Manu National Park
If there is any place on our planet that can resemble paradise, we can undoubtedly affirm that it is Manu National Park, located in the Amazonian area of the Madre de Dios and Cusco regions.
The Peruvian Amazon never shows itself as openly as it does in Manu National Park, a Natural World Heritage Site.
Here everything seems to be in its purest form: an incredible number of species, some 221 species of mammals, thousands of birds and the full range of climates from lowland rainforest to the icy punas at over 4000 meters above sea level. Manu is also home to native populations that preserve their traditions; some are completely isolated on a voluntary basis.
Even with secrets to be discovered, what Manu shows us is as wonderful as it is unforgettable.The latest contribution to the popularity of this place are certainly video clips on social platforms, promoted by The Marketing Heaven, which attracts tourists from all over the world to discover its secrets.
How to get to Manu National Park?
Lima-Puerto Maldonado:
Flight: 1 h 40 min approx.
Puerto Maldonado-Salvación:
Boat: 1 day approximately
What to do in Manu National Park?
- Visit the tres cruces viewpoint and admire the sunrise.
- Travel through its streams by boat and have an encounter with the caimans.
- Observe the biodiversity that exists there
Manu National Park protects a representative sample of the biological diversity, as well as the diverse landscapes of the lowland jungle, the jungle and the Andes of southeastern Peru that this magical place has to offer.
In addition, its presence contributes to the recognition and protection of cultural diversity, as well as to the self-determination of the indigenous peoples of the area.
Manú National Park protects one of the most important areas in the world in terms of the great diversity of biological species. Its vast expanse includes frigid mountains – exceeding 4,000 meters above sea level; rugged forested mountains that give rise to a multitude of small streams and valleys; cloud forests of high jungle and finally the Amazonian plain. This incredible and unique scenery includes a large and complex hydrographic system and guarantees the presence of a diversity of ecosystems little intervened by man.
In such circumstances, the biological diversity of Manu National Park is manifested in all its splendor in a unique landscape in the world. The tropical forests of Manu have allowed the ecological and evolutionary processes to take place almost without the presence of man, however, in the area there is also an enormous cultural wealth, represented by the current indigenous populations in different levels of contact with the outside world, and an archaeological heritage not yet revealed in all its magnitude.
Since 1977, Manu National Park has had the status of Biosphere Reserve, which was granted by UNESCO. Within its borders are the Territorial Reserve of the Kugapakori and Nahua ethnic groups, the Megantoni National Sanctuary and the Amarakaeri Communal Reserve. In 1987, it was declared a World Natural Heritage Site.
A large part of Manu National Park is indigenous territory. The Yora, Mashko-Piro, Matsiguenka, Harakmbut, Wachipaeri and Yine communities ancestrally inhabit the forests and rivers of these jungles. The native communities of Tayakome and Yomibato are recognized within the area. Both are located in the upper reaches of the Manu River. In the southwestern sector, there is an association of farmers known as Callanga. In addition, in the northwestern sector adjacent to Manu National Park (and in the interior) there are an undetermined number of indigenous populations in voluntary isolation.
Flora and fauna
Manu National Park is home to a large number of wildlife species. About 160 species of mammals, more than 1,000 species of birds (mostly resident), about 140 species of amphibians, 50 species of snakes, 40 species of lizards, 6 species of turtles, 3 species of caimans and 210 species of fish have been recorded.
Among the large mammals are the otorongo (Panthera onca), the black tiger (Felis yagouaroundi), the sachavaca (Tapirus terrestris), the huangana (Tayassu pecari), the peccary (Tayassu tajacu), the deer (Mazama americana), the ashy deer (Odocoileus virginianus), the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), the ronsoco (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), the coto monkey (Alouatta seniculus), the black maquisapa (Ateles paniscus), the choro monkey (Lagothrix lagotricha), the white howler monkey (Cebus albifrons) and the black howler monkey (Cebus apella).
On the other hand, the number of insects in Manu National Park is very high. It is estimated that there are about 30 million species. In turn, more than 1,300 species of butterflies, 136 species of dragonflies, at least 300 species of ants (more than 40 species were found in a single tree) and more than 650 species of beetles have been recorded.
Regarding the flora of Manu National Park, the number of plant species is very high. The various records indicate that there are at least 162 families, 1,191 genera and 4,385 identified species. In a single hectare, up to 250 varieties of trees have been found. The aguajal forests are one of the most outstanding ecosystems, where the aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa) and huasaí (Euterpe precatoria) palms are dominant. They grow in areas that are almost permanently flooded, especially on the right bank of the Manu River.
Cedar (Cedrela sp.), cético (Cecropia sp.), tornillo (Cedrelinga catenaeformis), castaña (Bertholletia excelsa), lupuna (Chorisia sp.) and jebe (Hevea brasiliensis) are also present.
Climate
The climatic conditions in Manu National Park are highly variable. The climate is generally very rainy and rainfall varies according to altitude. In the southern zone (which is the highest), annual rainfall ranges from 1,500 to 2,000 mm. In the middle sector it increases from 3,000 to 3,500 mm. The highest record is reached in the northwestern sector with more than 8,000 mm.
In the dry season, from May to September, rainfall decreases and the temperature drops. The thermal regime is also very variable, since the Amazonian zone is warm, with an average annual temperature of 25.6° C, and the Andean zone is cold with an average annual temperature of 8° C.
Tourist routes
In the lower basin of the Manu River, the exuberance of the Amazon plain can be appreciated. Five zones have been set aside for visits, where a high diversity of flora and fauna is concentrated: Salvador, Otorongo, Juarez (these three are oxbow lakes), Pakitza and Limonal.
In these areas there are a variety of circuits and trails to appreciate the beauty of the rainforest. Also noteworthy are the horseshoe-shaped lakes or oxbow lakes where it is possible to observe species that have disappeared in other ecosystems, such as the giant otter and the black lizard.
Another attraction are the forests on both banks of the Manu River, where it is not only possible to observe a great variety of flora, but also numerous associated fauna. A landmark attraction are the colpas, where numerous species of fauna flock. The aguajales also allow the concentration of typical fauna, such as macaws.
The Tres Cruces viewpoint, at the southern end of the park, allows you to appreciate spectacular sunrises at more than 3,600 meters above the Amazon plain. Through an optical phenomenon -especially between May and August, when the sky is clear- one has the impression that the sun appears twice in the same sunrise. In addition, two opposing panoramic views can be appreciated: the highlands to the south and the impenetrable cloud forest to the north. From this place you can take a signposted walking circuit of approximately 7 km (3 h) from the Acjanaco guard post to the Pillahuata ranch.
Manu National Park has one of the most renowned research centers for the tropics: the Cocha Cashu biological station. In addition, in the lower Manu River basin there are five camping areas, three lookout points or breakwaters, three lodges, an 18-meter-high metal tower in Cocha Otorongo, and an elevated trail with a platform in the Limonal sector.
In addition, you can visit the Interpretation Center located at the El Limonal guard post.
Did you know that Manu National Park has the greatest biodiversity in the world? That’s right! We have hundreds of species of animals and plants in this protected area that occupies part of the departments of Cusco and Madre de Dios. Its extension crosses icy punas that exceed 4000 meters above sea level, forested mountains, ravines, valleys, cloud forests of high jungle, and finally, the vast Amazon plain. That is to say, it is made up of landscapes of the low jungle, the jungle and the Andes of southeastern Peru. This incredible variety of scenarios gives us a large number of ecosystems, many of them without human intervention.
Tourism in Manu National Park
Tourism is of vital importance for all of our National Parks and Reserves. In the case of Manu National Park, among the activities that can be done we can find: camping in the lower basin of the Manu River (there are five camping areas), in addition to visiting three viewpoints or breakwaters, a metal tower of 18m. high in Otorongo oxbow lake, from which you can see the huge green horizon of the park. You can also hike, navigate the rivers and streams to appreciate the rich diversity of animal species, as well as go bird watching. The “Manu Route” is one of the most famous in the world, for the great diversity of birds that you can find.
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