As one of the largest conservation units on earth, this immense 1.5-million-hectare park contains an incredible variety of animal and plant species, including some 850 species of birds and numerous animal species. Roughly the size of New Hampshire, this World Heritage Site stretches from 200 to 4,100 meters above sea level, and is easily reached from Cusco. From high-altitude grasslands the landscape spirals downwards through dense cloud forest towards a dizzying stretch of rainforest below. The tropical forest in the lower tiers is home to jaguars, giant otters, ocelots and 13 species of primates--the largest number in the country.

On entering the labyrinth of rivers and cochas (lakes) that carve serpentine routes through the landscape, the traveler enters a universe of repeated surprises and delights. As opposed to other places in the jungle where man has hunted, Manu's wildlife shows little fear in the presence of humans. From May to June, during the colder, drier season, jaguars drape themselves over river logs, while from August to November, towards the end of the dry season, macaws, parrots and parakeets flock to the riverside clay licks. The rainy season is November to March. Boasting a whopping 15 percent of the world's bird population, it's no wonder Manu is also one of the world's top birding destinations. Besides feather-clad and four-legged friends, the park also has 15,000 plants, 1,300 butterflies, and more than a million undocumented insects.

Today the biosphere is divided into several regions. Manu National Park is only open for government-sponsored biologists and anthropologists with permits from the Minsitry of Agriculture in Lima. The Reserved Zone, which is located within the Manu National Park, is allocated for scientific research and ecotourism. The Multiple Use Zone is home to a number of eco-lodges and acculturated native groups that continue to practice their traditional ways of life. Ethnic groups inhabiting this zone include the Harakmbut, Machiguenga and Yine. Each of these groups has established its own ecotourism activities, which cater to visitors and promote sustainable development within the community infrastructure. The Nahua-Kugapakori Reserved zone was established for the Nahua and Kugapakori nomadic native groups, and includes the area north of the Alto Madre de Dios between the headwaters of the Río Manu and Río Urubamba.

Manu Nacional Park contains some of the most pristine tracts of rainforest in the biosphere, and for this reason is extremely well-protected. To enter the park, visitors must be part of one of the eight licensed tour operators in Manu. These companies own comfortable safari camps and offer five to ten-day trips ranging from $500 to $2,000. Of course, the more you pay the more comfortable you're apt to be on your trip. Outdoor enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies should scout out the companies that now offer adventure activities, which range from mountain biking and llama-cart touring to rafting and kayaking.

A handful of tour operators offer reliable (and sustainable) service in this amazing area. Manu Nature Tours, Manu Expeditions, InkaNatura, Pantiacolla Tours, and Caiman Tours are among the best. Three budget tour operators are also licensed to operate in Manu: Manu Ecological Adventures, SAS Travel, and Expediciones Vilca. Tours through these companies can be booked at short notice, and often can be combined with Inca Trail trips at little additional cost.

Word to the wise budgeteer: anyone short on time or money may want to head to Puerto Maldonado, which offers cheaper lodging without skimping on the wildlife. This section of Peruvian jungle is more accessible than Manu, and can be reached in just a few hours via plane from Cusco.

Hiking, Trekking, Birdwatching, Eco-Tour

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