Protected Areas in Peru

The Bosques de Neblina—Selva Central Biosphere Reserve is a pristine expanse in the Amazon basin of central Peru, nestled in the transition zone between the eastern slopes of the Andes and the vast Amazon rainforest. Known as the Andean Amazon, this region is distinguished by its remarkable biodiversity and cultural richness, encompassing a variety of ecosystems and altitudes. It is a critical sanctuary for numerous endemic and endangered species and a hub for sustainable development and conservation efforts.

The Avireri-Vraem Biosphere Reserve is a testament to Peru's commitment to preserving its natural and cultural heritage. Its unique landscape, which rises from lowland rainforests to towering Andean peaks, harbors an astonishing array of ecosystems, species, and human communities. In addition to safeguarding Peru's extraordinary biodiversity, this vast reserve also preserves the traditional lifestyles and cultural heritage of the Indigenous people who have lived in harmony with nature for centuries.

Deep within the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, nestled in the departments of Madre de Dios and Puno, lies the breathtaking Bahuaja-Sonene National Park, a protected area that has captured the imagination of nature lovers and conservationists alike. This vast expanse harbors some of the world's wildest and least-impacted habitats, a true testament to the region's remarkable biodiversity and ecological significance of the area.

In the heart of Peru's Central Andes lies the Bicentenario-Ayacucho Biosphere Reserve, surrounded by a breathtaking collage of mountains and valleys. This protected wilderness sanctuary is of tremendous ecological and cultural importance, enriched with historical, religious, and social values. It has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its unparalleled environmental and cultural significance.

Nestled in the northern Peruvian Andes, Cutervo National Park stands as a treasured sanctuary where the rugged beauty of the mountains intertwines with a tapestry of biodiversity and ancient heritage. As Peru's oldest protected area, this remarkable park encompasses diverse ecosystems, each with its unique character and inhabitants. The park protects the last remaining cloud forests of Cajamarca, Andean montane forests, and páramo regions crucial for headwater conservation.

Nestled along the northern coast of Peru lies the captivating Noroeste Amotapes-Manglares Biosphere Reserve, a mosaic of diverse habitats, includes Cerros de Amotape National Park, the Coto de Caza El Angolo, and the Manglares de Tumbes National Sanctuary. It was merged with the Bosque Seco Biosphere Reserve in Ecuador to form the Bosques de Paz Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, highlighting its regional importance in biodiversity conservation.

Nestled in the heart of Peru, where the majestic Andes Mountains converge with the vast Amazon plains, lies the Gran Pajatén Biosphere Reserve – a natural and cultural sanctuary that defies imagination. This expansive protected area is a tapestry woven from diverse ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and a cultural heritage that dates back to pre-Columbian civilizations. Gran Pajatén offers a captivating journey through Peru's enchanting realms, from the soaring peaks to the verdant valleys.

Huascarán National Park and its extension as the Huascarán Biosphere Reserve, located in the Ancash region of Peru, are natural sanctuaries and cultural treasures. Spanning an extensive area, the park and reserve are strategically positioned along the Cordillera Blanca, the world's highest tropical mountain range. This area is significant for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems and its rich cultural heritage.

Huayllay National Sanctuary in Peru is a geological masterpiece and a biodiversity haven. The sanctuary spans the Bombón Plateau and features the stunning rock forest of Huayllay, shaped by wind, water, and ancient glaciers. This rich Central Andean wet puna ecosystem hosts various flora and fauna adapted to the challenging altitudes.

Nestled in the arid foothills of the Peruvian Andes north of the bustling capital city of Lima lies the Lomas de Lachay National Reserve. This verdant oasis defies the harsh reality of the surrounding desert. This protected area is a true gem, where the moist coastal mists have given rise to a unique micro-environment, nurturing a dwarf forest and a remarkable mist-fed ecosystem teeming with wild plant and animal species.