Manú National Park

Manú National Park

Manú National Park stretches across southeastern Peru, encompassing an extraordinary range of ecosystems and standing among the most biologically diverse protected areas on Earth, from lowland Amazonian rainforest to cloud forests and high Andean grasslands. Established in 1973, the park covers a vast area stretching from the high Andes down to the Amazon lowlands, encompassing an extraordinary range of ecosystems across an elevation gradient from about 150 to over 4,000 meters above sea level. This dramatic variation in altitude supports habitats ranging from Andean grasslands and cloud forests to lowland tropical rainforest. Manú National Park is home to thousands of plant species and an exceptional concentration of wildlife, including jaguars, giant otters, tapirs, and more than 1,000 bird species, making it a global hotspot for biodiversity. The park remains largely untouched due to its remoteness and strict protection, preserving natural ecological processes. Several indigenous groups, some living in voluntary isolation, inhabit parts of the park and maintain traditional ways of life closely linked to the forest. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Manú National Park plays a vital role in conservation, scientific research, and the protection of both biological and cultural diversity in the Amazon–Andes transition zone.