Manu Reserved Zone
Very Interesting Places in Peru
This zone which runs along both sides of the Manu River, covers a vast extension of primary forest is dedicated for only two activities: tourism and research.
Being the river the only possible access to this area it is relatively easy to control and protect it from no authorized visitors and poachers. Scientists consider this area as a living laboratory because of the mega-diversity in flora and fauna.
Manu River : Manu Reserved Zone
This warm and chocolate color river has its origins in the eastern chain of the Andes at the Fitzcarald pass and ends at Boca Manu where it joins the Alto Madre de Dios River, forming at this point the Madre de Dios River, which is the main water way of the South-Eastern peruvian jungle.
One of the most important characteristics of the river is that on its turns ox-bow lakes have formed along the time.
Ox-bow Lakes
Ox-bow lakes are old remnant river courses, cut-off from the main river by the effects of erosion and the constant shifting of river canals. On the Manu river we can find several ox-bow lakes, two of them are frequently visited by us: Salvador being the largest one and Otorongo; which allow a relaxing view of the forest and marshland from a catamaran.
A lot of interesting animals live in and around these lakes: Black Caiman, Boa, a multitude of bird life, monkeys and the endangered Giant Otter. Beneath the surface live many hundreds of fish species, many small and colorful, others large and whiskered. Several species of piranhas also live in these lakes.
Giant Otter: Occupying a top position in the food pyramid among Manu's lakes is the Giant Otter (Pteronura brasilensis), an aquatic mammal that can measure up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length and weight up to 70 pounds (32 Kilos). Giant otters are highly social animals, living in closely-knit family groups. They often hunt communally using their whiskers to detect fish in the murky lake depths. Adult otters commonly eat up to 10 pounds (4 kilos) of fish a day.
Giant Otters have been heavily hunted in the last decades, for that reason is an endangered specie with not many individuals left in the world. Nevertheless on the Manu River and the Ox-bow lakes of the Reserved Zone we have the biggest population of otters in the rainforest.
Giant Otters are a very territorial animal, specially if their habitat is a fairly extended lake such as Salvador and Otorongo, for that reason the chances of spotting them are quite high.
If a group is spotted try not to make any noise or hasty movements. They are usually very inquisitive creatures and will often approach the catamaran to within 30 or 40 meters. Please do not pursue them!.
Safari Camp Sities
Along the shore of Salvador Lake, our authorized Sajino Safari Camp Site is located.
It is provided with all the basic services such as showers, toilets and sinks. There are covered platforms built up with materials of the region, where the kitchen and dining room are installed.
The tents provided with mattresses, pillows and sheets are build up over covered platforms as well. This camp site fits all the requirements of the Park Authority and it is designed to minimize the environmental, ecological and even visual impact on nature.
How To Link With Us - Click Here!
Peru Travel News
Caral : the oldest town in the New World
Caral is the oldest civilization in the Americas, having developed almost simultaneously with the civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India and China. [more...]
Check Our Links
Our Travel and Tour Sites
Contact us our email: info@perutrip.net
Special thanks to Prom Perú for the information and pictures.
Last Update :
This site © 2006 is sponsored by Turismo Inkaiko S.C.R.L. Peru.
All rights reserved.
Lima:
Av. Pardo 610 Of. S-21 Miraflores Lima Phone Number: 24122145 Cusco: Calle Heladeros #157 Of. 34A Cusco Phone Number: +511 084 240536
Toll Free Numbers: USA and Canada 1-800-408-5527 Toll Free España : 900 991 849
Phones : USA: 305 728 6360 UK : 44-20-7043 9022 España : +34 912 983 518 Peru : (51 1) 495-1283