Description
Manu Wildlife Centre is a jungle lodge situated amongst spectacular rainforest on a remote bend of the Madre de Dios River on the edge of Manu Biosphere Reserve in southeastern Peru. The lodge consists of 12 simple thatched cabanas that are candle-lit, and frequently plays host to wildlife film crews drawn to the staggering wealth of plant and animal species in the vicinity.
Guests at Manu Wildlife Centre are taken out on daily excursions by expert guides to explore the ecosystem by boat and on foot to the best wildlife localities, including a huge macaw clay lick, oxbow lakes and the two canopy viewing platforms. The area is particularly rich in primate species, giant river otters, caimans, jaguars and tapirs and has an extraordinary number of bird species.
Accommodation
Manu Wildlife Centre has 22 double bungalows, designed in the same style as the local indigenous communities and using the same materials. The materials have been sustainably sourced and include local wood, bamboo and palm fronds. All the rooms have private showers and toilets and are screened with insect netting, as well as having individual mosquito nets on the beds. The bungalows have large windows overlooking the gardens which regularly attract local birds, butterflies and mammals.
Childcare
Children are welcome at Manu Wildlife Centre although there are no children's facilities and due to the nature of the terrain and the excursions we would not recommend it for very young children.
Facilities
Manu Wildlife Centre has a dining area serving wholesome meals, featuring plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, grains and meats. There is also a separate bar and lounge area where guests can browse through books and enjoy a variety of beverages. The lodge also has 2 canopy towers, perfect for viewing the wildlife up-close. A whole host of wildlife is attracted to the area around the towers, including monkeys, hummingbirds, toucans and parrots, amongst others.
Activities
The expert guides at Manu Wildlife Centre take guests on daily excursions into the surrounding area, to explore the ecosystem on foot and by boat. Excursions concentrate on the best wildlife viewing spots including a huge macaw clay lick, oxbow lakes and the two canopy viewing platforms. The area is home to a host of wildlife including giant river otters, caimans, jaguars and tapirs and a vast number of bird species.
When to travel
The best time to go is during the dry season (May to December). The Amazon basin rain forest is hot and humid all year around with little variation from the dry season and rainy season (January to April) due to Manu being only 12 degrees south of the Equator. Daytime temperatures regularly reach into the mid-thirties Celsius.
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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Manu NP, Peru
Based along the Manu de Dios river, on the edge of Manu Biosphere Reserve in the Amazon Basin in southeastern Peru.
How to get there
A 35-minute flight in a light plane from Cuzco to Boca Manu and then a 90-minute journey by motorized canoe down the Madre de Dios River
