Peru and ecotourism, Flora and Fauna Information

The human development model has always been based on exploiting natural resources. Ecotourism is one model of tourism activity that promotes sustainability.

Peru and Ecotourism

The National Service of State Protected Areas (SERNANP) works to preserve protected natural areas (ANP), ensuring biological diversity and environmental services.

Why Conserve?

Conserving nature and natural resources is one of the most urgent needs for the survival of humankind.

Flora and fauna

It is possible to find 84 of the 104 life zones.

Primates: The Callimicónidos, represented by a unique species (the false pichico of Goeldi).

Sea mammals

There are a total of 33 species of marine mammals in Peru.

• Palomino Islands, Lima
• Ballestas Islands, Ica
• Punta San Juan, Ica

Wildflowers

The Andes Mountains, which cross the innumerable valleys that descend towards the coast and the jungle, have enabled wildlife to adapt to a series of ecosystems through the development of survival strategies.

This area presents a diversity of wilderness areas: from the tiny flower of the yareta (Azorella yareta) to the gigantic inflorescence of the Puya de Raimondi (Puya raimondii), passing through the peaceful purposes (Passiflora trifoliata) or the colorful chochos (Lupinus mutabilis).

Between 2,000 and 3,000 masl, the fog forests are home to the world’s rarest flowers, including bromeliad (Aechmea SP) and giant begonia (Begonia sp.).

Butterflies

Butterflies are now the best-known group of terrestrial invertebrates.

Places where they are:

• National Park of the Manu, locality of Pakitza. 1300 species.
• National Reserve of Tambopata Candamo, 1260 species

Orchids

The orchids multiply to form authentic gardens despite the vitality produced by almost 5,000 mm of rain a year.

• In Tumbes and Piura: Maximum Cattleya
• Amazon: Gender Masdevalia
• San Martin, Rio Mayo, “Land of the Orchids: Cattleya Rex
• Huanuco: An ideal place for orchid observation

The Cordillera Blanca and Callejón de Huaylas in Ancash:

Chanchamayo Valley, Junín: Royal Butterfly (Psychopsis sanderae) and the beautiful “Star of David” (Huntleya vargasii).
In the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu: Wakanki (Masdevalia vetchiana), wiñaywayna is “always young” (Epidendrum secundum).

Andean Camelids

A typical inhabitant of the Andes, the South American camelid has been a source of food, shelter, and help for the Peruvian man for about 6,000 years.

Peru South

Peru south is the best-known Peruvian bird-watching route. It includes the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Abra Málaga, the Manu, and Tambopata, to name a few. Infrastructure and comfort are outstanding. Among the main birds we can find here are Polylepis forest specialists, Macaw-licks, Hummingbird feeders, Titicaca grebes, and many more.

Yet, there is more to discover in southern Peru. Apurímac, with the Ampay Forest and the nearby forests Polylepis, becomes a fascinating point to finish the circuit.

The “Las Piedras” river, accessible from Puerto Maldonado, is a considerable alternative to Tambopata and the Manu with some accommodations.