
The park receives visits throughout the year, however it is recommended to visit it during the dry season that runs from May to September and which is the time of the year when it rains less.
How to get to the Manu National Park?
Airway:
It is possible to reach the town of Boca Manu by small plane from Puerto Maldonado or from Cusco on charter flights (45min).
By land:
From Puerto Maldonado: Take a vehicle from Puerto Maldonado on the Interoceanic highway to the Santa Rosa village. There are 140 kilometers that take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Then you have to cross the Inambari River in a boat to Puerto Carlos (5min). Advance 30 km by road to the town of Boca Colorado (1h) and navigate the Madre de Dios River until you reach the Limonal checkpoint on the Manu River (7 hours by boat).
From Cusco: To get to the park from Cusco, you have to take the Cusco-Paucartambo road to Atalaya. There are 240 km, 9 hours by vehicle approximately. Then it is 6 hours by boat downstream to Boca Manu and then continue on the river to the park.
Recommendations
Get Vaccinated against the Yellow Fever.
Wear mosquito repellent
Dress light and clear clothes. Pack swimsuit and raincoat for the rain.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses with UV protection.
For high altitude areas, it is advisable to hydrate with coca infusions.
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