The park is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife, including over 1,000 bird species (13% of all bird species worldwide), 200 mammal species, and countless insects. Notable species include the jaguar, giant otter, Andean cock-of-the-rock, harpy eagle, and 13 different primate species. The park's rivers host pink river dolphins, black caimans, and numerous fish species. Manu also serves as a crucial refuge for several endangered species, including the giant armadillo and the black spider monkey. The park's various elevation zones create distinct habitat types, each supporting unique animal communities.
Manu National Park hosts an exceptional diversity of plant life, with over 15,000 species of plants identified. The vegetation varies dramatically with elevation, from high-altitude grasslands through cloud forests to lowland rainforest. Notable species include giant ceiba trees, numerous orchid species, and various medicinal plants used by indigenous communities. The park contains over 200 species of trees per hectare in some areas, and hosts numerous endemic species. The cloud forest zones are particularly rich in epiphytes, mosses, and ferns, while the lowland areas feature towering emergent trees reaching heights of over 50 meters.
The park's geological formation spans from the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains to the lowland Amazon basin, creating a remarkable range of landscapes. The territory includes ancient volcanic formations, sedimentary rocks, and alluvial deposits from the numerous rivers that cross the region. The park's topography features dramatic elevation changes, creating distinct ecological zones from high-altitude grasslands (puna) to lowland rainforest. The Manu River and its tributaries have shaped the landscape over millennia, creating oxbow lakes, floodplains, and terraces.
Manu National Park was established in 1973 and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The area has been home to indigenous peoples for thousands of years, including the Matsigenka communities who still live within the park's boundaries. Archaeological evidence suggests human habitation dating back to pre-Inca times. The park was created to protect both the region's extraordinary biodiversity and its cultural heritage. It remains one of the most pristine protected areas in the Amazon, with minimal human impact due to its historically difficult access and strong conservation measures.
Key attractions include the Salvador oxbow lake, famous for giant otter sightings, and the Tres Cruces lookout point offering spectacular sunrise views over the Amazon basin. The park contains several macaw clay licks (collpas) where hundreds of parrots gather daily. The Cocha Cashu Biological Station serves as an important research center. The presence of uncontacted indigenous groups in voluntary isolation adds to the park's cultural significance. Visitors can explore various hiking trails, canopy walkways, and observation towers, while the park's rivers offer opportunities for boat trips and wildlife viewing. The combination of pristine wilderness and cultural heritage makes Manu one of South America's most remarkable protected areas.
Manu National Park experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season runs from November to April, with heavy rainfall and humidity levels reaching 90%. The dry season (May to October) sees clearer skies and temperatures ranging from 20-35°C (68-95°F). The park's dramatic elevation changes (from 150m to 4,200m above sea level) create distinct microclimates, with cloud forests experiencing frequent mist and cooler temperatures around 12-20°C (54-68°F). Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes, particularly in transitional months.
Peru
-12.2500°, -71.7500°
1973
17162.95
Manu National Park is one of the world's most biodiverse protected areas, spanning from Andean highlands to lowland rainforest. The park contains record numbers of bird and butterfly species and protects numerous endangered species. It includes territories of indigenous peoples and uncontacted tribes.