{"id":2940,"date":"2025-10-03T14:18:57","date_gmt":"2025-10-03T14:18:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/?p=2940"},"modified":"2026-01-08T12:52:13","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T12:52:13","slug":"biodiversity-encounters-with-peruvian-wildlife","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/en\/biodiversity-encounters-with-peruvian-wildlife\/","title":{"rendered":"Biodiversity: Encounters with Peruvian wildlife"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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In the air, in the sea and on the pampas\u2026 and yes, even in the forest, you need to look around with the eyes of an explorer<\/strong>. Because what you\u2019re searching for might appear here\u2026 or there. All it takes is patience<\/strong> and, quite often, a little stroke of luck to reach your goal. At other times, it\u2019s much easier \u2014 no way you\u2019ll miss it. One way or another, you\u2019ll get that special sighting and the photo ready to share on your socials<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No, don\u2019t get me wrong. You haven\u2019t just read a tongue-twister<\/strong>, a riddle or even nonsense. I\u2019m simply describing what may happen \u2014 or what will happen (that depends on you, only you) \u2014 during your journey to Inca, Hispanic and mestizo Cusco<\/a>, the starting point for several biodiversity-filled destinations. Whether at sea level or thousands of metres above, you\u2019ll enjoy thrilling close encounters<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And no, don\u2019t get me wrong again. We\u2019re not talking about UFO hunting<\/strong>, nor running into Martians, aliens, reptilians or humanoids, and certainly not abductions<\/strong>. Nothing of the sort. Although, if you\u2019re into that kind of thing, let me tell you: Peru is a favourite among ufologists<\/strong>, who claim there are places where contact with the \u201celder brothers<\/a>\u201d is entirely possible<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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No, don\u2019t get me wrong. We\u2019re not about to give you a detailed description of Area 21 or Mosqoy Pacha<\/a>, where you\u2019ll come across figures of aliens and spaceships created by the local artist Tupaq Kamariy Candia<\/strong>. These are the result of his research, which includes delving into Andean myths and legends<\/strong>. But let\u2019s leave that aside for now, because today I just want to share a few close \u2014 very close \u2014 encounters with native wildlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the air, in the sea, on the pampas<\/strong>\u2026 and yes, in the forest too. In these natural settings, you\u2019ll come across some of the most representative species of Peru<\/strong> and this part of the world. Fascinating moments, perfect for taking photos and learning more about vicu\u00f1as<\/strong>, spectacled bears<\/strong>, Humboldt penguins <\/strong>and the mighty Andean condor<\/strong>, among many other species that call the coast, the Andes and the Amazon home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the pampas and in the skies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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I\u2019d bet my bottom dollar that, in your search for information about travelling in Peru, you\u2019ve already come across countless images of vicu\u00f1as, llamas and alpacas.<\/strong> Along with the mighty Andean condor<\/strong>, these South American camelids are perhaps the most iconic and best-known animals of the Andes worldwide. So much so that many travel guides and websites place their photos right on the cover. True or false?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019d also bet you\u2019d love<\/strong> to admire them in their natural surroundings. Here\u2019s the good news: llamas<\/strong> (traditionally used as pack animals<\/a>) and alpacas<\/a> (famous for their soft fibre, woven into all sorts of garments) are easy to spot<\/strong> in the highlands of Cusco and in other regions such as Puno and Arequipa<\/a>. Domesticated since ancient times, they\u2019re often seen grazing quietly along the roadside<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it\u2019s not that simple with the graceful vicu\u00f1as<\/a>. Silence is required. Getting too close is off-limits <\/strong>\u2014 if you try, they\u2019ll bolt. Unlike their cousins, vicu\u00f1as live in the wild and are usually found in protected areas<\/strong> such as the Pumawasi<\/a> Reserve (Acomayo province, Cusco), the Pampa Galeras B\u00e1rbara D\u2019Achille Reserve<\/a> (Lucanas province, Ayacucho) and the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve<\/a> (Caylloma province, Arequipa).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A little stroll won\u2019t do the trick. To admire vicu\u00f1a herds \u2014usually made up of one male and several females<\/strong>\u2014 you\u2019ll need patience and a cautious<\/strong> approach. Out on the pampas, you\u2019ll see just how stunning they are: their dark eyes<\/strong>, slender necks and soft cinnamon-and-white coats are dazzling. Shy, skittish and prized for their fine fibre<\/strong>, these graceful creatures are so symbolic that their image appears on Peru\u2019s national coat of arms.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for the condor, there\u2019s no easy shortcut. Spotting this giant almost always means hiking uphill<\/strong> \u2014and I\u2019d bet you\u2019ll be out of breath by the time you arrive\u2014 to a viewpoint where you can watch the world\u2019s largest carrion bird soar<\/strong>. Mythical and legendary, the Vultur gryphus<\/em><\/a> glides across the skies of Cusco at the Chonta viewpoint<\/a> in Limatambo (Anta province). If you\u2019re heading to Arequipa, you can look for them at the Colca Canyon<\/strong> (Caylloma province).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Search of Penguins<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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True, Cusco has no coastline<\/strong> \u2014but that doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t slip away to the Pacific Ocean. If you do, you won\u2019t just enjoy the waves or lose yourself in the sunsets along the shores of Arequipa or Ica<\/strong>. Take the chance to set sail towards the islands and rocky islets<\/strong> teeming with sea lions and a wealth of birdlife \u2014including penguins. Yes, penguins, and not just any penguins, but species native to Peru and Chile<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, there are penguins in other parts of the world, but the Humboldt penguins are quite special.<\/strong> Along the Peruvian coast, they can be spotted in several reserves both north and south. From Cusco, your best bet is to head towards Punta Hornillos (in Caman\u00e1 and Islay, Arequipa) or the Ballestas Islands <\/a>(in Pisco, Ica) \u2014one of South America\u2019s most popular marine destinations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sailing out, spotting and learning about the Humboldt penguin<\/strong> \u2014named after the German scientist Alexander von Humboldt<\/a>, who in 1802 discovered the cold-water current<\/a> along the Peruvian coast\u2014 is an unforgettable experience. Now that you know the origin of their name, let\u2019s focus on the bird itself: flightless<\/strong>, between 56 and 72 cm tall<\/strong>, and feeding mostly on fish, though their diet also includes cephalopods and crustaceans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Set sail, cruise the waters, watch closely and learn how to tell them apart from other species. First lesson: Spheniscus humboldti<\/a><\/em> (their scientific name) have a patch of pink skin on part of their face<\/strong>. Second lesson: they show a single black band across the chest<\/strong>. Third lesson: they nest on guano-rich islands<\/strong>. Fourth lesson: they\u2019re smaller than their Antarctic cousins<\/strong>, such as the famous emperor penguin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, it\u2019s true \u2014you\u2019ll need to take to the sea to discover the biodiversity and richness of Peru\u2019s waters<\/strong>. Venture into the Pacific before or after exploring the Andes and the Amazon. It\u2019s the best way to enjoy the ever-changing landscapes and natural<\/strong> wonders that my country offers. A country I invite you to explore. A country that is not only one of the lungs of the planet<\/strong> but also a true stronghold of wild flora and fauna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bears of Machu Picchu<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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It wasn\u2019t part of the plan to find you, but here we are. I\u2019m watching you<\/strong> \u2014 not in a zoo or a rescue centre, but up in the trees across the river. You\u2019re not alone; your cub is with you<\/strong>. The two of you are having \u201clunch\u201d, completely unfazed by the curious onlookers who\u2019ve stopped along the railway tracks near Machu Picchu Pueblo<\/strong>. After all, it\u2019s not every day one gets to see a pair of spectacled bears<\/strong> feeding in such a busy place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It wasn\u2019t part of the plan to find you, but, as you know, travel is full of surprises. Ukumaris<\/a> \u2014 that\u2019s what they\u2019re called in Quechua \u2014 aren\u2019t easy to spot in the dry forests, cloud forests<\/strong>, or high Andean p\u00e1ramos. Today, I feel like a very lucky wanderer, because my visit to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu<\/a> came with an unexpected and extraordinary encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay a little longer, please don\u2019t go. I know, Tremarctos ornatus<\/em><\/a> \u2014 the spectacled bear \u2014 is the only bear species native to South America<\/strong>. You travel between 15 and 30 kilometres a day, spreading the seeds of the fruits you eat. And while you\u2019re omnivorous<\/strong>, your favourite dish is achupalla (a type of bromeliad). You also enjoy roots, mushrooms, and fruits \u2014 and only occasionally feed on rodents or birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stay just a little longer, please. I\u2019m trying to get a clearer look at the yellowish or white patches on your face<\/strong> \u2014 those are the \u201cglasses\u201d you wear, though your eyesight is perfectly fine. Ah, but your sense of smell is your greatest gift. And your claws \u2014 powerful and precise \u2014 help you climb like a champion,<\/strong> despite your size (two metres long) and your weight (a female like you reaches around 85 kilos).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It wasn\u2019t part of the plan, but again, please stay a little longer. That way I can proudly say I watched<\/strong>, for quite some time, the creature who, according to Andean cosmovision, bridges the world of the living and the dead<\/strong>. You\u2019re no ordinary animal. You appear in myths and legends<\/a>, in rituals and dances<\/strong>. That\u2019s why I hope you and your cub keep feeding safely on the other side of the river. Will you listen to me?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In the air, in the sea and on the pampas\u2026 and yes, even in the forest, you need to look around with the eyes of an explorer. Because what you\u2019re searching for might appear here\u2026 or there. All it takes is patience and, quite often, a little stroke of luck to reach your goal. At […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2919,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2940","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tourism"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nBiodiversity: Encounters with Peruvian Wildlife \u2013 Mega-diversity<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Biodiversity: Encounters with Peruvian WildlifeAcross the pampas, the sea and the forests, you\u2019ll come face to face with Peru\u2019s animals.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/freewalkingtourcusco.org\/en\/biodiversity-encounters-with-peruvian-wildlife\/\" \/>\n<meta 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