It will take you more than a single trip to discover all the natural wonders of Peru; however here are a few magical places to add to your list.
Peru is a spectacle of nature. Its one-of-a-kind geography holds an array of surprises that will make you want to come back for more. It will take more than a single trip to discover all the natural wonders of Peru; however here are just a few magical places that need to be seen to be believed.
1. Manú National Park
Manú National Park is one of Peru’s many World Cultural Heritage Sites, and is also one of the areas with the greatest biodiversity on the planet. This is the only park in Latin America to cover the full range of environments – from low, tropical jungle to cold, high grasslands.
Here you will find over 221 species of mammals, including the ‘Otorongo’ (jaguar), Black Panther Tapir, Collared Peccary, Deer, Capybara, Spider Monkey, and many more. For a spectacular view, you can climb to the Tres Cruces lookout point and enjoy both the stunning sunset and two contrasting landscapes: the Andes and the rainforest.
Best time to visit: Between April and December.
2. Colca Valley and Canyon
Located four hours away from Arequipa City, lies the epic Colca Canyon, a giant fissure slicing through the Andes. Colca is the world’s second deepest Canyon at 3,400m at its deepest point, almost twice as deep as the US’ Grand Canyon.
On the road to Colca you’ll pass the the snow-capped Chachani volcano and the Salinas Aguada Blanca National Reserve, its fields populated with alpacas and ‘Vizcachas’ that feed off ‘ichu’ and ‘yareta,’ shrub-like plants that are used as fuel.
The Colca valley contains archaeological legacies from the Collagua people – ancient inhabitants of the region- including mysterious cave drawings. Colca is the perfect location for hiking, camping and marvelling at the incredible flora and fauna.
Best time to visit: Between May and October
3. Huascarán National Park
Huascarán National Park is a World Heritage Site and an absolute paradise for lovers of natural tourism. Situated in the Cordillera Blanca Range, the world’s highest tropical mountain range, you will be blown away by Huscaran’s exceptional beauty: from rushing torrents to snowy peaks, from turquoise glacial lakes to myriad Andean flora and fauna.
You can explore the park on one of 25 walking trails, take a boat ride across the lagoons, spot indigenous species such as the spectacled bear and the Andean Condor or camp in the unspoilt natural landscape.
Best time to visit: Between May and October
