Manu National Park

Manu National Park spans an incredible altitudinal gradient from 4,000 meters in the Andes down to 150 meters in the Amazon lowlands. This 1.7 million hectare park in southeastern Peru contains more biodiversity than almost anywhere else on Earth. The park's pristine condition and variety of ecosystems make it a crucial refuge for countless species. Manu harbors over 1,000 bird species (10% of the world's total), 200 mammal species including jaguar and giant otter, and an estimated 15,000 plant species. The park is famous for its clay licks where hundreds of parrots and macaws gather daily. Several indigenous groups, including uncontacted tribes, live in voluntary isolation within the park. Conservation strictly limits access to preserve both biodiversity and indigenous peoples. Only the cultural zone is open to tourism, with visits requiring authorized guides and permits. Research stations like Cocha Cashu have produced groundbreaking tropical ecology studies. The park demonstrates how strict protection can maintain intact ecosystems.

Water Features

Manu River, oxbow lakes

Ecosystem

This destination features a tropical rainforest ecosystem.