Parque Nacional del Manu

Manu National Park in Peru is widely recognized as one of the world’s premier bird-watching destinations and a true paradise for nature lovers. Located in the Peruvian Amazon, the park spans a vast area of lowland rainforest, montane forest, and Andean foothills, providing an extraordinary diversity of habitats. This ecological variety supports over 1,000 bird species, including macaws, parrots, toucans, hummingbirds, and numerous rare or endemic species. The sheer richness of wildlife makes every visit unique, offering bird-watchers endless opportunities for observation, photography, and immersive jungle experiences. Visitors to Manu can expect a combination of adventure and education. Guided tours are strongly recommended, as local experts know the best spots for spotting elusive species and can provide insight into the park’s intricate ecosystems. Accessing Manu often requires travel by boat or 4×4, followed by stays in jungle lodges, which adds to the sense of adventure but also means preparation is necessary. The park is most enjoyable during the dry season, when trails are more accessible and birds are easier to observe. Beyond bird-watching, Manu National Park offers breathtaking landscapes, from dense rainforest canopies to the misty Andean slopes, and a chance to witness diverse wildlife such as monkeys, jaguars, and giant river otters. Conservation and respect for nature are key, as the park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a delicate ecosystem. Overall, Manu National Park is ideal for serious birders, wildlife enthusiasts, and eco-tourists seeking an unparalleled encounter with one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. Its combination of species richness, natural beauty, and authentic Amazonian experience makes it an unforgettable destination.

An incredible remote place, river level was very low when we visited. The rainforest here is some of the most amazing we’ve ever seen. Nice lodges too

Went on a 4d/3n tour in Manu National Park it felt fairly authentic and you got to spend a lot of time in the jungle. The food at the lodges were great and well crafted with little resources. The guides were very knowledgeable and accommodating to specific wants. The activities are good, you can hike up a mountain for a couple hours to see monkeys or take a motor canoe to a good hiking spot with balsam rafts and get lucky and see a white cayman. Overall I was happy with my time in Manu but be aware it is a 10+ hour bus ride from Cusco.

The amazon basin in peru, stretching into Bolivia and Brazil, is a truly untouched piece of the planet where you could trek for days without any signs of human life. Wild life is plenty, from all kinds of insects, to jaguars, snakes, crocodiles and massive butterflies to immense large trees and flowers that can be only found this part of the planet. To see wildlife you might want to spend 1 to 2 weeks at minimum. Besides walking you can go by boat on the river as no other forms of transport will be going here. As long as this is still there, and as long as you are phycapable of doing this, you definitely should. You can and should only go with a team including a guide. Treks can be organized from bigger cities in Peru.

Be aware getting out of the vehicle that is taking you through the park is dangerous. My friend got out of the tour vehicle bird watching, stepped back and fell down a cliff off the side of the road. She died. I don’t think people should be allowed to exit without safety precautions. I lost a very dear friend.

A truly unique and interesting part of our beautiful world. Reaching the national park is an 8-10 hours if drive, mostly on gravel and dirt roads. As you descend from the higher elevation levels of the park, you will see different rainforests and different wildlife. Manu is the most diverse rainforest ecosystem: they have the complete animal food-chain, not simply great quantity of certain spieces as other part of the Amazonas. A trip to Manu is eye-opening and challenging, and might not be for the week-hearthed.

Amazing wildife to be seen one of the most diverse parks , the long days guided tours takes you to the remoteness of the park where unique & elusive wildife are found, giant river otters, wild cats, large caymans, the overnight at casa Matsiguenka lodge its a privilege for whose travels up 6 days on the regular tours lead by the classical overland journey from the Andes to the amazon rainforest, I shoud be in your bucket list, !

Spent 7 days 6 nights. Could have spent a few more