Discover Northern Peru’s Flora & Fauna
Peru is one of the world’s 10 mega-diverse countries, for its huge variety of ecosystems, species, genetic resources and culture. And Northern Peru, with its generous share of Pacific coast, dry forest, Andean mountains, cloud forest and Amazon Basin, can boast an overwhelming percentage of these.
Flora & Fauna Statistics:
Peru hosts about 25,000 plant species (10% of the world total) with 30% endemism. Of these, 4,400 species have known useful properties.
In terms of fauna, Peru is first in number of fish species (close to 2,000 species, 10% of the world total); second in bird fauna (1,736 species); third in amphibians (332 species); third in mammals (460 species); and fifth in reptiles (365 species).
One of Peru’s endemic bird species, the Black-Necked Woodpecker.
Bear in mind that new species are being discovered all the time, and that there are about 5,528 plant species and 760 animal species endemic to Peru.
There are a total of 222 endangered species of which, 31 are facing extinction, 89 are classified as vulnerable, 22 are rare species and 80 have an indefinite status.
With these statistics in mind, Northern Peru offers an astonishingly rewarding and diverse offering for naturalists of all kinds - from the casual enthusiast or photographer, to the serious birder or zoological researcher.
How to enjoy Northern Peru’s Flora & Fauna:
You could spend time studying the sonar behaviour of pink dolphins at an Amazon lodge in the Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Reserve; or join a biological research cruise - measuring caiman dimensions, for example - in the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve.
Alternatively, keen birders can spend up to three weeks, in the company of expert guides, on the Northern Peru Birding Route, enjoying the different types of forest and wetland found between the high jungle of Tarapoto and the Pacific coastal desert, home to endemics such as the White-winged Guan and Marvellous Spatuletail Hummingbird.
Spectacled Bear with Chaparri Mountain in background.
The region is home to a number of mammals, including iconic Amazon felines, such as the jaguar, but these are elusive and rarely spotted.
However, sightings of the famous Spectacled Bear, in the wild, are a possibility in the Chaparrí Ecological Reserve, while the diminutive Silky Anteater is often seen in the Huallaga Valley.
Even if you don't have a particular species on your wish list, any holiday in Northern Peru will be sure to include memorable natural encounters: perhaps with giant, floating Victoria Regia waterlilies - that are said to be large enough to hold the weight of a baby - in an Amazon lake; perhaps watching a Humpback Whale breaching or swimming with Green Sea Turtles off the coast of Piura; or perhaps spotting a Cock of the Rock in the cloud forests on the way to Gocta Falls.
Capybara, the world’s largest rodent species.
What our clients say about Peru’s flora and fauna:
“My favourite part of the trip [at Hacienda Concepcion] was our night boat excursion to look out for the caymans. It was spectacular.
Being on a boat in the starry night sky was out of this world. Something so special about listening to the wildlife at night.
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“Seeing the condors [in Colca Canyon] was truly amazing.
Many of the birds in Chaparri Reserve were also rare and beautiful and we were able to see them at close range.
At Colca Lodge, we saw the largest hummingbird in the world which I wasn’t expecting.
Birding is a new hobby of mine, so these sightings were very exciting and special.”
“Surely, the best sightings were the Andean Bear and Horned Screamer bird.”
“Our favourite natural destination definitely had to be the Cross of the Condor, where we were lucky to see multiple majestic condors, they flew very close to the lookouts.
We were lucky enough to see a condor stand roughly 5 meters away from us. It was incredible.”
“We saw so many wonderful hummingbirds. Each one was more vibrant and fun than the next. We saw them at nearly every spot we stayed in as well as on our treks.”
“For Nature you can’t beat the Amazon!
We saw pink dolphins, monkeys, all kinds of frogs, piranhas, a sloth eating up high in a tree, parrots wild in the trees, and even mini crocodiles called caiman.”
“The animal sightings were brilliant at Muyuna, we didn’t see an anaconda but others in the lodge did, so I feel like the chances are quite good.
We were very lucky to see 5 sloths, some of which were moving around in the day, a very special experience.
We also saw lots of caiman, pink and grey river dolphins, tarantula, capuchins, squirrel monkeys, iguanas, snakes and lots of amazing birds.”