Manu Expeditions

Address: Urbanizacion Magisterio, 2nda Etapa G-5

Postal address: P.O.Box 606, Cusco, Peru

Telephone: (51 84) 226671 or 239974

Fax: (51 84) 236706

Web Site: www.manuexpeditions.com

About the Company:

Manu Expeditions is the longest established operator in the Manu Biosphere Reserve and has been outfitting rainforest and mountain expeditions and tours since 1983. The company is owned by husband and wife team Barry Walker and Rosario Velarde and is based in Cusco.

Manu Expeditions is part owner of the Manu Wildlife Centre Lodge next to the macaw lick, in conjunction with a local conservation group, and rainforest research is constantly underway at this facility. They also run a safari camp concession at Cocha Salvador deep in the Manu Biosphere Reserve. Manu expeditions actively participates in conservation programmes investing time and money in conservation projects. The company also offers some treks in and around Cusco including the Inca Trail and Salkantay.

The Machiguenga Project (Casa Machiguenga) 
When the secrets of Manu's natural sanctuary were recognized in 1973 and Manu was declared a National Park, there was already an active and established culture of indigenous Machiguenga people who go back for centuries as an integral ingredient of the region and often took a backseat as tourism developed in Manu, despite being the ‘true owners’ of the forest. In 1996, a project was initiated by the native communities of Yombebato and Tayakome, in conjunction with a non-government organization from Germany, to establish a rustic lodge based on Machiguenga construction techniques and lifestyles in the Cocha Salvador area, deep in Manu. Accommodations are simple rooms with beds and mosquito nets, rustic furniture and communal dining areas. More than adequate toilet and shower facilities are on hand. The object of this project is to give the visitor the opportunity to learn about and understand not only the natural wonders of Manu but also the cultural history and traditions of its inhabitants. In 1999 the lodge, Casa Machiguenga, received its first guests but there is still much to be done before the full potential is realized and the aims and dreams of these quiet, gentle people to become included in, and benefit from, the attraction that Manu offers, are achieved. This, after all, is their home. For this reason, Manu Expeditions, in agreement with the Machiguenga communities, is using the Casa Machiguenga in the first fixed departure of each month. As a alternative to staying at their safari camp at Cocha Salvador they will be using the Machiguenga Lodge. This agreement means the visitor will benefit in experiencing an aspect of the magic of Manu they otherwise would not have been exposed to. At the same time they will be assisting in an essential aspect in the long term preservation of Manu and helping native Amerindian communities, enter the ever shrinking world without losing their cultural values. Manu Expeditions guides will be co-leading with Machiguenga’s on future trips so that visitors can learn from these indigenous peoples and benefit from their encyclopedic knowledge of medicinal plants and other wonders. In return, the Machuiguengas will get to learn something about us, our culture and learn the language skills necessary if they are to take visitors into their forest.

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Office Address: Calle Garcilaso 265, interior patio 2nd floor, Cusco, Peru (just 2 minutes walk from the main Plaza de Armas). If you are coming to Cusco please bring a couple of second hand clothes, toys, school equipment and drop them off in our office. We will help distribute the items to people who really need them in small village schools and communities in the Andes. For more details visit our web page www.andeantravelweb.com/peru/projects  A map of our office can be found by clicking here.

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This web page was last updated in January 2006