The Manu National Park (NPM) is located in the provinces of Paucartambo in Cusco and Manú in Madre de Dios. Its extension is 1716295.22 hectares. Its establishment seeks to protect a representative sample of the biological diversity, as well as the landscapes of the low jungle, the eyebrow of the jungle and the Andes of the Peruvian south-east. Likewise, it is intended to promote tourism based on ecological and culturally compatible criteria.
On the other hand, the NPM also seeks to promote and facilitate research, education and recreation, as well as contribute to the preservation of archaeological heritage. Its presence contributes to the recognition and protection of cultural diversity, as well as to the self-determination of the indigenous peoples of the area.
The NPM protects one of the most important areas of the planet in terms of the mega diversity of biological species. Its great extension crosses frigid punas – that surpass the 4,000 m.s.n.m-; rugged wooded mountains that give rise to a multitude of small ravines and valleys; cloud forests of high jungle and finally the Amazonian plain. This magnificent and unique scenario includes a wide and complex hydrographic system and guarantees the presence of a diversity of ecosystems little intervened by man.
In these circumstances, the biological diversity that houses the NPM is manifested in all its potential in a unique landscape on the planet. The tropical forests of Manu have allowed ecological and evolutionary processes to be carried out almost without the presence of man, however, in the area there is also an enormous cultural wealth, represented by the current indigenous populations at different levels of contact with the outside, and an archaeological heritage not yet revealed in all its magnitude.
Since 1977, the NPM has the status of a Biosphere Reserve, which was granted by UNESCO. On its borders is the Territorial Reserve of the Kugapakori and Nahua ethnic groups, the Megantoni National Shrine and the Amarakaeri Communal Reserve. In turn, in 1987 it was declared a Natural Heritage of Humanity.
Much of the NPM is indigenous territory. The communities of the Yora, Mashko-Piro, Matsiguenka, Harakmbut, Wachipaeri and Yine inhabit ancestral between the forests and rivers of these forests. The native communities of Tayakome and Yomibato are recognized within the area. Both are located in the upper area of the Manu River. In the southwest sector there is an association of farmers known as Callanga. In addition, in the northwest sector adjacent to the NPM (and in the interior) there is an undetermined number of indigenous populations in voluntary isolation.
Your visit is highly recommended, if not mandatory.
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