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peru.travel
Thursday, April 27, 2023
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Peru is the third country with the greatest bird diversity in the world with around 2,000 species (approximately 100 of them are endemic). Its enviable territory is a paradise for tourists who love watching these species, as well as for ornithologists. This is due to the existing natural and geographic diversity, which houses all kinds of terrains, ecosystems, and microclimates. An ideal destination for birdwatching!
Throughout the national territory, there are different spots for carrying out this activity. Here, we bring three ideal routes for every visitor who wants to learn more about Peru and its incredible biodiversity.
Journey to the North
The northern region of Peru offers countless places where all kinds of birds, mostly endemic, can be appreciated in their maximum splendor. Through its different ecosystems, these regions are home to many species that find an ideal habitat for their survival. Among the most recognized and sought-after birds by tourists are the marvelous spatuletail hummingbird (Loddigesia mirabilis) and the white-winged guan (Penelope albipennis), the latter considered one of Peru's most emblematic species which was thought to be extinct for about 100 years.
Coastal cities like Trujillo or Chiclayo are good options for watching species in dry forest areas. Another interesting option is the Amotapes-Manglares Northwest Biosphere Reserve, between the regions of Tumbes and Piura, which includes the destinations of Manglares de Tumbes National Sanctuary, Cerros de Amotape National Park, Tumbes National Reserve, Angolo Hunting Reserve. In the latter, three attractions can be observed: birds from dry forests can be observed, while in the first one, mangrove birds, both native and migratory.
On the other hand, in San Martin region, according to the eBird platform (2022), up to 615 species of birds have been recorded, among mountain chains of cloudy humid forests, tropical premontane forests, tropical forest valleys, dry forest valleys, and flooded forests. This is the second destination in Peru for birdwatching and includes the Alto Mayo Bird Route, Tarapoto-Yurimaguas Bird Route, and Huallaga Seasonal Dry Forest Bird Route.
Central Route
Due to their proximity to Lima, Peruvian capital city, destinations in the central zone of Peru are ideal for carrying out activities in less time. The Amazonian plain, which covers the regions of Junin, Huanuco, and Pucallpa, is one of the main places for sighting exotic birds due to the multiple quantity and types of natural habitats. One of the most well-known is Yanachaga-Chemillen National Park, located in the province of Oxapampa, where about 500 species of birds are recorded, golden-backed mountain tanager and the Junin grebe stand out among them.
In the framework of the Global Big Day 2021, in Huanuco, a large number of visitors recorded the maximum number of species of the region in a single day. To date, there are up to 22 routes for birdwatching in this destination, distributed in five provinces of the department. Tingo Maria National Park has five attractions for this activity: Tres de Mayo, Cueva de las Lechuzas, Juan Santos Atahuallpa, Alania, and Río Oro.
Another place is Santa Eulalia Valley, Marcapomacocha Lake, and Junin Lake in the region of the same name. Very close to Lima, the protected areas of Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge, Ventanilla Wetlands, and Lachay National Reserve are also fascinating destinations to discover more about this incredible species.
To the south
Here are some of the most visited destinations for ornithological tourism. The huge number of attractions, including parks and nature reserves, are habitats and resting places for multiple birds, both residents and migratory. Among the most visited are the National Reserve of Islands, Islets, and Guano Points - Ballestas Islands, Paracas National Reserve (Ica), Pampa Galeras (Ayacucho), Salinas and Aguada Blanca (Arequipa), Tambopata (Madre de Dios), Lagunas de Mejía National Sanctuary (Arequipa), Titicaca National Reserve (Puno), National Reserve of Islands, Islets, and Guano Points - Punta Coles (Moquegua), Ite Wetlands (Tacna), and the Colca Valley (Arequipa). In this latter, the Andean condor, the emblematic bird of Peru, can be appreciated.
Peru offers endless activities for every taste. The experiences are unforgettable and innumerable, especially because its destinations allow visitors to enjoy nature, sustainable tourism, and incredible stories.
Sources: Viaja-peru.com / Terraexplorerperu.com / Conave.org / Andina
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