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Manu Cultural Zone (MNCZ4)

Manu Cultural Zone

Description


Manu National Park, located in southeastern Peru, is one of the largest parks in South America. The area of the park encompasses parts of the Andean department of Cusco and the jungle department of Madre de Dios. Manu protects over 2 million hectares (4.5 million acres) of territory rich in flora and fauna species in a variety of habitats including high Andes, cloud forests, and lowland tropical rain forests.


UNESCO officially recognizes this natural paradise as a world heritage site. In 1977 they designated Manu as a World Biosphere Reserve because it contains the best existing example of biodiversity in protected areas of rain forest, as well as endemic areas of cloud forest.

Humans have altered the majority of forests in the world.  Fortunately, Manu has remained intact and untouched by civilization.  Thus, we can observe a variety of animals in their natural habitats, including: Giant Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis), Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger), the majestic Jaguar (Panthera onca), the strange Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus), the Tapir (Tapirus terrestris), the Ocelot (Felis pardalis), 13 species of primates, and an estimated one thousand species of birds including seven species of Macaws (Ara sp.).

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.  This makes it one of the most biologically diverse parks on the planet.

Itinerary

DAY 01
We leave Cusco early in the morning , visit the interesting pre-Inca tombs of Ninamarca, the colonial town of Paucartambo, and then down to the Cloud Forest. Here a thick cloak of clouds provides perpertual humidity and makes an ideal habitat for epiphytic plants such as bromeliads. This varied and fascinating world is home of the Cock of the Rock, the Spectacled Bear, Orchids, Tree Ferns ( one of the oldest living plants), mosses and lichens. At least 50% of the plant species found here are endemic to this region. Overnight in our open air lodge “San Pedro”.

DAY 02
We observe the ritual mating dance of the Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruviana), Peru’s national bird, from the platform (“lek”). After breakfasta we continue in our overland transport (1*} down the narrow road between waterfalls and canyons toward Pilcopata town (2*). After 30 minutes bus ride we will arrive to the Port of Atalaya, board our covered motorized boat and head down the Alto Madre de Dios River for approximately 30 minutes toward our private reserve “Erika Lodge” where we will spend the next two nights. Short walkaround the lodge.

(1*) Optional: Descend with mountain bikes from San Pedro lodge (1700 m.a.s.l.) Cloud forest to Pilcopata-High Jungle (700 m.a.s.l.)
(2*) Optional: A 3 hour rafting trip down the Kosñipata river where we will have the opportunity for a dip and of course enjoy the spectacular view of the Koñeq canyon. Continuing down the Alto Madre de Dios river to Erika Lodge.

DAY 03
The great diversity of wildlife around the lodge is due to the wide altitude range of this beautiful site. Inmediately after breakfast, we start walking and our guide will explain us about insects, medicinal plants, trees, reptiles, mammals, etc. Before returning for lunch we can have the chance to swim in the natural pools formed in the river close to the lodge. Early in the afternoon we will have a short boat ride to visit a small lake near the Alto Madre de Dios river . Here we will have the chance to see the Hoatzin, a primitive bird, black caimans, many species of birds, insects, etc. This will be our last night in this wonderful Amazon jungle. Overnight in the lodge.

DAY 04
Early weak up to board our boat. After five minutes ride, we will arrive to a small “Collpa”, wich is a wall of clay in the riverbanks where many species of parrots feed for mineral and salt supplements to their diet of seeds and fruits. After this colourful and noisy show we continue by boat to Atalaya Port and then the bus back to Cusco arriving late in the afternoon.
END OF OUR SERVICES.


Manu - Biosphere Reserve
Manu - Biosphere Reserve
Manu - Biosphere Reserve
Manu - Biosphere Reserve
click on the images to enlarge

Practical Information

Leaving–Fixed Departures apply
for more details
Transport:By bus or 4x4 (depending on tour group size and weather conditions)
Price 2012:
Bring With You

 Binoculars, Camera and film ASA 200 and 400 for the inner forest.
 Sleeping bag
 Warm clothing (in case of a cold front), long sleeve shirts and long pants (cotton)
 100 % waterproof rain gear (long poncho or rain wear)
 Insect repellent ( at least 50% deet ), sunscreen lotion
 One pair of light weight ankle height boots and sandals
 Flashlight , enough batteries (alkaline) and bulbs
 Wide brim hat (for sunny days), sun glasses
 Towel, swimming suit, personal medicines and/or supplies (e.g.:liquid for contact lenses).
 Day pack, and one back pack or duffel bag of luggage per person.
 One bottle of water for the first day, plastic bags.
Included Not Included
 Specialized rainforest bilingual guide;
 1 night at Orquídeas de San Pedro Lodge;
 2 nights at Erika Lodge;
 Cook
 Meals (vegetarian option also possible to offer);
 Water from Day 2 onwards;
 First aid kit including anti-ophidian shots;
 All land and river transportation including transfer to and from hotel in Cusco;
 Optional river rafting equipment;
 Mountain biking equipment;
 Special guide and equipment for the Canopy tour;
 Safety box for valuables;
 Storage for luggage at Cusco’s main office.
 

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