Manu National Park lies in the Madre de Dios region of Peru, within the wider Cusco area, and is known in Spanish as Parque Nacional del Manu. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protecting one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth.
What you will find
The park's landscape runs from Andean cloud forests in the highlands down to Amazon lowlands. That range of altitude and habitat means a visit can move through very different kinds of forest, each with its own plants and wildlife. For many visitors, the appeal lies in this variety rather than in any single landmark.
Why it suits a particular kind of trip
Manu is best approached as a nature-focused journey. It suits travellers who want to spend time in forest settings, who enjoy watching wildlife and birds, and who are interested in ecosystems that change sharply over short distances. Because the park is a protected area, the experience centres on the environment itself rather than on built attractions.
- Setting: Madre de Dios, in the Cusco region of Peru
- Type: National park and UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Habitats: Andean cloud forest through to Amazon lowland forest
- Also known as: Parque Nacional del Manu
Planning your visit
Because the park is remote and protected, it is worth arranging your trip in advance. The contact number listed for the park is +51-84-238-046, which may help with questions before you travel. Cusco is the nearest well-known city in the area, and many visitors base themselves there while planning the journey into the park.