Ecotourism in Peru

Ecotourism is popular and rewarding in Peru. Peru's astounding variety of climates and eco-systems ranks the country amongst the world's top eight nations in terms of biodiversity. In Peru one can find 84 of the 104 life zones existing around the planet. The country is home to more than 400 species of mammals, 300 reptiles, 1,700 birds and more than 50,000 plants registered to date.

Flora and Fauna

Peru is dotted with a rich diversity of animal and vegetal species. Humans have lived alongside this diversity in a harmonious co-existence for thousands for years.

Species such as the condor, serpent and puma were worshipped by the ancient highlanders, who crafted their images into pottery and monuments during the rise of early civilizations.

Other species served as food or as raw materials for humans. Some animals even forged a relationship of interdependence that has lasted for thousands of years, a relationship maintained by Peruvians living outside the major cities.

Peru's territory has also long kept hidden thousands of species that continue to amaze scientists from all over the world. The most startling are the native species, due to their unique characteristics and beauty, and mainly the way they have managed to adapt to Peru's difficult climate and geography.

Protected Natural Areas

Peru, in a bid to conserve its natural surroundings, flora and fauna, has designed a series of mechanisms aimed at conserving the country's biological diversity.

These efforts are channeled through the National System of Natural Protected Areas (SINANPE) and the state natural resources entity (INRENA). To date, Peru features a total of 56 natural areas or conservation units, covering approximately 13% of the country's territory.