Contents

About the Manu Biosphere Reserve;

Why Visit Manu Park with SAS Travel ?

Short Description of our Programs;

What to Bring;

Extra Information Manu.

The Manu Biosphere Reserve

MANU NATIONAL PARK - PARQUE NACIONAL MANU

The great biodiversity of this national park is due to it starting in the eastern slopes on the Andes and plunging down into the lowlands, thus covering a wide range of cloud forest and rainforest inhabitats. The most progressive aspect of the park is the fact that so much of it is very carefully protected, a rarity anywhere in the world.

After Perú introduced protection laws in 1973, Unesco declared Manu a Biosphere Reserve in 1977 and a World Natural Heritage Site in 1987. One reason the park is so successful in preserving such a large tract of virgin jungle and its wildlife is that it is remote and relatively inaccessible to people, and therefore has not been exploited by rubber tappers, loggers, oil companies or hunters.

It is illegal to enter the park without a guide or an official tour operator. The best time to go is during the dry season ( May to December).

Virgin jungle lies up the Rio Manu northwest of Boca Manu. At the Puesto Control Limonal ( guard post ), about an hour from Boca Manu. Six hours upstream is Cocha Salvador, one of the park´s largest and most beautiful lakes, where there are guided camping and hiking possibilities, with patience wildlife is seen in most areas. This is not a wide-open habitat as is the African plains. The thick vegetation will obscure many animals, and a skilled guide is very useful in helping you to see them.

During a one-week trip, you can reasonably expect to see scores of different birds species, several monkey species and possibly a few other mammals.

Jaguars, tapirs, giant anteaters, tamanduas, capybaras, peccaries and giant river otters are among the common large mammals of Manu. But they are elusive, and you can consider a trip very successful if you see two or three large mammals you might see include kinkajous, pacas, agouties, squirrels, brocket deer, ocelots and armadillos. Other animals include river turtles and caiman ( which are frecuently seen ), snakes ( which are less often spotted ) and a variety of others reptiles and amphibians.

Colorful butterflies and less pleasing insects also abound.

MANU PARK AREA

The Manu area encompasses the Parque Nacional Manu and much of the surrounding area. The park covers almost 20,000 sq km ( about the size of Wales ) and is one of the best places in South America to see a wide variety of tropical wildlife. The park is divided into three zones: the largest sector, to the west, is the zona natural comprising 60% of the total park area and is essentially closed to unauthorized visitors. Entry to this sector is restricted to a few indigenous groups, mainly the Machiguengas, some of whom continue to live here as they have for generations; some groups have had almost no contact with outsiders and do not seen to want any. Fortunately, this wish is respected.

A handful of researchers with permits is also allowed in to study the wildlife.

The second sector is the zona experimental where controlled research and tourism activities are permitted. This is the northeastern sector and comprises about 30% of the park area. The third sector, covering the lower southeastern area and comprising 10% of the park area is the zona cultural ( cultural zone ).

A visit to Peru is not complete without spending at least a few days in this unique area, where macaws (Ara sp.), a tapir (Tapirus terrestris), a peccaris or even a jaguar may be seen.

Visit Manu with a specialised tour operator and you will not only find untouched and pristine tropical rainforest, but you will be encouraging local conservation-oriented tour operators to preserve this wonderful ecosystem.

SAS Travel Peru has been guiding visitors to the area for many years, and our staff is trained to make your stay an educational, exciting and unforgettable experience.

We went to Manu with SAS Travel in May and had a great time. We flew into Boca Manu, traveled by motorized canoe into Manu, stayed in Manu for 3 nights in tent camps, then went to the Clay Lick and on to Puerto Maldonado to fly back to Cuzco. 6 days 5 nights. I would actually recommend just the Renato programme. Then you are in the Manu jungle for just 4 days, 3 nights and you can see Giant River Otters, many kinds of monkeys, caiman, and thousands of birds. It is very rustic with no electricity but was an incredible experience. I believe the fly in/fly out was about $830. This leaves you plenty of time to see MP and Cuzco. July 2006

SAS Travel Manu Programs

SAS Travel Peru offers 7 different options to go to Manu. The biggest difference between the programs is the transportation to and from Manu.

	MANU GUACAMAYO	MANU  PAKITZA	MANU TAPIR ADVENTURE
Day	Wednesdays & Saturdays 8 Days 7 nights In & Out by Bus	Wednesdays &  Saturdays 7 Days 6 nights In & Out by Bus	Wednesdays & Saturdays 6 Days 5 nights In & Out by Bus
1	Depart by Bus from Cusco - Laguna Huacarpay towers of Ninamarka Paucartambo - Acjanaco Cloud Forest(cock of the rock activity) - Pillcopata Bambu Lodge	Depart by Bus from Cusco - Laguna Huacarpay towers of Ninamarka Paucartambo - Acjanaco Cloud Forest(cock of the rock activity) - Pillcopata Bambu Lodge	Depart by Bus from Cusco - Laguna Huacarpay towers of Ninamarka Paucartambo - Acjanaco Cloud Forest(cock of the rock activity) - Pillcopata Bambu Lodge
2	Asuncion(fruits and coca leaf producción)  – River port of Atalaya – Madre de Dios River – Boca Manu –  Piranha Tented Platforms	Asuncion(fruits and coca leaf producción)  – River port of Atalaya – Madre de Dios River – Boca Manu - Piranha Tented Platforms	Asuncion(fruits and coca leaf producción)  – River port of Atalaya – Madre de Dios River – Boca Manu - Piranha Tented Platforms
3	Blanquillo Macaws Clay Lick - Tapir Lick - we explore a lake Piranha Tented Platforms	Blanquillo Macaws Clay Lick - Tapir Lick - we explore a lake Piranha Tented Platforms	We enter into the Reserved Zone(Limonal ranger station control). A trail system to explore  Capybara SAS Tented Platforms
4	We enter into the Reserved Zone(Limonal ranger station control). A trail system to explore  Capybara SAS Tented Platforms	We enter into the Reserved Zone(Limonal ranger station control). A trail system to explore  Capybara SAS Tented Platforms	Lakes  Salvador(the endemic giant otter) & Otorongo, where it is possible to see the Canopy from a tower. Capybara SAS Tented Platforms
5	Lakes  Salvador(the endemic giant otter) & Otorongo, where it is possible to see the Canopy from a tower. Capybara SAS Tented Platforms	We visit PAKITZA Biological Station(Interpretation about etnobotanic through the forest) Salvador - Boca Manu Capybara SAS Tented Platforms	Down stream we keep going until Limonal -Boca Manu community finaly   - Casa Bonanza(night walk to see frogs tarantulas, scorpions and other.)
6	We visit PAKITZA Biological Station(Interpretation about etnobotanic through the forest) Salvador - Boca Manu Capybara SAS Tented Platforms	Down stream we keep going until Limonal -Boca Manu community finaly   - Casa Bonanza(night walk to see frogs tarantulas, scorpions and other.)	Bye to Manu,  Return to Atalaya by Boat , Cloud Forest & private transportation to Cusco Price Information
7	Down stream we keep going until Limonal -Boca Manu community finaly   - Casa Bonanza(night walk to see frogs tarantulas, scorpions and other.)	Bye to Manu,  Return to Atalaya by Boat , Cloud Forest & private transportation to Cusco Price Information
8	Bye to Manu,  Return to Atalaya by Boat , Cloud Forest & private transportation to Cusco Price Information

	MANU GUACAMAYO	MANU CAMUNGO	MANU OTORONGO	MANU CAPYBARA	MANU RENACO
Day	Wednesdays & Saturdays 8 Days In & Out by Bus	Wednesdays & Saturdays 7 Days  In by Bus & Out by Plane	Fridays & Mondays 6 Days  In by Plane & Out by Bus	Fridays & Mondays 5 Days In & Out by Plane	Fridays & Mondays 4 Days In & Out by Plane
1	Depart by Bus from Cusco - Laguna Huacarpay Lake,Towers of Ninamarka Paucartambo - Acjanaco Cloud Forest (Cock of the rock  LEK ) - Pillcopata Bambu Lodge	Depart by Bus from Cusco - Laguna Huacarpay towers of Ninamarka Paucartambo - Acjanaco Cloud Forest(cock of the rock activity) - Pillcopata Bambu Lodge
2	Asunción (Fruits and Coca leaf producción)   River port of Atalaya Madre de Dios River  Boca Manu - Piranha Tented Platforms
3	Blanquillo Macaws Clay Lick , Tapir Lick  we explore Piranha lake Tented Platforms		Flight to Boca Manu Tourist Zones of Manu National Park SAS Renaco Tented Camp	Flight to Boca Manu Tourist Zones of Manu National Park SAS Renaco Tented Camp
4	We enter into the Reserved Zone (Limonal ranger Station Control). A trail system to explore  Capybara SAS Tented Platforms
5	Lakes Salvador (the endemic giant otter) & Otorongo Lake, Capybara SAS Tented Platforms
6	We visit PAKITZA Biological Station(Interpretation about etnobotanic through the forest) Salvador - Boca Manu Capybara SAS Tented Platforms
7	Down stream river to Limonal -Boca Manu Community   - Casa Bonanza(night walk to see frogs tarantulas, scorpions.	Lake Salvador - Boca Manu Plane from Boca Manu Price Information		Lake Salvador - Boca Manu Plane from Boca Manu Price Information
8	Bye to Manu,  Return to Atalaya by Boat , Cloud Forest & Private Transportation to Cusco Price Information		Bye to Manu,  Return to Atalaya by Boat , Cloud Forest & Private Transportation to Cusco Price Information

Please note all programes that incorporate a flight in or out of Boca Manu use a small light aircraft which means that they can be delayed or cancelled due to poor weather.

We believe the programes that fly directly to Boca Manu from Cusco will be the best use of your short time to see the ultimate that Manu has to offer. This is because we continue directly into the Tourist Zone to Salvador Lake for 3 nights which is in the Protected Reseve zone of Manu. This allows the greatest opportunity to view wildlife and flora as it is an area so highly protected you cannot even fish. Spotting of Giant Otters on Lake Salvador and Otorongo are a highlight!

With programes with charter flights the only concern is delays or cancellations for poor weather / high winds which cannot be known in advance. Therefore please note that to avoid serious inconvenience you would be very wise to allow 2 – 3 days between your expected date of return to Cusco in case of flight cancellations.

We propose that in the case of flight cancellations, within the funds available we will organise a boat to transport the group from Boca Manu to Rainforest lodge and bus for the following day back to Cusco which would require one full extra day. If there are no unexpected extra issues the cost of this further day with 1 night extra accommodation and 3 more meals will be included in the initial cost. There is no refund on the initial cost of the tour with airfare.

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Included Services

• BILINGUAL & SPECIALIZED JUNGLE GUIDES.
  Naturalist Guides. During a typical day our guides bring the forest to life by pointing out the important trees, flowers, medicinal plants remedies, as well as assisting in sitting and identifying the birds, mammals, reptiles, butterflies and other insects. In the evening stories and extra info are scheduled which deal with special rain forest subjects and give a chance to delve further into the mysteries and marvels of this ecosystem.
• PAPERWORK & PAYMENT FOR PARK PERMITS
• THREE MEALS A DAY DURING THE TRIP.
  Meals are prepared by our professional and dedicated staff from a mixture of local rain forest products as well as more traditional foods. Some meals are distinctly Peruvian others are International in flavor.
• VEGETARIAN MEALS BY REQUEST
• BOTTLED WATER & SNACKS
• LAND & RIVER PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION is completed by bus and motorized dugout canoe, shaded and equipped with cushions for your comfort and life jackets for your security. Canoes are managed by experienced qualified drivers with a deep knowledge of the river and its wildlife.
• NIGHTS IN TYPICAL LODGES & NIGHTS IN CAMPING IN OUR ROOFED PLATFORMS WITH DINING AREA, KITCHEN, PERSONAL AREAS, SHOWERS AND TOILETS Buildings in harmony with the forest are constructed from local materials which allow them to blend well into the exotic setting.
• MOTORIST, ASSISTANTS, COOKS.
• FREE STORAGE FOR YOUR PACKS & YOUR VALUABLES
• CHECKLIST FOR IDENTIFYING ANIMALS AND BIRDS

We have confirmed departures for the Manu tours on the dates below:
IF none of these are possible just contact us with your requests and we will find something to meet your needs.

MANU 2008-MANU BIOSPHERE RESERVE CLICK HERE

If none of these are possible just contact us with your  requests and we will find something to meet your needs.

 

Special offer for Manu bookings for March:

2 NIGHTS ACCOMODATION IN HOTEL MARQUESES FOR THE PRICE OF 1, BEFORE YOUR TOUR

 

What to Bring

For the jungle trip you will need the following equipment:

LIGHTWEIGHT, TIGHTWEAVE LONG COTTON PANTS & LONG -SLEAVED COTTON SHIRTS PREFERABLY IN GREEN OR TAN COLOURS; A FLEECE AND A WINDBREAKER ARE ADVISABLE FOR COOL EVENINGS. LIGHT RAINGEAR (PONCHO) FOR SUDDEN DOWNPOURS; SNEAKERS (COVERED SHOES) OR OTHER LOW HEELED WALKING SHOES ARE ESSENTIAL; A LIGHT HAT AND SUNTAN LOTION ; INSECT REPELLENT IS A MUST, PREFERABLY WITH DEET;

A SMALL RUCKSACK, A WATER BOTTLE, GOOD BINOCULARS AND A FLASHLIGHT OR HEADLIGHT, POCKETKNIFE AND A FEW ENERGY SNACKS WILL BE VERY USEFUL. PERSONAL GEAR, TOILETRIES, CAMERAS, 400 EXP FILM, PHOTOCOPY OF PASSPORT, YELLOW FEVER CERTIFICATE AND EXTRA MONEY IN PLASTIC BAGS. Photography: we recommend that you use film of 400 ASA or higher for the darker areas under the canopy. Normal 100 ASA can be used when out on the river or lakes. Protect your equipment against moisture with waterproof cases.

Note:

• MAX 10 PAXS MAY ENTER THE RESERVE ZONE IN ONE GROUP WITH ONE GUIDE.
• We require a minimum of 6 paxs to maintain these prices.
• We don´t put you with other agencies to take commission & we don't join with other companies to make large groups.

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EXTRA INFORMATION

CLIMATE: can be in general described as warm and humid as can be appreciated in the following chart:

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Temperature in °C
Max. Average	31	31	31	30	30	30	31	33	33	33	32	31
Min. Average	17	17	17	16	15	15	14	14	16	18	19	18
Average	27	27	26	26	26	24	24	26	27	27	28	28
Rainfall mm
Max. Average	372	488	494	395	420	187	99	90	177	244	231	491
Min. Average	160	20	152	33	20	4	6	4	25	74	31	105
Average	259	257	273	134	119	63	55	43	90	146	157	301
Humidity Relative %	79	80	81	78	77	85	74	67	66	71	74	79

From June through September some days with temperatures as low as 7°C can be expected. These are cold fronts from the South Atlantic and usually last only a few days.

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS: HAVE YOU HAD A YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION?

Yellow fever is endemic in most parts of the Amazonia and vaccination is obligatory, though there have been no reports of cases in Manu or surroundings lately. Malaria has almost totally been controlled in the area but, as some cases have been reported, some doctors recommend to bring along preventive pills. Fortunately so far we have had no cases of any one of the two diseases in many years.

 

EXPLORE & DISCOVER MANU PARK with people who know PERU best !!

For Brilliant Itineraries,friendly staff and expert local knowledge .. look no further .
SAS travel - Jungle & Treks Specialist
“ The Reliable & Proffesional Tour Company in Cusco “

 

Recently Cusco´s Ministery of Tourism recognised SAS travel as
" The Best Tour Operator in Treks + Nature Trips."
SAS travel Cusco, Small Group Specialist - Official Tour
Operator in Manu National Park. Special Group Discounts.

 

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