Travel time: At least one week

When to go: From June to October

Attractions

The Manu National Park is a natural intangible area protected by the State. It have the greatest biodiversity on the planet. according , UNESCO report in 1977 declared it biosphric reserve because of its importance to the future of humanity.

The Manu includes 1’881,000 hectares divided into three areas: the first and the largest, encompassing 1’533,000 hectares, consists of the park itself, where no one is allowed to enter unless expressly authorized; the second comprises 257,000 hectares. In this area, research may be carried out as well as certain controlled tourist activities. The third area covering 91,000 hectares is for multiple uses and all kinds of human activities are permitted.

Location and Characteristics

The territory of the park covers an area which includes puna, High Jungle  (the foothills of the Eastern Andean Range) and Low Jungle or Jungle Plain which is its largest area. As a consequence of the different altitudes, it has diverse climates ranging from cold and dry in the highest parts, to humid in the overcast forests and warm in the Amazon plain. The temperature varies from 3˚ and 25˚C with a maximum of 35˚C. The annual rainfall also varies from 1,000 mm in the Andean sector to 4,000 mm in the cloudy forest.

Located at 650 km from Puerto Maldonado, the largest part of the park’s territory belongs to the Province of Manu, in the Department of Madre de Dios, and the smallest part, to the Province of Paucartambo, Department of Cusco. The park is crossed by the almost 300 km long Manu river which flows in curves, skirting hills of several sizes. This meandering favors the formation of temporary and permanent lakes that provide an ideal refuge for many species of birds.

The reserve contains more species of plants and animals than any similar park anywhere in the world, including some already extinct in other areas, and some unknown and still not catalogued by science. In fact, thus far, only 13 of the 33 different species of trees and lianas solely representing the ficoid genus have been identified. The number of different species varies between 2,000 and 3,000 and it is believed that at least 10% are new to science.

Difficulties

Torrid heat, humidity, mosquitoes, and all those problems to be expected during a long river journey where there is no possibility of lying down or having any privacy.

Clothing and Equipment

Lights clothes for the daytime and slightly thicker for evening. Slacks and light shirts with long sleeves, a poncho or plastic raincoat and rubber boots (which can be rented), sport or tennis shoes, and a swim suit and hat. Also carry a mosquito net and insect repellent.

The main agencies and institutions scheduling expeditions to the Manu are located in Cusco. They provide the required logistics for the trip which include legal paperwork and relevant permits, transportation from Cusco, guides, cooks, provisions, accommodations, etc. The average cost per week is US$600.

How To Get There

It is necessary to travel from Lima to Cusco. Two options exist there, and organized excursion by a specialized travel agency or taking the trip on your own, in which case you must be prepared to embark on the time-consuming procedure to obtain the required authorization, and to adhere to a duly established travel schedule which should to any modifications.

This beautiful but difficult journey may take between 12 and 24 hours, according to the state of repair of the road and the means of transport used, whether truck or station wagon.

RIVER RUNNING

Peru has a large number of rivers and waterways in which river running is practiced. Several rivers on the Coast, in the Highlands and Jungle are appropriate for this sport which produces an additional dose of adrenaline in the human body. The Apurimac, Huallaga, Mayo, Utcumbamba, Tambopata, and dozens of other rivers are a permanent invitation for those eager to brave the rough waters. However, not many have the necessary technical background and implements to venture into this pursuit. The rivers Urubamba and Colca in the Southern Highlands, Santa in the Northern Highlands, and Cañete near Lima, offer the best possibilities.

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