ABOUT THE ATTRACTIONS IN THE CULTURAL ZONE
The Cultural Zone is one of the three areas of the Manu Biosphere Reserve and is a transition zone between the Andes and the Jungle. There are Montains, a Cloudforest and a part of the Jungle. In this area it is possible to see small hamlets, settlers and Native Communities who dedicate their time to productive activities like agriculture or pruning but in a smaller scale, thanks to the control of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Park authorities. The purpose of this controlled area is to protect the Reserved Zone. That is why it is also called "Transition Zone" or "Multi-use Zone".

For a deeper experience in the jungle we recommend you to make an excursion into the Reserved Zone of Manu.

We recommend the tour in the Cultural Zone for those who have few time (4 days) and who want to visit the Peruvian jungle and take advantage of the nice landscapes and the various ecosystems. You will also have the opportunity to practice Adventure Sports like Mountain biking, Rafting (level I - II) and Canopying. On the other hand, the Wildlife in the Cultural Zone is less impressive than in the Reserved Zone. The main wildlife in the cultural area consists of minor mammals and birds.

ABOUT THE LODGE
The Cusco office is equipped with Radio Communication. Communication on the journey is by radio and we are in constant communication with the four Radio Bases in the Jungle. Emergency service is always close by, following each step of the group's trip to supply us with our essential needs.

SAFETY
One of the main reasons why our tour operator is considered a Jungle Specialist is because of our emphasis on safety. We provide our own transportation, both boats for the river and specialized overland vehicles for the road.

Guides are a very important part of your trip because they help you understand all about the rainforest, the interrelations between the plants and animals and the importance of conserving this natural ecosystem. There are biologists, anthropologists and rainforest specialists amongst the staff.
All the guides speak Spanish and English and some may speak German, Italian or French. Our cook and his assistant will provide you with a well-balanced and tasty meal plan during your trip, including vegetarian menus if required. Drinking water will be provided whenever you need it throughout the trip.

ORIENTATION
Peru is located on the central west coast of South America. Its neighboring countries are: Ecuador and Colombia to the N; Chile to the S; Brazil and Bolivia to the E; and the Pacific Ocean to the W. It is the third largest country in South America, with a surface area of 1 285 215,6 km2 (larger than France, Spain, and Germany combined) distributed approximately in the following manner: 12% coastal territory, 28% Andean highlands and 60% Amazon jungle. Its capital, Lima, is located in the coastal area, where the country's greatest economic activities take place.

TIME ZONE
Peruvian time is five hours past Greenwich Mean Time and is similar to Eastern Standard Time in the United States (except when the U.S. goes on daylight savings time from April to October). In reference to other cities, when it is noon in Peru, it is:

Santiago de Chile and Caracas	13:00
Rio de Janeiro	14:00
New York	12:00
Madrid	18:00
Londres	17:00
Tokyo	03:00

TEMPERATURE
Being such a geographically diverse country within the tropical belt, the weather in Peru is determined both by altitude and season. However, it also means that there is almost invariably sunshine somewhere in Peru ! Below is a summary of the weather conditions you can expect to find in each different region of the country at different times of the year.

Coast (Ica, Chiclayo, Lima, Piura, Trujillo, Tumbes)
Northern region: warm year-round with highs of up to 35°C in the summer.
Central and southern regions: two well-defined seasons, winter between April and October, and summer between November and March.

Highlands (Ancash, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, Puno)
This region has two seasons, dry season between April and rainy season between November and March.

Rainforest (Iquitos, Madre de Dios, Manu)
High rainforest (over 2,300 feet asl): has a temperate, subtropical climate with abundant rainfall.

WE RECOMMEND YOU TO
- Use boots during long walks.
- Drink a lot of liquid during your stays in the forest.
- Keep a kit of dry clothes in your room.

WHAT TO BRING
- Warm clothing in case of a cold front (Sweaters and a jacket).
- 100% Waterproof rain wear (long poncho).
- Long sleeved shirts and long pants (cotton).
- Plenty of insect repellent.
- Sunscreen lotion, wide brim hat (for sunny days).
- One or two pairs of sneakers.
- One pair of lightweight ankle height boots and sandals.
- Flashlight, enough batteries (alkaline) and bulbs.
- Binoculars.
- Sun glasses.
- Plastic bags.
- Towel.
- Swimwear.
- Personal medicines and/or supplies (liquid for contact lenses, for example).
- Day pack, and one back pack or duffel bag of luggage per person.
- Camera and film ASA 200 and 400 for the inner forest.

LUGGAGE
Due to limited space in the canoes only a medium sized handbag or rucksack for the river trip is allowed. Excess baggage can be left in the Cusco office deposit.

YELLOW FEVER INOCULATION REQUERIMENTS
Yellow fever inoculation is recommended for travel to Peruvian Jungle. Get your vaccine at least 10 days before your arrival. You must bring your yellow fever inoculation certificate with you to prove to the airport officials in Puerto Maldonado that you are vaccinated.

WEATHER
The Manu area has both a dry and a wet season with some sudden cold weather fronts throughout the year. The bulk of the Biosphere Reserve lies within the watershed of the 250 km long Manu River, one of the many small rivers that flow out of the Andes and unite to form the mighty Amazon River. Most of the low land sections of the park (at 400mts above sea level) receive about two meters of rain annually, which is twice as much as New York City. Most of this rain falls from October or November through April or May.
The dry months of the year are from June to September. Daytime high temperatures in the lowland sections range from 32ºC to 35 (81-90 F), while night time low temperature average 20-26ºC (68-79 F). In any month of the year, however, unexpected Cold Fronts from the South can bring one or two days of heavy rain with daytime high temperatures of 13-18ºC (55.65 F) and night-time low temperatures of 10ºC (50 F).

HIGH SEASON: MAY - DECEMBER
LOW SEASON: JANUARY - MARCH

ALTITUDE
Cusco city: 3,360 m.a.s.l.
Manu: 365 m.a.s.l.

WATER
Tap water in most of Peru is potable, but the chemical content varies from place to place. To avoid problems, we recommend you to always drink bottled water.

VISAS
All travellers should contact the nearest Peruvian consulate in order to ascertain what visa rules apply, since these may change without previous notice.
For more information clic here:
Type of visa to enter Peru

AIRPORT

Hand luggage regulations

a) All liquids must be carried in containers whose capacity can not exceed of 100 ml (or its equivalent in other volumetric units, such as liquid ounces for instance). No liquids will be allowed in containers of more capacity than the said 100 ml, even if the container is not completely full.

b) The containers must be placed in reclosable plastic bags with a maximum capacity of 1 liter. The containers must fit effortlessly in the transparent plastic bag, which must be perfectly sealed.

c) The plastic bag must be presented at the inspection post for its visual examination. Only one plastic bag per passenger can be allowed.

d) Exceptions must be made in case of medications, milk and baby food, as well as in case of passengers who require a special diet. There must be the appropriate means in place to verify the nature of these liquids.

Likewise, exceptions must be made regarding liquids purchased in the duty free shops at the airport or on board an aircraft, provided that these liquids are packed in a sealed plastic container foolproof against undue manipulations, and that a satisfactory proof (receipt) is produced showing that the article was acquired at the airport’s duty free shops, or aboard an aircraft on the traveling day(s) for passengers leaving an airport or being there on transit.

LANGUAGE
The official languages of Peru are Spanish, spoken by 73% of the population, and Quechua spoken by 24% of Peruvians. English is widely spoken in hotels and shops.

CURRENCY
Peru's official currency is the Nuevo sol ; its symbol is S/. The denominations in circulation are bills of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 nuevos soles; coins of 1, 2, and 5 nuevos soles; and coins of 5, 10, 20 and 50 céntimos of a nuevo sol. US$ are widely accepted.
At the moment, US$ 1.00 is worth around 3.50 Nuevos Soles.

TIPPING
Whilst tipping is a personal matter, we are happy to give some guidelines:
Most restaurants add a 10% tip. The total tip should be about 15%.
Doorkeepers should be tipped 1 US$ per bag. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip.

Full-day excursion : US$6.00 per person
Half-day excursion : US$3.00 per person

PHOTOGRAPHY
If you are taking photographs of local people, always ask their permission beforehand. Your guide can assist you in this. Do not take photographs of military installations or airports. Film is readily available in all tourist areas. It is advisable to carry your camera in a dust-proof bag. Photography or camera fees are applicable at most sights and museums; your guide can give you details of the latest charges.

ELECTRICITY
Power voltage in Peru is 220 Volts AC, 60 Hz. Most modern electrical appliances do not need adapters since they will accept both 110 as well as 220 AC voltages. Please make sure to check the voltage options of those artefacts you intend to take with you during your trip, such as hair dryers, battery chargers, notebooks and lap tops, video cameras, etc. Most of these do not usually need a special adapter, but it is important that you make sure of that before leaving your country of origin in order not to have to buy special 110 V / 220 V AC adapters, which, however, can be found in the local market here in Peru.

HEALTH
Vaccinations
Full details of the latest health requirements should be obtained from an authorized medical source, such as your doctor. There are no mandatory health requirements for Peru.
Because you are visiting Andean areas, don't forget to take precautions to avoid altitude sickness. Be sure to try hot tea or infusion of coca leaves on your arrival in the altitude; during your first day move slowly and eat lightly.

PERUVIAN GASTRONOMY
Peruvian cuisine is highly varied and spicy. Some of our typical dishes are: "cebiche" (raw fish marinated in lemon juice), "aji de gallina" (de-boned chicken cooked in a milk and aji sauce), and "anticuchos" (shish kebabs of beef heart and meat), apart from the typical dishes from each region.
Be sure to try "Pisco Sour", Peru's typical mixed drink prepared with pisco, lemon, egg white and sugar.

Restaurants During Your Trip
In Cusco: International, vegetarian and local food restaurants.
In Manu: All meals will be provided by the lodge.

... more about Cusco restaurants.

DRESS CODE
Dress in general is very casual unless you want to eat in one of the more expensive restaurants in Lima for example, in which case a tie and/or jacket will be required and smarter ladies' wear. Due to the altitude, it is important to remember whatever the season, to take some warmer woollens for the nighttimes drop in temperature.

IMPORTANT: We reserve the right to make changes to the order of the trip, without prior notice, due to changes in climate conditions, river water levels, flight or bus arrival and departure times or any other reason relevant to the best development of the trip.