Peru's Amazonian Eden: Manu National Park and Biosphere Reserve  (English and Spanish Edition)
MANU BIOSPHERE RESERVE, the largest tropical rainforest biosphere reserve on earth, lies at the furthest tip of the upper Amazon River in the remote southeastern region of Peru. Only 100 miles (160 kilometers) from the spectacular Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, Manu is unique in that it protects three, highly-distinct ecosystems: the Puna--a high-altitude, tundra-like area characterized by pale yellow ichu grass, isolated blue lakes and tassel-eared llamas; the cloud forest--a mysterious world bathed in constant mist and inhabited by brilliant-red Cock of the Rocks, Spectacled Bears, and score of dripping tree ferns; and the lowland rainforest--home of the giant Black Caiman, Giant Otter, 13 species of monkeys and over 1000 species of birds (10% of the world's total). Although invaded at different times by Inca Indians, Spanish Conquistadors, and Victorian rubber kings, Manu Biosphere Reserve has largely been protected through the centuries both by its remote location and by the presence of hostile native tribes. Manu currently supports four native ethnic groups--two of which are still uncontacted--and protects 4,646,564 acres (1,881,200 hectares) of land. Almost half the size of Switzerland, Manu is perhaps the most species-rich protected area to be found anywhere on Earth.