The Manu Biosphere Reserve is considered to be the largest pristine tropical forest in the world. This one million eight hundred hectares of jungle situated in the remote southwestern region of the Amazon basin has over 1000 species of birds (approximately 10% of the world's total). The plant and insect kingdoms have yet to be fully discovered by scientists. This world heritage site also holds four native ethnic groups out of which two communities are completely isolated from the rest of the world. During our 6 day trip to the heart of Manu, we saw 6 species of monkeys; we identified over 50 species of birds and numerous other animals such as rodents and insects; we also identified a great number of plants from orchids to Ironwood trees. Given that we went to Manu at the beginning of the rainy season, we did not see as many larger animals. At the same time, however, the 6 of us were the only tourists in Manu - we did not see other tourists in the jungle until the last day of our trip. Furthermore, we experienced the 'Crescent' phenomenon on day 3 when the Alto Madre De Dios river swelled and swept huge trees from the river banks. One will never experience the tranquility of the jungle or the effects of heavy rain in the dry season when most tourists venture into the jungle. The Manu experience was made that much better partly also due to the excellent guide and staff we had from SAS Travel. This trip has only whetted my appetite to visit Manu again someday…