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Lake Machuwasi Manu Park: A Hidden Natural Paradise in the Heart of Manu, Madre de Dios

Lake Machuwasi Manu Park, located in the district of Salvación, Manu Province (Madre de Dios region, Peru), is one of the best-kept secrets of the Peruvian Amazon. This aquatic ecosystem is not only a natural haven of biodiversity but also a perfect destination for nature lovers, wildlife observers, and sustainable ecotourism enthusiasts.

Cocha Machuwasi: An Amazonian Wetland in the Heart of Manu You Should Visit

Location:

• Region: Madre de Dios
• Province: Manu
• District: Manu
• Altitude: 550 m.a.s.l.
• Category: Natural Site
• Type: Body of Water
• Subtype: Wetland
• Tourism Hierarchy: Level 2 (Regional Importance)

Location & Accessibility –LLake Machuwasi Manu Park Reserve

This magical mirror of water is located just 2.2 kilometers from the town of Villa Salvación, accessible via a well-maintained dirt road. Its easy access allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of the rainforest without having to travel great distances.

Cocha Machuwasi is managed by the Provincial Municipality of Manu, ensuring the conservation of the site and the implementation of responsible tourism activities. manu reserved zone 

Climate & Natural Conditions – Lake Machuwasi Manu Park

The climate in this part of Manu is warm and humid year-round, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 37°C and an average annual temperature of 25.6°C. Rainfall is abundant, with annual precipitation between 2,000 and 4,000 mm, especially intense from December to April. Tour manu short

These conditions create a lush, diverse ecosystem ideal for wildlife and the conservation of endemic species.

Formation and Characteristics of the Cocha

Cocha Machuwasi is a natural lagoon formed by the seepage of two natural springs and the damming of the Alto Madre de Dios and Salvación rivers. It covers an area of 0.82 hectares and has an average depth of 1.5 meters. In the center of the lagoon is a small island with floodable soil, making it a perfect microhabitat for many animal and plant species. manu cloud forest 

Flora: A Natural Pharmacy and Fruit Basket -Lake Machuwasi Manu Park

The vegetation surrounding the lagoon is a very humid subtropical forest, transitioning toward a subtropical rainforest. This environment hosts an incredible diversity of timber, fruit, and medicinal plant species: tour adventure

• Notable Timber and Emblematic Trees:
• Azúcar huayo (Hymenaea oblongifolia)
• Tornillo (Cedrelinga catenaeformis)
• Catahua (Hura crepitans)
• Estoraque (Myroxylon balsamum)
• Pashaco (Schizolobium amazonicum)
• Tahuari (Tabebuia sp.)
• Peine de mono (Apeiba membranacea)

Palms and Tropical Plants:

• Aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa)
• Bijao (Heliconia psittacorum)
• Chonta (Attalea sp.)
• Pona (Bactris longifrons)

Wild and Cultivated Fruit Trees:

• Cacao (Theobroma cacao)
• Cocona (Solanum topiro)
• Pacae (Inga sp.)
• Avocado (Persea americana)
• Plum (Spondias mombin)
• Banana (Musa paradisiaca)

Medicinal Plants:

• Matico, horsetail, sano sano
• Cat’s claw, dragon’s blood, weldweed
• This natural inventory makes Cocha Machuwasi an ideal site for botanical, ethnobotanical, and natural health tourism.

Wildlife: The Realm of Biodiversity

The fauna inhabiting this area is astonishing and diverse, making it a paradise for wildlife watchers and nature photographers.

Mammals and Primates: Lake Machuwasi Manu Park

• Woolly monkey (Lagothrix lagothrica)
• Howler monkey (Alouatta puruensis)
• Collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu)
• White-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari)
• Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
• Giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)
• Giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus)
• Paca (Agouti paca)
• Ungulates:
• Red brocket deer (Mazama americana)
• Gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira)

Felines: Lake Machuwasi Manu Park

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

Jaguar (Panthera onca)

This natural sanctuary is home not only to charismatic species but also to some that are threatened or endangered, underscoring its immense ecological value and the urgent need for conservation.

Why Visit Lake Machuwasi, Manu Reserve?

Unparalleled Biodiversity: Ideal for biologists, photographers, and eco-tourists.

Sustainable and Authentic Tourism: With local guides and immersive experiences.

Accessibility: A short distance from Villa Salvación.

Peace and Total Disconnection: Perfect for those seeking tranquility and a deep connection with nature.

Lake Machuwasi Manu Park

• Lake Machuwasi Manu Reserve
• Cocha Machuwasi
• Ecotourism in Manu
• Natural destinations in Madre de Dios
• Sustainable tourism in Peru
• Wildlife observation in Manu
• What to do in Villa Salvación
• Lagoons in the Peruvian Amazon
• Flora and fauna of the Manu rainforest

Final Tip for Travelers:

If you’re looking for an authentic experience far from mass tourism and you’re passionate about nature in its purest form, La Cocha Machuwasi is your next destination. Don’t forget to bring binoculars, insect repellent, a camera, and most importantly, deep respect for this sacred environment.

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