This enormous reserve covers almost 20,000 square kilometers of rainforest, making it the biggest in Peru. It has more biodiversity than any other wildlife reserve of refuge in the world as it covers a wide range of habitats from the cloud-forests high up in the eastern Andes all the way down into the rain forests in the amazon basic. This makes the Manu Biosphere Reserve one of the best places for seeing wildlife in all of South America.

The area was first protected in 1973, was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1977 and latter a World Natural Heritage Site in 1987. Roughly 75% of the reserve is only accessible to a handful of researchers with special permits. The remaining 25% is divided into two zones: the zona reservada that may only be entered with the accompaniment of a guide and the zona cultural that is accessible by anyone. It is the zona reservada that visitors generally go to to appreciate the wildlife, where there is a lodge as well as a few campgrounds. There are a few villages linked by road and several lodges in the zona cultural.

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This wildlife reserve is located just up the Rio Manu, northwest of Boca Manu town. Visitors will reach the Romero guardpost at about an hour out from Boca Manu. It is only possible to continue into the reserve with a guide and permit (which need to be arrange ahead of time - this is most commonly done from Cuzco). From the Romero guardpost there are several trails leading into the park.

Getting to the reserve and back is expensive and involves traveling in difficult situations - visitors belonging to a tour group sometimes get back to Cuzco 3-4 days behind schedule. Arranging the trip from Cuzco (rather than internationally) will greatly reduce expenses. The reserve may become inaccessible or close during the rainy months of January to April

Last edited on Jan 18, 08 6:23 PM.
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WRITE REVIEW

First To Review:

Barbara K.

Sep 30, 2008

Fabulous wildlife in the rainforest. Saw over 50 species of birds on the ride down the river from Cusco. Stay at the Manu Wildlife Center--rustic with a touch of luxury. Candlelit nights, great food, day trips to the macaw clay lick and the ox-box lakes. Night trip to the tapir lick.

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Manu Wildlife Center

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