Which Animals Can Be Seen in Machu Picchu?

The wildlife of Machu Picchu makes it a marvellous destination for nature lovers. They can  explore its low grasslands, mountain peaks, valleys, and cloud forests.

The biodiversity of Machu Picchu is widely spread and includes the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. This natural area is considered a World Heritage Site since 1983. The area offers a range of temperatures throughout the year. Here the high mountains create favourable micro-climates for the evolution of certain species.

Machu Picchu is located between the Andes and the Amazon, and forms fragile eco-systems for small species such as insects, birds, and mammals.

You can find a diversity of animals in Machu Picchu due to the existing micro-regions inside the reserve.

Here is a list of Machu Picchu animals that you can see during your visit to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu:

1. Spectacled Bear (Tremarctosornatus): These are short-faced furry mammals. They are known as spectacled bears due to the rings of light fur around their eyes that appear as if they are wearing glasses.

2. Giant Hummingbird(Patagonagigasperuviana): The largest hummingbird in the world has an average size of 8.5 inches. It was found in the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The body of the bird is covered in greenish-grey or reddish-brown plumage with a white rump. It also has a slower wing beat when compared to other hummingbirds.

3. Andean Cock-of-the-Rock(Rupicolaperuviana): It is the national bird of Peru. The male Cock-of-the-rock is covered in a red-orange plumage. On the other hand, females are reddish-brown.

4. Camelids: Two of camelids – the Llama (Lama glama) and the alpaca (Lama pacos) have perfectly adapted to the environment. These wooly animals are a source of fibres to the local weavers and their lean meat is served as a rich source of protein and iron.

5. Andean Condor(Vulturgryphus): This is the largest vulture in the world with a wing span of about 10 feet wide. It has a curved beak and it can spot prey on land far below with its excellent eyesight.

Endangered Species in Machu Picchu

The spectacled bear comes under the vulnerable category globally. Its population in Peru is expected to decrease by 30% in the coming 30 years. The cock of the rock is being recovered but still comes under the category of threatened species.

The decline of these species is due to the loss of their habitats. The common reasons for the loss of the habitats of these animals include forest fires caused by human activity, and also their persecution and hunting.