Perou Decouverte
Perou Decouverte
The Manu National Park, established on May 29, 1973, by supreme decree, spans 1,716,295 hectares in the departments of Madre de Dios and Cusco. This immense UNESCO Biosphere Reserve protects a unique ecological gradient ranging from 300 to 3,800 meters in altitude, from Amazonian forests up to the high Andean peaks.
📅 International Recognitions:
• 1977: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
• 1987: World Heritage Site
• 2008: Important Bird Area
The park is structured into three complementary zones: the protected core zone (national park), a reserved zone for indigenous communities (257,000 ha), and a cultural transition zone (120,000 ha). This organization allows for reconciling biodiversity protection with respect for local populations.
A true sanctuary of wildlife, Manu is home to emblematic species such as the jaguar, giant otter, tapir, and seven different species of macaws, making this park a jewel of global conservation and a living testament to the Amazonian natural wealth.
Emblems: Peruvian Cock-of-the-Rock, Military Macaw, Quetzal, Harpy Eagle
Unique Spectacle: Gatherings of hundreds of macaws at clay licks (collpas)
Predators: Jaguar, Puma, Ocelot
Aquatic: Giant Otter, River Otter
Others: Tapir, Andean Bear, Giant Armadillo
Reptiles: Caimans, Anacondas, Boas
World Record: 3,100 species of ants
Diversity: Butterflies, Dragonflies, Nocturnal Amphibians
Giants: Kapok, Cedar, Walnut (45m+)
Utility: Rubber Tree (Hevea)
Fruit Trees: Banana, Papaya
Flowers: Giant Orchids, Heliconias
Aquatic: Giant Water Lily (Victoria)
Epiphytes: Ferns, Lichens, Lianas
Low Altitude: Dense Tropical Forest
Mid Altitude: Cloud Forests
High Altitude: Cactus, Bromeliads
Manu benefits from exceptional natural protection due to its isolation. Ecological integrity is demonstrated by the presence of large predators in natural densities (Jaguar, Puma, Harpy Eagle) and the near-total absence of invasive species.
Integrated into a vast conservation network with the Alto Purus and Megantoni parks, Manu forms ecological corridors extending into the Brazilian and Bolivian Amazon. The entire watershed of the Río Manu is protected, guaranteeing the preservation of this unique ecosystem.
From the Andean highlands to the Amazonian forests, passing through the spectacular Tres Cruces viewpoint, Manu National Park offers a complete immersion into one of the planet's most intact ecosystems, preserved by indigenous peoples and exemplary conservation management.
Departments:
Cusco & Madre de Dios
Provinces:
Paucartambo & Manu
Districts:
Kosñipata, Manu, Fitzcarrald
🌞 Dry Season: April to November
🌧️ Rainy Season: December to March
🌡️ Temperature: 5°C to 30°C
❄️ Type: Cold, Humid, and Hot
Segment: Lima → Cusco
Transport: Commercial Flight
Duration: 1 hour (1160 km)
Land: Cusco → Paucartambo → Acjanaco → Tres Cruces
Transport: 4x4 / Tourist Bus
Duration: 4 hours (143 km)
Land: Cusco → Atalaya (8h)
River: Atalaya → Pusharo (5h)
River: Alto Madre de Dios / Palotoa
Land: Cusco → Atalaya (8h)
River: Atalaya → Limonal (7h)
Next: Limonal → Pakitza (5h)
💡 Important: Access to Manu National Park is regulated. It is mandatory to go through **tour operators authorized by SERNANP**. River travel times may vary depending on river flow.
🏢 Agencies: Only with **operators authorized by SERNANP**
⏱️ Duration: Stays of 3 to 12 days departing from Cusco
🕒 Operating Hours by Sector:
💉 Health: Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory (10 days prior)
General: S/. 30.00
Nationals: S/. 11.00
Locals: S/. 5.00
General: S/. 60.00
Nationals: S/. 30.00
Locals: S/. 15.00
General: S/. 150.00
Nationals: S/. 75.00
Locals: S/. 35.00
ℹ️ Notes: Children (5-16 years) reduced rates • Under 5 years free • Local residents upon presentation of DNI
🎉 Free Entrance Days: May 29, June 24, Sept 27, Oct 17, Dec 26 + last Sunday of the month
📧 Email: pnmanu@sernanp.gob.pe
🌐 Website: http://www.visitmanu.com/
📱 Park Chief: +51 968 218 622