The National System of Natural Areas Protected by the State (SINANPE) aims to contribute to the sustainable development of Peru, through the conservation of representative samples of the country's biological diversity.
SINANPE is made up of the protected natural areas (ANP) of national administration that are managed and administered by the National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State (Sernanp).
Protected natural areas are land or marine spaces recognized, established and legally protected by the Peruvian State due to their importance for the conservation of biodiversity and their contribution to the sustainable development of the country.
The protected natural areas of national administration have two statuses: those established with definitive status and with transitory status, which are Reserved Zones.
In total, protected natural areas are classified into 10 categories, which are detailed below:
These are areas that constitute representative samples of the natural diversity of the country. In them, one or more ecosystems, associations of wild flora and fauna, as well as other landscape and cultural characteristics that are associated, are protected with an intangible nature.
They are protected natural areas of indirect use in which scientific research and tourism are allowed in appropriately designated areas.
Currently there are 15 National Parks in Peru.
They are areas destined for the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of flora and fauna resources.
They are protected natural areas for direct use in which, through management plans, the traditional use and sustainable use of natural resources by local populations is allowed.
Currently there are 17 National Reserves.
They are areas where the habitat of a species or a community of flora and fauna is protected, with an intangible nature, as well as natural formations of scientific and landscape interest.
They are protected natural areas of indirect use in which scientific research and tourism are allowed in appropriately designated areas.
Currently there are 9 National Sanctuaries in Peru.
They conserve spaces that contain relevant natural values and constitute the environment for samples of the country's monumental and archaeological heritage, or are places where outstanding events of national history took place.
They are protected natural areas of indirect use in which scientific research and tourism are allowed in appropriately designated areas.
Currently there are 4 Historic Sanctuaries in Peru.
They conserve environments whose geographical integrity shows a harmonious relationship between man and nature, thus harboring important natural and cultural values.
They are protected natural areas for direct use, in which, through management plans, the traditional use and sustainable use of natural resources by local populations is allowed.
There are currently 2 Landscape Reserves in Peru.
They conserve areas of specific natural characteristics due to their rarity or representative localities, as well as the protection of species of wild flora and fauna, especially breeding sites to recover or maintain populations of species.
They are protected natural areas for direct use, in which, through management plans, the traditional use and sustainable use of natural resources by local populations is allowed.
Currently there are 3 Wildlife Refuges in Peru.
They conserve wild flora and fauna for the benefit of the neighboring rural populations, which, due to their traditional use and under management plans, make use of the natural resources of the area.
These communities make up Administration Contract Executors, which in alliance with Sernanp, manage the Communal Reserves in a comprehensive and articulated manner.
They are protected natural areas for direct use, in which, through management plans, the traditional use and sustainable use of natural resources by local populations is allowed.
There are currently 10 Communal Reserves in Peru.
They preserve the upper basins, the banks of rivers and other watercourses and, in general, protect fragile lands against erosion.
They are protected natural areas for direct use, in which, through management plans, the traditional use and sustainable use of natural resources by local populations is allowed.
There are currently 6 Protection Forests in Peru.
Spaces for the use of wildlife through the regulated practice of sport hunting.
They are protected natural areas for direct use, in which, through management plans, the traditional use and sustainable use of natural resources by local populations is allowed.
Currently there are 2 hunting preserves in Peru.
The Reserved Zones are those areas that, meeting the conditions to be considered as Protected Natural Areas, require complementary studies to determine, among others, the extension and category that corresponds to them as such, as well as the feasibility of their management.
There are currently 8 Reserved Zones in Peru.
Throughout Peruvian territory, 158 natural conservation areas (protected) can be identified, which represent 16.93% of the national geography.
The protected natural areas are divided into: National Parks, National Reserves, Communal Reserves, National Sanctuaries, Historical Sanctuaries, Landscape Reserves, Protected Forests, Wildlife Refuges and Hunting Reserves.
The importance of preserving these natural areas lies in the care of Peru's biological diversity, flora, fauna and landscapes. Thus, one of the objectives is that in these spaces of Peruvian territory tourism can be developed with a minimum negative impact, considering that tourism activity allows income to be generated for their care.
Below are the most recognized natural protected areas in Peru:
Located in the department of Áncash, in the central highlands of Peru, the Huascarán National Park is made up of an impressive mountainous landscape, ideal for adventure tourism. In this protected area you can appreciate the beauty of flora species (779 high Andean species) and wildlife (112 bird species and 13 mammal species).
Located in the provinces of Paucartambo in Cusco and Manu in Madre de Dios. In the Manu National Park you can witness the greatest biodiversity in the world. It is one of the best destinations for nature tourism.
Located in the department of Ica, the Paracas National Reserve preserves the most important samples of marine-coastal ecosystems. At this point in Peru you can see species of fauna such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, dolphins, flamingos, among others.
Located in the department of Cusco, this sanctuary is one of the Wonders of the Modern World, and hence the importance of being preserved. It is the most visited natural protected area in Peru.
In Machu Picchu we can find archaeological complexes and ecosystems with a great diversity of flora and fauna.
Located in the continental waters of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, in the department of Puno and at an average altitude of 3,810 meters above sea level. The Titicaca National Reserve protects the enormous biological diversity of the lake, where fauna species such as a great diversity of birds and the giant Titicaca frog stand out.
Located in the province of Zarumilla in the department of Tumbes, it is one of the most beautiful scenic destinations in northern Peru. These mangroves are the refuge of a large number of fauna species such as birds, fish and crustaceans. In addition, in this part of Peru we can find the mangrove, a twisted tree that grows between the sea and rivers in tropical areas.
Located in the department of Ayacucho, this national reserve is the largest and main recovery and conservation center for the Peruvian vicuña. In addition, in Pampa Galeras-Bárbara d'Achille you can find flora species such as ichu and pajonal.
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
