Cusco is only 102 miles from the most important tropical rain forests in Peru and South America: Manu. The journey to Manu covers changing natural scenery varying from 14,100 ft. a.s.l. in the Andean highlands to 650 ft.a.s.l. in the exuberant tropical jungle. An unforgettable experience for any traveler.
It is an opportunity to see a significant number of animals and that can be found in few other places on the planet. Fortunately, as access is difficult and prices are high they are protected from a massive influx of visitors that could affect the equilibrium of their ecosystem. Declared a Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO, Manu National Park is unquestionably an exclusive destination for the world’s more demanding travelers.
In recent years a new generation of visitors has come to the Park attracted not only by its flora and fauna. The Park’s Cultural Zone adds to the experience of a visit to the strictly protected part of Manu, with new life zones and different species as well as adventure sports and contact with local communities. Strategic alliances between businessmen and native communities have been consolidated to offer the traveler an interesting opportunity to see others’ lives, and this could be the best way to improve the living conditions of the local population and strengthen their sense of identity, thus completing the circle that defines eco-tourism. This approach is seen as the best hope for sustainable development in the region, provided that certain conditions are maintained for the protection and conservation of the Park.
Local authorities and central government, investors, operators and local communities must be very clear that support for wild life and the sustainable development of the communities should be the principal objectives of any alternative intervention in the zone.
We would like to thank our fantastic guides Samuel Solis and Andres Laura for sharing their experiences and concerns
with us; also Hugo Pepper, Boris Gomez and Gustavo Moscoso, members of ECOTUR MANU, for their wealth of information and for acting as generous hosts to the Bienvenida team on this trip to Manu, a trip that combines natural beauty and an environmental challenge. |
