National Parks of Peru
Peru has an incredible array of natural diversity. Thankfully, the Peruvian government has done a good job protecting important ecosystems across the country. There are 12 national parks in Peru, 3 of which are classified internationally as Natural World Heritage Sites. Visits to national parks give travelers a good chance to interact with the flora and fauna of Peru. Watch colorful butterflies glide through the forest and marvel at the competitive edge of strangler figs. Exploring a national park with a guide will help you better understand these complex ecosystems.
The best places to visit in National Parks of Peru
Colca Canyon
The Colca Canyon is beautiful and inspiring. A river courses through the valley, passing cute villages and tall mountains as it makes its way across the spectacular landscape. This is a great place to go hiking or explore the small traditional towns.
Paracas National Reserve
The Paracas National Reserve protects some 827,800 acres (335,000 ha) of the Paracas peninsula. It’s Peru’s largest continuous protected coastline.
Chaparri Ecological Reserve
Founded in 2001, Chaparrí is Peru’s first private nature reserve. The reserve is made up largely of dry forest and protects a number of endangered and endemic species.

Tambopata National Reserve
The Tambopata National Reserve is a highlight for nature lovers. The reserve boasts lush greenery, beautiful lakes, mysterious rivers, and thousands of species of plants and animals. It's one of the richest ecosystems in the world.
Cotahuasi Canyon
The Cotahuasi Canyon is the world’s fourth deepest canyon. The landscape here is extraordinary and varied, with everything from riparian areas along the base of the canyon to snow-covered peaks that border the rim.
Huayllay Stone Forest
At first glance, the Huallay Stone Forest looks man-made, like Stonehenge’s Peruvian cousin. Yet these strange formations came about naturally, the result of thousands of years of natural erosion. Wind, water, and ancient glaciers all contributed to this one-of-a-kind landscape.
Pacaya Samiria
At almost 5 million acres (2 million ha), the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is the largest nature reserve in Peru. Its lakes, swamps, and wetlands protect a huge range of endangered animals and offer travelers a good chance of spotting wildlife.
Manu National Park
The Manu National Park, also known as the Manu Biosphere Reserve, is one of the ecological jewels of Peru. Set along the southeastern slope of the Andes, this reserve is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.

Huascaran National Park
The Huascarán National Park covers a vast section of the Cordillera Blanca. It includes Peru’s highest mountain, aqua colored lakes, ample wildlife, and impressive mountain scenery.

San Fernando National Reserve
40 miles (70 km) north of Nazca, one of Peru’s last marine shelters graces the coast. The untouched, rocky beauty of the bay and the hundreds of species of animals and plants that live in peace there bring visitors to this still somewhat “secret” place between the desert and the sea.
National Parks of Peru itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked National Parks of Peru itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
More National Parks of Peru
There's always more to discover in Peru. From off-the-beaten-path gems to well-loved classics, these national parks of peru are worth adding to your itinerary.
Tambopata Macaw Project
Exploring Amazonian wildlife is a must on a trip to Peru. The Peruvian government founded the Tambopata National Reserve in 1990, creating a safe-haven for some of the Amazon’s most colorful residents. The Tambopata National Reserve occupies an otherwise untouched tract of the southern Amazon basin, in the Peruvian region of Madre de Dios. This reserve offers a safe, environmentally friendly way to experience the Amazon.
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