Manu Biosphere Reserve in the Peruvian Amazon: How to Get There & What to Do

Manu Biosphere Reserve is the preeminent reserve in the Peruvian Amazon, comprising 2 million hectares stretching between the departments of Cusco and Madre de Dios. Many travelers dream of visiting the tropical rainforest of the Amazon, and stopping by Manu is a great way to do it, as it’s believed to house the greatest biodiversity range on the planet, providing refuge for many endangered species, including the jaguar, river wolf, and the spectacled bear.

Manu is divided into the pristine and prohibited Nuclear Zone, the Buffer Zone, where eco-tourism and controlled scientific research is permitted; and the Cultural Zone, which is open to all. The tropical rainforest within the reserve is carved by rivers which rush from the high Andes down into the Amazon basin, widening and slowing, branching off and separating into cochas or lagoons which are the principal habitats of wildlife. As visitors delve into the labyrinth of rivers and lagoons, they enter a different world, with lush vegetation and a matchless biodiversity boasting more than 20,000 plant species, 1200 butterfly species, 1000 bird species, 200 mammal species, and 13 primates. In fact, Manu boasts the highest bird, mammal and plant diversity of any park on the planet. Of the 14 monkey species such as the squirrel monkey and maquisapa, you can see the leoncito, the world smallest. You can also observe manatees, felines, sloth, possums, capybara, agoutis, boa, giant tortoises, pecari, tapirs, North Andean and red deer, egrets and more! Scientists estimate that around 12,000 species in the Manu Biosphere Reserve remain to be identified.

All this wildlife relies on lush vegetation that is always green, including the gigantic trees of the area, such as the Caoba and the Lupuna, which reach up to 60 mts. in height, and other plants such as palms and heliconia. From the canopy hang lianas and climbing plants. Manu protects a surprising 10% of the world’s vascular plants- just one hectare can shelter more than 220 tree species.

 

Aside from protecting the natural wealth of Manu, there are also indigenous communities which live within the reserve, among them the Amahuaca, Yune, Nahua, Amarakaeri, Huashipaire, and the Matsiguenka, the last of whom admit travelers into their community. They, and the petroglyphs and ruins scattered throughout the jungle, provide a glimpse at a rich cultural history of the Peruvian Amazon.

 

What to Do in Manu!

Those of you interested in eco-tourism will greatly enjoy a visit to Manu, camping along the riverside or staying in community-operated eco-lodges, walking trails or going by canoe while observing the unique surrounding flora and fauna with your naturalist guide. Trips begin by land or air, than by motorboat along the river as you delve into the jungle.

Pirwa Travel Service offers some 3, 4, and 5 day packages for exploring Manu. You begin in Cusco, downhill biking from the high Andes through distinct ecological floors by bike, watching the landscapes change as we descend through the Cloud and Dwarf Forests until we reach the tropical rainforest. Along the larger than life route, there are stops to observe the pre-Incan Ninamarca tombs and the courtship dance of the bright Cock of the Rocks. Then we’ll canoe into the rainforest along the Pilcopata River, meeting the Matshiguenka tribe and exploring jungle trails as we watch the alligatos, monkeys, and parrots. Lodging in the park is in eco-lodges or by camping along the riverside.

Getting There

Manu is located 403 miles from the hot and isolated regional capital of Puerto Maldonado, which acts as a gateway for the reserve. (We have a hostel in Puerto Maldonado as well, for those of you who are looking to stay a while.) Puerto Maldonaldo can be reached by land route from Cusco, or by air via Lima. (You may arrive by air from Cusco as well, but by contracting light aircraft rather than public transport.) From there one can move up the Manu River by motorboat.

It is recommendable to arrive from Cusco in organized package tours, as entry is not sold to individuals but to authorized agencies.

• From May to October it’s very hot, with cool nights and frequent rains. The rainy season goes from January to March, but there can be unexpected rains throughout the year, so travelers bring your rain poncho regardless!
• Tours may not operate, or may operate but with significant changes, during the rainy season, depending on water levels.
• Prepare for heat (daily temperature averages 35ºC during the day and 25ºC during the night), but cover your limbs, by finding long-sleeved shirts in light fabrics as protection against insect-bourne diseases.