Peru is one of the most bio-diverse countries on the planet, the mix of cultural and natural treasures make this a must-see destination and the flora and fauna around Machu Picchu is an additional highlight for those with an interest.
Due to its location in the Peruvian high jungle, Machu Picchu has a varied climate that provides a rich environment with an extremely diverse and complex ecology. It includes ten wildlife zones that range from an area of low, dry forest to the high mountain range summits which can reach 6,271 meters and are covered in snow such as at the summit of Salkantay. Consequently, these vast geographical variations provide a wide range of flora and fauna, of the species which have been registered between 10% and 20% have been found to be endangered species.
There are 32,520 hectares which comprise the historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The sanctuary is located in the middle of cloud forest and would had had to be deforested by the Incas in order to create flat terraces for cultivation. The terraces allowed for the cultivation of maize and coca as well as fruit and tubers such as the yucca and sweet potato.
Those walking along the Inca Trail will see some of the 500 different species of orchids, trees, begonias and plants such as the Muña, the Qeuña, ancient ferns and the Pisonay, with orchids being the most abundant with 30 genus and more than 190 species that bloom throughout the year in the open areas of the forests. These include the Masdevallia barlaeana and the Maxillaria floribunda, which are considered among the most beautiful. There are many large, ancient trees in the lower regions that include the Evergreen Alder, the Brazilian Coral Tree, the Walnut Tree, the Conifer, the Guishuar, the Cedar, the Queñual and many more.
Machu Picchu Reserve Area
The Machu Picchu Reserve is comprised of a variety of micro regions which give rise to more than 700 species of butterflies and 400 species of birds that have been registered. Perhaps the most popular bird to see is the Cock-of-the-Rock, which is the national bird of Peru. The male of the species is quite colorful and can grow as large as 30 centimeters in height. Other birds that can be found in the National Reserve are the Andean Condor, the Torrent Duck, the Hooded Siskin, the Green Jay and the Giant Hummingbird. The Andean Condor, the largest land living bird, is considered to be sacred for the Peruvian people and can travel hundreds of kilometers in order to find food. The Torrent Duck is more common around the town of Aguas Calientes and is known for its ability to swim up the rapid waters of the Urubamba River. The Hooded Siskin is known for its outgoing behavior, ornamental yellow color and pleasant singing. The Green Jay is another vocal bird, distinguished by its blue head, yellow belly and green back. The Giant Hummingbird is the biggest of its species in with bat-like wings that flutter more slowly than those of other hummingbirds.
The sanctuary is also home to the Andean Bespectacled Bear, which is very shy and considered an endangered species. If you are lucky you might also find the Puma, the dwarfed deer and various reptiles and many insects.
Machu Picchu is an ecological wonder and during one’s visit, one should spend some time exploring the flora and fauna that the region has to offer in addition to marveling at the man-made site.
