The amazing Peruvian territory offers a large number of archaeological zones, protected areas, and wildlife reserves among other great attractions. From dozens of national parks to numerous nature reserves they constitute a little more than 10% of the Andean territory. In general, most parks and reserves have few services or facilities suitable for tourism. Despite this, they offer a great window into the different natural wonders. Therefore, together with the travel experts of Machu Travel Peru, we have thought of a small article listing the most accessible Nature Reserves. We focus on bringing together the most accessible and rewarding parks and reserves for the traveler. Some of these reservations require special permits to enter, but together with one of our organized tours we can take care of these administrative details.
The most surprising Nature Reserves and National Parks you can find in Peru
- The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
- The Tambopata National Reserve
- The Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Reserve
- The Manu National Park
- The Huascaran National Park
- The Paracas National Reserve
1. THE PACAYA SAMIRIA NATIONAL RESERVE
The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is considered a beautiful pristine section of flooded forests in the Amazon rainforest of northern Peru. You can get there from the nearby city of Iquitos, one of the largest cities in the world inaccessible by road and the main gateway to most Amazonian adventures. Being an incomparable flooded forest, the best way to enter it is through a cruise on the different tours in Peru. This Nature Reserve covers an astonishing 2 million hectares and is one of the largest reserves in the country. Within the Reserve, you will be able to enjoy some luxurious and exclusive cruises with top quality services, gourmet cuisine, fine wines, and unparalleled comfort. In the different cruises, you will have the possibility to spot a large number of wild species in addition to experiencing private excursions in the surroundings. Without a doubt, it is one of the most surprising Amazonian experiences in Peru.
2. THE TAMBOPATA NATIONAL RESERVE
The Tambopata National Reserve contains one of the greatest diversity of animals and plants, covering an amazing territory of some 274,690 hectares of rainforest. The Reserve is home to the best sighting or hiking tours in the Amazon. You may be able to appreciate an abundance of wildlife, enjoy learning from the different native communities, or simply marvel at the abundant nature. This Nature Reserve is very close to the city of Puerto Maldonado, which means that the tours are quite accessible. You don’t need long boat trips to begin to appreciate nature or animals.
3. THE TAMSHIYACU TAHUAYO RESERVE
This Nature Reserve is located right next to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, it is a much smaller protected area. This Reserve is home to an incredible diversity of species of wild animals, among which is the fantastic uakari monkey. If you are looking to enjoy tourism in Peru within the region, the Tahuayo Lodge is the only lodge with access to the reserve. Inside the lodge, you will be able to enjoy numerous photographic tours, camps, and other incredible experiences together with a private guide. Enjoy one of the greatest regions with one of the biggest diversity of primates in Peru.
4. THE MANU NATIONAL PARK
Manu National Park is one of the best-protected parks in Peru and one of the most famous. It has approximately 1.7 million hectares of the Peruvian jungle and one of the greatest biodiversity of animals and plants. In fact, it is not allowed to visit the park itself, but you can visit the no less wonderful Manu Reserved Zone on certain private tours. It is one of the best places to visit the large and colorful macaws.
5. THE HUASCARAN NATIONAL PARK
The Huascaran National Park protects a territory of about 340,000 hectares of the Andean region of the Cordillera Blanca. This protected park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Natural Park protects some Peruvian animals, plants, and habitats threatened by the continuous influence of man. It is home to hundreds of glaciers and one of the highest mountains in Peru, Mount Huascarán, with a height of 6,768 meters (22,205 feet). Also inside there are numerous species of birds and mammals in danger of extinction, including the famous Andean condor, Andean cats, and the spectacular spectacled bear. But the different animals are not its only attraction, the impressive landscapes and lagoons around it create one of the most impressive natural regions of Peru.
6. THE PARACAS NATIONAL RESERVE
The Paracas National Reserve is located in southern Peru, on the Paracas peninsula. This Nature Reserve protects a large region of the mainland as well as more than 200,000 hectares of coastal waters and other different islands. Within the reserve, numerous artifacts belonging to the Paracas culture have been found, one of the first cultures of the Americas. More than 100 archaeological sites have been identified in its surroundings, evidencing the great archaeological importance of the region. But in addition to archaeological sites, you can also find more than 200 migratory birds that visit the region throughout the year. One of the biggest tourist attractions in the area is the Ballestas Islands, where you can have a boat tour to spot numerous animals such as sea lions or penguins.
“TO WALK IN NATURE IS TO WITNESS A THOUSAND MIRACLES.”
We hope together with the travel experts of Machu Travel Peru to have summarized our most important nature reserves. Keep in mind that we try to list those most accessible and rewarding for the traveler in search of new routes. If you want to know more about our private tours within the reserves, do not hesitate to consult with our qualified advisors.
