The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu not only stands out for its historical value but also for its biodiversity; on its lands, species such as the spectacled bear, Andean deer, and a variety of flora such as queñuales, carnations, ferns, orchids, etc., can be found.
It is crucial to understand the endangered species and the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem. We all must take action to protect its biodiversity and ensure its conservation.
Machu Picchu has a tropical and humid climate, with temperatures ranging between 8º C and 27º C. Aguas Calientes is located at 2,400 meters above sea level, between the Andes and the Amazon rainforest.
The area has two seasons: dry, from May to October, with warm (dry) days, and rainy, from November to April, with February being the wettest month. It is recommended not to travel during that month.
Machu Picchu is located in the "eyebrow of the jungle," a geographical area between the mountainous jungle and the highlands.
In Machu Picchu, we can observe a wide variety of animals such as the spectacled bear, puma, Andean deer, and birds; the Andean cock-of-the-rock, vizcachas, and other mammals can also be found.
In addition to these, llamas, vicuñas, howler monkeys, reptiles, and amphibians also inhabit the area, all part of the unique ecosystem of the region.
The biodiversity in Machu Picchu is remarkable due to the large number of plants it hosts, with 2,354 documented native species, including orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and various types of trees.
This plant diversity not only enriches the landscape but also plays a crucial role in the ecological balance of the area. The presence of these species underscores the importance of conserving the ecosystem.
Below, the species classified into different categories will be detailed, including those in danger of extinction; these species could improve their situation through conservation efforts and other factors that influence their survival.
It is important to note that the status of species at risk can change over time, depending on actions taken to protect them and preserve their natural habitat.
The spectacled bear, also known as the Andean bear, is a unique species that freely inhabits the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu; this is the only place in South America where these bears can be seen walking in their natural habitat, as they are a protected species.
The spectacled bears are distinguished by their black fur and yellowish circular markings around their eyes. Although they are considered one of the least aggressive bear species and tolerate human presence, it is advisable to maintain a safe distance if encountered.
If you're lucky, you might spot one of these bears both inside the sanctuary and along the Inca Trail, although it's always important to be respectful of their space and environment.
The vizcacha: is a rodent that inhabits mountains up to 5,000 meters above sea level, characterized by its abundant and soft fur, large ears, and rabbit-like appearance.
Its diet mainly consists of grass or ichu, adapting to its mountainous environment.
The Andean deer or taruca: is another animal that inhabits the high mountains. It is distinguished by its dark gray fur and antlers, adapting to the heights where it lives solitarily. This animal is common in the higher areas of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
The llamas and alpacas: are commonly found in villages near Machu Picchu, where they are used as means of transportation; the llama has a long neck and dense fur, while the alpaca has a shorter neck, round face, and also thick fur.
Both animals are essential to the daily life of the region.
The river wolf, also called "northwest otter," "neotropical otter," or "water dog," is a carnivorous mammal that inhabits the fast-flowing rivers of Central and South America.
Its presence in these aquatic ecosystems is vital as it is an important predator in the food chain.
The river wolf can grow up to 2 meters in length, and it is possible to see them in Machu Picchu during the rainy season when the Urubamba River increases its flow. Along the Inca Trail, these animals usually rest on the rocks of the Vilcanota River, especially at the end of the walk.
The Andean condor is one of the largest birds, weighing up to 15 kilograms and with a wingspan of 3 meters. Although it generally inhabits the mountain heights and is difficult to see, its role in the Andean ecosystem is crucial as it helps decompose animal remains.
Hummingbirds are endemic birds of the Cusco region and are found in almost all areas. They are essential to the ecosystem as they act as pollinators for various plants, contributing significantly to local biodiversity.
In Machu Picchu, it is recommended to visit the butterfly house, where you can observe the entire life cycle of butterflies; this place hosts 300 different species, making it a key spot for those wanting to learn about the area's butterfly diversity.
The Andean cock-of-the-rock, Peru's national bird, lives in the Andean and tropical regions; this 32 cm bird is commonly seen on the route between Aguas Calientes and the Mándor waterfalls, where its vibrant colors stand out in its natural habitat.
Along the Inca Trail, these birds can be spotted on the mountain cliffs, camouflaged among the vegetation, especially during the penultimate and last day of the hike. Their presence in these places is one of the highlights for travelers crossing this historic path.
Within the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, various species of amphibians and reptiles have been recorded. According to research by Sernanp (National Service of Natural Protected Areas), 12 amphibian species and 22 reptile species have been identified, highlighting the area's biodiversity.
In Machu Picchu, you can find various species like frogs, toads, lizards, snakes, and others, which are part of the rich biodiversity of the sanctuary. These species contribute to the ecological balance of the area, being essential to its ecosystem.
The Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary also hosts a wide variety of insects, including sand flies, mosquitoes, and other species.
These insects play an important role in the local ecosystem, contributing to the area's biodiversity.
This section discusses the trees, medicinal plants, and shrubs found in the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
The unique climate of the Machu Picchu region favors the growth of a wide variety of plant species. The Sanctuary has been carefully documented, with a total of 2,354 native plant species recorded in the area.
Additionally, the sanctuary hosts a great diversity of trees, with approximately 50 species identified so far. Among them are alder, cedar, quinine, pepper tree, queñual, ferns, puyas, floripondios, clove trees, and the famous orchids, which total around 400 species.
In Inca times, plants were used as remedies made from these herbs with healing properties. The following are the plants that were used:
The Andean cock-of-the-rock, the spectacled bear, and the taruca are endangered due to illegal hunting and the loss of their natural habitats. These species face the risk of extinction if measures are not taken to protect them.
The spectacled bear is in a vulnerable state throughout Peru, emphasizing the urgency of conserving its environment. Its population has decreased due to human intervention and the destruction of its habitat in the Andean regions.
The river otter is also in serious danger due to habitat destruction caused by urban growth and the exploitation of natural resources like timber. The loss of its aquatic environment puts its survival at risk.
At Illapa Andean Cultures, we offer unique experiences that combine cultural exploration with biodiversity conservation. Our tourism programs allow travelers to learn about Andean cultures while contributing to environmental preservation.
Traveling with us not only provides enriching experiences but also creates a positive impact on the preservation of the natural wonders of our region.
Learn more about the diversity of this world wonder, contact us at +51 944 714 563 or email us at info@illapa.com. Let us take care of your entire adventure.
