City: Peru
Top Things to do in Peru
Top Hotels in Peru
- 1. Iberostar Selection Miraflores
- 2. Inti Punku MachuPicchu Hotel & Suites
- 3. Antigua Casona San Blas
- 4. Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel
- 5. Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Cusco
- 6. Atoq San Blas Hotel
- 7. Jw Marriott El Convento Cusco
- 8. Hilton Lima Miraflores
- 9. Radisson RED Miraflores
- 10. Sonesta Hotel Cusco
The 10 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas in Peru, Peru
Coordinates: 10°S 76°W / 10°S 76°W / -10; -76
Restaurants in Peru
1. Inkaterra Ecological Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By 628DebbieG
Our hike through the reserve was an awesome workout that included navigating through thick mud from heavy rain. It's all part of the authentic experience. We learned about the natural wildlife and besides a walk it included a wonderful dug out canoe ride into the Sandoval Lake.
2. Tapiche Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 138 reviews
The Tapiche Reserve is a private Amazon rainforest conservation project based out of Iquitos, Peru. We preserve primary forest, rehabilitate disturbed areas, and support local communities with eco-friendly employment opportunities. We believe jungle animals belong in their natural habitat in the wild, not domesticated or manipulated for human entertainment or mass consumption. Come for an adventurous stay at our jungle lodge, where researchers and nature enthusiasts marvel at the high density of wildlife on our property. The income we receive from visitors provides wages for locals whose alternatives are logging and poaching; you can travel confidently knowing that you are making a direct, positive impact on local communities and the forest.
Reviewed By MrCarrie - Hamilton, New Zealand
One of the craziest adventures I have been on. My partner and I are from New Zealand and went to Tapiche reserve at the beginning of November 2019 (beginning of the wet season- we would have limited access to swamp areas but other areas would open up). We flew out of Auckland 6pm 1/11/2019 NZ time and arrived in Iquitos 11pm 1/11/2019 local time! We were picked up at the airport by the pre arranged private transport by Tapiche Reserve. We spent 2/11/2019 buying supplies for the tour to start on 3/11/2019. We met a tour guide from another company while exploring Iquitos, who tried to sell us a tour of the amazon, we advised we had already booked with Tapiche, he replied that we would see a lot, he had nothing but high remarks of Tapiche Reserve. Transportation entails a public 2 hour bus and 4hour hour speed boat ride to the last town ( where you have lunch and we were served this very nice honey water) nearest the reserve, followed by a 5 hour private speed boat ride. We went on a 3 night/ 4 day private tour, of which a total of 2 days were sadly dedicated transit. When we arrived we wished we could have gone for longer! Unfortunately due to travel constraints we could only do the 3 night tour, it was worth the travel. The lodge is very rustic; village huts which makes this unique and authentic. It was comfortable enough to sleep on the beds especially with the long days of adventuring. We were able to charge our cameras easily. Their permanent staff is : Patricia (operates the backpackers in Iquitos) - very warm and welcoming. Informative especially when she gives you the details on the transport to the reserve, she even made us a traditional breakfast on departure day. She can give good local information on shops for example mobile phone card shops that work well in Iquitos. Deborah (works from the US who deals with bookings and operations)- Quick to reply and informative. Very hard working and can make things happen! We very much appreciate her efforts for the planning and during the end of our trip. Katoo (founder/owner/operator/guide)- Fascinating person, with many stories. Expert in the jungle. Please follow his instructions and leads to have the best experience. Very friendly, funny and open. Make sure you ask him as many questions as possible and inform him on what you want to see and visit during your stay. He even made us a sound recording of the sounds we heard in the jungle. We were luckily to have Katoo on both days, possibly due to booking the private tour. Verdi (chef),- excellent cook, we enjoyed each meal. She made a lot of different quality food! Guides: Jose - We meet at Requena, he spoke little English but was very friendly and was . We had a good conversation at the restaurant with the help of Google translate. We even met his family! We didn't know much Español which is our fault, but the transport and hiking went well and he would pro actively show us the environment eg. Spotting out dolphins, monkeys and birds . Very knowable of the environment and good leadership. He is from the area so this is his backyard,. He is talented with taking images with the combination of mobile a phone and binoculars. Segundo- We had Segundo on the second full day hike and transport back. He spoke 0 English and we speak no Spanish (We were in his country so should have learnt Español ). He did initiate great service by trying to enhance the trip eg. Helping us see better from different advantage points and giving us pointers on how to use the binoculars. Friendly , expert in the jungle. He has the natural expert ability to track wildlife as he is from the area. There was a lot of charades, nodding and shaking of the head. Very hard worker to upkeep the service Tapiche operates. The mornings began with breakfast at 5am, leaving at 6am for a 7 hour hike and then a 3 hour boat ride at 3pm. We booked a private tour but expected other tourists at the lodge. Surprisingly we had the entire lodge to our self's from the Sunday until 4 friendly German backpackers arrived on the Tuesday night. The breakfasts, lunches and dinners are the open parts to communicate with all staff and other clients. Definitely be proactive as you will learn a lot. Our lodge had a private bathroom with running cold water. The food was good! Processed ingredients were almost always non existent. We had a mix of known and local food with hints of Mexican and Incan food ideas especially with the hard corn. During the nights you could spend hours just listening to the sounds and guessing what they were coming from. During those 2 full days in the reserve, we witnessed many various types of monkeys in close proximity (10-50m away). The list includes the Woolly monkey, Squirrel monkey, Tamarin, Brown Fronted Capuchin, Red Howler, Red Uakari, Pigmy Mimisota, White Fronted Capuchin (potentially new species or sub species in the world). Other interesting sights include: Endless beautiful birds such as Parrots, Eagle's, Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, Toucans, Owls, Herons and Falcons. Caimans, Pink Toed Tarantula, Viper snake, Gian Cane Toad, Centipedes and also 15 dolphins(grey and pink species)! 3 Toed Sloths and butterfly's including the Tiger. Different species of turtles, huge Bullet Ants, Fishing bats and fresh Jaguar foot prints. We heard a large pack of boar maybe 100m away and boy did they leave a stench. the main ingredient to Ayuwaska nicknamed the cannon ball fruit ( monkeys take it to cleanse their bodies, not sure how they would react on it). We saw how nature can recover when there isn't any human interference and impacts. We witnessed many symbiotic relationships. Whether it was Katoo providing the reserve with protection and in return the nature would provide clients or with ants and the trees. The tree would provide the ants with nutrients and a home, in return the ants would make sure that the tree didn't have to compete with other trees and plants. Imagine what else we would've witnessed with an extra day :D We witnessed much much than what was describe or even captured. Tapiche reserve has a small group of knowledgeable hard working individuals in the common goal to protect, preserve and grow the reserve. Their operation is exceptional. We were comfortable and their service helped the experience even with our limited Español. We will hopefully return in the next 6 years! Our YT video is titled "Tapiche Reserve - Amazon Adventure Iquitos Peru". Insta is "djzecarri " for more images.
3. La Tingana Refugio Natural
4. Huanchaco Al Rescate
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Refugio de canes rescatados de las calles, en recuperación y adopción Realizando labor social hace 11 años. recibimos voluntarios, visitas si visitas Huanchaco llevate el mejor recuerdo de dejar amor y recibir amor de estos 33 canes en busca de hogar y ya socializados con las personas luego de sufrir el maltrato en las calles.
Reviewed By BenW190 - Chitose, Japan
My friend and I had a wonderful morning visiting the rescue shelter, meeting all the dogs, and walking with them! They are so loving and friendly! Ursula helped picked eight different dogs that we walked along the beach with. You can tell how appreciative they are of you and they are so excited to explore the grass and sand.
5. Rainforest Awareness Rescue Education Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 46 reviews
Be a part of the Amazon Conservation movement. Participate in conservation activities for our rescued primates, felines and amazonian manatees. Visit our butterfly house. Fish your own fish. Hike trails and swim with arapaimas. Full Day from 10 am to 5 pm. Includes round trip transport from Iquitos, beverages, lunch, specialized tourism guide and a souvenir. Contact us to reserve in advance.
Reviewed By nprangel
RAREC was an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone who would like to care for animals while raising awareness at the same time. This organization cares deeply for the welfare of its animals and strives every day to make sure that each and every animal is well cared for. By volunteering with RAREC, you’ll meet the incredible local staff as well as fellow volunteers from all over the world working on the same goal of amazon conservation. During my stay I was fortunate enough to prepare/feed monkeys, feed baby manatees, look after a baby sloth, train and provide enrichment for the baby giant river otter, and so much more! You won’t regret it!
6. Amazon Shelter
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
We are a rescue, rehabilitation and release center for wild animals of the Amazon rainforest. We largely care for animals that have suffered from the illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss. We are not a zoo, every animal that can be released will be, and we are one of the only centers in Peru who actually release animals back into the wild. We currently have a number of different monkeys, mammals and birds, including Howler monkeys, Woolly monkeys, Capuchins, Tapir and Macaws. We are a 15 minute drive from Puerto Maldonado along the Tambopata 'corredor touristico' and you are welcome to come for a tour or to vounteer. You´ll learn all about the animals behaviour and the issues they are facing in the wild. We rely on visitors and volunteers donations to survive.
Reviewed By Meggygx
My partner in I spend 20 days here over the course of new year and January, I have spent the last 5 years working with a range of animals and have always wanted to volunteer abroad, once I came across the Amazon Shelter on a Facebook group I knew I had to visit. We had the most amazing experience I could of ever ask for. It exceeded all expectations and I’m so glad I had the chance to be here at the Amazon Shelter and work very closely with some wonderful species of animal that not a lot of people get the chance to work with. Magali, is an inspiration,she runs the place every single day without a second thought. Everything she does is for the animals and every penny goes towards them all and the upkeep of the shelter. She manages every single task of animal keeping and the running of the shelter with such ease. She adores her animals and does all she can to ensure they are released back into the wild. We have spent every day together, ate some of the best food I’ve tasted together and endured many nights of playing rummy-o. She has welcomed us into her hectic animal life and she and the staff, including the lovely Jackie who is the most experienced, down to earth vet I have ever met, let alone work so closely with.. have shortly became family and for that I’m so thankful. I am so sad to be leaving the jungle and it’s fascinating inhabitants (besides the wasps) the animals and the company. As with a lot of places this shelter is non-governmental funded, meaning it runs solely of donations and volunteers. However in the last 3 weeks, we have been the only volunteers. Watching Magalis reaction as she receives donations and hearing what she will do with the money for animal is heartwarming. A lot of the animals here have been ex illegal pets and rescued from poor conditions. Each animal here is loved, looked after and healthy. My life and views have changed and my heart belongs in this place. Thank your hospitality, company and animals Magali, I’m positive that I will return
7. Manu National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
The Manu National Park is one of the jewels of the protected areas system in Peru, because it encompasses a range of altitudes, from the puna grasslands at 13,123 ft down to the Amazonian plain at 984 fasl, passing through dwarf forest, montane forest, and foothill forest. Moreover, uncontacted ethnicities still exist within its boundaries. It is advisable to visit from April to November.
Reviewed By Ikouzolele - Brussels, Belgium
Almost 2 million km of protected rainforest = one of the most amazing experiences you'll ever have. So many animals! (Which are protected instead of being hunted for food / trophies / pets, like in other places such as Iquitos among others...) Be prepared for a long trip (8 hours by car and boat to the first lodge, then several hours by boat for the 2 next lodges in our case), but that includes several stops along the way to eat but also to look for wildlife - we started seeing quite a few animals after about 4 hours, so it's definitely not all wasted time! We chose the 7 day trip with Manu Wildlife Adventure, and it was simply an unforgettable, amazing experience. 4 of us in the group, plus our excellent cook Richard and our guide Alex Olave who was simply great - very dedicated, always making sure we got the best chances of seeing wildlife and very respectful of the environment - clearly loves his job. Alex now has his own tour company as well, Green Amazon Tours.
8. Paracas National Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 568 reviews
Reviewed By Culture11377244431
An amazing place to visit. We managed to do a bike ride through the reserve was really easy to organise and a great day biking around. Just leave early before the heat sets in
9. Mandor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 517 reviews
Mandor is a family initiative for enviromental protection located 4Km from Machu Picchu village (Aguas Calientes). This property offer well maintained trails where you can walk into biodiverse gardens enjoying, learning and at the same time contributing to the restoration and preservation of the habitat of hundreds of species of flora and fauna. The waterfall at the end of the trail is really powerful and refreshing. Mandor Valley is the best place for outdoor activities and the birdwatching hotspot near Machu Picchu. The property also offers cabins and campsite where you can stay and enjoy the most of this quiet location.
Reviewed By Alicehelena1208
This is an interesting walk to get to from town, following the train line. The actual site is beautiful with a wide range of plants and birds/butterflies all around. The waterfalls are well worth the hike to see.
10. Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 650 reviews
Please visit us in Padre Cocha! See our website for more info. Please know that a previous employee of the refuge has also set up a butterfly house and is offering boat-drivers commission to take visitors to this alternative centre rather than the original Pilpintuwasi. The true centre offers homes to a number of rescued animals in addition to the butterfly house. Please ensure you follow our visiting directions as we would love to welcome you all to our centre during your visit to Iquitos. About us: Pilpintuwasi is a wildlife rescue and temporary custody centre located on 20 hectares of land in the village of Padre Cocha, 20 minutes outside of Iquitos, the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon. We are a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting animals affected by the poaching and trafficking industry which thrives in Iquitos. We work with the ecological police to take in animals confiscated from markets, airports and homes, which often arrive with injuries and malnourishment.
Reviewed By maisiegoesup
I volunteered at Pilpintuwasi for a month, and it was my favorite experience while I was in the jungle. Having the opportunity to be there, care for the animals, and interact with individuals who sincerely care for the well-being of the animals there was spectacular! There are many animals there (including several species of monkeys, which are my favorite) that were previously in dire situations and given to the owner to care for. The owner never captivates animals on her own accord, but instead accepts caring for animals that are given to her after they are confiscated by the government or environmental police. The hearts of the owner and several people who work there are strongly oriented towards the conservation of nature and hope to educate people about the threats wildlife faces today. I would highly recommend visiting Pilpintuwasi to see all of the amazing animals there, and to learn more about their lives! Be careful not to go to the other "mariposario" across the street from Pilpintuwasi - just go to the end of the road and turn right! There will be a little pathway next to the river/ through the jungle before you arrive at the entrance. Enjoy! (:
