Peru is certainly a major destination for animal lovers! We have a beautiful, amazing and quite varied fauna all across the country: coast, Andes and jungle. On your trip you’ll be able to see them in their habitats and interact with many. Find out next!
Hiking the Andean heights
The Cusco region highlands have planes, valleys, canyons, mountainsides and so on, where hikers will find llamas, alpacas, guanacos, which are the Andean camels. They evolved in a very different way than their African counterparts: they developed layers of fat and a thick, warm furring to survive the Andean elevations’ very cold climate, particularly in wintertime.
The llama. The typical animal of the Andean highlands of Peru.
People doing the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail, the 5-Day Salkantay Trek, the 4-Day Lares Trek or any of our other Trails, will find them on the mountains or even at the very archaeological sites -including Machu Picchu- walking around, standing still and looking at the horizon, chewing leaves and moving their ears up and down when approached by visitors. You will be able to pat them and take amazing, unique pictures and videos! This is an experience only possible in Peru!
The Awanacancha Cameloid Farm
This is a unique project which benefits some 420 families. It’s located near Cusco City, on the highway to the Pisac village, in the Sacred Valley. There, the workers have set a farm which houses llamas, alpacas, vicunas and guanacos, the four typical Andean-only camels. These adorable animals grow an abundant fur -particularly the alpaca- which the associated weavers cut, collect and then boil. Then, the fur is given colors using specific plants.
A place where these species are protected: Awanacancha.
Finally, expert weavers proceed to make ponchos, sweaters, hoods, blankets, tablecloths, scarves, etc., which are sold in Peru and in many first-world countries. They are really warm and the typical Andean designs are indeed beautiful. Animal lovers will be able to see, interact with them, give them food, pat and walk among all four species of Andean camels!
Also, one of the highlights of the Cusco City tour is the llamas and alpacas animal lovers can find being led by people dressed in typical Andean costumes, especially around downtown. These animals are trained to be very docile and to stand in the right ways for amazing pictures and videos. It is certainly a priceless experience to see them walking on the streets and getting ready for being photographed by the amazed tourists!
Bird-sighting at the jungle national parks: Manu, Tambopata
The variety of animal species in the Peruvian Amazon can be fairly compared to that of Africa: many types of monkeys, alligators, felines, bears, otters, swine, and of course birds. The main national parks in the jungle are the Manu and the Tambopata. We have unforgettable tours to those places, some of them will travel very deep into the jungle. Bird enthusiasts will have a perfect trip time walking in the woods to observe the many species of tropical birds on their nests, flying or walking along the branches, looking for food or marking their territory.
Manu is the reserve that hosts the largest number of wild species
Also, many types of flying flocks of parrots can be seen very often and they also can be found at their feeding places, called collpas. You will find many varieties of all sizes, shapes and colors, including the national bird of Peru, the gallito de las rocas (rocks rooster). Bird lovers can end up with a really fine, adorable catalog of Amazonian species.
Palomino Islands and its marine fauna
On the ocean in front of Lima, this group of islands houses an awesome variety of marine species! Typical coastal birds like seagulls, penguins, pelicans and the most locally famous marine animal of them all, the adorable and playful sea lions, who inhabit the huge rocks.
Our motorboat trip takes animal lovers right into the middle of it all, for wonderful sightings, interactions, pictures, videos and the ultimate thrill, jumping into the ocean water to swim and play among the many sea lions. Indeed a truly unforgettable trip experience! Those islands are very rich in histories of pirates, naval combats and of course marine zoology. Our professional guides will be surely pleased to explain it all to you!
An unparalleled show is offered everyday by these species in Palomino Islands.
Peru is indeed a paradise for animal lovers! Meet species you won’t find anywhere and take back home a wonderful record of our country’s enchanting fauna! Really an awesome trip!
