Guest writer: Talia Lostaunau

Peru is a diverse country: it has excellent food, world-famous archaeological sites, and many ethnic groups with different customs. Although Peru is not known as a first-choice destination for nature lovers, it is a great country for nature and wildlife. Its biodiversity includes 84 of the 117 life zones that exist on Earth. Can you imagine that?

If you enjoy impressive landscapes, observing wildlife and learning about plants, you will love wildlife tours in Peru. If you are still not sure whether to visit Peru, this list should settle it. These are 4 protected areas you shouldn't miss on your next trip to Peru.

#1 Manu National Park

Considered the most biodiverse national park on Earth, Manu National Park is an incredible place to have a real explorer’s experience. This vast park has successive tiers of vegetation rising from 150 to 4,200 meters above sea level. Its remote location makes it one of the country's best-preserved national parks, which makes it easy to observe animals in their natural habitat. Manu is a paradise for birdwatchers, since more than 1,000 species of birds have been identified within the park. Lodges inside the park have everything travelers need to feel comfortable, while staying simple enough to impact the environment as little as possible.

#2 Tambopata National Reserve

Tambopata is one of the most popular protected areas in the country because it offers well-preserved natural areas in a very accessible location. The most visited place in Tambopata is Sandoval Lake, where sunsets are breathtaking. When taking a canoe ride on the lake, the main attraction is a family of giant otters, an endangered species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. There is only one lodge inside Tambopata National Reserve, the famous Tambopata Research Center. Although it is not as accessible as the lodges around Lake Sandoval, the chances of seeing animals such as ronsocos, jaguars, macaws, and others are so high that the long boat ride is worth it!

#3 Paracas National Reserve and Ballestas Islands

Paracas National Reserve is the second most visited protected area in Peru (just after Machu Picchu). Its Mars-like landscape is the perfect habitat for more than 200 species of birds. This is also where the pre-Inca Paracas culture once lived, and you can learn more about it at the Julio C. Tello Museum, located inside the reserve. The Ballestas Islands are only a short boat ride from Paracas. This unique place is home to hundreds of sea lions, which you can watch relaxing on the rocks and playing in the ocean.

#4 Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

Pacaya Samiria is also called "the jungle of mirrors" because the dark color of its rivers reflects the sky as clearly as a mirror. This huge reserve in Peru's northern jungle offers some of the best landscapes in the Amazon. The best way to enjoy Pacaya Samiria is on board a luxury Amazon river cruise. Travelers get to enjoy the warm and humid jungle while tasting some delicious dishes prepared by the chefs on board. Besides the fantastic cruise experience, all the itineraries include stops at communities, where travelers can learn more about local culture and buy souvenirs. This is an experience of a lifetime!

Let’s plan your next trip to Peru!

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