Manu National Park
Why Cocha Cashu Is a Unique Research Site
Cocha Cashu is globally recognized as a rare reference ecosystem, offering research opportunities in an environment with exceptionally low human impact. Few locations in the Amazon remain so intact.
Situated along an oxbow lake within an unaltered watershed, CCBS provides unparalleled access to both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. While the station has a long and influential history of terrestrial research, aquatic systems—despite their ecological importance—remain comparatively understudied.
SUMMARY:
Why Cocha Cashu Is a Unique Research Site
Cocha Cashu is globally recognized as a rare reference ecosystem, offering research opportunities in an environment with exceptionally low human impact. Few locations in the Amazon remain so intact.
Situated along an oxbow lake within an unaltered watershed, CCBS provides unparalleled access to both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. While the station has a long and influential history of terrestrial research, aquatic systems—despite their ecological importance—remain comparatively understudied.
Collaborative Conservation Effort
In May 2017, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance partnered with the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), University of Oxford, to launch a long-term study of giant otter population ecology. This initiative combines rigorous scientific research with community engagement and government collaboration.
The program currently spans large portions of the Madre de Dios watershed, both inside and outside protected areas.
Key Achievements to Date
- Monitoring of 17 giant otter groups (over 80 individuals) in both mined and protected areas
- Creation of a photo-identification database with 63 identified individuals
- Collection of fish, water, and sediment samples for mercury analysis
- Surveys of bird and reptile communities
- Strong partnerships with SERNANP, Manu National Park, universities, NGOs, and local communities
- Support for a responsible giant otter ecotourism program with local partners
DETAILED ITINERARY:
Biological Station Manu Park
Biological Station Manu Park: A Journey Through One of the Most Biodiverse Places on Earth
Manu National Park is one of the most extraordinary protected areas in Peru and a true paradise for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventurous travelers. As one of the thirteen national parks in Peru, Manu stands out for its immense size, exceptional biodiversity, and cultural significance.
Located in the regions of Cusco and Madre de Dios, Manu National Park stretches across an astonishing range of ecosystems, descending from the Andean highlands at 4,000 meters above sea level to the Amazon rainforest floodplains at just 300 meters. This dramatic elevation gradient creates a mosaic of habitats unlike anywhere else in the world.
A Vast Protected Area With a Unique History
Manu National Park was officially established on May 29, 1973, originally covering 1,532,806 hectares of pristine wilderness. In 2002, the park expanded when the lower Manu Valley—formerly classified as a Reserved Zone—was fully incorporated. Today, the park protects an impressive 1,692,137 hectares of untouched nature.
What makes Manu truly unique within Peru’s National System of Protected Natural Areas (SINANPE) is that it is the only national park in the country that safeguards an entire watershed. From glacial streams in the Andes to the winding rivers of the Amazon Basin, the Manu River system remains largely undisturbed. tambopata macaw clay lick
An Unmatched Diversity of Landscapes and Wildlife –
Manu National Park preserves a complete sample of Andean–Amazonian ecosystems in southeastern Peru. Cloud forests, high-altitude grasslands, lowland rainforest, and riverine habitats all coexist within the park’s boundaries.
Thanks to this ecological variety, Manu is considered one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Scientists have recorded:
- Over 1,000 species of birds, including macaws, harpy eagles, and Andean cock-of-the-rock
- Hundreds of mammal species, such as jaguars, giant otters, tapirs, and several monkey species
- Thousands of plant species, many of which are still being studied
- A remarkable diversity of reptiles, amphibians, insects, and fish
For travelers interested in wildlife observation, photography, and conservation tourism, Manu National Park offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Indigenous Cultures and Living Heritage -Biological Station Manu Park:
Beyond its natural wonders, Manu National Park is also a place of deep cultural importance. The park is home to the Matsigenka people, who maintain traditional lifestyles closely connected to the forest. Manu Rainforest Peru
In addition, Manu protects territories of other Indigenous groups, such as the Mashco-Piro (also known as Nomole), who live in voluntary isolation. Their presence reinforces the park’s global importance, not only as a biodiversity hotspot but also as a refuge for ancestral cultures and human diversity.
International Recognition by UNESCO
Manu’s global value has been recognized by UNESCO on multiple occasions:
In 1977, Manu National Park and surrounding areas were designated a Biosphere Reserve, covering 1,881,200 hectares
In 1987, UNESCO further honored the park by naming it a World Heritage Site, acknowledging its outstanding natural value and exceptional ecological integrity
These designations place Manu among the most important protected areas on Earth.
Visiting Manu National Park: What Travelers Should Know – Biological Station Manu Park:
Visiting Manu National Park is a unique and carefully regulated experience designed to protect its fragile ecosystems and Indigenous communities. Access is typically possible through authorized tour operators, with routes departing from Cusco and entering either the cultural zone or buffer areas of the park.
Travelers can expect:
- Remote jungle lodges and river expeditions
- Guided wildlife observation and birdwatching
- Immersive experiences in untouched rainforest
- A strong focus on sustainability and conservation
Due to its remoteness, a visit to Manu is ideal for travelers seeking authentic Amazon adventures, far from mass tourism.
Why Manu National Park Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List – Biological Station Manu Park:
Manu National Park is not just a destination—it is a living laboratory of nature, culture, and conservation. From snow-capped Andean peaks to the heart of the Amazon rainforest, it offers one of the most complete and awe-inspiring journeys in South America. SANDOVAL LAKE LODGE
Whether you are passionate about wildlife, Indigenous cultures, or pristine landscapes, Manu National Park in Peru represents the ultimate connection between nature and humanity.
For more information about the park’s natural and cultural values—and how you can visit responsibly—please explore further resources and authorized travel options.
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Improved accommodation for scientists and students
Together, these efforts ensure that Cocha Cashu Biological Station remains at the forefront of tropical ecology and conservation science, while directly supporting the long-term protection of Amazonian ecosystems and the people who depend on them.