Our country is the perfect destination for those who seek a close encounter with nature. Our territory has 84 of 104 life zones existing on the planet (prickly-tropical forest, very dry-tropical forest, dry-mountain forest, moor, etc.) We have a whole variety of flora and fauna species, only found here and that have perfectly adapted in some cases to extreme conditions.
Considering the delicate natural balance we have developed mechanisms directed to preserve our species and landscapes, taking into account the presence of native communities. They are known as Natural Protected Areas, continental or marine spaces legally established and protected by the government. Currently we have 60 areas classified as parks, reserves and national sanctuaries, historical sanctuaries, reserved areas, hunting preserves, protection forests, which constitute 15% of our territory. They are important not only for preserving biological diversity and other cultural, landscape and scientific values but because its contribution to the country’s sustained development.
We live next to the Andes and in their snowed peaks rise the Rivers that bathe our territory. The most plentiful river in the world is the Amazon (170,000 m3 / 557,743 ft3 per second), other big ones are the Ucayali and the Maranhon, the Vilcanota that crosses the Incas Sacred Valley, among others. They are all live, beauty and amusement sources. Along centuries, rivers have gnawed stones forming natural Canyons. We can name the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, located four hours away from Arequipa; it has 3,200m/10,499ft depth. The Canyon is an impressive crack that goes along the valley surrounded by beautiful landscapes, cultivation terraces and snow peaks. The Cotahuasi Canyon, located also in Arequipa, it has 3,370m/11,056ft. depth. The valley offers spectacular views from Coropuna and Solmana peaks. Both places are perfect for practicing adventure sports such as: mountain biking, hiking, and rafting, among others. Among its natural attractions we have the Sipia Falls, volcano valley, stone forests, thermal waters and some samples of the famous Puya Raimondi.
In Peru, Lakes and Lagoons are like mirrors that reflect the beauty of its geography. The highest navigable lake in the world is the Titicaca (3,810m/12,500ft over sea level) it covers an area of 8,559km2/5,318miles2. Parinacochas Lagoon, in Ayacucho, is known by the beautiful birds that nest in its waters. Paca Lagoon, in Junin, is a perfect place to rest. The prettiest lagoon is Llanganuco, in Ancash, its turquoise crystal water separate Huascaran and Huandoy peaks. Lagoons in the Amazon have originated from old river courses, they nourish from rain water, and the water is dark and muddy because of live presence and high temperatures. Rimachi is the biggest lake, it has floating islands. When reduced, Sauce Lake, in San Martin, reduced left rich agricultural lands.
In some places, water is used for its medicine properties. The seven Lagoons in Huaringas (sacred lagoon in Quechua), in Piura, are use since pre-Spanish times with magical and healing purposes. We also have thermo-mineral water sources such as the Banhos del Inca, in Cajamarca, the temperature reaches up to 74C/133F.
Along its way from the Andes water must some times "jump" deep cliffs and narrow passes that formed gorgeous Water Falls. They are perfect to take a rest after hours of hiking along dense vegetation. Huanuco is famous for its water falls. Here is located Pichgacocha (five lagoons), Angel Veil water fall (26m/85ft), Sirena Encantada (Enchanting Mountain) (70m/230ft), its name is due to its landscape and San Miguel (100m/328). In San Martin, is located Ahuashiyacu, 35m/115ft an easy to reach water fall and Huacamaillo, made of seven impressive water falls. Gera and Tunun Tunumba are two water falls that can only be reached assisted by guides. The most important waterfall in Peru is Gocta, located in Amazonas, the fifth tallest in the world with 771m/2,530ft of height.
Close to Lima, is located Pala Cala water fall (18m/59ft) and Zarate (40m/131ft), in order to reach this places you must have an excellent physical shape. In Junin, entering the jungle, we can appreciate Tirol water fall (35m/115ft). Parijaro, in the middle of Cutivireni, the Ashaninka people shelter, with 297m/974ft high, it is the most impressive water fall in Peru.
Our country belongs to a select group of eight countries with large diversity in the planet. We have a rich variety of Flora and Fauna due to our different weather and ecosystems. Our botanical richness is appreciated because of the healing properties of plants that were and are still being used by our people long before modern medicine arrived. In relation to our fauna, almost 20% of birds in the world live here as well as 10% of mammals and reptiles. Creatures such as the condor, the snake and the puma, among others, were worship by many old cultures, and were immortalized in their ceramics, textiles and stone monuments. Other species serve a s food source or raw material, some have a dependence relationship with the Andean or Amazon men since many years ago. Currently, many scientists keep discovering and classifying native species that amaze because of their beauty, rarity but main by the way they have adapted to our special weather and geographical conditions. Paradise exists on Earth, its name is Peru. |
