Peruvian Ecotourism: Hidden Treasures for Nature Lovers

Traveling to reconnect with oneself is an increasing trend that people are looking at more and more. Finding places full of good vibes where contact with nature and with the local inhabitants feels genuine and inspiring has become a priority.  Although not the best known, Peru is the ideal destination for this kind of travelers. Wherever you look, this country has natural areas that impress even the most demanding ones. Fortunately, many of those places have seduced conservation lovers who dedicate their energy to protect them, but they also like to share them with those who, like them, share that love for nature.  I invite you to discover 5 dream-like destinations and their amazing hosts.

Tambo Ilusión

Fifteen minutes from the city of Tarapoto, in the northern jungle of Peru, there is a forest where conservation, ecotourism and permaculture are combined. For the last 12 years Armando Rodríguez has been responsible of its reforestation, planting mahogany, cedar, pucaquiros, shainas, bolainas, yacushimbillo and other species from the area.  Tambo Ilusión has a natural spring at the entrance where visitors can swim and try to identify the 96 species of birds, which can be found flying around. This peaceful place is situated on the side of the Cordillera Escalera mountain range and the Mayo River valley, is a gem and a sanctuary for birds.  To enhance this experience, Armando offers lodging and yoga, meditation, healthy nutrition, and detox classes. For more information visit their website.

Chaparri

Photo: David Cook

If exploring the north coast is part of your plan while staying in Peru, this option is a must. Located 70 km from the city of Chiclayo, the Private Conservation Area of Chaparri was the first to be created throughout Peru. Together with a group of local villagers worried about Peruvian dry forest conservation, photographer Heinz Plenge, organized to create this area dedicated to the protection of species such as White-Winged Guan, Spectacled Bear, the Andean Condor, the Coastal Fox, the Guanaco and the Pitajo Tumbes, all of them endemic and endangered species. Plenge has created Chaparri Ecolodge, a perfect accommodation built with adobe and stone where you will have a relaxing stay next to the protected area. Enter here to see more information.

Milpuj La Heredad

 Photo: Conservamos por Naturaleza

If you are looking for a family atmosphere, in the valley of Uctubamba there is a magical place where one of the few dry forests in Peru survives: Milpuj. More than twenty thousand tare trees have been replanted thanks to Lola and Perico, who are responsible for taking care of the forest to prevent its disappearance.  They have built a house of stone that looks like taken out of a magical tale, where they receive all visitors with a friendly smile. The hosts are always willing to show their forest where they have a botanical garden, an apiary, a nursery garden and part of the Inca Trail leading to Chachapoyas. It is in a strategic location if your are interested in visiting places like the waterfall Gocta, one of the highest in the world, the archeological site of Kuelap Fortress, the Museum of Leymebamba and the Quiocta Caverns. Learn more about it.

Gotas de Agua

Photo: Conservamos por Naturaleza

For bird lovers, this is the place. Fifteen minutes from the city of Jaen (located in the Cajamarca region), there is a forest where you can find birds that only live in that area of Peru. This charming site, which is in the middle of a dry forest, is under the care of Troyes family, and could not be better.  The equatorial dry forests can only be found in southern Ecuador and Peru. In Gotas de Agua there are over 70 species of birds, 19 are endemic to Peru and travelers have the opportunity to watch them from an observation tower built by the Troyes family in the forest. Visitors can be part on conservation programs that Luciano and his family managed.

Punta Patillos

Punta Patillos is a small beach on the coast of Ancash, ideal for those looking to relax. Far from any worldly noise, this beach offers one of the best sunsets in the northern Peruvian coast. Rodrigo, Olga, Abigail and Michael, lovers of marine ecosystems, have Punta Patillos Ecolodge, a hotel built only with local materials (adobe and stone). Here visitors can watch countless seabirds and, if they are lucky, may see a sea otter that comes time to time to greet guests. Furthermore, they offer excursions as off road tours, craftsman style fishing, hiking and sailing on the “caballito de totora” (traditional fishing boat).

Here’s a map with the locations: