When it comes to world-class natural destinations, Peru Hard to beat. This diverse country is home to the snow-capped Andes of Ancash, the towering dunes and red beaches of Paracas, the dry forests of the Amotape Mountains, and of course the millions of hectares of the Amazon, the world's most important rainforest. The country's national parks and reserves protect all this and more, and while some require an adventurous spirit to reach, all are stunning examples of ecological conservation. Here are the Peruvian national parks and reserves you should visit on your trip.
Before exploring the national parks, learn about them Best time to visit Peru and Peru Attractions Plan the perfect adventure.
1. Paracas National Reserve
Desert meets sea in this national reserve with multiple personalities—here you'll find one of the world's only red beaches, a lagoon filled with pink flamingos, and a cultural history dating back to the Paracas people who lived here from around 900 BC to AD 100. Grab a boogie board and hit the waves, stroll along the coastal path, or book a dune buggy tour to get up close and personal with the desert landscape of Paracas.
Where the desert meets the ocean
Paracas National Monument is where two worlds collide – the rolling sand dunes of Peru’s southern desert and the deep blue Pacific Ocean. This desolate yet stunning landscape is one of the few places on Earth where you can watch flamingos feeding against a backdrop of sand cliffs and crashing waves. It's a region of contrasts, where wildlife thrives in one of the driest places on Earth. Planning to spend a few days on the coast? Don't miss our guide best beaches in peru or explore Lima Attractions before heading south.
Coastal parks showcasing Peru’s natural and cultural riches
Natural beauty and history unfold in layers within this protected park. The red beaches of Paracas, formed from volcanic sandstone, sparkle at sunset, while ancient archaeological sites tell the story of how the Paracas people once thrived here. Visitors can explore the coast by boat, dune buggy or on foot to see the extraordinary combination of Peruvian desert wilderness and marine biodiversity.
Why Paracas National Park is one of Peru’s must-visit destinations
Paracas National Park, easily accessible from Lima, combines desert, ocean and wildlife for an unforgettable experience. From red beaches to abundant birdlife, this is a coastal resort that captures the best of Peru's natural diversity.
The reserve is also a popular entry point for visiting the Ballestas Islands (Peru’s version of the Ballestas Islands). Galapagos IslandsKnown for Humboldt penguins, humpback whales, boobies and sea lions.
See for yourself: Definitely Peru
2. Manu National Park
Want to go wildlife watching in the Peruvian Amazon? Then Manu National Park is the place to be. This vast national park covers the intersection of the tropical Andes and the Amazon Basin, this verdant cradle is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its ecological diversity. Cougars, jaguars, armadillos, giant otters, and an elusive number of birds inhabit this remote forest area, and patient travelers will be richly rewarded with an unforgettable Amazon experience.
The park is divided into three areas, only two of which are accessible to tourists: the Cultural Area (where Aboriginal communities live and offer tourist experiences) and the Reserve Area, a wildlife habitat only accessible through organized tours. For more incredible wildlife encounters, check out Peru’s most fascinating animals and What to pack on a trip to the Peruvian Amazon. Huascaran National Park
3. Huascaran National Park
This park has a flair for drama – Huascaran National Park is located in the heart of the Sierra Blanca (the world’s second-highest mountain range after the Himalayas), with a dramatic array of snow-capped peaks, grassy valleys and alpine lakes that will leave even the most weary hiker in awe. Mount Huascaran itself is the highest mountain in Peru, with an elevation of 6,768 m (22,204 ft). This is Peru's most exciting high-altitude adventure, so put on your boots for a day hike or a multi-day hike; whatever you choose, Huascaran offers some of the most beautiful mountain scenery on Earth.
Enter Huascarán from the friendly adventure center of Huaráz, which may become your base camp while you acclimate to the altitude. Be sure to plan a day or two of acclimatization before setting off – even if you don't plan to climb the mountain, some of Huascaran's hiking routes will take you to 4,500m. Love high-altitude adventures? You will also enjoy The best hikes in Peru and our guide Cusco Attractions.
4. Otis National Park
Otish National Park, located north of Cusco, aims to protect part of the Vilcabamba Mountains and its unique geological features, including the sources of three Amazonian rivers (Urubamba, Ene and Tambo). This forest park is famous for its lush orchids and is home to a variety of fascinating animals, including the Peruvian spectacled bear and the bright red Andean rock chicken, Peru’s national bird.
Access to the park is restricted – please contact the Peruvian National Park Service (SERNANP) before traveling.
5. Rio Abiseo National Park
Rio Abiseo is a double whammy in terms of travel – this national park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the numerous archaeological finds found here indicating continuous human habitation since 6,000 BC. Scientists and archaeologists have discovered shelters, ceremonial sites, storage rooms and roads dating back thousands of years. The park is also home to some top-notch natural attractions: yellow-tailed woolly monkeys were thought to be extinct until they were discovered here in the 1970s, as well as several waterfalls, lagoons and hectares and hectares of cloud forest. Interested in the ancient side of Peru? explore The country's top heritage sites and Must-see attractions Revealing its deep history.
Abiseo River Park is one of the most remote parks in Peru and although difficult to access, it is not impossible. Please note that you need a permit from the Peruvian Park Service to visit.
6. Tingo Maria National Park
Established in 1965, Tingo Maria is one of the oldest national parks in Peru. Located high in the forests of the Yungas region, this lush park may fly under most people's radar, but it's worth a stop for its stunning rock formations and unusual wildlife. Head straight to the park's centerpiece, Owl Cave, a striking cave that's home to bats and the oilbird, one of the world's few flying nocturnal birds. Like their cave neighbors, they use echolocation.
The grounds are home to butterflies, ocelots, capybaras and other rainforest creatures, making Tingo Maria a great stop for wildlife lovers.
7. Blue Mountains National Park
The Sierra Blue is another of Peru's vast Amazon national parks, established to protect its unique mix of high and low forests covering its rolling hills and mountains. The park is managed by local non-profit CIMA (Cordillera Azul) in partnership with the Peruvian National Park Service and several local indigenous communities living in the area, making it a model for sustainable ecotourism in Peru.
All visitors require a permit from the Peruvian Park Service to enter, and a guided tour is highly recommended.
8. Tambopata National Reserve
Located near the Amazon gateway town of Puerto Maldonado, Tambopata National Reserve is a rainforest getaway with some unique sights: Watch macaws swoop rhythmically through the air at the reserve’s clay licks, or take a boat trip to nearby Sandoval Lake to see if you can spot giant otters and caimans.
Are you a night owl? Go on a guided night walk to see some of the forest's fascinating nocturnal creatures, then spend the night at one of the area's eco-lodges.
See for yourself: Amazon to Andes
9. Yaguas National Park
Peru's newest national park, Yaguas, contains one of the largest remaining intact forests in the world, protecting 8,689 square kilometers (3354 square miles) and several indigenous communities who have relentlessly advocated for its national park status.
Heading deep into the jungle? Read our guide Stay safe in Peru and understand Traveling to Peru with kids A family-friendly adventure.
The park remains more or less off-limits to visitors for now, but keep an eye out for news about the amazing conservation efforts in the area.
10. Amotapai National Park
This list covers a fair bit of rainforest – what about dry rainforest? Amotape Mountain protects two important areas of Pacific tropical forest and equatorial dry forest, making it a unique ecological combination that excites wildlife enthusiasts. Here you'll find the mighty Andean condor, crocodiles and newly discovered birds such as the white-necked Jacobin.
The park is centered around the Tumbes River, and if visitors want to put their feet on dry land, they can paddle or opt for a birdwatching tour.
Peru National Parks FAQs
How many national parks are there in Peru?
Peru has 15 national parks and 17 national reserves. There are also many protected areas, protected forests and nationally recognized historic sites, totaling 76 protected areas.
What percent of Peru are covered by national parks?
More than 17% of Peru is protected by national parks, reserves and sanctuaries.
What is the largest national park or wildlife reserve in Peru?
Alto Prussia National Park is Peru's largest national park, protecting more than 25,000 square kilometers of Amazon rainforest.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine to travel to Peruvian national parks?
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is not required to enter Peruvian national parks, but many global health agencies recommend that visitors receive a yellow fever vaccination if traveling to mosquito-infested areas (i.e., the Amazon).
Do I need to worry about malaria in Peruvian national parks?
Malaria risk exists in all national parks east of the Andes (Manu, Tambopata and Pacaya Samiría) and in some mosquito-infested areas along the North Pacific coast.
More Peru travel inspiration
If you're planning the perfect Peruvian adventure, explore more of our in-depth travel guides:
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- Peru’s most fascinating animals
- Best Hiking Tours in Peru
- best beaches in peru
- Best Attractions in Peru
- Peruvian Food Guide
- Lima Attractions
- Cusco Attractions
- Best time to visit Peru
- Machu Picchu Hiking Guide
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