Without a doubt, Peru is known for having an impressive variety of natural spaces. Since ancient times, each of its landscapes has been considered a visual spectacle, both for tourists and locals. One of the most enchanting places in the Inca country is the Manu National Park.
This destination is a must-visit that you cannot overlook if you want to have a truly magical experience. It is worth mentioning that this park is the place with the highest biodiversity on the entire planet. If you're thinking of visiting, we recommend reading this blog! We have prepared a complete guide to make your trip spectacular!
It doesn’t matter whether you're a tourist or a Peruvian looking for new adventures in your country. Read this article to the end and fall in love with the Manu National Park!
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What is Manu and where is it located?
The Manu National Park or Manu Biosphere Reserve is a natural area covering an average of 2 million hectares. Specifically, it is located bordering the western part of the Amazon Basin.
This park is part of both Cusco and Madre de Dios. In addition to being a paradisiacal place due to its natural beauty, it is important to mention that it was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1977.
Most Important Features of Manu National Park
Manu National Park stands out for being a place completely out of the ordinary, which is why it has long been a tourist destination of interest. Some important features worth mentioning are:
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The evolutionary and ecological processes that Manu National Park has undergone have occurred with almost no human participation.
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The main communities living in the areas near the park are indigenous groups that have been settled there since ancient times.
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It is a park with an abundant number of more than 1,000 bird species, over 200 mammals, more than 150 amphibians, and around 132 reptiles.
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All the ecological floors that make up the Amazon can be found in Manu National Park.
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The variety of trees is also impressive, with up to 250 species discovered in a single hectare of the reserve.
Must-See Highlights of Manu National Park
Surely, you want to visit Manu National Park, and it's a great choice. However, it’s important to know which areas you shouldn’t miss and the available activities to make your tour exceptional. In this section, we’ll give you more details.
The first thing to keep in mind is that Manu is divided into two areas concerning tourist visits: the reserved area and the cultural area. Let’s look a little deeper into each and what you can do there.
Cultural Area
The cultural area of Manu National Park is a space where you will find more people and settled communities. Consider that if you go to Manu without a prior tour, you can only reach this area. If you wish to go further, Guru Explorers offers tours to the reserved area of Manu National Park.
Although this area doesn’t have the biodiversity of the reserved area, it doesn't mean it isn’t a good stop to explore. Even if you’re farther away, it’s still possible to enjoy an approach to the jungle.
Activities in the Cultural Area of Manu National Park
There are several things to do in the cultural area, and the most significant is a complete walk from Pilcopata to Santa Rosa de Huacaria. The walk takes about two hours.
An important part of this experience is that you can enjoy a delicious local lunch and take a bath in the river with an impressive view of the vegetation.
Reserved Area
If you want to fully experience your visit to Manu National Park, you must take the tour to the reserved area offered by Guru Explorers! The natural magic begins here!
What’s most beautiful about this place is the incredible preservation of every square inch of nature. Thanks to the amazing natural conditions, biodiversity is present every meter of the way.
In the dense forests, you can spot endangered species, such as the giant river otter, the black caiman, and the spectacled bear.
Activities in the Reserved Area of the Park
To be honest, there is so much to do in this area, starting with a boat ride along the Madre de Dios River. This experience is maximized due to the majestic presence of birds like herons and jungle condors.
Additionally, from the boat, you’ll have the striking view of jaguars who often bathe on the riverbanks. As if that weren’t enough, the adventure doesn’t end until you spot beautiful white caimans.
The activities don’t stop here! If you want something a little more adventurous, you’ll enjoy a nighttime walk with an expert.
How to Visit Manu?
If you want to visit Manu National Park, you can do it on your own, but you will only be able to enter the cultural area. However, if you wish to reach the reserved area, you must hire a tour. You must enter the reserved area of the park guided by an expert.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What is the climate like in Manu National Park?
The climate is tropical, with an average temperature of 32°C (89°F), though it can vary between 25°C (77°F) and 42°C (107°F). During the summer season, from December to March, rainfall is frequent, especially in the afternoon. On the other hand, between June and September, the climate can be cooler due to occasional “cold fronts” from Patagonia, which can reduce the temperature to 10°C (50°F), so it's important to be prepared for temperature variations.
2. What clothes should I bring?
For your tour to Manu National Park, it’s recommended to wear light, cotton clothing during the day to handle the tropical heat. However, if you’re traveling between June and September, it's advisable to include thicker garments like sweaters or jackets due to the cold fronts that may lower temperatures to 10°C (50°F). Keep in mind that the cabins and rooms in the lodges in the area are not completely airtight, so the outdoor cold may be felt at night.
During the summer season (December to March), it’s important to bring rain-appropriate clothing, as rain is common in this season.
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What is the best time to visit Manu National Park?
The best time to visit Manu National Park depends on your preferences and planned activities. If you prefer warmer weather and don’t mind the chance of rain, the summer season from December to March is ideal. Although rain is frequent in the afternoon, temperatures are higher, making daytime exploration more comfortable.
If you prefer to avoid the rain and don’t mind cooler weather, the months between June and September are also good for visiting, though you should be prepared for cold fronts that can lower temperatures to 10°C (50°F), making it cooler at night. In this case, it’s important to bring warm clothing.
In short, the best time depends on your personal preferences: if you don’t mind rain, summer (December-March) is excellent; if you prefer cooler temperatures and less rain, consider June to September.
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What kind of food can you find in the area?
The cuisine in Manu is influenced by local culture and the availability of fresh products from the Amazon region. During your visit, you can enjoy a variety of typical dishes, many of which are made with native ingredients from the jungle. Some common foods include:
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River fish dishes: River fish, especially species like paiche or doncella, are key ingredients in the local diet. They are prepared in various ways, such as fried, grilled, or in soups.
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Plantains and yuca: These two ingredients are staples in Amazonian cuisine. Plantains are consumed in various forms, such as fried or mashed, while yuca is used in stews or can be fried, forming a local version of “French fries.”
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Soups and stews: Soups and stews are common, often including pork, chicken, or fish, along with native vegetables like sweet potato and malanga.
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Slices of meat: Meats like pork or chicken are cooked simply but deliciously, usually served with rice and fresh salads.
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Traditional drinks: In the region, drinks such as masato (a fermented drink made from yuca) and natural juices made from tropical fruits like camu camu, passion fruit, or soursop are consumed.
It’s important to note that food can vary depending on where you stay, as most local communities prepare dishes with fresh, jungle-sourced ingredients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Manu National Park is a magical destination that allows you to connect with true nature at its finest. At the same time, it’s an ideal opportunity to interact with local communities and learn all about their culture and way of life.
If you want to embark on your unique journey to Manu National Park, you can count on Guru Explorers! We have the best tours and are ready to experience this adventure with you!