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A pair of large red Amazon parrots on a palm tree in Manu National Park, Peru.

Things to do in  Manu National Park

It’s a jungle out there

You don’t have to spend long in Peru’s Manu National Park to see why this biodiverse wonderland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This natural expanse is where the Tropical Andes and Amazon basin converge, harboring more than 15,000 plant types, 1,000-plus bird species, and endangered animals such as tapirs and jaguars. It’ll come as no surprise, then, that wildlife watching is one of the top things to do in Manu National Park—explore by wooden canoe or hike jungle-shrouded trails in search of tropical treasures.

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All about Manu National Park

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When to visit

While Manu National Park experiences some rain year-round, the driest time to visit the Amazon rainforest is May through October. Not only is exploration easier this time of year, but this is when water sources are more concentrated, which means animals are easier to spot. If you’re a keen bird-watcher, visit from June through August, when migratory species flock to the natural reserve. While you can still visit during the rainy season, landslides and muddy conditions can make access difficult.

Getting around

It isn’t easy to reach Manu National Park, which only adds to its undiscovered charm and results in far fewer crowds. Puerto Maldonado, the capital of the Madre de Dios region, is the gateway to the park—you can reach it via a direct flight (roughly 45 minutes long) from Cusco. From there, you will need to use a combination of boats and vehicles. For this reason, arranging a tour is the only option when it comes to getting there.

Traveler tips

Manu National Park boasts the Peruvian equivalent of the northern lights—and this natural phenomenon is much less elusive, though shorter-lived. Known as the "white ray," this optical illusion creates the appearance of multiple suns and multicolored lights during sunrise from May through July. The park's Tres Cruces Viewpoint (Mirador de Tres Cruces) is one of only three places in the world where you can catch the spectacular phenomenon.

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People Also Ask
Q:What are the main attractions in Manu National Park?
A:

The main attractions in Manu National Park include the Manu Wildlife Center, a jungle lodge that serves as a starting point for daytime and nocturnal hikes, and the Petroglyphs of Pusharo, an archeological site said to date back millennia. The brightly colored macaws, too, are a sight to behold.

Q:What activities can you do in Manu National Park?
A:

In Manu National Park, you can embark on rainforest hikes that reveal the area’s exquisite flora and fauna (night walks heighten your chance of spotting elusive nocturnal creatures), ride a wooden canoe down the Madre de Dios River in search of giant river otters, and go white-water rafting near Pilcopata.

Q:What kind of wildlife can you see in Manu National Park?
A:

When it comes to wildlife, some of the top draws at Manu National Park include giant otters, jaguars, capybaras, and more than 15 species of monkey (be on the lookout for the pygmy marmoset, the world's smallest primate). You might also spot toucans, blue-and-yellow macaws, and jabiru storks, among other birds.

Q:What should you bring with you for a trip to Manu National Park?
A:

The main thing to remember for your Manu National Park trip is insect repellent: Mosquitoes and other bugs are rife here. While most people favor DEET-based sprays, avoid applying protection in the rainforest, as this can damage the ecosystem. Instead, apply repellent in your vehicle or accommodation, or opt for a roll-on alternative.

Q:What accommodation options are there in Manu National Park?
A:

For such a remote place, Manu National Park has an excellent variety of accommodation options. You can stay at the forest-shrouded Manu Wildlife Center, the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge in the cloud forest, or the Pantiacolla Lodge on the banks of the Madre de Dios River. All of the options offer rustic bungalows and dormitories.

Q:How long should you spend in Manu National Park?
A:

Manu National Park is a difficult place to get to, so it’s a good idea to spend as much time as possible there. Five days is an ideal length of time; standard tours last for four days, though two of these days are typically devoted to traveling in and out of the park.

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