What is Manu National Park?
The How is Manu National Park Tour is one of the most important protected natural areas in the world. Located in southeastern Peru, between the departments of Cusco and Madre de Dios, this natural paradise was declared a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. With more than 1.7 million hectares, Manu represents one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet.
How to get to Manu National Park?
Most of the tours to Manu depart from the city of Cusco. There are two main access routes:
- Overland route: A road trip through the Andes, passing through picturesque villages such as Paucartambo, until descending into the high jungle or “eyebrow jungle”.
- Air route: Flights from Cusco to the small town of Boca Manu or to Puerto Maldonado, followed by a boat transfer on the Amazonian rivers.
The land route, although longer (approximately 8-10 hours), offers the advantage of appreciating the transition of ecosystems from the Andes to the Amazon, crossing different ecological levels.
Areas of Manu National Park that you can visit
Manu National Park is divided into different zones according to their level of protection:
- Cultural Zone: Area where native communities live and regular tourism is allowed.
- Reserved Zone: Limited access, controlled by SERNANP (National Service of Natural Protected Areas).
- Nuclear Zone: The heart of the park, with access restricted mainly to researchers.
Most of the tourist tours take place in the Cultural Zone and in some parts of the Reserved Zone with the corresponding permits.
Types of tours available in Manu
Depending on the time and budget available, you can choose between:
Short tours (3-4 days)
- Visit to the high part of Manu (eyebrow of the jungle).
- Wildlife observation in the buffer zone
- Walking on established trails
- Visit to viewpoints and waterfalls
Complete tours (5-8 days)
- Deeper exploration of the reserve
- Navigation on the Madre de Dios and Manu rivers.
- Visit to Amazonian lakes (oxbow lakes)
- Increased likelihood of wildlife sightings
- Visit to macaw clay licks
- Interaction with native communities
Specialized Tours
- Photographic tours
- Bird watching tours
- Scientific expeditions (with special permits)
- Cultural immersion tours with native communities
What does a typical tour to Manu include?
Most of the tour packages to Manu include:
- Transportation from Cusco (land and river)
- Lodging in lodges or established camps
- Complete meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Specialized guides (bilingual Spanish-English)
- Scheduled activities and excursions
- Permits to enter authorized zones
- Basic equipment for activities (such as rubber boots)
Day by day: What is a typical tour to Manu like?
Day 1: From Cusco to the High Jungle
- Early departure from Cusco (4:30-5:00 am)
- Drive along the Andean road, passing through the picturesque town of Paucartambo.
- Stop at the Acjanaco viewpoint (3,500 masl) to observe the sunrise over the jungle.
- Descent to the high jungle or jungle browse
- First bird watching walk, especially quetzals and rock gallinules
- Night in high jungle lodge
Day 2: Towards the Selva Baja
- Breakfast and continuation of the descent to the lowland rainforest.
- Arrival at the community of Atalaya and boarding of motor boats.
- Navigation on the Alto Madre de Dios River
- Observation of river fauna (herons, oropendolas, kingfishers).
- Possible sightings of capybaras and caimans
- Arrival at the lodge in the lowland jungle
- Night hike to observe insects, amphibians and spiders
Day 3-4: Exploring the Cochas (Lakes)
- Early morning navigation on the Manu River
- Visit to Cocha Salvador or Cocha Otorongo (Amazonian lakes)
- Silent canoe trip around the lake
- Observation of giant otters, caimans and hoatzins.
- Hiking on primary rainforest trails
- Observation tower to see the forest canopy
- Nights in a lodge inside the reserve
Day 5-6: Wildlife and Communities
- Visit to macaw clay lick (at dawn)
- Specialized hikes to search for monkeys, tapirs and other species
- Visits to native communities (Matsigenka or Yine)
- Learning about traditional medicine and local handicrafts
- Traditional piranha fishing
- Observation of the sunset from strategic viewpoints
Day 7-8: Return to Cusco
- Return navigation on Amazonian rivers
- Stops at points of interest during the trip
- Gradual ascent towards the Andes
- Arrival in Cusco in the afternoon/evening of the last day.
The biodiversity you will be able to observe in Manu
Manu National Park is home to an impressive variety of species:
Mammals:
- 13 species of monkeys (black howler monkey, howler monkey, spider monkey, capuchin monkey)
- Jaguar (hopefully)
- Giant river otter
- Amazonian Tapir
- Capybara or ronsoco
- Pecaries (sajino and huangana)
Birds:
- More than 1,000 species recorded
- Red, blue and yellow macaw
- Harpy eagle
- Cock of the rock
- Hoatzin or “shansho
- Toucans of different species
Reptiles and amphibians:
- Black caiman and white caiman
- Anaconda
- Colorful poisonous frogs
- Aquatic and terrestrial turtles
The probability of a sighting will depend on the season, duration of the tour and some luck.
Best time to visit Manu
Manu can be visited all year round, but there are important considerations:
- Dry season (May to October): Less rain, more accessible trails, higher concentration of animals near water sources. Rivers are lower, which can make access to some areas more difficult.
- Rainy season (November to April): The jungle is greener and more exuberant, there is more fruit and bird activity. Rivers are more abundant, making navigation easier, but some hikes can be more difficult due to mud.
Many specialists recommend the transition months (April-May or October-November) as the best months to visit Manu.
What to bring for a tour to Manu?
Clothing and footwear:
- Lightweight, quick-drying clothing
- Long-sleeved shirts and long pants (insect protection)
- Raincoat or rain poncho
- Wide brimmed hat
- Rubber boots (many tours provide them)
- Sandals for the lodge
Protection:
- High concentration insect repellent (DEET)
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Mosquito net (some lodges provide it)
Equipment:
- Binoculars (essential for wildlife observation)
- Camera with good zoom and moisture protection
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Reusable water bottle
- Plastic bags to protect electronic equipment
Medications:
- Basic personal first aid kit
- Antihistamines (for stings)
- Personal prescription drugs
Important considerations for your visit
Health and safety:
- Yellow fever vaccine (mandatory)
- Medical consultation on malaria prophylaxis
- Travel insurance covering medical evacuation
Environmental impact:
- Take with you all the garbage you generate
- Use biodegradable products (soap, shampoo).
- Keep a safe distance from wildlife
- Always follow the guide’s instructions
Cultural respect:
- Ask permission before photographing people from native communities.
- Respect local customs and traditions
- If you wish to bring gifts to the communities, consult with your tour operator about what is appropriate.
Pricing and how to choose a good operator
The prices of the tours to Manu vary considerably according to:
- Duration of the tour
- Level of comfort (basic lodges vs. luxury lodges)
- Group size
- Season of the year
On average, a 3-4 day tour can cost between $300-500 USD, while a full 7-8 day tour can range from $800-1,500 USD per person.
Tips for choosing a good operator:
- Verify that it has the official permits from SERNANP.
- Looking for operators with certified guides and verifiable experience
- Read reviews from other travelers
- Confirm what exactly is included in the price
- Question on maximum group size
- Verify your sustainability policies
The transforming experience of Manu
Visiting Manu National Park is much more than a tourist trip. It is an immersion in one of the most diverse and best preserved ecosystems on the planet. The experience of waking up to the concert of the jungle, navigating majestic rivers surrounded by lush vegetation and observing animals in their natural habitat will change your perspective on nature and the importance of its conservation.
A tour to Manu will connect you not only with the Amazonian biodiversity, but also with the ancestral cultures that have inhabited these lands for millennia, maintaining a balance with their natural environment.
Frequently asked questions about Manu tours
Is Manu accessible to anyone?
Manu tours require a certain level of physical fitness, as they involve hiking and long hours of travel. However, there are options adapted for different levels of physical activity.
Is there a telephone or internet signal in Manu?
No. One of the attractions (and challenges) of visiting Manu is the total disconnection. There is no phone signal or internet in most of the reserve.
Is it safe to visit Manu?
Yes, with responsible tour operators. The main risks are associated with natural conditions (climate, terrain) rather than other factors.
Can I visit Manu on my own?
Not recommended or practical. Access to protected areas requires special permits and local knowledge. Authorized tour operators facilitate all these procedures.
Will I see many insects and snakes?
The Amazon is home to numerous species of insects and reptiles, but encounters with snakes are relatively rare. Guides are trained to identify and handle these encounters safely.
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