Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Arequipa, Peru

1. Aguas Calientes National Reserve

Home to the Andean condor and vicuña, this reserve offers guided tours through stunning landscapes.

Unique Flora: Abundant cacti and alpine grasslands provide a unique ecosystem.
Guided Tours: Experience the reserve with knowledgeable local guides.
Altitude Challenge: Prepare for high altitudes, bring necessary medications if needed.

A diverse habitat hosting vicuña, flamingos, and viscachas in the Andean highlands.

Thermal Springs: Relax in natural hot springs found within the reserve.
Alpaca Farming: Visit nearby alpaca farms and learn about traditional Peruvian textiles.
Unpredictable Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially during the rainy season (December to March).

A refuge for the Andean bear and puma, offering guided hikes through pristine wilderness.

A sanctuary for the Andean cock-of-the-rock and numerous other bird species.

Bird Watching Paradise: Explore diverse birdlife, including the national bird of Peru.
Natural Clay Licks: Observe wildlife gathering at clay licks for mineral intake.
Limited Infrastructure: Prepare for basic facilities and limited amenities within the sanctuary.

A high-altitude reserve offering views of the volcano Chachani and potential sightings of condors.

Volcanic Landscape: Explore a dramatic volcanic landscape filled with unique geological formations.
Andean Condor Viewing: Spot the majestic Andean condor soaring overhead.
High Altitude: Be aware of the high altitude and its effects on travelers, especially those with heart conditions or respiratory issues.

A grassland habitat for the vicuña and flamingos in the Andean highlands.

Vicuña Encounters: Spot the elusive vicuña within its natural habitat.
Flamingo Spotting: Observe vibrant flamingos against the backdrop of the Andean highlands.
Unpredictable Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially during the rainy season (December to March).

A wetland habitat for the giant otter and many bird species.

Giant Otters: Spot endangered giant otters in their natural habitat.
Bird Watching: Observe a diverse array of birdlife, including the Andean goose and Andean duck.
Remote Location: Expect long travel times to reach this remote wetland habitat.

A lake home to Andean ducks and flamingos, offering scenic hikes through the surrounding hills.

Flamingo Sightings: Observe vibrant flamingos against the backdrop of the Andean highlands.
Scenic Hikes: Take in stunning views during guided hikes around the lake.
Limited Infrastructure: Prepare for basic facilities and limited amenities within the reserve.

A sanctuary for the Andean fox and various bird species, with opportunities for guided hikes.

Andean Fox Encounters: Spot the elusive Andean fox within its natural habitat.
Guided Hikes: Join a local guide for an immersive wildlife experience.
Limited Infrastructure: Prepare for basic facilities and limited amenities within the sanctuary.

A reserve offering opportunities to spot the Andean condor and other bird species.

A sanctuary for the Andean condor and numerous bird species, offering guided tours.

Andean Condor Viewing: Spot the majestic Andean condor soaring overhead.
Guided Tours: Join a local guide for an immersive wildlife experience.
Unpredictable Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially during the rainy season (December to March).

A reserve offering opportunities to spot the Andean bear, puma and numerous bird species.

Andean Bear Encounters: Spot the elusive Andean bear within its natural habitat.
Puma Sightings: Keep an eye out for pumas roaming the reserve.
Remote Location: Expect long travel times to reach this remote reserve.

A reserve offering opportunities to spot flamingos and Andean foxes, with guided tours available.

Flamingo Sightings: Observe vibrant flamingos against the backdrop of the Andean highlands.
Andean Fox Encounters: Spot the elusive Andean fox within its natural habitat.
Guided Tours: Join a local guide for an immersive wildlife experience.

A reserve offering opportunities to spot the Andean condor and various bird species, with guided tours available.

A reserve offering opportunities to spot the Andean condor and various bird species, with guided tours available.