Plizio Visual Lab

Manu National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Forest

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Manu National Park is one of the most biodiverse protected areas on the planet, stretching across the Madre de Dios and Cusco regions in southeastern Peru. Covering approximately 1.7 million hectares, it encompasses a unique ecological gradient ranging from high-altitude Andean grasslands at 4,000 meters to lowland tropical rainforests at 150 meters. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, the park protects vast areas of pristine wilderness untouched by modern industry. Manu is world-renowned for its incredible wildlife, including over 1,000 species of birds, 200 species of mammals such as the jaguar and tapir, and the rare giant river otter. Beyond its biological value, the park is home to indigenous peoples, including the Mashco-Piro, who live in voluntary isolation from the outside world. Tourist access is strictly managed and limited to specific zones to ensure the preservation of the park's core scientific and biological integrity. Manu serves as a global benchmark for tropical conservation and continues to be a vital center for ecological research and environmental education.

Location: Peru
Nearby: Urubamba (70 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	25	25	25	25	25	25	25	27	28	28	27	26
Rain mm	187	188	135	83	35	19	20	21	34	98	109	185

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Access is almost exclusively managed via organized, multi-day guided tours originating from the historic Andean city of Cusco, creatively combining long, incredibly winding bus rides down the mountains with extensive motorized boat travel.

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Best season

The pronounced dry season extending from May to October is highly recommended for visiting, simply because overland transport on unpaved jungle roads is far more reliable and the risk of continuous, torrential rain is substantially lower.

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Terrain & paths

This immense national park effectively protects a massive altitudinal spectrum, ranging from freezing, misty Andean cloud forests rapidly descending straight down into the hot, incredibly dense, and humid lowland Amazon basin.

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What to bring

Highly versatile layered clothing is absolutely mandatory due to the extreme climatic shifts along the route, perfectly complemented by high-quality waterproof gear, sturdy hiking boots, a warm sleeping bag, and copious insect repellent.

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Parking

Visitors universally leave their personal vehicles safely parked behind in the large city of Cusco, as the guided expeditions completely handle all complex and highly demanding transportation deep into the strictly protected, wild park area.

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Safety

The park is subject to the strictest government environmental regulations, meaning entry is permitted exclusively when accompanied by licensed and highly qualified local guides to simultaneously protect the fragile nature and all visitors.

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Time needed

In order to even partially appreciate the simply enormous and globally unique biodiversity of this designated UNESCO World Heritage site, travelers must eagerly commit to a carefully planned expedition lasting at least five to eight intense days.

Geography

Coordinates

-11.80000, -71.70000

Facts

Manu contains 1,025 species of birds, about 10% of the world's total.
The park was recognized as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1977.
It is home to the world's highest concentration of butterfly species.
The Jaguar population in Manu is one of the most stable in the Amazon.
The Harpy Eagle, one of the world's largest raptors, nests in the park's canopy.
The core zone of the park is accessible only to authorized scientific researchers.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pisac Ruins58 km · WExplore →

Tipón63 km · WExplore →

Megantoni Sanctuary63 km · SExplore →

Pikillaqta63 km · WExplore →

Puka Pukara65 km · SWExplore →

Cusco67 km · SWExplore →

Alto Purús National Park67 km · EExplore →

Sacsayhuamán67 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How to get to Manu National Park?

Travel is usually via Cusco, from where it continues by car and boat.

Do you need a guide for the visit?

Yes, visiting the park is only permitted with authorized tour operators.

What time is ideal for Manu?

The dry season from May to October allows for the best wildlife viewing.

Is there malaria there?

In the lower-lying rainforest areas, malaria protection is highly recommended.

How long does a tour take at minimum?

Due to the distance, tours of at least 4 to 5 days are advisable.

Manu National Park: where is it located?

Manu National Park is located in Peru.

Manu National Park: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.

Manu National Park: why is it worth visiting?

Manu National Park is one of the most biodiverse protected areas on the planet, stretching across the Madre de Dios and Cusco regions in southeastern Peru.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →