The Manu National Park has an area of 1 million 716,295.22 hectares and includes part of the provinces of Paucartambo (Cusco) and Manu (Madre De Dios). Its establishment, on May 29, 1973, had the purpose of protecting a representative sample of the biological diversity of animals in Manu National Park, as well as the landscapes of the low jungle, the jungle area and the southeastern Andes. Peruvian. Likewise, it aims to promote tourism based on ecological and culturally compatible criteria.
Since 1977, the Manu National Park has held the status of Biosphere Reserve. In turn, in 1987 it was declared a Natural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
The creation of this protected natural space for animals in Manu National Park aimed to promote and facilitate research, education and recreation, as well as contribute to the preservation of archaeological heritage. Its presence contributes to the recognition and protection of the cultural diversity and self-determination of the indigenous peoples of the area. The Manu National Park protects one of the most important areas on the planet in terms of megadiversity of biological species. Its great extension crosses icy punas that exceed 4,000 meters in altitude, forested mountains that give rise to a multitude of small ravines and valleys, high jungle cloud forests, and finally the Amazon plain.
Manu National Park is home to a large number of wildlife species. 228 species of mammals have been recorded (44% of the total in Peru); 1,030 species of birds (56% of the total); 132 species of reptiles (30% of the total) and 210 of fish. Among the large mammals, the otorongo, the black tiger, the sachavaca, the huangana, the sajino, the ash deer, among others, stand out. Also the river wolf, the ronsoco, the coto monkey, the black maquisapa, the woolly monkey, the black and white male monkey.
On the other hand, the number of insects in the Manu National Park is estimated at about 30 species. More than 1,300 species of butterflies, 136 dragonflies, at least 300 types of ants (more than 40 species were found in a single tree) and more than 650 beetles have been recorded.
Flora in the Manu National Park
The number of plant species is very high. The various records indicate that there are at least 162 families; 1,191 genera and 4,385 species identified. In a single hectare, up to 250 varieties of trees were found.
In the lower basin of the Manu River you can see the exuberance of the Amazon plain. Five areas have been designated for visits, where a high diversity of wild flora and fauna is concentrated. These are the cochas (horseshoe-shaped lakes) Salvador, Otorongo and Juárez, as well as the Pakitza and Limonal sectors. In these areas there is a wide variety of circuits and trails to appreciate the beauty of the tropical jungle. The lakes also stand out where it is possible to observe species that have disappeared in other ecosystems, such as the river otter and the black lizard.
Another attraction are the forests on both banks of the Manu River, where it is not only possible to observe a great variety of flora, but numerous associated fauna. A landmark of attraction are the clay licks, where numerous species of fauna come. The aguíjales also enable the concentration of typical fauna, such as macaws.
Explore the Manu Amazon Rainforest & Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, you will enjoy the best adventures in Peru, exploring amazing inca trail routes and the best amazon wildlife with our local tour guides, in small groups.
The Manu Jungle tour goes to one of the largest life biosphere reserves in the World. You will enjoy wildlife, traditional villages, with the best specialized guides.
Manu National Park is an excellent way to experience an intense amazon wildlife.Is the biggest Amazon rainforest in the Americas, its incomparable natural wealth, host the greatest amount of flora and fauna of the world.
