The 14 National Parks of Peru for nature lovers

1. Huascarán National Park

Huascarán National Park is a natural paradise nestled in the majestic Cordillera Blanca mountain range. Its scenery is dominated by imposing snow-capped peaks, turquoise lagoons, and a unique biodiversity in the country. This natural sanctuary, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, also safeguards archaeological remains like the ancient ceremonial centers of Chavín and Recuay, which reveal the millenary legacy of pre-Inca civilizations.

To explore this fascinating destination, you can take a bus from Lima to Huaraz, a journey of approximately 8 hours.

2. Cutervo National Park

In the heart of Cajamarca, Cutervo National Park is one of the oldest in Peru and a refuge of cloud forests and endemic fauna. Its natural richness is reflected in mysterious caves, such as the famous Cave of the Oilbirds (Cueva de los Guácharos), and in its unique ecosystems that shelter spectacled bears and wild birds.

It is accessed from the city of Cajamarca, a road trip of about 8 hours. From Lima, there are multiple bus options that reach this northern region.

3. Manu National Park

Manu National Park is one of the most biodiverse protected areas on the planet. Its unique geographical location, covering from the Andes to the Amazon rainforest, allows for the coexistence of thousands of animal species, including jaguars, macaws, monkeys, and over a thousand varieties of birds.

This prodigious ecosystem is located between Cusco and Madre de Dios. Visiting it is an immersive experience in the living jungle, perfect for nature lovers and observing wildlife in its pure state.

4. Cerros de Amotape National Park

Located between Tumbes and Piura, this park is an ecological mosaic that combines the Equatorial dry forest with transition zones towards the tropics. Among its main attractions are the Quebrada Las Pavas, the Pacific Humid Forest, and the Quebrada Huarapal, ideal spaces for trekking, bird watching, and ecotourism.

Visitors will find a surprising diversity of flora and fauna adapted to a warm and dry climate, making this park a little-explored treasure of northern Peru.

5. Yanachaga Chemillén National Park

This park, located in Pasco, is a territory full of natural magic, where mist envelops the montane forests and crystalline rivers cross deep canyons. Among its jewels are the Huancabamba Canyon and the presence of colonist communities of German origin, such as Pozuzo and Oxapampa, which give it a European air in the middle of the jungle.

Yanachaga Chemillén is a must-see destination for those who wish to combine nature, living culture, and outdoor adventures.

6. Río Abiseo National Park

This park in San Martín not only protects important Amazonian biodiversity but also valuable archaeological remains such as the Gran Pajatén complex, attributed to the Chachapoyas culture, and the tombs of Los Pinchudos. Access is restricted to protect its fragile ecosystem, giving it an air of mystery and unexplored wilderness.

It is a sacred place both for its ancestral history and its ecological value. Ideal for researchers, adventurers, or archaeology enthusiasts.

7. Cordillera Azul National Park

The Cordillera Azul is an extensive mountainous strip that separates the Andes from the Amazon rainforest, and stands out for its biological richness and dreamlike landscapes. This park is home to species such as the Andean bear, giant otter, puma, and endemic birds, as well as indigenous ethnic groups like the Cacataibo, Shipibo, and Mushuck Llacta.

Its green vastness and cultural diversity make this park a natural lung of the planet and an ideal place for sustainable tourism.

8. Otishi National Park

Located between Junín and Cusco, Otishi National Park is one of the most remote in the country. It is characterized by its rugged topography, impressive rock formations, and deep canyons. Furthermore, it is home to indigenous communities such as the Asháninka, Yine Yami, Kakinte, and Machiguenga, who live in harmony with nature.

This park is a hidden gem for adventurers seeking authentic territories and cultural connection experiences.

10. Alto Purús National Park

Located in Ucayali, this park is home to vast virgin rainforests, ideal for ecotourism, sport fishing, and birdwatching. It is also a vital space for indigenous peoples who inhabit the banks of the Curanja River, such as the Cashinahua and Sharanahua, many of whom are in voluntary isolation.

It is a destination that combines adventure, ancestral culture, and an untamed nature that remains almost untouched by man.

11. El Angolo Hunting Reserve National Park (Coto de Caza El Angolo)

This park, located in the Tumbes region, is an excellent place for adventure tourism and wildlife. It has trails suitable for camping, observing deer, peccaries, endemic birds, and even pumas. The best times to visit are between April and October, when the climate is drier and more favorable.

Access is from Tumbes via the Zorritos road, and it can also be reached through the towns of Matapalo and Cotrina. A perfect alternative to enjoy the coastal biodiversity of Peru.

12. Sierra del Divisor National Park

This border park between Loreto and Ucayali stands out for its unique geography, combining pointed hills, dormant volcanoes, and rich Amazonian biodiversity. Among its most visited spots are Cerro Aguja and the natural viewpoints of San Lucas, which offer unforgettable panoramas.

Sierra del Divisor is a key point for the conservation of endangered species and one of the most pristine landscapes in Peru.

13. Ichigkat Muja “Cordillera del Cóndor” National Park

On the border with Ecuador, this park is part of the Cordillera del Cóndor, a region of high biodiversity and cultural relevance. One of its main attractions is the Cave of the Tayos, a geological structure of great speleological interest.

The place is also considered sacred by the indigenous Awajún and Wampis peoples, who inhabit these lands and maintain their millenary traditions.

14. Gueppi – Sekime National Park

Located in the Loreto region, this park is a tropical Eden crossed by navigable rivers, ideal for activities such as ecological walks, artisanal fishing, and birdwatching. Native communities such as the Kichwa and Secoya coexist here, whose millenary presence adds deep cultural value to the area.

A natural destination that unites the beauty of the jungle with respect for ancestral cultures.