Manu National Park

Manu National Park is a large protected area in southeastern Peru that spans Andean slopes and lowland Amazonian rainforest, noted for exceptional biodiversity. The park preserves intact ecosystems from cloud forest to tropical lowlands and contains many endemic and rare species.

A range of habitats that support wildlife viewing opportunities for species such as macaws, monkeys, tapirs and numerous bird species; guided river and forest excursions concentrate on oxbow lakes, river edges and canopy observation. Visitor infrastructure is limited and focused on a small number of lodges and research stations that operate under conservation rules.

Longer expeditions and multi-day jungle lodges offer the best chance to encounter large mammals and diverse birdlife; access is typically by road and river from regional gateway towns and requires planning due to restricted zones and permit rules.

Set aside for conservation in the 20th century, Manu has been managed to protect both its biodiversity and Indigenous communities; it is recognized internationally for the continuity of its ecosystems and scientific value. Ongoing research and conservation programs monitor wildlife populations and habitat change across the park’s elevation gradient.

Located across the regions of Madre de Dios and Cusco, Manu lies to the southeast of Cusco and stretches from high Andean foothills down into the Amazon basin; common access points are Puerto Maldonado and Cusco.

• Restricted access and logistics: Access to many parts of the park is strictly controlled and usually requires guided trips or permits; most visitors travel via Puerto Maldonado or Cusco.
• Extreme biodiversity: The park protects a full elevation gradient from Andean highlands to Amazon lowlands, making it one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth.

What to See #

• Cloud forest and high-elevation zones: Upper montane and cloud-forest zones that preserve endemic Andean bird species and orchids found at higher elevations of the reserve.
• Lowland rainforest and river basins: Lowland Amazonian rainforest with river systems, oxbow lakes and oxbow lagoons that support giant river otters, tapirs and large macaw populations.
• Research and access zones: Buffer zones, research stations and controlled-access lodges that support long-term biodiversity monitoring and guided ecotourism activities.