MANU BIOSPHERE RESERVE, the largest tropical rainforest biosphere reserve on earth lies at the furthest tip of the upper Amazon River in the remote southeaster region of Peru. Only 100 miles (160 kilometers) from the spectacular Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, Manu is unique in that it protects three, highly-distinct ecosystems: the Puna-a high-altitude, tundra-like area characterized by pale yellow ichu grass, isolated blue lakes and tassel-eared llamas; the cloud forest-a mysterious world bathed in constant mist and inhabited by brilliant- red Cock of the Rocks, Spectacled Bears and score of dripping tree ferns; and the lowland rainforest-home of the giang Black Caiman, Giant Otter, 13 species of monkeys and over 1000 species of birds (10% of the world total). Although invaded at different times by Inca Indians, Spanish Conquistadors and Victorian rubber kings, Manu Biosphere Reserve has largely been protected through the centuries both by its remote location and by the presence of hostile native tribes. Manu currently supports four native ethnic groups-two of which are still uncontacted-and protects 4,646,564 acres (1,881,200 hectares) of land. Almost half the size of Switzerland, Manu is perhaps the most species-rich protected area to be found anywhere on Earth.
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The Manu National Park is considered one of the most biodiverse areas of Peru and the world. Its conservation and protection, is a priority for the Peruvian National Park System. Indigenous Peoples belonging to the Yora, Mashko-Piro, Matsiguenka, Harakmbut, Wachipaeri and Yine ethnic groups are present in the area at different levels of contact and assimilation. This case study examines the history of the Manu National Park, and the existing situation of the protected area with Indigenous People living in the area, the causes of conflict and the changes needed.
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MANU TRIPS with SAS Travel.-
EXPERT NATURALIST GUIDES.- (It is an urban legend and not true that only someone who just grow up in the jungle is the best interpreter guiding in this complex ecosystem and pristine Manu paradise.. there are few very highly well educated Manu Park guides who has obtained degrees in Biology, Botanic, Anthropology, History... charismatic, knowledgeable, passionate and sensitive with advanced level english spoken... ) this is the sort of guides we have for your Manu tour.
SMALL GROUPS.- Get closer to real life situations with more personalized interactions , more lectures and interpretation from your naturalist guide, better option for spotting wildlife, monkeys,birds and hundreds of creatures around.
DIRECT COMMUNICATION.- Full access to information daily with our expert guides.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES and FLEXIBILITY.- We have several stops en route for visiting unique attractions, spotting different species of birds, parrots,macaws, monkeys and wildlife (its not bored driving only), stops and longer time exploring sites of more interest, eat and sleep the local way for better cultural immersion so we support.
TAILOR-MADE TO YOU.- Customize your tour itinerary the way you dream it to be.
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PACK for a PURPOSE (Small space. Little Effort. Big Impact).- We are proud members of Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travelers like you to make a lasting impact in the community at your travel destination. If you save just a few kilos of space in your suitcase and bring supplies for area schools or medical clinics in need, you'll make a priceless impact in the lives of our local children and families.
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Running a tour is a complex process, with many decisions made behind the scenes in order to maintain a high quality of service in Manu Park. We strongly believe that the success of such a many days trips are on shoulder of a professional crew as degred and licensed naturalist guides, responsible motor drivers, expert cooks.. etc
When SAS Travel was established in 1990, it had a singular focus offering personalized unique experiences in small groups. It meant direct communication in your language. It meant a full immersion with the locals. It meant jungle exploration, walking tours utilizing private transportation in order to live like the locals live.
Today, we continue our dedication in providing travelers with the best Manu Park has to offer. We are still opposed to the idea of mass tourism, which means bunching up a group of people in a big tour bus and wheeling them around to all the major sights with obligatory stops at mediocre restaurants and tourist-trap souvenir shops. We believe that travel shouldn’t be like this. Instead, we provide unique experiences, which delights our travelers’ senses in fascinating and interactive programs that give them deeper appreciations of the place they are visiting Manu a natural Paradise !.
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MANU... quite possibly the only accessible piece of virgin rainforest left in the world, Manu is located in a beautiful and entirely unspoiled corner of south eastern Peru. The area of the park encompasses parts of the Andean department of Cusco and the jungle department of Madre de Dios jungle. Manu protects 18,811 sq km of territory rich in flora and fauna species in a variety of habitats including high Andes, cloud forests, and lowland tropical rain forests. This natural paradise is officially recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. In 1977 they designated Manu as a World Biosphere Reserve because it contains the best existing example of bio-diversity in protected areas of rain forest, as well as endemic areas of cloud forest. Manu is internationally acclaimed as one of the most biodiverse areas on earth.
The majority of forests in the world have been altered by humans. Fortunately, Manu has remained intact and untouched by civilization. It is therefore possible to observe a variety of animals in their natural habitats, including: Giant Otters, Black Caiman, the majestic Jaguar, the strange Spectacled Bear, the Tapir, the Ocelot, 13 species of monkey, and an estimated one thousand species of bird. Manu also contains 10% of the world's vascular plant species, including several species of figs and palms, as well as countless species of medicinal plants that scientists are currently cataloguing. A single hectare of forest in Manu can have up to 220 species of trees, while a hectare of temperate forest in Europe or North America may only have 20 tree species.
Apart from the wildlife, the journey into the park itself is spectacular. Access to the entrance of the Manu Reserved Zone is normally by road from Cusco, a 2 day trip carrying you over the Andes at 4000m, past Inca ruins and down through cloud forest on the eastern side of the Andes into lush lowland rainforest. Roads remain largely unpaved and wind their way along precarious tracks cut into the mountain side and overlooking deep gorges. The trip is an adventure in itself.