DESTINATIONS IN PERU - NATURE PROTECTION AREASPeru is one of the countries with the highest diversity of species
worldwide. Its broad range of climates and landscapes provide perfect
conditions for millions of animal and plant species. To give an overview of the numerous different categories and forms
of nature parks, we have defined some terms as they are valid in Peru
on this
page. Huascarán - Manu
- Río Abiseo - Cerros
de Amotape/ Biosfera Noroeste - Manglares
de Tumbes/ Biosfera Noroeste - Machu Picchu
- Bosque de Pómac - Junín
- Paracas - Lachay
- Titicaca
Department: Ancash (Highland) Description: Huascarán National Parks is, without
doubt, one of the most beautiful of the Peruvian Andes. Spanning
over 340,000 hectares, it protects the largest and highest tropical
mountain range in the world, the Cordillera Blanca. Activities: Almost all of the excursions that can be undertaken
from Huaraz lead you to the Huascarán National Park. Among
these, the one to the lagoons of Llanganuco and the glacier Pastoruri. Tips: Huascarán National Park contains various visitor centres, where one can gain an understanding of the uniqueness of the park. Numerous information signs and hints along the well-planned net of paths facilitate the orientation in the huge area and inform about flora and fauna. Trekkers can make use of the camping grounds.
Department: Cusco and Madre de Dios (Highland
and rainforest) Description: Manu National Park, situated in
Peru's Southeastern rainforest, is said
to be the most important in Peru and is often described using many a superlative. On its surface of more than
1.8 million hectares and altitudes ranging between 365 and 4000
m it offers habitats to more than 1000 species of birds, 200 different
mammals, (among them 13 species of monkeys) numerous colorful butterflies
of all sizes and 15.000 known plants. Activities: Next to the classic national park, a bit further East, in 1980 a proper reserve was founded, where tourism in jungle lodges is permitted. The highlights of most of the tours in this reserve are the visits to the tapir- and parrot clay licks where multitudes of macaws and other animals can be observed. Also other wildlife like monkeys, giant otters and, from time to time, jaguars can be seen. Tips: Within the reserved zone of the Manu
National Park there are various jungle lodges offering programs
of two and more days. It is very convenient to start your trip to
Manu from Cusco, after your regular round trip.
Department: San Martín (Highland, Coast) Description: Rio Abiseo National Park lies
in the country's Northeast in the basin of the Abiseo river. On
two of its sides the rivers Marañon and Huallaga, both feeding
the grand Amazon, form the park's natural boundaries. As with Manu, thier is a huge difference in altitudes within the
park, forming the perfect prerequisites for four different ecological
zones and therefore an immense biodiversity. With its multitude
of bird species it is a paradise for birdwatchers. An example of the abundance of wildlife in this region is shown by the fact that
between the altitudes of 3000 and 4000 metres more then 132 Andean bird
species were counted in just that 1000 metre strip. Activities: Tourism within the park is still in its infancy, which is why birds can be observed quietly and in unspoiled nature without too many other tourists around. Also hikers and those visitors interested in archaeology will surely enjoy a visit to the park, in spite of the long time it takes to get to there. This park will well be worth a visit, especially for birdwatching enhusiasts. Tips: So far the park has not been developed extensivly to cater for tourism and can therefore only be visited with limits. Even though it has been UNESCO World Natural Heritage since 1990, the planning of a sustainable tourism infrastructure in harmony with the nature has only just begun. Getting to the park is rather difficult. From Trujillo (occidental sector) and Tarapoto (oriental sector) you can reach the park in a day after taking various busses and boats.
Department: Tumbes and Piura (Coast) Description: Together with the hunting ground El Angolo and the Reserved Zone of Tumbes, the National Park Cerros de Amotape forms the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Noroeste (Northeast). The special thing about this area is the various types of forest that can be found there. Starting from mangrove with crocodiles, tropic mountain forests, habitat of iguanas, to the dry Andean forest over 1000 metres above sea level. Activities: The area is overall recommendable for the observation of flora and fauna. A couple of camping grounds facilitate trekking. Tips: Tourist have four possibilities to access the area. From the department of Piura you can reach the hunting grounds of El Angolo. The national park Cerros de Amotape itself as well as the reserved zone of Tumbes and the mangrove woods you can visit from Tumbes.
Department: Tumbes (Coast) Description: refer to Parque
Nacional Cerros de Amotape/ Biosfera Noroeste
Department: Cusco (Highland) Description: Machu Picchu is not only a UNESCO
World Cultural and Natural Heritage site as well as declared historical
monument, but also South America's premier tourist attraction. This
is also the reason why this legendary Inca citadel is under protection. Activities: Visiting the world famous site of Machu Picchu can easily be done in one or two days. For the more active travellers trekking tours are available, for example on the legendary Inca trail for 2 or 4 days, will definitely be an adventure. Also nature lovers will surely enjoy the diverse flora and fauna. There are also a couple of shorter, less demanding routes to hike around Machu Picchu. Visit the ancient Inca suspension bridge, the gate of the sun or Huayna Picchu and soak in the unique atmosphere! Tips: It is well worth spending a day in Aguas Calientes in order to climb up Putucusi on the first day. The second day you can than fully enjoy visiting Machu Picchu. Find more information about Machu Picchu by clicking here.
Department: Lambayeque (Coast) Description: Situated in the province of Ferreñafe
in Lambayeque, only 36 kilometres from Chiclayo, the Bosque de Pómac
is the world's largest dry forest. While forestry is not allowed
in this area, the extraction of honey and carob syrup, as well as
eco-tourism substantially contribute to the economic development
of the region. Activities: With its great biodiversity, the Bosque de Pómac is a paradise for nature lovers, also historically interested travellers will be happy visiting some of the various pyramids. By hiking through the park these activities can be ideally combined. Tips: Link your stopover of the Bosque de Pómac with a visit of the Museum Tumbas Reales de Sipán. The forest is situated in the proximity of the city of Chiclayo as well as the pyramids of Túcume and its respective museum.
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