Protected Areas in Peru
Peru’s incredible wealth of natural diversity merits protection. Fortunately, the Peruvian government has done a good job preserving important ecosystems across the country. Peru’s 75 protected areas encompass more than 15 percent of the Peruvian territory.
Protected Areas
There are 12 national parks in Peru. Three of these— Manu , Huascarán , and Río Abiseo—are classified internationally as Natural World Heritage Sites.
There are 15 national reserves (reservas nacionales), which include Titicaca, Pacaya Samiria and Paracas , as well as communal reserves (reservas comunales) that protect land where Amazonian groups live.
Other designations include protected forests (bosques de protección) and reserved zones (zonas reservadas), like the ones that surround the Sierra del Divisor along the border with Brazil. One other category of protection is historic sanctuaries—these include the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu .
The Peruvian government allows some protected areas to be administered by private, regional and community organizations. There are currently 16 private conservation areas (áreas de conservación privada) and 5 regional conservation areas (áreas de conservación regional). This system of private and local management is becoming more popular in Peru, as it has proven both effective and efficient.
Remember, when you let your travels take you to protected areas, you are on the correct side of Peru's environmental issues . Choosing environment activities encourages governments to enforce the continued protection of these ecosystems. Whichever protected areas you choose to visit, make sure that you are prepared for your adventures. Learn what you should wear and bring to a national park in Peru .
Related Travel Guides
- Archaeology in Peru
- A Taste of Peru
- Development and Society in Peru
- Environmental Issues in Peru
- Food and Drink in Peru
- Getting Around in Peru
- Getting to Peru
- Holidays and Festivals in Peru
- Is Peru Safe?
- Money in Peru
- Music and Art in Peru
- Peru Airbnb
- Peru Entry Requirements
- Peru's Government and Economy
- Peru Surfing Guide
- Peruvian archaeology
- Peruvian History
- Political Struggles in the 20th and 21st Centuries
- Protected Areas in Peru
- References
- Religion in Peru
- The Fujimori Regime and Economic Growth in the 21st Century
- The Geography of Peru
- The Inca Empire, Spanish Conquest, and Independence
- The People and Culture of Peru
- Weather in Peru
- When to Visit Peru
Peru itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Peru itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Family Expedition Across Peru
Elisa and her Greek family explored Peru’s diverse landscapes on a memorable 20 day adventure. They journeyed from the Paracas desert and Huacachina dunes to the high Andes of Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, and Machu Picchu. Friendly local guides shared traditions and stories, letting the family feel Peru’s warm hospitality and leaving them with a deeper appreciation for its vibrant heritage.
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Andean Peaks to Lake Titicaca
The Anywhere team was planning and helping us thru out the process. Right from picking us up from the airport to dropping us back to the hotel. They created a WhatsApp group to communicate with us every day and answered our questions within a few minutes. Thanks to Lisbeth and Jose in Cusco. Eduardo in Machu Pichu, Anna Maria in Puno and Sara and Samuel in Lima. They are worked like a team to ensure our trip was well planned and executed. Big thanks to Cesar for the great planning and suggestions along the way.
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Excursion Together
Laura explored Peru’s diverse landscapes on a curated 10‑day adventure that blended culture, history, and nature. She began in Lima’s coastal desert, visited the Palomino Islands for sea‑lion spotting, then trekked the high‑altitude ruins of Cusco and the Sacred Valley before sailing on Lake Titicaca’s shimmering plateau. Guides shared local customs and stories, letting her taste dishes and feel the timeless rhythm of Peruvian life, leaving her with an appreciation for the country’s vibrant heritage.
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Peru for Two on a Budget
Embark on a vibrant Peruvian adventure where bustling city life meets ancient Andean wonders, contrasting modern Lima’s coastal energy with the mystique of the Sacred Valley. You'll wander Lima’s historic streets, then soar to Cusco’s high-altitude charm before trekking to the misty ruins of Machu Picchu and the colorful heights of Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you'll taste traditional cuisine, hear Andean legends, and leave with a deeper connection to Peru’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
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Our Multigenerational Journey
My sister and her family want to come next year, and possible another friend's family as well, so will definitely tell them to use Anywhere!!!
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We Conquered Huayna Picchu
This was a very personal experience and Anywhere.com does an amazing job of having agents who are cultured and/or very familiar with the country to which you wish to visit. This allows the agent to listen to what you want to experience and then match you up with the right outfitter, vendor, excursion group, etc...I felt like Sara Nizama truly listened to my wants/needs and made them a reality. I am so happy with my Peru experience, thanks to Sara and her team. I want to go back soon and explore more of Peru with the help of Sara and her team. Thank you!
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Wow, We Did it!
Excellent coordination and very helpful staff throughout the trip. Sara is the boss...she has good command of all aspects of our trip and provided the necessary help & support ...right from planning stage to boarding our flight back to US.
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Experience The Heart of Peru
Very professional service, very good organization overall. Everything went smoothly. We ABSOLUTELY will recommend Anywhere.com to our friends. And for our future trips, we will first look at what anywhere.com is offering before looking elsewhere.
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Romance in The Andes
After debating on which country to visit for our special trip, we finally decided on Peru. It was the best decision ever. Anywhere.com helped us arrange and make the most of our dream vacation!
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Insider-led Peru Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
