Manu National Park: Exploring Peru’s Enchanting Wilderness

The Manu National Park (MNP) protects a representative sample of biological diversity and landscapes found in the lowland rainforest, cloud forest foothills, and the Andes of southeastern Peru. Moreover, its presence contributes to the recognition and protection of cultural diversity, as well as the self-determination of indigenous peoples in the area.

MNP safeguards one of the most significant areas on the planet in terms of the megadiversity of biological species. Its vast expanse spans from chilly high Andean peaks, surpassing 4,000 meters above sea level, to rugged forested mountains giving rise to numerous small streams and valleys, cloud forests of high jungle, and finally, the Amazonian plains. This magnificent and unique setting includes an extensive and complex hydrographic system, guaranteeing the presence of a diversity of ecosystems relatively untouched by human intervention.

Under such circumstances, the biological diversity housed within the MNP manifests itself in all its potential in a landscape unparalleled on the planet. The tropical forests of Manu have allowed ecological and evolutionary processes to unfold nearly undisturbed by human presence. However, the area also holds enormous cultural richness, represented by present-day indigenous populations at various levels of contact with the outside world and an archaeological heritage yet to be fully revealed.

Since 1977, the Manu National Park has held the status of a Biosphere Reserve, bestowed by UNESCO. Within its borders lie the Territorial Reserve for the Kugapakori and Nahua Ethnic Groups, the Megantoni National Sanctuary, and the Amarakaeri Communal Reserve. Furthermore, in 1987, it was declared a Natural World Heritage Site.

A significant portion of the Manu National Park is indigenous territory. Communities such as the Yora, Mashko-Piro, Matsiguenka, Harakmbut, Wachipaeri, and Yine have ancestrally inhabited these jungles among the forests and rivers. The native communities of Tayakome and Yomibato are recognized within the area, both located in the upper Manu River zone. In the southwest sector, there exists an association of farmers known as Callanga. Additionally, in the northwest sector adjacent to and within the MNP, there are undetermined numbers of indigenous populations in voluntary isolation.

Location of Manu National Park

The distribution of Manu National Park

• Core Zone: Also known as Manu National Park, this area is designated for protection, allowing only anthropological and biological research activities limited to observing life and ecological processes in their natural form. Within the park lies the Cocha Cashu Biological Station, one of the most important research centers in tropical forests. The area is strictly off-limits, requiring special authorization for visitation. Within this region reside indigenous Amazonian populations of different ethnicities, estimated at around 1,000 individuals who have inhabited the area since time immemorial. Additionally, there is a Quechua population of approximately 200 people in the Callanga area.
• Buffer Zone: This area, also known as the Manu Reserved Zone, is situated in the lower part of the Manu River. In this zone, authorized tourist activities (organized by approved agencies) and research with minimal interference are permitted. There is an abundance of scenic beauty and natural diversity due to the rich variety of flora and fauna visible along the rivers and “cochas” (meanders of the river that close off and become isolated from the main channel, forming lagoons that sustain a wealth of fauna). Visits are strictly regulated, extending from the Panagua River gorge to Boca Manu.
• Transition or Cultural Zone: This area encompasses the Upper Madre de Dios River basin and the high Andean territories bordering the southern part of the reserve, between the boundary line of the National Park and the Mapacho River. Predominantly, this zone is inhabited by settler populations engaged in agricultural, livestock, and forestry activities, with limited but emerging access to basic health, education, and development services. Ecological activities are permitted within this zone.

Geography of Manu National Park

Within its vast territory, ranging from high plateaus at 3500 meters above sea level, covered with grasslands, where the dry air and temperatures vary depending on whether one is in the sun or shade, reaching between -9 °C to 22 °C from September to April, and experiencing snow or hail during the rainy season between October and April; the land descends through an extensive transitional strip known as “shrubland” down to approximately 2600 meters above sea level. Vegetation here begins to form a forest, where around 450 plant species have been identified to date, and rainfall can reach between 500 and 1000 mm.

The “Lower Montane Forests” thrive between 2200 and 1650 meters above sea level, with trees reaching up to 25 meters in height covered by orchid and fern families growing on the walls of deep cliffs. Among them are broad-leaved arums and tree ferns that characterize the area. In these mist-covered forests, there is a cold climate, and the landscape remains constantly damp in shades and shadows.

The “Cloud Forest,” located between 600 and 1650 meters, is an almost magical place where constant mist covers the splendid landscape full of vegetation. Here, trees can reach up to 30 meters in height, adorned with orchids and ferns, forming a dense forest interrupted only by small streams and waterfalls that emerge and disappear within the vegetation. Presently, it is estimated that this area contains no fewer than 200 different tree species with a density that can exceed 700 per hectare. Temperatures here range between 20° and 25 °C, dropping to 16 or 18 °C during the nights.

The “Tropical Moist Forest,” also known as the “Lowland Jungle,” stretches across the vast Amazon plain, from 300 to 600 meters above sea level. Undoubtedly, this is the most representative and extensive landscape of the Reserve. Here, along the winding Manu River, trees exhibit gigantic heights; only two species emerge above the forest canopy: the sturdy shihuahuaco (Dipteryx micrantha) and the lupuna (Ceiba pentandra), which is the tallest tree in the forest and can surpass 60 meters in height with a crown diameter of up to 50 meters.

Flora and Fauna of Manu National Park

Flora:

1. Tropical Forests: Manu National Park boasts a wide variety of tropical forests, including humid and cloud forests, which are home to a diverse range of plant species.
2. Giant Trees: Within these forests, one can find giant trees such as the ceiba and the lupuna, reaching impressive heights.
3. Orchids: The region is known for its abundance of orchids, some of which are endemic and come in various colors and sizes.
4. Medicinal Plants: The flora of Manu also includes a variety of medicinal plants used by local communities and indigenous tribes for traditional treatments.

Fauna:

1. Birds: The park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 1000 recorded species, including macaws, toucans, hummingbirds, eagles, and many more.
2. Mammals: Among the mammals are iconic species such as jaguars, pumas, ocelots, tapirs, monkeys (like howler monkeys, capuchins, and others), as well as a great diversity of felines, primates, and ungulates.
3. Reptiles and Amphibians: Manu Park is home to a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, lizards, turtles, and an immense diversity of poisonous and non-poisonous frogs.
4. Fish and Aquatic Life: The rivers and streams of the park harbor diverse tropical fish, including piranhas, as well as giant otters and a great diversity of aquatic insects.
5. Insects: The biodiversity of Manu includes a rich variety of insects, some of which are unique and endemic species.

The Manu National Park is the protected park with the greatest biological diversity in the world.