Paradise blessed with the greatest biodiversity in the world, inhabited by native communities that still keep alive their ancestral traditions and live in harmony with nature. This fascinating destination is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and exotic animals in the Peruvian Amazon. Becoming an ideal place for those who love nature and like an experiential tourism.
The objective of the Manu National Park is to conserve representative samples of the biological diversity of the tropical forest of southeastern Peru. Contribute to regional development through research, as well as the recognition and protection of cultural diversity and self-determination of the indigenous peoples of the area.
Manu National Park
The Manu National Park, a World Heritage Site, is one of the areas with the greatest biodiversity on the planet. It is located in the departments of Cusco (province of Paucartambo, district of Kosñipata) and Madre de Dios (province of Manu, districts of Fitzcarrald and Manu), covering the whole of the Manu River basin.
Located in the south of Peru, in the eastern sector of the Andes mountain range and western edge of the Amazon basin, it is the only park in Latin America that includes the entire range of environments from tropical lowland to frigid punas, above 4,000 msnm.
The Park was created on May 29, 1973, has an area of 1,716,295.22 hectares and is one of the best destinations for nature tourism. In the lower basin of the Manu Peru River, the exuberance of the Amazon plain stands out. There are up to five recommended areas for tourist visits, with a high diversity of flora and fauna: Salvador, Otorongo, Juárez, Pakitza and Limonal. All navigable circuits in the lakes or oxbow lakes, where you can see the river wolves and the black lizard.
Location
On the western edge of the Amazon biosphere, in the departments of Cusco and Madre de Dios, covering the entire Manu river basin.
Extension
1716 295.22 hectares.
Flora and fauna
The Manu National Park is home to a large number of wildlife species. It has registered about 160 species of mammals, more than 1,000 species of birds (mostly residents), about 140 species of amphibians, 50 species of snakes, 40 of lizards, 6 of turtles, 3 of alligators and 210 of fish.
Among the large mammals are the otorongo (Panthera onca), the black tiger (Felis yagouaroundi), the sachavaca (Tapirus terrestris), the huangana (Tayassu pecari), the sajino (Tayassu tajacu), the deer (Mazama americana), the deer ash (Odocoileus virginianus), the river wolf (Pteronura brasiliensis), the ronsoco (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), the monkey boar (Alouatta seniculus), the black maquisapa (Ateles paniscus), woolly monkey (Lagothrix lagotricha), the white machin monkey ( Cebus albifrons) and the black machin monkey (Cebus apella).
On the other hand, the number of insects in the Manu National Park is very high. It is estimated that there are about 30 million species. At the same time, more than 1,300 species of butterflies, 136 of dragonflies, at least 300 of ants (more than 40 species were found in a single tree) and more than 650 of beetles have been recorded.
As regards the flora of the Manu National Park, the number of plant species is very high. The various registers indicate that there are at least 162 families, 1,191 genera and 4,385 species identified. In a single hectare, up to 250 varieties of trees were found. The forests of aguajales are one of the most outstanding ecosystems, where the palms of aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa) and huasaí (Euterpe precatoria) are the dominant ones. They develop over areas that are almost permanently flooded, especially on the right bank of the Manu River.
It also highlights the presence of the cedar (Cedrela sp.), The cético (Cecropia sp.), The screw (Cedrelinga catenaeformis), the chestnut (Bertholletia excelsa), the lupuna (Chorisia sp.) And the jebe (Hevea brasiliensis).
Manu National Park Tours
In the lower basin of the Manu Peru River you can appreciate the exuberance of the Amazonian plain. Five zones have been allocated for the Manu National Park Tours, where a high diversity of flora and fauna is concentrated, these are: Salvador, Otorongo, Juárez (these three are cochas), Pakitza and Limonal.
In these areas there is a wide variety of circuits and trails to appreciate the beauty of the rainforest. Also noteworthy are the horseshoe lakes or lakes where it is possible to observe species that have disappeared in other ecosystems, such as the river wolf and the black lizard.
Another attraction is the forests on both banks of the Manu River, where it is not only possible to observe a great variety of flora, but numerous associated fauna. A landmark of attraction are the colpas, where many species of fauna flock. The aguajales also allow the concentration of typical fauna, such as the macaws.
When is the best time to visit the Manu National Park?
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can enjoy the Amazon and find Machu Picchu clearly of clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2025 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
Manu National Park Tours Recommendations
- Wear light and light clothing, swimwear, something waterproof (if it rains), sandals and mosquito repellents. The rainy season is from January to March, but unexpected rain can occur all year round. The recommended season is April - December.
- Apply the vaccine against yellow fever 72 hours in advance.
- Also, it is very important to wear sunglasses with UV protection, sunscreen and lipstick. These with the authorized agencies to make the crossing: Vilca Expeditions, Manu Tambopata Travel, Matsiguenka House, Manu Expeditions, Amazon, Peru rails and Manu Learning Center.
- Due to height, dizziness, headache and nausea are common. Therefore, it is advisable to hydrate with coca infusions and take remedies such as Coramina, Gravol or Sorojchi pills.
Hiking tours in the Amazon
Many are the routes that pass through the Amazon, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
- 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 3 Day Inca Trail
- Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
