Stories: Wildlife and nature

Peru is home to thousands of unique and beautiful species. Peru wildlife includes 120 birds endemic to Peru, 70 endemic mammals, and 100 endemic reptiles - and that’s just the beginning! If you’re looking to get to know Peru wildlife on a whole new level, here’s where to look. Hummingbirds in Chachapoyas Chachapoyas is a beautiful region of Amazonas known for its cloud forest, lush vegetation, waterfalls, and stunning archaeological sites. At an altitude of 800 - 3,000 meters (2,624 - 9,800 ft) there are breathtaking sights to take in around every corner. Wildlife watching fans love Chachapoyas for its hummingbird population. The region is home to all kinds of rare hummingbirds, including the marvelous spatuletail, an endemic species to Peru. (Yes, marvellous really is part of its name!) The bird’s beautiful violet-blue coloring and distinctive spatula-like tail make it a real stunner - and Peru is the only place in the world you can see it. Avid hummingbird watchers can check into Kentitambo Lodge, which translates to “Hummingbird Inn” in Quechua. Kentitambo’s hummingbird feeders and plantings attract visits from as many as 16 different hummingbird species, along with parrots, toucans, tanagers, warblers, trogons, and other birds. Chachapoyas is also abundant in bromeliads, orchids, ferns, and other beautiful plants, which makes for an added bonus.   Flamingoes, Boobies, Terns, and Pelicans on the Pacific Coast When you visit Peru’s Pacific Coast, you’re in for a magical glimpse of unique and distinctive birds. The coastal Paracas National Reserve is home to 215 species of birds, including flamingos, penguins, and Peruvian boobies. At the reserve, you can even take in a glimpse of the beautiful Inca Tern, an endemic species that gathers along the Reserve’s rocky coast. These grey birds are known for their bright coral beaks and feet, and their distinctive