Peru

Loreto

Is a National Reserve created to protect mainly the unique white-sand forest, a rare Amazonian soil type so poor in nutrients that the trees growing on it stay stunted and slow. That isolation has produced birds found nowhere else, including the Iquitos gnatcatcher and the Mishana tyrannulet. The area is accesible from Iquitos city and it also allows you to spend the night inside with a authorized homestay. 
Travel tip: Trails are narrow and the ground can be fragile so stay on marked path and follow an authorized guide.

Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve

The Amazon Rescue Center or CREA, focuses on the confiscation and protection of manatees from illegal wildlife trade. Most of them calves taken after their mothers were hunted for meat consumption. Animals are rehabilitated and released into protected river systems, with tracking systems rather than kept them on the center. They also recover other animals like macaws, monkeys and turtles from similar conditions. Visits are always guided and hands-off (please report if you see otherwise).

Travel tip: Animals here have suffererd and are in recovery so be respectful and don’t expect to see them all.

Amazon Rescue Center CREA

Located a few kilometres off the Paracas peninsula, these rocky islands are the shelter of South American sea lions, Humboldt penguins and vast guano bird colonies including Peruvian Booby, Guanay cormorant and Inca tern. Boat tours visit the islands without landing, so wildlife can be appreciate at a responsible distance. Trip can also include a view of El Candelabro geoglyph. 

Travel tip: Take the earliest morning departure from El Chaco port for calm water and active colonies, dress for cold wind, and keep noise down.

Ballestas Islands

Cusco

A community managed conservation area with a viewpoint that looks over the Apurimac canyon, not far from Cusco city. Reached only by a walk of around 3 kilometers from the community that manages it. Andean condors nest on the far wall and ride the thermals, appearing later in the day rather than at sunrise. Its also possible to spot eagles, hawks, deer, and vizcachas.

Travel tip: Patience and respectful behavior are key to observe the magnificent birds.

Chonta Canyon Condor Watching

Arequipa

The Mirador Cruz del Cóndor in the Colca Canyon is a cliffside viewpoint suspended over one of the world's deepest gorges, offering a breathtaking space to witness the flight of endangered Andean condors. It is easy accessible by car and has multiple walkable paths and stops to avoid overcrowding. The conservation area has clear rules of no feeding, no drones and no calling the birds. 

Travel tip: Condors are more active in the morning, between 8:00am - 10:00am.

Colca Canyon Condor Watching

Lagunas de Mejía is a chain of coastal lagoons at the mouth of the Tambo river, protected as a national refugee and a Ramsar site. Fresh water meeting the Pacific in an otherwise arid valley concentrates around two hundred bird species, including the Nearctic shorebirds. Paths and hides keep visitors at the edge of the reedbeds. 

Travel tip: Arrive at sunrise for the best experience.

Lagunas de Mejía National Sanctuary

Is a highly diverse National Park located in the Peru’s Amazonian jungle in the regions of Madre de Dios and Cusco. The park is divided in three zones: the Cultural Zone an accesible area where small villages and communities still live, the Reserved Zone where entry is only for research and tourism with a licensed operator; and the Core Zone, completely protected area and home to people in voluntary isolation. The park protects iconic species like: black caimans, spider monkeys, giant river otters, tapirs,  jaguars and large concentration of parrots and macaws. 

Travel tip: Best time to visit is during the dry months, from May to October. Pay special attention to which areas your enter when receiving an itinerary and make sure to use only authorized operators.

Manu National Park

Is the largest National Reserve in Peru, with around 20 800 km² and one of the largest seasonally flooded forest in the world. Sometimes called the “Jungle of Mirrors” due to the reflection of its large vegetation on the dark waters creating the mirror effect. When the water rises the forest becomes navigable by canoe, and pink river dolphins, manatees and caimans are easier to spot. Macaws, aquatic birds, monkeys and sloths are also part of its immense protected wildlife. Entry is only through licensed operators and fees apply for each day inside. 

Travel tip: Book with communities inside and next to the Reserve rather than externals. They provide deeper local knowledge and are more impacted by the tourism activity.

Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

Lima

Surrounded by the city on almost every side, Pantanos de villa is a national refugee and Ramsar site located only few kilometers from Lima touristy area. Fresh water surfacing at the coast keeps the lagoons and roadbeds alive, and more than two hundred bird species use them including migrants stopping on the Pacific flyway. No cages nor captivity, only walking circuits and hides to appreciate the diverse fauna. 

Travel Tip: November and December are the best for migratory birds.

Pantanos de Villa

Paracas National Reserve is the first marine protected area in Perú, covering a stretch of desert coast and the cold sea beside it. The unique and dramatic landscape attracts many visitors, and wildlife, including flamingos, pelicans and sea lions. Beaches inside are also among the most beautiful in the country. 

Travel tip: Stay on the viewpoints and marked tracks to protect the fragile desert crust. Be aware of the wind, specially after midday.

Paracas National Reserve

Pilpintuwasi began as a butterfly breeding house on the Nanay river and became a refuge for animals confiscated from illegal wildlife trade. Including monkeys, a jaguar, an anteater that cannot be returned to the wild. The center is reached by boat from Iquitos and offers hands-off guided visits (please report if you see otherwise). It depends on visitor fees and donations rather than public funding, so any contribution is appreciated. Volunteering is also possible. 

Travel tip: Reaching can be tricky so plan ahead, give it enough time and prepare enough cash with you.

Pilpintuwasi Rescue Center

This National Reserve protects the high plain between Arequipa's volcanoes, most of it above 4,000 meters. The permanently wet Andean peatlands hold water through the dry season, supporting vicuñas, and a salt lake that fills with Chilean, Andean and James's flamingos after the rains.

Travel Tip: Keep in mind that access road can be dusty and unpaved. And be aware of altitude sickness.

Salinas y Aguada Blanca Bird Reserve

Wildlife activities curated with welfare-first standards.

Peru

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