Are you planning to travel to Peru to see its amazing wildlife? Then you could find it difficult to decide between Manu and Tambopata.
Both are equally fascinating, but depending on your needs. One may offer certain advantages over the other. So, which is better Manu or Tambopata Jungle?
Because of its isolation, Manu National Park is regarded as one of the planet’s biodiverse locations. Even wildlife researchers can reach it that easily! You must take a 40-minute flight to Boca Manu before taking a 5–6-hour boat ride to the jungle lodges where you will be staying to reach the Manu jungles.
Since Tambopata is not as secluded as Manu, you should be ready for some crowds. Although it is not a lot, Tambopata receives a lot more daily visits. This is because it is so easily accessible; all it takes is a 30-minute flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado. You can then travel to the jungle lodges by boat along the Tambopata River.
With more than 1200 plant species, 200 mammal species, 150 reptiles, and amphibian species, and 1000 butterfly species, the Manu National Park is one of the best places in Peru to watch wildlife. It will undoubtedly be one of the greatest life experiences you will ever have. River otters, black caimans, capybaras, Brazilian tapirs, giant armadillos, scarlet macaws, Andean cock-of-the-rock, and black spider monkeys are among the animals that are frequently spotted.
Tambopata Jungle is especially excellent for wildlife viewing, particularly birdwatching expeditions, with around 1200 plant species, 160 mammal species, 100 reptile and amphibia species, 650 bird species, and 1200 butterfly species. The Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick, which feeds more than 100 macaws, parrots, and parakeets every day, is the most visited site in the Tambopata.
The Manu wildlife excursions are suited for visitors who intend to stay in Peru for longer than 2 weeks because they need a lot of time and effort. The wildlife tour alone will take anything from 4 to 9 days, depending on your needs. It is more interesting than Tambopata, but it is also more expensive because you need a budget of $300 to $400 every day.
Tambopata is more suitable for visitors who intend to stay in Peru for less than a week. This is because it is not a particularly difficult place to visit and practically all wildlife excursions last for approximately 4-5 days. Because of the crowds, it is less entertaining but also the least expensive, costing only approximately $100 to $200 per day.
The dry season of Peru, lasts from April to September. It is the best time to visit the jungles of Manu and Tambopata since it increases the chance of spotting wildlife.
Whatever place you decide to go, it will be equally fascinating and leave a lasting impression on you. It all comes down to your preferences, such as the number of days you want to spend in Peru, how much budget you have, and what kind of species you want to see!