This natural paradise, acknowledged as a World Biosphere Reserve and World Patrimony, is the greatest tropical jungle reserve of the world, and one of the few places that remains intact due to its hidden location. Manu is inhabited by more than 1.000 different species of exotic birds, a variety of plants and flowers ranging from 2.000 to 5.000 (considering that 10 percent of the existing plants are new for science purposes), 200 different species of mammals, besides a large quantity of amphibious, snakes, and insects. And of course the native communities or ethnic groups which live there. Consequently, Manu represents one of the ideal ecosystems to enjoy the Amazon Jungle.

History:
The Incas knew it as the “Paititi” region and explored it; they built paths, performed commercial trades, and grew coca plantations. The conquerors stepped onto this place in 1567 and left Juan Alvarez in charge of it. Since they didn’t get the wealth they expected, the conquerors forgot about it. After wood mills were installed in this area in 1961, threatening the environment, Celestino Kalinowski, Peruvian, claimed that Manu should be declared “a reserved zone.” This request was not acknowledged until 1967. At this time, the Manu Basin was acknowledged as a National Reserve; in 1973, this category was changed for the one of “National Park,” and in 1977, UNESCO named it “Biosphere Reserve,” and in 1987 the World Union for Nature Preservation considered it as “World Patrimony.” Extending over 1.881,200 hectares approximately, Manu is divided into 3 areas: an intangible area known as the Manu National Park, over 1.532.806 hectares, a reserved area, over 257,000 hectares, where it is possible to perform tourist visits (it comprises the low Manu area), and finally, a cultural area, of public concern, consisting of the inhabited areas, settlements or communities.
Geographical Location:
Manu is the world’s largest tropical reserve; it has an average annual temperature of 24º C. Located at the southeast of Peru, Manu is stuck into the last Andean reinforcements of the department of Cuzco and the Madre de Dios jungle.

Programs and Tours:

MANU-001
Departure and Return by Bus
8 days - 7 nights

1st Day : Early departure from Cuzco in one of our vehicles, especially equipped for this route. We will go across interesting inter-Andean valleys observing colorful towns and country communities. We will visit the pre-Inca tombs of Ninamarca (Chullpas), and then we will go to the traditional colonial town of Paucartambo. We will ascend to the Acjanacu gap at 3.850 m. high At this point we start descent passing through the cloud woods, a very wealthy area where we can find species in extinction, such as the so-called bear with glasses and the little cock of the rocks, as well as orchids, ferns, and others. In Tambo San Pedro, we will spend our first night comfortably accommodated on platforms. (campings)
2nd Day : Early we can observe the matching up dance of the little cock of the rocks, Peruvian national bird. After breakfast, we will continue our journey by bus going through the high jungle. We will reach the town of Atalaya, which is located on the shores of the Alto Madre de Dios River, at 700 m. where our company river equipment is located. After boarding our motor boat, we will go down the river. On the way, we will observe a great variety of birds: herons, vultures, crows, eagles, etc. We will reach the Erika private reserve, where we can walk along its interesting paths. We will spend the night at the lodge.
3rd Day: We will leave again by boat towards the Shipetiari native community. Then we will continue our tour to Boca Manu. (Optional flight in light aircraft Cusco Boca Manu; there is a chance that some other passengers will join the group). Immediately, we will be sailing through the waters of the Manu River, inside the reserved zone; and will camp near the Limonal Security Post, where the necessary documents to enter the Reserved Zone are requested. We will start a short walk through the woods observing the environment, the exhuberant vegetation, a variety of insects, birds, monkeys, and other species.
4th Day : We will board on our boat towards the Salvador Cocha, where we will spend the following two nights. During our sailing we will watch a countless number of bird species, and if we are lucky, some mammals. There is a chance of doing a night walk in the surroundings of our camp by catamaran in the Salvador Cocha. With our flashlights, we will watch the black caiman that goes out to search its prey. Night in camping.
5th Day : Leaving early and by catamaran, we will have the chance of sailing the Salvador Cocha, and to observe the fauna and flora of the surroundings. We will be searching above all the giant otter, a specie that is on its way to extinction, the black caiman, the hoatzin or chechena, the screaming monkey, the spider monkey, among other species. Walk through the primary woods having a larger variety of species. After four hours approximately, we will arrive at the Otorongo Cocha. In this lake, there is a 15-meter watch tower, from which we can observe the landscape of the surrounding woods and the families of giant otters. Night in camping.
6th Day : We will board on our boat, and will sail across the Manu River. We will reach Boca Manu a small town located at the convergence of the Manu and high Madre de Dios Rivers. From this place on, the river is named Madre de Dios. After this journey and in the afternoon, we will arrive at the private reserve of Tambo Blanquillo. We will spend the night surrounded by the magic of the jungle.
7th Day: Very early before breakfast and by means of a camouflaged catamaran, we will sail towards the “Collpa,” which consists of clay-like cliffs on the shores of the river. These cliffs are visited by different species of parrots and macaws, which will offer a colorful exhibition of wild life. Here, nature seems to explode in a thousand colors while these birds bring out the necessary minerals for their balanced diet. After this activity, we will sail across the Madre de Dios River towards the airport of Boca Manu, where you will have the chance to fly back to Cuzco; otherwise, we will proceed with our journey sailing across the Alto Madre de Dios River, camping in an appropriate beach. Night in camping.
8th Day : We will continue sailing across the “Alto Madre de Dios” River towards the small Atalaya Harbor, which we will reach at the sunset. Here we will take the bus back to the city of Cuzco, arriving very early the following morning. Night on board.

MANU-002
Departure in Light Aircraft and Return by Bus
6 days - 5 nights

1st Day: We will leave Cuzco in a light aircraft and will arrive at Boca Manu at about noon. (See MANU-001 3rd Day)
2nd Day : See MANU-001 4th Day
3rd Day : See MANU-001 5th Day
4th Day : See MANU-001 6th Day
5th Day : See MANU-001 7th Day
6th Day :See MANU-001 8th Day

MANU-003
Departure by Bus and Return in Light Aircraft
7 days - 6 nights

1st Day : See MANU-001
2nd Day : See MANU-001
3rd Day : See MANU-001
4th Day :See MANU-001
5th Day :See MANU-001
6th Day :See MANU-001
7th Day: In a light aircraft, leave Boca Manu and arrive in Cuzco in the afternoon.

MANU-004
Departure in Light Aircraft and Return in Light Aircraft
5 days - 4 nights

1st Day: In light aircraft, leave Cuzco and arrive in Boca Manu at about noon. (See MANU-001 3rd Day).
2nd Day: See MANU-001 4th Day
3rd Day: See MANU-001 5th Day
4th Day: See MANU-001 6th Day
5th Day: See MANU-001 7th Day. In a light aircraft, leave Boca Manu and arrive in Cuzco in the afternoon.

Note: Recommend passengers to take the light aircraft one-way ticket or round trip ticket and to carry luggage not exceeding 10 Kg.
Important Notice: In order to get the participants to know each other and the guide, give clients the final recommendations as well as answer their questions, we will meet in our Cuzco office the day before the trip.
This program includes:
• Transporte terrestre
• Transporte aéreo (según opción)
• Transporte fluvial
• 01 noche en Tambo San Pedro
• 01 noche en el Albergue Erika
• 01 noche en Tambo Blanquillo
• 04 noches en camping
• Equipo de campamento y toda la infraestructura necesaria para la actividad (excepto bolsa de dormir)
• Alimentación completa (opción vegetariana)
• Guía Bilingüe especializado
• Trámites y pago para obtener permiso de ingreso al PNM
• Servicio de guardianía de equipaje y caja de seguridad para documentos.
List of recommended equipment:
• Sleeping bag, binoculars
• Towel, swimming suit, sandals
• Sneakers and hiking or rubber boots
• Flashlight with batteries and spare bulbs
• Personal grooming items
• Personal medicines
• Hat or cap, sunglasses
• Insect repellent (advisable with 40% or more of DEET), sunscreen lotion
• Raincoat, light jacket, cotton trousers
• Camera (enough film rolls, ASA 400 preferable)
• Backpack for luggage and a small backpack
• Plastic bags, bottle of water for the first day