Jaguar

(Panthera onca)
- © Graeme Ozburn

About Manu

Welcome to Manu!

Manu National Park, established in 1973, is a "World Heritage Site" recognized for its unique and internationally acclaimed biodiversity. The Manu Biosphere encompasses Andean Mountain Cloud Forest, Tropical Lowland Forest, Alto Madre de Dios and Manu river drainage systems, and covers an area equivalent to half of Switzerland. It is subdivided into a National Park and two adjacent zones for tourism and cultural subsistence. Home to over 1000 Bird Species, 15,000 Plant Species, 200 Mammal Species, and countless Insect Species, the Park also contains indigenous peoples living untouched by modern society in the heart of the jungle.

Manu has abundant wildlife, including Jaguars, Tapirs, Anteaters, Black Caimans, and Giant Otters. There are 15 species of monkeys, including the Pygmy Marmoset, the world's smallest monkey, and the nocturnal Night Monkey. Due to the low human population and traditional hunting techniques, animals in the park are unafraid of humans, allowing for easy sightings. Manu provides unmatched opportunities to observe wildlife.

Wildlife aside, however, the journey into the park itself is a spectacle not to be missed. Normally accessible by road, the two-day trip from Cusco to the Manu Reserve Zone entrance takes you through the Andes Mountains, past pre-Inca ruins, Clouds Forests, and eventually to lush, lowland rainforest. The unpaved roads wind past cascading waterfalls, deep gorges, and precipices. Visiting Manu is a complete and unforgettable experience for any tourist.