Manu is also the shelter for many indigenous communities who have lived in harmony with nature for hundreds of years. It's the ancestral territory of diverse ethnic groups, some of them are very small and maintain very little contact with the modern world. Today, they live in protected territories that ensure their ability to continue to live as their ancestors did, but we must be very careful to don't alter their way of life.

Manu: one week in the rainforest
by Blandine Sebileau (France)

de Dios” River for a wonderful day on the river. When we reached the camp at dusk, small candles had been lit to show us the way, and it looked like paradise. We couldn't believe our eyes, there we were, in that amazing place, so far from civilization, and yet our camp was like a dream, with bamboo huts and platforms all made of natural material, looking so homely and beautiful.

During our stay, we went for long walks around the camp, day and night, looking for wildlife, observing trees and plants, looking for tracks, feeling like kids playing scientists. We spent hours in a bamboo shed waiting and observing macaws, parrots and monkeys. We felt so close to nature, taking a bath in the river or among rocks in a hot spring, shampooing under the tropical rain. One afternoon we went fishing for piranhas, all of us standing on a log in the middle of the river, and we had some very exciting moments.  We had a very tasty dinner that day. Later, we settled on a small wooden raft and went cruising on a lake, and all we could hear was the sound of the water as we softly glided over the lake, birds singing, monkeys playing in the trees, caimans silently sneaking past us.

Everything was so incredibly peaceful. As we came back, we watched in amazement the sun going down over the jungle, pinks and purples reflecting on the water. Manu is one of the most awesome and inspiring places that I have ever been to.

Things to bring to the Manu:
> Long cotton pants and shorts,
> Long-sleeved shirts (light colors but not bright) and t-shirts,
> Waterproof jacket,
> Boots (waterproof) and sandals,
> Swimming suit and towel,
> Hat (look for the ones with mosquito net for the face and neck),
> Binoculars, a flashlight and batteries,
> Sun-block and insect repellent.

Health Concerns:
You must take vaccinations against Tetanus and Yellow Fever. The one for Yellow fever has to be taken at least 10 days before your trip to the Manu.

The risk to get Malaria or Leishmaniasis is very low in the Manu, but it exists. We advice you to consult your doctor before make a decision.