The present day preoccupation all over the World for keeping natural areas, free of pollution and with non disturbed wildlife, resulted in the creation in Peru of different National Parks, Reserves and Historic Sanctuaries that involve strictly preserved and protected territories reaching approximately 5'833,648 Has. (58336 Km²; 22524 mile²) representing about 4.54% of the national territory. Inside the Inka region are the Machupicchu National Historic Sanctuary and the Manu National Park that all together involve 1'913,792 Has. (19137 Km²; 7389 mile²) that represent 11% of the regional territory.

The Manu National Park was established on May 29, 1973, by means of Law 0644-73-AG, with the aim of preserving its natural and cultural patrimony for the benefit of present and future generations. That same aim determined the recognition by UNESCO of the Manu Biosphere Reserve that today expands over a territory of 1'881,200 Has. (18812 Km²; 7263 mile²) in the provinces of Paucartambo in Cusco and Manu in Madre de Dios; from all this protected territory 81.5% belongs to the Core Zone which is strictly preserved in a natural state, 13.5% to the Experimental or Buffer Zone that is set aside for controlled research and tourism, and 5% to the Cultural Zone where there are human settlements.
In order to get the Manu National Park by road, it is necessary to depart from Cusco and follow the dusty road passing through Huancarani, Paucartambo, Patria, Pilcopata and Atalaya, nonetheless the rout continue until Shintuya. In Atalaya or Shintuya there are boats for rent for a day-long journey following the Alto Madre de Dios River downstream, passing through the human settlements of Ithahuania, Cruz de Mayo, Puerto Definitivo and Diamante, until arriving to Boca Manu which is the Manu and Alto Madre de Dios river junction. By air, it is possible to get the airstrip in Boca Manu in small aircrafts from the airports in Cusco or Puerto Maldonado.
The altitude variations found inside the Park make possible the existence of an impressive diversity of plant species and forms; it is estimated that at least about 90% of the plant species found in the Manu Park are unknown by science. Over here, it is possible to find basically three ecological levels: Lowland Rain Forest, Montane Rain Forest and High Andes. In the Lowland Rain Forest there is always exuberant vegetation, and gigantic trees that are even 60 mts. high and are 3 mts. of diameter, from which treetops hang lianas and creepers that make the floor relatively dark with deep shade even at midday. Among the different tree species here are: cedar, mahogany, lupuna, tornillo, renaco, cetico, palm trees, etc. In the Montane Rain Forest there are smaller trees with twisted trunks but with even thicker vegetation and an extraordinary species diversity; the fog and rains enable abundant existence of lichens, mosses and ferns, and a great selection of beautiful orchids. The High Andean Zone has also thinly scattered woodlands with some species like the classic "q'euña"; besides dense clumps of dwarf reeds and "ichu" the ever present Andean graminoid.

A malaria preventative is recommended. The incidence of malaria has increased dramatically in recent years; the disease is no longer restricted to the Amazonian lowlands, having spread to the coast and the Andean highlands. Prophylaxis for chloroquine-resistant strains of malaria is recommended.
Immunization for yellow fever is recommended by the CDC for travel in Peru and every other trip into the deep tropics.
The CDC currently also recommends the following vaccines (see your doctor at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for immunizations to take effect): Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG); typhoid; and as needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles.
A final word about health: This trip is not excessively arduous but does involve a day at elevations about 9,000 feet. If you have a heart problem, please consult your doctor concerning these higher elevations. Peru's climate varies widely. Coastal Lima is seasonally foggy, damp, and chilly, necessitating a sweater. Cusco, an Andean town, is cold at night and early in the day. As we bird around Cusco and head out of town, it will be cool and clear. During the afternoon, it can be very bright and sun protection should be used. In the eastern lowlands, expect temperatures in the 70s to high 80s (F) with high humidity. Rain is always a possibility in the eastern Andes and lowlands.
Two seasons are well marked in Manu, the dry season from May to October, and the wet season from November to April, nonetheless its possible to have rains whenever and between June and September occurs a cold from, called “friaje” which can go on for 4 days to 2 weeks.
.

As with most birding in the tropics, we have only 12 hours of sunlight for birding. We'll be rising early (4:30 - 5:00 am) on several mornings to get to birding sites in time for the dawn chorus and the peak of bird activity on time, and ending many days by 8 pm. Most of the birding will be on forest trails in a relatively flat environment. In this part of Amazonia, there are very few hills. Also, we'll bird from canoes, motorized boats, and small catamarans constructed with two canoes (for ox-bow lakes). We'll visit at least one different canopy platform that is accessed by sturdy constructed stairs. On several days, we'll have the opportunity to take afternoon siestas. Although we'll be on our feet for entire mornings, there will be no very strenuous hikes.ou must be in good healthy to do this trip.

ACCOMMODATIONS: In Lima and Cusco, we stay in comfortable, standard hotels, with private bathroom facilities. Singles are available at these three locations. Elsewhere on the tour, our accommodations are more basic; lodges, camp sites and open platforms, single rooms may not be available at the lodges.
The Manu Wildlife Centre: This is a relatively new facility where we stay in cabins with private bathroom facilities (hot water showers and flush toilets). All beds have mosquito netting. There is a generator for recharging batteries. Lighting is by kerosene lamps and candles. Canopy observation towers are available and there are blinds set up at nearby tapir and macaw licks. A bar and eating hall complete the compound facilities, several excellent forest trails. We'll have our own staff while at the camp, including a cook, boat drivers, and a local guide.

DRESS: Informal dress is acceptable throughout Peru.

TRANSPORTATION: Our land transportation will be in a bus. Most road travel will be on unpaved roads,. We'll be flying to Manu from Cusco in relatively small aircraft. River travel will be in comfortable long boats with cushioned seats, roof and plastic sheets to cover ourselves in case of rain.

SMOKING: We request that you do not smoke in the vehicles or when the group is gathered for meals, checklists, etc. If you are sharing a room with a non-smoker, please do not smoke in the room. If you smoke in the field, we ask that you do so well away and downwind from the group, if possible.

GENERAL INFORMATION & CONDITIONS: Please for Information & Conditions. We will send to you important information about how we conduct tours, e.g., refund and cancellation policies, pace of the tours and other information that will help you prepare for the tour.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A more complete General Information for Tours to Peru: Manu National Park will be sent to each registrant on receipt of their booking. Final information with instructions for meeting the group, hotel addresses, etc., will be mailed about three weeks before trip departure. Other news will be communicated as necessary. If you have any questions, please contact us.