Also Visit: MANUN KANSALLISPUISTON (BIOSFAARIN) SEIKKAILUMATKA MANUN KULTTUURI VYOHYKKEEN SEIKKAILU Manu Map

· Why go to Manu?

Manu is situated in the peruvian part of the Amazon basin and is one of the world´s great wilderness areas where wildlife is still undisturbed and plentiful.

The Manu Biosphere Reserve protects Tropical Alpine Grasslands ( Puna), Elfin ( temperate) and Cloud Forests, High Rainforest and Lowland Rainforest. In these different ecosistems we can find an extraordinary variety of animal and plant species:

So far 15.000 plant species, over 1000 bird species and 200 species of mammals have been identified in Manu.

According to biologists no other rainforest Park can compare with Manu´s biodiversity ( 40 % more bird species than in the brazilian Amazon) and opportunities to observe wildlife, e.g. at the Mammal- and Macaw Salt Licks.

Manu is remote, away from civilisation and scarcely populated, which distinguishes Manu from other rainforest destinations like Pto. Maldonado. Some of the indigenous tribes in Manu have no contact to civilization.

Some birds are endemic to this area as e.g. White tufted Sunbeam(Aglaeactis castelnaudii), Red and white Antpitta (Grallaria erythroleuca), Puna Thistletail (Schizoeaca h. helleri) and White cheeked Tody Tyrant (Poecilotriccus albifacies).

No other area in America offers such excellent viewing of rare or difficult to observe animals.

Macaws

· Why go with Amazon Trails Peru?

We were founded by experienced, professional Manu guides - most of them grew up in the rainforest - , who make sure that you have the best opportunities to observe wildlife without disturbing the animals.

Our guides are bilingual and give you a comprehensive impression of the rainforest ecosystem and provide you with an unique, learning rainforest experience at a fair price.

Amazon Trails Peru aims to train local people and work with them, support lodges and enterprises owned by local people and communities (e.g. Casa Matsiguenka).

· Why go to Blanquillo and Maquisapayoj?

Blanquillo and Maquisapayoj are private reserves, situated in pristine primary rainforest, only a short boat ride from Boca Manu. In Blanquillo there is the big Macaw Clay Lick and 2 oxbow lakes with ideal conditions to observe giant otters from a wooden catamaran.

Maquisapayoj has an elevated platform to observe tapirs at night – surrounded by dense forest.

Nobody else around in hundreds of kilometers of rainforest!

Both places are surrounded by plenty of private walking trails to discover, ideal to observe animals.·

Tapir

· Ecotourism and Conservation

Manu is a very rich/ biodiverse but fragile ecosystem.

Being home of several endangered species, e.g. Giant Otter, Harpy Eagle, Giant Anteater, Ocelot and Wooly Monkey, ecologically sustainable tourism in Manu is imperative and a low tourism flow is favourable.

Visitors should be informed about rainforest conservation and favorabletourism activities have to be controled ( e.g. don´t get too close to the animals).

Ecotourism also is an important economic activity for the inhabitants of the rainforest that permits its use without distroying the rainforest resources.

That´s why it´s very important to involve local people in Manu tourism!

Tapirplatform in Maquisapayoj