How to Get There
From Cusco we fly 35 minutes
by twin-engine plane to the Manu lowlands and navigate
90 minutes down the Madre de Dios River by motorized
canoe to reach Manu Wildlife Center, which is the
single best wildlife lodge in the Amazon. Our boats
are equipped with a 55HP engine, a roof to protect
from the sun and the rain, cushioned seats and carry
a spare motor in the unlikely event that the principal
engine breaks down.
Weather Conditions
Rainfall in the Manu lowlands is around 2500 - 3500
millimeters per year, with most rainfall occurring
in the rainy season months from November to April.
The average temperature in the Manu lowlands is 28°C
(82°F), with daily highs of 34°C (93°F)
and nightly lows of 22°C (72°F) . During the
dry season cold fronts from the South Atlantic (freajes)
occur once every month or so, with daily temperatures
dropping to 15°C (59°F) and nightly temperatures
to 13°F (55°F).
In the Manu cloud forest there is an annual rainfall
of approximately 5000 millimeters per year. The average
temperature is 24°C (75°F), with daily highs
of up to 29°C (84°F) and nightly lows of 11°C
(52°F).
About the lodge
Manu Wildlife Center is located east of the Manu River
on the north bank of Madre de Dios River. The Lodge
contains 22 double-occupancy fully screened private
bungalows, separate complexes with hot showers and
toilets, a large fully screened dining room AND A
bar with hammocks for relaxing. Manu Wildlife Center
has no electricity. Lighting in the communal areas
is by kerosene lamp and candle, WITH THE paths around
the lodge complex lit by kerosene lamps. Lighting
in the guests bedrooms is by candle. A 110V generator
is available from which camcorder batteries can be
recharged. Please note that guests may need to bring
a special adaptor to plug into the generator.
What to bring
Good binoculars.
Camera gear (ASA 50, 100 and 200 recommended).
Two or three pairs of long cotton pants.
Four pairs of absorbent socks.
Rain suit or long poncho (100 % waterproof - test
before you leave home).
Two or three long-sleeved cotton shirts.
Two or three T-shirts.
Sunscreen lotion (high factor).
A bottle or canteen to carry water on outings.
A hat that will not come off in windy boat rides.
Sunglasses.
One pair of shorts.
A pair of sneakers or hiking boots and sandals.
Insect repellent (Skin-so-soft for river, and 20%
or more deet for forest).
A photocopy of your passport
A bright flashlight.
Personal toiletries and medications.
Rubber boots for the rainy season from November to
April.
There is a limit of 10 kilograms per person in the
aircraft. If you have more kilograms then the excess
will be charged to you directly in Cusco.
Meals and drinks
All meals are included in the trip
from the Lunch on the First Day to the Breakfast on
the last day. We believe that our guests should experience
as much of the Peruvian cuisine as possible, and this
is reflected in the range of Peruvian dishes offered,
with an occasional international twist. Typical lunch
and dinner dishes served are lomo saltado (a spicy
mix of stir fried beef, tomato, peppers, onion and
french fries) and arroz con pollo (a mildly spicy
mix of saffron rice, chicken and vegetables ). When
possible fruit and vegetables are bought from the
few families who live in the area.
Our experienced kitchen personnel can also cater
for special dietary requirements, such as low or no
salt, low or no sugar, low or no fat, and vegetarian
(strict "vegan" or "ovo-lacto vegetarian),
upon request.
The breakfast served at the macaw clay lick comprises
pancakes, butter, jam, honey, fruit and crackers,
tea, coffee and hot chocolate
Departures
The lodge operates fixed departures. Custom departures
for any party or group size can be arranged but additional
charges may apply.
