Manu - The Amazon

Manu, located in the southeast area of Peru, is one of the largest parks in South America. The area of the park encompasses parts of the Andean department of Cusco and the jungle department of Madre de Dios. Manu protects 2 million hectares (4.5 million acres) of a territory rich in flora and fauna species, and a variety of habitats including high Andes, cloud forests, and lowland tropical rain forests. In 1977, UNESCO officially recognized this natural paradise as a world heritage site.

Manu is a Biosphere Reserve because it contains the best existing example of biodiversity in protected areas of rain forest, as well as endemic areas of cloud forest. Humans have altered the majority of forests in the world. Fortunately, Manu has remained intact and untouched by civilization.

In The Manu, we can observe a variety of animals in their natural habitats, including: Giant Otters (Pteronura brasilensis), Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger), the majestic Jaguar (Panthera onca), the strange Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus), the Tapir (Tapirus terrestris), the Ocelot (Felis pardalis), 13 species of primates and an estimated of one thousand species of birds including species of seven Macaws (Ara sp.).

Manu also contains 10% of the world plant species, including several species of figs and palms, as well as countless species of medicinal plants that scientists are currently cataloguing. A single hectare of forest in Manu can have up to 220 species of trees, while a hectare of temperate forest in Europe or North America may only have 20 species of trees. The Manu National Park is probably the most biologically diverse and protected park on the planet.

*ACTIVITIES

• Canopy Tower – Our 30 meter scaffolding canopy tower gives you spectacular views of the vast expanses of standing forest. You will have good chances of spotting toucans, parrots, macaws or mixed species canopy flocks.
• Lake – We will paddle around the Lake Condenado on a catamaran, looking for wildlife such a hoatzin, caiman or horned screamers.
• Claylicks – From a blind you will see parrots and parakeets descend on most clear days to ingest the clay on a river bank.
• Cultural Activities – Visit an ethnobotanical trail, working jungle farm, and a real Brazil nut concession.
• Extra Activities– Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Canopy Climbing, Children’s Trail, Wellness Center

Travel Connections provides breakfast and dinner and all transfers during their tours.