FAQ

Health & Medical Precautions

Do I Need Vaccinations?

We recommend taking appropriate health precautions before travelling to the Amazon and ensuring that your routine vaccinations are up to date.

Consider making an appointment with your doctor or a travel health professional about a month before your visit to discuss any vaccinations or medications that may be appropriate for you.

This information is not intended as medical advice. All medical decisions, including those concerning vaccinations and preventive medication, should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

How Can I Protect Myself from Insect Bites?

Mosquitoes and sand flies are among the most common nuisances for visitors to the Amazon and can transmit tropical diseases.

To reduce your exposure to biting insects, we recommend:

• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, particularly around dawn, dusk, and at night.

• Using insect repellent on exposed skin.

• Following any additional recommendations provided by your doctor or travel health professional.

Despite the dramatic stories told by early Amazon explorers, the tropical rainforest is not as intimidating as many people imagine. We take our guests’ safety seriously and provide practical recommendations to help you enjoy a safe and comfortable stay.

Do I Need a Yellow Fever Vaccination?

Yellow fever is uncommon in the Kosñipata Valley, with only one case registered locally in the last 30 years. However, we recommend discussing yellow fever vaccination with your doctor or a travel health professional before travelling.

Is Malaria a Risk?

Malaria is generally a greater concern in areas where transmission can be sustained more easily. In southern Peru, malaria is rare, although cases can occur. Only one case has been recorded locally in the past 30 years.

The decision whether to take malaria prophylaxis should be made in consultation with your doctor or a travel health professional.

Is Dengue Present in the Region?

Yes. Dengue occurs in the region and is more common in towns and populated areas where stagnant water provides breeding sites for mosquitoes.

There is no substitute for preventing mosquito bites, so we recommend using insect repellent and wearing appropriate clothing.

What Should I Know About Leishmaniasis?

Leishmaniasis is endemic to our region. It is transmitted by small sand flies from the family Psychodidae, which are most active around dawn, dusk, and at night.

The condition can become serious if left untreated. If you notice a bite, sore, or wound that does not heal normally, seek medical advice. Local healthcare professionals can advise whether testing is appropriate.

What About Zika?

Zika virus has been reported in Latin America. Symptoms can include fever and rash, although some infections cause no noticeable symptoms.

Travellers should seek current medical advice regarding prevention and any personal risk factors before visiting the region.

Travelling to Manu Endemic

How Do I Get Here?

The journey begins and ends in Cusco, in the Peruvian Andes.

You can travel to Cusco from Lima either by land or by air. A bus journey from Lima to Cusco generally takes approximately 20 to 25 hours, while a direct flight takes about one hour.

Cusco Airport (CUZ) has daily domestic connections, including services operated by LATAM and SKY.

It may sometimes be cheaper or more convenient to book your international flight to Lima separately from your domestic flight to Cusco.

If you prefer to travel by bus, Cruz del Sur and Civa are among the operators serving the route.

Do I Need a Visa to Enter Peru?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and may change.

Before travelling, check the latest entry requirements with the relevant Peruvian embassy or consulate or with Peru’s official immigration authorities.

What Currency Is Used in Peru?

Peru’s currency is the sol, with the plural soles.

ATMs are widely available in major Peruvian cities, including Cusco, and many allow withdrawals in both soles and US dollars.

Exchange rates and fees vary between ATMs, banks, exchange offices, and airports. The amount of money you should bring will depend on your travel style and spending habits.

Weather & Climate

What Is the Climate Like in Cusco and the Andes?

Cusco generally has mild daytime temperatures and considerably cooler nights.

From June to August, nighttime temperatures can occasionally fall below freezing, so we recommend bringing warm clothing for your stay in the Andes before travelling down towards the rainforest.

What Is the Climate Like at Manu Endemic Lodge?

Manu Endemic Lodge lies between the Andes and the Amazon rainforest.

Daytime conditions can range from hot and sunny to cool and cloudy depending on the weather, while nights are generally cooler.

The region can also experience friajes—cold fronts that move northwards into the Amazon and can bring temperatures below 10°C (50°F). Their duration varies, so it is useful to keep some warm clothing available even while staying in the rainforest.

Does It Rain During the Dry Season?

Yes. Although many visitors travel to Manu during the dry season, heavy rain can occur at any time of year.

Always bring suitable waterproof clothing and rain protection for your equipment. Please see our packing list for further recommendations.

Safety in Peru

Is Peru Safe for Travellers?

Most travellers visit Peru without serious problems, but, as when travelling anywhere in the world, you should use common sense and take reasonable precautions.

We recommend remaining aware of your surroundings, particularly in larger towns, cities, bus stations, and other crowded areas.

How Can I Reduce the Risk of Theft?

Petty crime, particularly theft, is more common than violent crime.

Keep valuables such as cash, phones, wallets, cameras, and tablets out of sight when possible and store them securely. Use hotel safes or lockers where available.

On long-distance buses, keep an eye on your belongings, particularly smaller bags stored in overhead racks. Avoid carrying a wallet or phone in an easily accessible back pocket in crowded areas.

Is It Safe to Walk Around at Night?

In larger towns and cities, avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas. Use authorised or reputable transport whenever possible.

Hotel staff can often advise you about areas where additional caution may be appropriate.

Are There Any Other Safety Precautions I Should Take?

Do not accept or ingest unknown substances offered by strangers, and use sensible judgement when interacting with people you do not know.

With normal travel precautions, most visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience in Peru, including during their journey to Manu and their stay in the rainforest.

Packing List

• A photocopy of your passport

• Small backpack/day pack

• Hiking boots

• Sweater

• Light jacket

• Rain gear

• Long-sleeved cotton shirt

• Hat 

• Swimwear

• Sports sandals

• Sunscreen and sunglasses

• Insect repellent

• Razor

• Headlamp

• Camera, batteries, and memory cards

• Battery charger

• Binoculars for wildlife viewing (8x or 10x)

• Zip-lock bags and rubbish bags to keep your clothing and other belongings dry during river crossings and forest excursions

• Field guide to the birds of Peru (or a birding app)