Manú and Tambopata

Why visit Manú and Tambopata?

For nature lovers there can be no excuse not to visit the Manú Biosphere Reserve or Tambopata National Reserve in the Peruvian Amazon. The stunning rainforest, cloudforest, lowland jungle and powerful rivers are home to an incredible wealth and variety of birds, mammals and plant life, including giant otters, jaguars, howler monkeys, tapirs, over 1000 species of birds, 1200 species of butterflies and an astonishing 15,000 different flowering plants.
Reasons to visit Manú and Tambopata include:

Look for the lowland tapir clay licks, and macaw and parrot clay licks, giant otters, jaguars, and 13 species of monkeys in the Manú Biosphere Reserve. A UNESCO World Heritage site, and the largest park in Peru, Manú protects more species of animals and plants than any other park on Earth.
Look down on the Amazon from the canopy of Manú's cloud forest and see vividly coloured macaws and parrots in its lowland jungle.
Explore Tambopata National Reserve and adjacent Bahuaja-Sonene National Park, together home to over 1,300 bird species (including 32 parrot species - 10% of the world's total), 200 mammal species, 90 frog species, 1,200 butterfly species and 10,000 species of higher plants.
Photograph the biggest macaw clay lick in the Amazon rainforest, in Tambopata.
Spot caiman while on a canoe trip on Lake Valencia or Sandoval - you may even get a glimpse of piranhas in the water!
Take a night hike or nocturnal river trip and see the animals that venture out after dark.
Stay in Posada Amazonas, a community-owned lodge in 10,000 hectare Ese'eja Native Community, an excellent base from which to explore the jungle.

When to go to Manú and Tambopata

This area is always humid, and there is rain all year round. There is, however, a 'dry’ season, from May to October, but it still rains! Hiking is easier in the dry season. It is a little cooler from November to April, and many more waterways become navigable as the water levels rise. The Amazon is at its highest point in May and at its lowest in October. September is the best time to visit the macaw clay licks in Tambopata.

For more information about when to travel in Peru, see our When to visit Peru page.

Amazon Villa

A secluded villa where you balance your time between guided activities and private relaxation, ideal for those who value their privacy.

Cock of the Rock Lodge

Cock of the Rock Lodge is located on the forested eastern slopes of the Andes.

Delfin I

A luxury all-suite Amazon cruise vessel offering high levels of comfort and service and an expert naturalist guide.

Delfin II

Delfin II is a 14-suite cruise boat with stylish interiors and lots of social areas, plus 3 naturalist guides to help you explore the Amazon

Heath River Wildlife Centre

A remote rainforest lodge about 6 hours by boat from Puerto Maldonado. Excellent for macaws, and good general flora and fauna too.

Manu Learning Centre

A rustic lodge, home to researchers and conservationists as well as travellers, deep in the Amazon rainforest.

Manu Wildlife Centre

Strategically located in an area of forest with a high diversity of micro-habitats.

Posada Amazonas

Posada Amazonas is the ideal short introductory nature tour to some of the Amazon's richest rainforests.

Refugio Amazonas

32 room lodge in a private reserve in the Peruvian Amazon.

Reserva Amazonica

Reserva Amazonica is an upmarket lodge in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. It has the only canopy walkway in Peru's south-eastern Amazon and is a wonderful place for couples and families.

Sandoval Lake Lodge

Sandoval Lake Lodge is a 25-room lodge located in a superb position on the bank of the stunning Sandoval Lake in Tambopata National Reserve.

Tambopata Research Centre

Tambopata Research Centre is a basic yet comfortable lodge in the middle of the uninhabited part of the Tambopata National Reserve.

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facts and information

 Time: GMT-5hrs

 Flight time:

Both KLM and Iberia have flights to Lima via Europe, leaving the UK early in the morning to arrive in Lima in the evening. The flight time is about 14 hours. It is also possible to fly to Lima via America.

 Language: Spanish and Quechua are the official languages.

 Visas:

Not required for British travellers (up to 90 days). EC nationals can ask us for further advice.

 Health:

There are no compulsory vaccinations, except yellow fever if visiting the rainforest. Malaria prophylactics are also recommended in the rainforest.