Peru is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, with some of the world’s rarest animals found within its borders. With the Amazon rainforest and Andes so close, animal enthusiasts can take tours through the jungle and mountains to see unique creatures in their natural habitats. Here are just some of the animals that call Peru’s unique geographical region home. If you are looking for responsible tours to Peru, where you will help protect the flora and fauna of the country, Kallpa Travel is the best travel agency to travel with to see endemic animals in their natural habitat.
Andean condor
The condor is a scavenger and the world’s largest flying bird. The Condor is a very important bird in South American culture. It was revered as a sacred bird that represented the Hanan Pacha (the heavenly world) in Andean mythology and is well represented in iconography in cultural sites from many different cultures including the Inca, Chachapoyas, Mochica and Nazca. The Andean condor lives in inaccessible rock ledges high in the Andes and is in danger of extinction. Spotting one in Peru is rare, but you’ll have the best chance in Chonta in the Apurimac canyon near Cusco and Colca Canyon, in Arequipa. Join us on one of our Peru vacation packages to places where the magnificent Andean condor lives and see this incredible bird in its natural habitat.
Cock-of-the-rock
Peru´s national bird is found in tropical and subtropical rainforests close to rocky areas, where they build their nests. This unmistakable bird, with brilliant red-orange plumage, black-and-white wings, and a large fan-like crest that almost completely obscures its bill. Known as tunki in Quechua, is related to other distinctive tropical fruit-eaters. What is a trip to Peru without seeing this emblematic bird for yourself!
Anaconda
The anaconda is the largest snake in the world and can reach up to 10 m (33 ft) long and weigh up to 250 kg (550 lb). Anacondas live in trees in the Peruvian rainforest where it slips from the branches to attack its prey. They are also known to be found in rivers and ponds where the snakes may surprise unsuspecting prey. Contrary to popular belief, the anaconda is not aggressive, in fact it avoids other species, especially human beings. In the Peruvian Amazon, there are several species of anacondas (boa constrictors) and only one of them, the green anaconda, exceeds 4 meters in length, and most measure 2 meters long. The green anaconda avoids the noisy places, preferring the lakes or riverbanks. On of the best places in Peru to see an anaconda is on a customized Peru trip with Kallpa Travel to the Peruvian Amazon.
Spectacled bear
The spectacled bear is the only species of bear in South America and one of the most emblematic mammals of the tropical Andes. Spectacled bears are a relatively small bear species that get their name from the light-coloured rings around their eyes. Peru’s spectacled bears are most commonly found in high elevation forests with their main threat being hunting and habitat loss and degradation, thus becoming increasingly rare to see. On your Machu Picchu trip, keep your eyes peeled and may just spot a spectacled bear, who returned to the Machu Picchu citadel during the pandemic, returning to their natural habitat.
Peruvian hairless dog
The Hairless Dog is a breed that is native to Peru and is an important icon of Peruvian culture. Its presence dates back to pre-Columbian times, appearing on the ceramics, painting and iconography of cultures such as the Chavín, Moche, Wari, Vicus, and Chimú cultures. With an imposing and proud presence, this dog, also known in Peru as the ‘Calato’ dog, which means ‘naked , has been depicted on ancient pottery for different uses and in everyday scenes such as childbirth and breastfeeding, showing that they were largely considered pets by the ancient Peruvians. During Inca times, this dog played an important role in Inca customs, rituals and traditions, as well as being thought to have healing powers. There is a drawing by the Peruvian chronicler Huamán Poma de Ayala in which a ‘Coya’ (the main wife of the Inca) with a Calato dog at her side as her pet.
Viscacha
Viscachas live in the Andes and can be seen near Colca Canyon, The Ausangate mountain range and Machu Picchu. It is a small rodent from the Chinchilla family and are only found in Peru. They are usually grey in color with a bushy, long tail and look similar toa cross between rabbits, and squirrels. They are also known for their very soft fur, but are not as soft as their relatives. Like chinchillas, they live in large colonies and prefer harsh, rocky environments at high altitudes. Join us on one of our Machu Picchu tours to see a wild Viscacha for yourself!
Sea turtles
Close to Los Organos in the North of Peru, is the fisherman’s dock turned turtle swimming adventure. Here you’ll find one of a few species of sea turtle native to the Peruvian coast. Five of the seven existing species of marine turtles inhabit the Peruvian coast, and all are endangered. If you do decide to swim with them, please do not touch the turtles. Touching them can remove a thick layer of mucus from their shell that protects them from certain diseases.
Pink Dolphin
Take a jungle cruise through the Amazon, where you will have the chance to catch glimpses of rarely sighted Amazonian pink dolphin. The large, fresh water dolphins really are pink, especially the adults, though some turn partially grey in colour. They are the largest river dolphins on the planet and can weigh up to 400 pounds. They are known to be very friendly, playful and often approach humans. While the pink dolphins have not yet been designated an endangered species, they are considered to be “vulnerable,” to extinction.
Humpback whales
Humpback whales come to the warmer waters of the north of Peru from August through October to give birth. From Mancora you can take tours to go see the whales and, if you’re lucky, see the males jump out of the water, to attract the female hump backs, an impressive sight!
Jaguar
The jaguar is the largest cat in the Americas, reaching up to 2.70 m (9 ft) long. Jaguars historically lived from the United States to eastern Argentina. They quickly disappeared from areas impacted by people and are listed as near threatened by conservation authorities. Your best chance to spot one of these elusive creatures on your holidays in Peru, would be deep in the jungle at an ecolodge and in remote regions far away from any city or town.
Llama
Llamas are the domesticated camelid, native to Peru. They are synonymous with Peruvian culture and can find some sort of llama souvenir or stuffed llama anywhere in Peru. Llamas are also native to Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina, and were used both as food and as a pack animal by the Incas, throughout the Andean region.
Alpaca
Alpacas are another domesticated species of South American camelid that look like a smaller, fluffier llama. Alpacas are much smaller and therefore don’t make very good pack animals. Instead, they have a very fine, silky coat that can create soft and warm textiles. The animal is well known for their wool which is very warm and soft and found for sale all over Cusco.
If you want to see the impressive array of endemic animals in Peru on your vacations in Peru, contact us at Kallpa Travel , who can customize the perfect Peru travel adventures.