Peru has a total of 15 national parks. These protected areas showcase the country’s diverse landscapes, ranging from the Andean highlands to the Amazon rainforest, and play a vital role in conserving Peru’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Peru National Parks
About Peru National Parks
Peru is home to 15 national parks, each showcasing the country’s remarkable diversity in landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural heritage. These parks protect a wide range of environments, from the dense Amazon rainforest and towering Andean mountains to arid coastal deserts and pristine lakes. Peru’s national parks are vital for conserving its rich biodiversity, which includes thousands of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to the region.
One of the most famous and widely visited national parks in Peru is Manu National Park. Located in the southeastern part of the country, Manu National Park covers an area of over 6,626 square miles (17,162 square kilometers), making it one of the largest protected areas in Peru. The park is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, with more bird species than the entire United States and Canada combined, and is home to iconic wildlife such as jaguars, giant otters, and various species of monkeys. Manu’s diverse ecosystems range from lowland tropical rainforests to high-altitude cloud forests, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience a wide variety of habitats within a single park.
Huascarán National Park features dramatic elevation changes, from about 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) to the summit of Huascarán, encompasses a diverse array of ecosystems, from montane forests to high alpine grasslands and icy glacier fields.
Peru’s national park system is a cornerstone of the country’s conservation efforts. The government, along with international conservation organizations, has implemented various initiatives to protect these areas from deforestation, illegal mining, and other environmental threats. Many of the parks are also significant cultural sites, containing ancient Incan ruins and other archaeological treasures that are integral to Peru’s cultural heritage.
In recent years, Peru has focused on promoting sustainable tourism within its national parks, recognizing the economic benefits that come from preserving its natural and cultural assets. By encouraging responsible tourism, Peru aims to protect its national parks while providing local communities with opportunities for economic development. These efforts help ensure that Peru’s national parks remain vibrant and resilient ecosystems, preserving their beauty and biodiversity for future generations.
Peru National Parks
Huascaran National Park
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Manu National Park
Explore NowFAQ’s
1. How many national parks are there in Peru?
2. What is the largest national park in Peru?
The largest national park in Peru is the Alto Purús National Park (Parque Nacional Alto Purús). Located in the departments of Ucayali and Madre de Dios in the eastern part of Peru, near the border with Brazil, Alto Purús National Park covers an area of approximately 2,808,000 hectares (about 10,837 square miles).
Established in 2004, Alto Purús National Park is part of the Amazon rainforest and is one of the largest protected areas in the world. It is characterized by its vast expanse of pristine wilderness, including tropical rainforest, rivers, oxbow lakes, and diverse ecosystems that are home to a rich variety of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic or endangered.
Alto Purús National Park is recognized for its ecological importance and biodiversity, and it serves as a crucial habitat for iconic Amazonian wildlife, including jaguars, giant otters, macaws, and anacondas. It is also home to indigenous communities that rely on the forest for their livelihoods and cultural practices.
3. What is the smallest national parks in Peru?
The smallest national park in Peru is the Tingo María National Park (Parque Nacional Tingo María). Located in the Huanuco Region in central Peru, Tingo María National Park covers an area of approximately 4,777 hectares (about 18.4 square miles).
Established in 1965, Tingo María National Park is known for its striking landscapes, including the iconic Tingo María Mountain and the mysterious “Cueva de las Lechuzas” (Owl Cave). The park is characterized by its rugged terrain, limestone cliffs, lush vegetation, and numerous caves and waterfalls, making it a popular destination for hiking, birdwatching, and ecotourism.
Despite its relatively small size compared to other national parks in Peru, Tingo María National Park is of great ecological and recreational value, attracting visitors with its natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. It serves as an important protected area for conserving Peru’s diverse flora and fauna and promoting sustainable tourism in the region.
4. What was the first national park in Peru?
The first national park in Peru is the Huascarán National Park (Parque Nacional Huascarán). Established on July 1, 1975, Huascarán National Park is located in the Ancash Region of central Peru, encompassing portions of the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash mountain ranges.
Huascarán National Park covers an area of approximately 340,000 hectares (about 1,313 square miles) and is known for its stunning alpine landscapes, towering peaks, glaciers, and high-altitude ecosystems. The park is home to Huascarán, Peru’s highest mountain, as well as numerous other peaks over 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) in elevation.
As the first national park in Peru, Huascarán National Park holds significant cultural, ecological, and recreational importance. It protects important habitats for Andean wildlife, including endangered species such as the Andean condor and the spectacled bear. The park also serves as a popular destination for mountaineering, trekking, and adventure tourism, attracting visitors from around the world to experience its breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures.
5. What is the most popular national park in Peru?
The most popular national park in Peru is Manu National Park, renowned for its rich biodiversity and its role as a vital conservation area. Spanning nearly 17,163 square kilometers (6,627 square miles), Manu protects a wide range of ecosystems, from lowland Amazon rainforest to Andean cloud forests.
The park is home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and plants, including jaguars, giant otters, and an array of bird species like macaws and toucans.
Manu is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a key destination for ecotourism and scientific research.
6. What percentage of Peru's land area is protected through National Parks?
Approximately 15% of Peru’s total land area is protected through national parks, reserves, and other protected areas. This equates to about 190,000 square kilometers (73,000 square miles).
These protected areas play a crucial role in conserving the country’s extraordinary biodiversity, including its Amazon rainforests, Andean ecosystems, and coastal regions.
7. What other protected areas are there in Peru?
In addition to national parks, Peru has several important reserves and conservation areas, such as the Tambopata National Reserve and the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.
These areas are critical for preserving unique ecosystems like wetlands, rainforests, and coastal zones. The Paracas National Reserve, for example, protects both desert landscapes and marine ecosystems, while the Huascarán Biosphere Reserve conserves high-altitude Andean ecosystems.
8. What nature attractions does Peru have apart from National Parks?
Peru offers several natural attractions beyond its national parks, including the Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons, and Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.
The Amazon River and its tributaries are another major draw, offering opportunities for boat tours and wildlife observation.
Additionally, Peru’s Andean mountain rangesprovide stunning scenery and are home to many trekking routes, including the famous Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu.
9. What species are endemic and unique to Peru?
Peru is home to many endemic species, including the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruvianus), the national bird of Peru.
The Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus), the only bear species native to South America, is also unique to Peru.
The country’s diverse ecosystems are home to numerous species of amphibians, reptiles, and plants that are found nowhere else in the world, particularly in the Amazon Basin.
10. What are other leading international airports?
Peru’s main international airport is Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), located in Lima.
Other leading international airports in Peru include Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco, which is a major hub for travelers visiting Machu Picchu, and Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP) in Arequipa.
11. What international airline companies fly into Peru?
International airlines flying into Peru include:
- Aeroméxico
- Air Canada
- Air Europa
- American Airlines
- Avianca
- British Airways
- Delta Air Lines
- Iberia
- KLM
- LATAM Airlines
- United Airlines
12. Who manages the national parks of Peru?
The national parks of Peru are managed by the Servicio Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas por el Estado (SERNANP), which oversees the conservation and sustainable use of protected areas across the country.
SERNANP collaborates with various governmental and non-governmental organizations to ensure the preservation of Peru’s biodiversity and natural resources.
- SERNANP: sernanp.gob.pe