Peru is a country known for its incredible destinations and cultural richness. Thanks to its great geographic diversity, it has fantastic biodiversity, making it an excellent destination for wildlife watching.
From pelicans in the Ballestas Islands to Andean condors in the Colca Valley. That’s all you could wish for. But wait, don’t forget that exploring exotic species in the Peruvian Amazon is the icing on the cake. These species are endemic to Peru and only exist in our region.
Additionally, we want to tell you that, together with Machu Travel Peru. We will discover more about Peru’s main animals, which you can see on our tours.
Greatest animals of Peru to appreciate in your next vacations
- Peruvian dog
- Andean condor
- Jaguar
- Humboldt penguin
- Amazon river dolphin
- Llamas and alpacas
- Spectacled bear
- Vizcachas
- Puma
- Macaws
- Andean cock of the rock
- Ocelot
- Guanay cormorant
Peruvian dog
Among the different animals in Peru, the Peruvian Inca Orchid is the national dog of Andean countries. This dog has a great history, dating back to pre-Inca times. Ancient cultures revered it, creating many sculptures dedicated to this particular canine.
When you travel around Peru, you will surely meet these little friends. The Peruvian hairless dog has a distinctive appearance; perhaps, at first sight, you think it has some disease, but no. These dogs are happy without their fur.
Andean condor
The Andean Condor is the representative symbol of the magical Peruvian Andes. This majestic animal is intertwined with the numerous Andean traditions and mythology.
According to tradition, the condor is the only animal that can communicate with the gods and stars. The bird is enormous, with a height of 1 meter and a wingspan of about 3.80 meters. People admire it because of its size. In general, it is one of the main attractions in the tours of the Colca Valley and its canyon.
So, to enjoy the flight of the Colca Canyon condors, you should start organizing your tour of the Valley. Undoubtedly, they are one of the most famous specimens among Peruvian animals.
Jaguar
You probably want to see a jaguar in the wildlife of Peru. But this majestic feline is quite camera-shy and very elusive to them. Visit the Manu Biosphere Reserve in Peru to see jaguars and other animals. It’s a great place to spot wildlife.
Some tours in Peru’s reserve let you see felines, but there’s no guarantee of spotting them, just like with other animals.
Humboldt penguin
If you’ve always wanted to see these cute animals, visiting Peru is a great chance. Many times, a trip to Antarctica is usually not plausible or exceedingly comfortable to say. Still, one of the best things to do in Peru is to visit the beautiful Ballestas Islands.
A tour of these islands can satisfy your need to see penguins and other amazing animals. You can find various animals in Peru, such as Peruvian pelicans, Inca terns, cormorants, and many other migratory birds.
Amazon river dolphin
In the heart of the Peruvian jungle, you can find one of Peru’s most friendly and particular animals. The Amazon Pink Dolphin is the largest river dolphin. It can reach up to 2.50 meters long and weigh over 100 kilograms.
These beautiful animals are gray at birth but develop their pink hue as they grow. Dolphins use sonar to find food like fish, turtles, and crabs because their eyesight is not very good.
Llamas and alpacas
You may have noticed that no photo of Peru’s imposing landscapes would be complete without the presence of these camelids. Over the years, llamas and alpacas have become one of the most representative symbols of Peru.
People can see these animals everywhere in Peruvian culture and its traditions. They could not be missing from our list of Peruvian animals.
Spectacled bear
The Andean Spectacled Bear is one of Peruvian animals that is most surprising and unique. It is the last short-faced bear specimen in the world and the only bear on the South American continent. The bear’s primary habitat is the moist forests that cling to the slopes of the Andes Mountains. The only remaining population of bears lives in high-altitude border regions within northern Peru.
Vizcachas
The vizcacha is one of the most tender and adorable animals in Peru. This particular rodent is somewhat plump and resembles a cross between a rabbit and a squirrel. Tourists frequently see this beautiful animal around the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Machu Picchu, and the Colca Valley.
Puma
One could consider the Puma one of the most challenging animals to spot in Peru. It is another animal with great historical and cultural importance within the country.
You may be lucky to appreciate its figure among the lush vegetation in some national parks like Tambopata. The Puma distributes itself over a large geographical area, occupying other neighboring countries. In the high regions of the Andes, such as in the surroundings of Cusco and Arequipa, you can find small populations of these felines.
Macaws
The vibrant macaw is a representative symbol of the Amazon basin. Magical creatures and birds can be observed during jungle tours in Tambopata National Reserve. These sightings occur at the clay licks located along the riverbanks.
During a trip to Peru, you can see sloths, capybaras, giant river otters, and macaws in the Amazon.
Andean cock of the rock
The Andean cock of the rock is a stunning bird native to the cloud forests of the Andes in South America. Males are particularly striking with their vibrant orange plumage and dramatic, curved crest.
This crest gives them a captivating appearance. During courtship, males perform elaborate displays, puffing up their feathers and making loud, rhythmic calls to attract females.
Females, in contrast, have a more subdued brown coloration, which helps them blend into their surroundings. These birds mainly eat fruit, and people often see them in small, noisy groups. Also worth mentioning is that the birds in Tambopata are much loved and respected by locals and travelers.
Ocelot
The ocelot inhabits the Amazon rainforest in Peru. These cats have beautiful coats with dark spots and stripes on a tan or golden background. This helps them hide in the forest.
In Peru, ocelots are typically solitary and nocturnal, preying on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Their presence in the region shows that the forest ecosystem is healthy. They are important predators that keep the local wildlife in balance.
Guanay Cormorant
In the Paracas National Reserve of Peru, the guanay cormorant is a prominent and iconic seabird. This striking bird has sleek black plumage, a white chest patch, and a vivid turquoise-blue eye patch that characterizes it. The guanay is a skilled diver adept at hunting fish in the nutrient-rich waters of the Humboldt Current.
Cormorants gather in large flocks on cliffs and islands in the reserve, contributing to the marine ecosystem. Bat poop is essential for the environment because it helps plants grow by adding nutrients to the soil.
“IF HAVING A SOUL MEANS BEING ABLE TO FEEL LOVE AND LOYALTY AND GRATITUDE, THEN ANIMALS ARE BETTER OFF THAN A LOT OF HUMANS”
We hope that, together with our colleagues from Machu Travel Peru, we have helped you. Remember that this list is just a tiny glimpse of all the biodiversity our country harbors. If you are interested in our sighting tours and exploring the Nature Reserves in Peru, you should contact our distinguished advisors. They can guide you in organizing the best excursion of your life.
