A Look at the Ecosystems and Wildlife of Cusco

Peru is located in the subtropical area of South America. Due to its location, the climate should be warm and humid. Still, due to the Andes Mountains, a complex system of marine currents, and the movements of air masses, a wide variety of climates, geological and ecological, is generated, which grants the mega-diverse country its quality.

In Peru, you can find 84 of the 114 life zones identified on our planet. Its rich biodiversity in the Peruvian Amazon includes 1,700 bird species, large mammals, and other animals. Peruvian flora has given the world the widest variety of domesticated plants; for example, there are more than 1,000 potato varieties. Peruvian natural reserves are the world’s richest source of natural resources.

In Peru, the Amazon River is the longest and largest river in the world, and its basin covers more than half of Peru’s territory and is home to dense vegetation. The exciting thing is that the Peruvian Amazon is so vast that it could take months or even years to visit. That is why a tourist infrastructure design allows tourists to choose short-, medium-, or extended-stay programs to achieve the highest level of satisfaction. The northern, eastern, central, and southern jungles are tremendous natural sanctuaries that abound in Peru’s three regions and protect the fauna and flora.

The Cusco department encompasses diverse zones of life and microclimates, ranging from the puna to elevations above 6,000 meters. The eastern slope of the Andes, as does the low jungle in the Amazon, offers great megadiversity.

Given the importance of conserving and preserving these natural resources, their fauna, flora, and landscape scenarios, several places have been declared intangible areas and the Patrimony of Humanity.

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

Natural and Cultural Patrimony of Humanity (UNESCO, 1983). Who created the park to protect the landscape of the well-known archaeological site of Machu Picchu, founded by the Inca culture? It is believed to have been a royal Inca residence and was perhaps the center for collecting coca from the surrounding plantations. The site finally fell into ruin, was covered by jungle, invaded, and “lost by science” until its rediscovery in 1911.

Manu National Park

Natural Heritage of Humanity (UNESCO, 1973). Biosphere Reserve. The park is located in Manu and Paucartambo (Departments of Madre de Dios and Cusco, respectively), which comprises the lands on the eastern slopes of the Andes and the Peruvian Amazon. Intangible area, fauna and flora protection, and scenic beauties of Andina Orientales and the Amazon. It covers the territories of the Andean puna and yunga in the department of Cusco, and the low jungle in the department of Madre de Dios, crossed by the Manu River. Therefore, the upper reaches of the Madre de Dios River and its tributaries offer opportunities for tourists and visiting partners. The other regions only allow researchers to enter. In the tourist area, there is an accommodation facility. The accommodations offer guided tours for tourists and housing and work facilities for researchers and scientists.

Orchids in Cusco Birdwatching in Cusco

Peru is the 2nd most prosperous country in the world for bird diversity, and Cusco offers ideal birdwatching conditions. In the department of Cusco, you can choose between the high and middle Andean zones (Sacred Valley), tall forests (Sanctuary of Machu Picchu), and cloud forests (Manu National Park). The paradise route for observing birds is between Ollantaytambo and Quillabamba—the Abra de Málaga. Also, you can find many species of hummingbirds in Machu Picchu.