The sprawling UNESCO-listed Manu Biosphere Reserve covers an area approximately one-third the size of Costa Rica. This is Peru’s largest protected natural region and indeed, one of the largest on the planet. Yet it is the species it shelters, rather than its scale that truly wows!
Protection levels are staggered throughout the park. At its core is a strictly controlled center devoted to the protection of the wildlife and virgin forest. Surrounding this is a reserved area, which is allowed to be used for research and tourism purposes. Lastly is a designated cultural area, where villages can be found and cultivation of the land is allowed.