at 300 meters above sea level in the southern Andean jungle. The Manu Reserve is located between Madre de Dios and Cusco and has two million hectares that are considered protected areas.

Here in this article, we tell you everything about the Manu Reserve, such as what activities you can do there, how to get there from Cusco, and more.

Manu National Park and How to Get There from Cusco

Manu is divided into 3 zones: the National Park, considered an intangible zone; the Reserved Zone, where only ecological tourism or scientific research is allowed; and the Cultural Zone, where native communities stay.

Mountain bike tours Manú National Park Jungle

The human group that is protected in this area has a variety of ethnic tribes, such as the Amahuaca, Piro, and Machiguenga, among others. In the same way, a flora made up of 2000 to 5000 species is protected, as is a fauna made up of more than 2000 species.

Within the reserve, there are important petroglyphs that are still being studied by archaeologists.

Amazon jungle and Machu Picchu by bike

Pusharo Petroglyphs

This set of rock engravings is located in the Palotoa river basin. Pushari, etymologically, means

According to the investigations, these petroglyphs were made by the ancestors of the Matsiguenka and, in turn, were found in 1921 by Father Vicente de Cenitagoya.

MTB Packages Peru

The Manu appears in the chronicles of Felipe Guamán Poma de Ayala, who mentions that the Inca Pachacutec sent a commission to Antisuyo, where his brave Captain Otorongo Achachi subdued the Antis of the Manu. Although the Incas did not have much jurisdiction in the jungle, they were in constant relationship with its flora and fauna. A clear example of this was the coat of arms of Cusco, where its iconography represents the jaguar, the chonta palm tree, and the snake.

EBIKE TOURS CUSCO

In order to appreciate the exuberance of the manu and at the same time preserve its intangible areas, five tourist routes were allocated: Otorongo, Salvador, Juárez, Pakitza, and Limonal. Here you will find landscapes dominated by cedar, aguaje, and huge chestnut trees. Upon entering, you will see in their natural habitat a large number of bird species that represent 25% of South America and 10% of the world. The river wolf and the black lizard also stand out.

Ausangate Rainbow Mountain E-biking

Cock of the Rock, National Bird

Rupicola Peruviana; This bird is known by several names, including gallito de monte and rooster of the Andean rock bellowing.

This bird of the Manu is characterized by nesting on rocky walls that are near the waterfalls, where there are mosses and the climate is humid. Hence its name, “cock of the rocks.”

The intense red color of its plumage, its delicacy, and its work as seed disseminators made President Manuel Prado declare it a national bird on December 11, 1941.

Machu Picchu Epic MTB tour

In what year was the Manu Reserve declared a national historic site?

The Manu Reserve was designated a National Park in 1973, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, and a World Biosphere Reserve in 1997. The Manu Reserve, despite the importance of its biological diversity, protects only 11% of the world’s plant species.

Delve into this unique experience and live with nature; get a close look at the adventure that the jungle offers you through experiential tourism and bicycle tourism; and get to know the beauty of Manu.

Peruvian andes expeditions mountain bike

Is it possible to go mountain biking in the Manu jungle?

This is the best adventure tourism option; the route begins at the control of Acjanaco and ends at Machu Cocha Wasi, which is located in the town of Salvación.

EBIKE TOURS CUSCO

The bike route to the Manu Reserve has a total distance of 145 km on a wide dirt road of intermediate difficulty.

Normally, this cycling route is done in 2–4 days while visiting animal shelters, hummingbird shelters, bathing in some rivers, and boating in Machu Cocha Wasi.

Mountain bike tours Manú National Park Jungle

How do I get to the Manu National Reserve?

You can hire a travel agency that offers a tour guide, or you can take a car in the district of San Jerónimo to the whereabouts control, where you can find collective vehicles that go to Pilcopata.

Ausangate Mountain E-biking tour

Do you recommend going on your own to the Manu Reserve?

If you want to do it independently, you can rent a private vehicle from Cusco, which is more convenient for your trip to Manu since you can stop at any of the tourist attractions.

Book a tour with a travel agency, which would be the quietest option to enjoy your vacation in Manu.