Visit the Manu National Park: Why this is a must-see destination!

Daniel Ash – Multimedia Internship Coordinator

Breath-taking landscapes, incredible views and atmosphere! The Manu National Park is a globally renowned haven of biodiversity at the meeting point of the tropical Andes and Amazon Basin in south-western Peru. It is considered to be the most biodiverse place on the planet!

History and statistics of the Manu National Park and Biosphere Reserve

The formal conservation of the area began in 1968 when the Manu National Park was declared. The park was officially established by decree on 29th May 1973,  during the regime of president Juan Velasco Alvarado. UNESCO established the area as a core part of the Manu Biosphere Reserve in 1977 then a world heritage site in 1987. The original inscribed area was extended to encompass 1,716,295 ha in 2009.

The Manu Biosphere Reserve consists of 2,292,806 ha overall, this area includes the Amarakaeri Communal Reserve alongside the Manu National Park. It is known as the largest rainforest reserve in the world. It is protected by the Peruvian National Park Authority SERNANP, a governing body consisting of members from the parks local native communities as well as urbanised areas such as Cusco & Lima.

The Biodiversity contained within this area is considered to be the best in the world, due to the range of altitudinal gradients ranging from 350m a.s.l all the way up to a huge 4000m a.s.l as the national park encompasses the eastern slope of the Andes within its bounds. Within this range is a large variety of habitats and transitional areas, composed of those such as the Andean Puna grasslands, mountainous cloud forests, Yunga forests, lowland tropical rainforests and more.

Photo – Julia Pollak Photo – Bethan John

The ecological conditions to sustain life are immense in variety, including micro-climates, different soil types, high levels of precipitation and the aforementioned altitude levels; all contributing to a rich and thriving ecosystem, pieced together in one large puzzle to form these multiple habitats and ecological niches. 

A huge spectrum of plants, believed to be in the range of 2000-5000 different species can be found in the park, however scientists estimate that there are even more to be discovered! A huge spectrum of plants, believed to be in the range of 2000-5000 different species can be found in the park, however scientists estimate that there are even more to be discovered! 

In terms of fauna, species records to date are as follows:

• 1025 Bird species (including the cock of the rock, white throated toucan and Harpy Eagle)

• 132 Reptiles

To this day, new species are constantly being discovered, overwhelming even the most seasoned of researchers.

The main river, the Alto Madre de Dios, flows through the middle of the Manu biosphere reserve between the Manu national park and the Amarakaeri communal reserve. A tributary, the Manu river, is protected in its entirety and is the main access point to the Manu National Park. Providing passage to all areas through its many winding tributaries, a lifeblood for the human native communities and fauna found here. This river in combination with high levels of seasonal precipitation and the aforementioned factors contribute to a vast number of wetlands and sustenance of humid pristine rainforest sites perfect for harbouring a vast range of species to fulfil ecological niches.

How to get to the Manu National Park

The park is easily accessible from Cusco, the Capital City of the Inca Empire, where there are dedicated minibus services that can take you into the Manu Biosphere Reserve. Flights to Cusco can range from £400/$500 – £1200/$1497 (depending on the time of year and also where you are flying from, it is best to book well in advance! There are occasionally some deals you can take advantage of for those with a keen eye!

Cusco, the Capital City of the Inca Empire

However to get into the heart of the Manu National Park, you will need to utilise a licensed tour company such as Crees, as the park is only accessible by boat via the Madre de Dios river to then access the entrance along the tributary which is the Manu river.

Through Crees we can provide a private minibus through a reputable local company, taking you on the long winding road to Manu from Cusco through the world famous Andes, into the atmospheric Cloud Forest where you can spend the night at one of our partner lodges, having the chance to view the Peruvian National bird the Cock of the Rock in its lek! (A breeding site in the darkest part of the forest)

Eventually waking for an early breakfast and making way down into the lowlands, arriving at the Andean colonised town of Salvacion. From here, travelling a little further to access the Madre de Dios river. There is then the option of our two lodges:

Manu Learning Centre

A biological research station found within the buffer zone of the Manu Biosphere Reserve, situated between the aforementioned Manu National Park and Amarakaeri Communal reserve. We carry out daily research here in a rainforest that has been regenerating from human disturbance for around 30-40 years, we provide experiential learning programmes to cater to those looking expand their career options and also minds

Romero Rainforest Lodge

This lodge is situated within the bounds of the Manu National Park, around 8hrs boat journey further down river within the Primary growth rainforest. We carry out investigations here also, however this is more for a short sustainable tourism experience to see the insides of one of the natural wonders of the world. All income from this is reinvested into our sustainable research, community and tourist programmes to help conserve the area. More information about our tours can be found in the next section.

Tours to the Manu National Park

Manu National Park tours are unforgettable experiences, with the ability to satisfy the tastes of the most avid adventurer. We at Crees are dedicated to providing sustainable, potentially once in a lifetime experiences to see the beauty of this natural wonder. We can provide tours for the generalist, as well as more specialised experiences for the curious herpetologist, dedicated birder, mammal maestros and more!

The cultural history is rich, and there is so much still to be learned about the native communities that inhabit here, alongside the development of the park to how we know it to be today! Regardless of what you see and learn, you will be left gasping for more! 

Tour programmes can range from 4 days/3 nights to 8 days/7 nights and are open to customisation.

See what we have to offer here from the following links:

We are dedicated to ensuring you have a safe experience and are as comfortable as possible in this ancient relic of the world. As previously mentioned, all money is reinvested into our sustainable projects and research programmes, whilst paying back the local communities that enable us to do what we do.

Biodiversity of the Manu National Park

To summarise, here is a list of some keystone species that are possible to see in the area, some more famous than others and also a few endemic to give you an idea of the diversity within the area!

    • Jaguar

    • Harpy Eagle

    • Green Anaconda

    • Bushmaster

    • Puma

    • Ocelot

    • Margay

    • Manu Poison Dart Frog

    • Jaguarundi

    • Giant Otter

    • Neotropical Otter

    • Black Caiman

    • White Caiman (Spectacled)

    • Peruvian Woolly Monkey

    • Black faced Spider Monkey

    • Emperor Tamarin

    • Bolivian Red Howler Monkey

    • Lowland Tapir

    • Brazilian Tapir

    • Boa constrictor

    • Crested Eagle

And so much more! 

What are you waiting for? Come see the Manu National Park today! We look forward to creating unforgettable memories together to cherish for a lifetime!

Emperor Tamarin – Bethan John