Manu National Park
The last natural haven
The Manu National Park, covering an area of 1,716,295 hectares (4.3 million acres), is Peru's largest protected natural area and one of the largest on the planet, with a biological megadiversity that is unparalleled. It includes the entire Manu River basin, across territory that straddles the regions of Cuzco and Madre de Dios.
It was created on May 29, 1973 to protect the rich biodiversity of the area from irrational use and development. In 1977, UNESCO established the Manu Biosphere Reserve and in 1987 declared it a World Natural Heritage. The area includes three forms of protection: a nucleus area that is intangible, to protect the wildlife; a reserved area, where a programmed use is permitted for resources, research and tourism; and a cultural area, where villages and farming are allowed.
Manu is home to more than 800 species of birds, including the harpy eagle, jabiru, and cock-of-the-rocks; over 200 species of mammals such as the black maquisapa monkey, giant river otter, black cayman, jaguar, ocelot, spectacled bear, and huemal deer. There are many varieties of insects and reptiles yet to be classified. Among more than 2,000 species and unique varieties of plants there are giant orchids and trees that tower up to 45 meters high and 3 meters in diameter (147 ft tall and 10 ft in diameter).
A number of native communities also live in this area, with their own traditions, language and culture: the Matsiguenga, Amahuaca, Yaminahua, Piro, Amarakaeri, Huachipaire and Nahua.
Altitude
The park stretches from the eastern slopes of the Andes (4,000 masl / 13,124 ft) down to the Amazon plains (at 250 masl / 820 ft). The reserved area and the cultural area of the Biosphere Reserve are on the Amazon plains. The high Andean area includes one visiting zone, the Tres Cruces lookout point, at Acjanaco.
How to Get There
- By air: daily flights from Lima to Cuzco (55 minutes); flights every other day from La Paz (Bolivia) to Cuzco (1 hour). Small aircraft can be chartered for flights from Cuzco to Boca Manu (where the Manu River flows into the Madre de Dios) to then continue the rest of the journey by boat (4 hours).
- Overland: from Lima to Cuzco (1,105 km / 687 miles) via Nazca, in about 19 hours. From there, tourist transport can be hired to Atalaya (8 hours) or Shintuya (11 hours), and then by boat to Boca Manu (8 hours) and on to the Tourism and Recreation Zone of the Park (another 8 hours).
Tourist Services
A visit to the tourism and recreation zone of the Manu National Park (MNP) in the Manu basin can be made only through authorized travel agencies that process entry permits and pay the visitor's fee.
Lodging
Lodging in the Tourism and Recreation Zone of the MNP includes accommodation in lodges and camps. Basic accommodations available en route to the park at Salvacion, Pilcopata and Boca Manu.
Activities
Tours with gear included and guided by naturalists and specialized guides. Eco-tourism, wildlife watching, trekking through the jungle. It is also possible to go river-rafting in designated areas and visit native communities.
Minimum Length of Stay
Because of the travel difficulties and the size of the park, a minimum of five days is recommended.
Recommendations
- Visit only authorized areas.
- Do not interfere with research activities.
- Do not establish contact with native communities.
- Do not collect species of animal and plant life.
- Heed the regulations given by the Park Authority and the park guards.
Season / Climate
The ideal time to visit is between May and October; days are very hot, nights are cool, and it rains frequently. It is the Amazon jungle and conditions can be difficult.
Arts & Crafts
Handicrafts of the native communities are made from plants, fibers, seeds or roots from the jungle. Peruvian law prohibits and penalizes the extraction, transport, trade and export of any kind of flora or fauna, live or dead. The prohibition includes any object made from parts of animals and plants.
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