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10 Reasons to travel to Manu National Park

We created a list of the top 10 reasons to travel to Manu National Park; one of our favourite destinations for an amazing jungle tour in Peru. If you don´t know exactly what to expect from this natural wonder, this article is made for you.

A group of people spotting with binoculars at the canopy of lower Manu jungle | Responsible Travel Peru
Spotting animals at the canopy of lower Manu jungle

FIRST: Manu is one of the most biodiverse places on earth

The Manu National Park is one of the natural areas with the richest biodiversity in the world and most of its territory is protected under the highest category: National Park. Its biodiversity encompasses diverse ecosystems, such as the Puna, the Cloud Forest, the High Jungle and the Amazon Basin.

SECOND: Manu (should be) one of the 7 natural wonders of the world

As is home to 20,000 plant species, 1,000 bird species, 222 mammal species and a large number of yet to be defined species of reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects.

Big Black Caiman in the middle of the river | Responsible Travel Peru
The big Black Caiman is an endangered species protected by an international convention

THIRD: In Manu you can spot rarely seen species

In Manu, it is possible to observe endangered species more frequently than in other protected areas, such as the giant otter or large black caimans. You also get the chance of spotting other species normally difficult to see, such as the jaguar and tapir.

FOURTH: The journey from Cusco to Manu is worth it

The way from Cusco to Manu is one of the most spectacular routes in terms of nature and landscape, which change constantly. Mountain valleys, fairytale villages like Paucartambo with its beautiful river Mapacho, Puna, snow-capped mountains, cloud forests and the high and low jungle. Do not forget to take some beautiful pictures.

FIFTH: The road is a birdlover´s paradise

The route to Manu, globally known as the Manu Road, is considered by birdwatchers as one of the Top 10 in the world: a great diversity of bird species can be seen as the road descends through various ecosystems.

Mural depicting Manu's natural richness at a point where locals wait for ground transportation | Responsible Travel Peru
A colorful “bus stop” at Atalaya, the main river port in the south section of Manu National Park

SIXTH: Manu is a World Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO declared Manu as a World Biosphere Reserve. This means that there is a sustainable interaction between the natives and the natural resources of the various ecosystems that must be protected and promoted to favour conservation and development.

SEVENTH: Local ethnic communities are grateful for your visit

Manu is inhabited by various ethnic groups that protect their jungle. Some of them, like the Huachipaeris and the Matsiguenkas, nowadays focus on sustainable tourism as an economic alternative and means for protecting their ancestral jungle. They offer programs to show travellers the jungle through their eyes.

Young Matsigenkas show bow and arrow are used | Responsible Travel Peru
Young Matsigenkas of the Shipetiari Native Community show how to use bow and arrow still in use these days

EIGHTH: Protecting Manu means protecting its nomadic tribes

Manu is one of the last refuges on the planet for natives who have no contact with civilization. These nomadic tribes live solely from the resources obtained from the jungle. It is difficult to meet them and avoidance is recommended, but in case of an encounter, you have to respect their voluntary isolation and maintain distance.

NINTH: Manu offers stunning sunsets

From the viewpoint of Tres Cruces, at the entrance of the Manu National Park, you can observe a natural phenomenon: when the sun rises in the east at dusk, it reflects in the clouds above you and gives you the impression that you are looking at a sunset over a giant ocean.

TENTH: Manu teaches us to take care of our beautiful country

The time has come that the whole world, and especially the Peruvians, get to know the wonderful country in which they live and be proud of it, and thereby be united in a common goal: to protect our natural resources and make use of its vast potential for the sustainable development of the country.

Close up of man hands after finishing planting a seedling in Manu | Responsible Travel Peru
You can do a small (or large) contribution to reforestation efforts in the vicinities of Manu National Park

Now that you’ve read through our 10 reasons to travel to Manu National Park, are you ready to travel? Browse through all the tours we have crafted to explore Manu and please share this information with like-minded travellers.

If you haven’t found what you are looking for yet, feel free to contact our Travel Designers so they can create the right itinerary specifically for you.

By Tito Cornejo

Browse all our tours to Manu

Click on the tour you like most to find all the information and book directly!
  • Child Matsiguenga posing for our photographer | Responsible Travel Peru
    Once in a lifetime adventure

    Exploration to the heart of the Manu National Park

    6 Days 5 Nights
    Availability : From April to November
    Experience the Manu National Park, including contact with the Matsigenka native community, expert hunters and connoisseurs of the medicinal secrets of Amazonian plants.
    FromUSD$1,030
  • Lush cloud forest and river flowing down to Manu plains | RESPONSible Travel Peru
    Wake up your inner Jaguar

    Manu Spirit, Nature and Culture

    5 Days, 4 Nights
    Availability : April-November
    The right amount of time for all that Manu offers, including wellness activities. Experience a real trip from Andes to Amazon with no rush.
    FromUSD$540
  • ©️ Maxime Aliaga
    From the Andes to the clouds

    Between the cloudforest and rainforest of Manu

    4 Days, 3 Nights
    Availability : All year round
    Head down to the cloudforest and rainforest of Peru, discovering two different habitats and types of wildlife on one trip.
    FromUSD$590
  • Hot springs are channeled to man-made pools in Aguas Calientes Lodge, Shituya, Manu | Responsible Travel Peru
    The cheapest Manu tour

    Manu Community and Wildlife Experience

    4 Days, 3 Nights
    Availability : April-November
    Visiting Manu despite being on a budget is made possible in this tour thanks to the use of public transportation!
    FromUSD$545
  • Rosbert with the indigenous team of Albergue Pankotsi in Shipetiari, Manu National Park. Community-Based and Sustainable tourism with RESPONSible Travel Peru.
    Meet the people of Manu

    Two communities of Manu. A visit to Shipetiari and Shintuya

    5 Days, 4 Nights
    Availability : April-November
    This tour provides a great balance between a nature tour and a cultural one, given the fact that Manu is diverse both ways
    FromUSD$480

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ABOUT RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL PERU

RESPONS’ mission is to improve living conditions in Peru through developing and promoting sustainable tourism. We’ve implemented a business model in which all areas of human relations are respected, and - equally important - respect for the planet is incorporated.

Following this business model, we practice fair trade, foster cultural identity, promote equal opportunities, and we preserve the environment that surrounds us and other species.

Together with you we improve, day by day, on the always-demanding path towards sustainability.

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Between the cloudforest and rainforest of Manu

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