Frequently Asked Questions about the Manu Jungle

What is the weather typically like?

The weather is typically hot and humid.  There are normally eight months of rain and four months of dry weather.  During the day the temperature can reach 38 degrees Celsius but it will feel hotter because of the humidity.  The humidity is around 90%.

What are the Lodges like?

All lodges that Manu Explorers provides are wooden lodges and the windows are covered with metal mosquitoes nets.  Lodges include basic amenities like: Shared and Private bathrooms with showers and toilets,  double based rooms, beds with bedding and mosquito nets.  Some lodges will have hot water but most are just cold water.

What time do we return to Cusco from the Jungle?

We normally reach Cusco between 4pm to 8pm.

What is included in the tour?

Manu Explorers includes the following:

• Tour guide in English and Spanish, (Tour guide specialized on bird watching or biologist with previous request),
• Water proof Binoculars 10x42 (a pair for 2 people)
• Spotting Scope
• Transportation (bus and boat)
• Professional cook.
• Three meals a day included vegetarian option.
• Mineral water
• All accommodations  and lodges.
• Tents for 2 people.
• Snack food (fresh fruits, sweets/caramels, chocolates, cookies, juices)
• Rain Poncho
• Rubber boots
• Entrance fee to the Oxbow Lakes
• Entrance fee to Manu National Park
• Entrance fee to all the private Natural Reserves
• First aid kit

What to bring into the Jungle?

Manu Explorers recomends to bring the following:

• Sleeping bag for the Expedition tours
• Repellent with a minimum of 15 % deet
• Binoculars (if you want your own  pair)
• Camera with extra batteries
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Sun Screen
• Pocket money
• Daypack
• Water bottle/canteen or camel pack
• Sandals
• T-shirts
• Socks
• Light pants
• Shorts
• Swimsuit
• Sun hat / hat
• Sandals
• Toilet paper
• Dark clothes (for the walking days)
• converter /adaptor for the electricity (Plugs are typically the 2 pronged flat type found in the US)

What shoe size does Peru use?

European shoe sizes are used in Peru, to know what shoe size you are, please use the international shoe converter below. 

What are the dangers of visiting the jungle?

There are really no specific dangers in the jungle.  In general, the animals are not dangerous.  The most dangerous species in the jungle are the snakes, the most common and dangerous ones are the Fer-de- lance snakes.  However, these snakes are rarely seen.  Precautions are taken which include wearing rubber boots while going on jungle walks to avoid any possible dangers.

Are there mosquitoes?

Yes, there are mosquitoes and sand flies.  The mosquitoes are most active in the mornings and at dusk.  We recommend that you bring a very good mosquito repellent with you to help avoid these mosquitoes while you are walking in the jungle.  All the lodges provide mosquito nets for your beds and also the tents which are used have a mosquito net as well.

Do we need a Health and Travel Insurance?

Yes, the weather conditions in the Rainforest are unpredictable. The months of April to October are the driest months of the year, but some times during these months and the remainder of the year, we do have some rain and the roads may become inaccessible due to landslips/landslides. For that reason we recommend travel insurance to cover these unpredictable weather conditions, as claims for compensation cannot be considered. The insurance should also cover cancellation of tours, cancellation of flights, accident, loss of personal luggage, hospitalization, etc.

How many people are in a group?

The groups are normally between 4 to 12 people. Three people is the minimum group size, smaller groups can depart in private service.

Will we need hiking boots?

Yes, hiking shoes are good for the tour, but we do provide rubber boots for the trekkings in the jungle.

Do we need sleeping bags?

Yes, but only for the tours that include camping.

Do you provide clean drinking water?

Yes, all tour prices include mineral water throughout the entire trip and the expeditions include mineral water as well but when you are deep in the jungle the river water is normally boiled which makes it suitable to drink.  On the expeditions, we highly recommend that our passengers bring water purifying pills.

What types of animals and wildlife will we see?

Manu National Park has the highest concentration of wildlife in the world, therefore the probability of seeing animals and wildlife is very high.  There are over 150 species of mammals, 99 species of reptiles, 140 species of amphibians, 1000 species of birds, including the beautiful and rare Macaw, 200 species of fish, 1000 species of butterflies, 130 species of dragonflies, and an unknown amount of insect species.  However, even though this is a wide variety of wildlife, the area we will be visiting is not a zoo and therefore it is never certain what animals and wildlife you will see during your tour, is depends on luck.

What type of food will we eat and are there choices if you are a vegetarian?

 The food we provide during these tours will be mostly foods native to the jungle.  It will include fish, chicken, beef, rice, and vegetables.  Fresh native jungle fruit such as pineapple, bananas, plantains, and passion fruit will be provided.  Drinks during the tour will include natural juices like pineapple, star fruit, papaya, and passion fruit, mineral water, café, tea, and hot chocolate. We also make accommodations for vegetarians.

Do you provide a first-aid kit?

Yes, we do have a very comprehensive first aid kit with us, but we also recommend that you carry a small first aid kit of your own, which includes all the basic items of a first-aid kit.

Is there malaria in the region?

No, there has not been a confirmed case of malaria in the region of Manu National Park since the 1980.  However the area is still considered a malaria region and therefore we highly recommend that you take anti-malaria medication during your time in the jungle. Please check the CDC web site for any vaccinations that they recommend at: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/peru.aspx.

If you have a question that is not answered here, please send us an email at info@manuexplorers.com and we will get you an answer.