
Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Cusco, Cusco, Peru
1. Sacred Valley of the Incas
Explore the rich cultural and wildlife heritage of the Sacred Valley, home to llamas, vicuñas, and condors.
- Cultural Richness: Blend of Incan ruins and traditional Andean villages.
- Wildlife Diversity: A haven for Andean condors, llamas, and the elusive vicuña.
- Accessibility: Easy access from Cusco with various tour options available.
2. Manu National Park
Immerse yourself in one of the world's most biodiverse areas, teeming with exotic wildlife such as jaguars and macaws.
- Biodiversity: Home to over 1000 bird species and a vast array of mammals.
- Wildness: Preserved in its original state, with minimal human impact.
- Access Challenges: Requires a flight or long car ride followed by a boat trip to reach.
3. Tambopata National Reserve
Discover the Amazon rainforest's rich wildlife, including anacondas, caimans, and countless bird species.
- Amazon Rainforest: One of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth.
- Climate: Hot, humid climate with abundant rainfall.
- Accessibility: Reached by plane from Cusco followed by a boat ride.
4. Lake Sandoval
Marvel at the resident giant otters, caimans, and colorful birdlife in this pristine oxbow lake.
- Giant Otters: One of the few places to see these endangered animals.
- Prime Birdwatching: Over 500 bird species have been spotted here.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Quiet, remote location offers a peaceful wildlife encounter.
5. Puno Region
Experience the unique Titicaca National Reserve, home to the Andean flamingo and the giant otter.
- Andean Flamingos: Rare opportunity to see these graceful birds in their natural habitat.
- Lake Titicaca: The highest navigable lake in the world.
- Cultural Experience: Visit the indigenous communities on the floating islands of Uros.
6. Amboro National Park
Explore the cloud forests and spot rare species like the giant otter, jaguar, and Andean condor.
- Cloud Forests: Unique ecosystem with a diverse range of plant and animal life.
- Rare Species: Home to several endangered species, including the giant otter and jaguar.
- Climate: Warm, humid climate with frequent rainfall.
7. Abra Malaga Reserve
Observe the Andean condor in its natural habitat at this high-altitude reserve.
- Andean Condor: Best place in Cusco to see these magnificent birds.
- High Altitude: Located at over 14,000 feet above sea level.
- Scenic Beauty: Stunning views of the Andean landscape and snow-capped mountains.
8. Las Walques Reserve
Witness the unique nightly spectacle of hundreds of vultures roosting at this reserve.
- Vulture Roosting: Unique opportunity to observe several vulture species gathering.
- Nocturnal Activity: Best time to visit is during the evening.
- Remote Location: Reached by a long, bumpy drive followed by a hike.
9. Lake Humantay
Spot Andean deer, guanacos, and various bird species in this beautiful high-altitude lake.
- High Altitude: Located at over 14,000 feet above sea level.
- Beautiful Scenery: Stunning turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
- Wildlife Spotting: Opportunity to see various Andean wildlife species.
10. Lake Ocongate
Explore the wetlands surrounding this lake and spot a variety of birdlife including flamingos.
- Wetland Ecosystem: Important habitat for various waterbirds.
- Birdwatching: Opportunity to spot several bird species, including flamingos.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Quiet, remote location offers a peaceful wildlife encounter.
11. Llactapata Inca Ruins
Discover the wildlife of the cloud forest while exploring ancient Incan ruins.
- Incan Ruins: Well-preserved archaeological site with stunning views.
- Cloud Forests: Unique ecosystem with a diverse range of plant and animal life.
- Wildlife Spotting: Opportunity to see various cloud forest wildlife species.
12. Nahua Huayna Ecological Reserve
Explore the diverse flora and fauna of this reserve, including orchids and capybaras.
- Flora Diversity: Home to over 1200 species of orchids.
- Fauna Diversity: Hosts a variety of wildlife, including capybaras and various monkey species.
- Scenic Beauty: Stunning views of the surrounding Andean landscape.
13. Maras Salt Mines
Witness the unique ecosystem of these salt mines while enjoying spectacular views.
- Salt Mines: Terraces filled with salt pools, each with a unique microclimate.
- Scenic Beauty: Stunning views of the surrounding Andean landscape and Moray ruins.
- Wildlife Spotting: Opportunity to see various bird species and other wildlife.
14. Machu Picchu Sanctuary
Explore the diverse ecosystem of this world-famous sanctuary, home to various bird and mammal species.
- World Heritage Site: One of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.
- Biodiversity: Home to over 140 bird species and various mammals.
- Climate: Subtropical high-altitude climate with cool nights and warm days.
15. Moray Ruins
Discover the unique ecosystem of these ancient Incan agricultural terraces while spotting various bird species.
- Incan Agriculture: Unique and mysterious Incan agricultural system.
- Birdwatching: Opportunity to spot various bird species in this ecosystem.
- Scenic Beauty: Stunning views of the surrounding Andean landscape.