Amazon Basin - Peru - page 941

MANU AREA
The Manu area encompasses the Parque Nacional Manu and much of the surrounding
jungle and cloud forest. Covering almost 20,000 sq km (about the size of Wales), the park
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 is the zona natural, comprising 80% of
the total park area and closed to unauthorized visitors. Entry to this sector is restricted to a
few indigenous groups, mainly the Matsiguenka (also spelled Machiguenga), some of
whom continue to live here as they have for generations; some groups have had almost no
contact with outsiders and do not seem to want any. Fortunately, this wish is respected. A
handful of researchers with permits are also allowed in to study the wildlife. The second
sector, still within the park proper, is the zona reservada, where controlled research and
tourism are permitted. There are a couple of official accommodation options here. This is
the northeastern sector, comprising about 10% of the park area. The third sector, covering
the southeastern area, is the zona cultural, where most other visitor activity is concentrated.
To travel between the zona cultural and the zona reservada, you'll need to take the Río
Madre de Dios to the park's main transit village, Boca Manu. Finally, outside the national
park boundaries southeast of Boca Manu are, ironically, some of the very best wildlife-
watching opportunities, especially at the macaw and tapir licks around the Manu Wildlife
Center ( Click here ) .
Tours to the Manu Area
It's important to check exactly where the tours are going: Manu is a catchall word that in-
cludes the national park and much of the surrounding area. Some tours, such as to the
Manu Wildlife Center, don't actually enter Parque Nacional Manu at all (although the wild-
life center is recommended for wildlife-watching, nonetheless). Some companies aren't al-
lowed to enter the park, but offer what they call 'Manu tours' outside the park or act as
agents for other operators. Other companies work together and share resources such as
lodges, guides and transportation services. This can mean the agency in whose office you
sign up for the tour isn't the agency you end up going with. Most will combine a Manu ex-
perience with a full Peru tour on request. Confusing? You bet!
The companies listed in this section are all authorized to operate within Manu by the na-
tional park service and maintain some level of conservation and low-impact practices. The
number of permits to operate tours into Parque Nacional Manu is limited; only about 3000
visitors are allowed in annually. Intending visitors must book well in advance. Be flexible