When most travellers think of animals in Peru, alpacas and llamas are the first that come to mind, but these woolly mountain mammals aren’t the only cool creatures roaming around.
The Incas considered three animals sacred, each symbolizing the three stages of life: the condor as heaven, the puma as earth, and the serpent as the underworld. You’ll find temples, shrines, and carvings dedicated to the big three at many Incan archaeological sites, such as the Temple of the Condor at Machu Picchu.
Whether you’re hiking the Inca Trail or glamping in the Amazon jungle, you’ll be in awe of the birds and mammals, many of which are endemic to Peru.
1. Vicuña
What do you get if you cross a llama and an alpaca? No, this isn’t the start of a bad joke – it’s a vicuña, the national animal of Peru. The vicuña is the smallest member of the llama family and it was prized by the Incas. You’ll spot these little llamas everywhere on flags, at Incan ruins, and in the flesh on a trek in the Andes.
Vicuñas grow fine, soft woolly coats that can be sheared only every three years. Because of that, their wool is an expensive product that was worn only by royalty in the Incan empire. Today, vicuñas are a protected species, and businesses must have a special licence to use their wool, which keeps it expensive and rare. You’re more likely to find wool products made from llama and baby alpaca in the markets.
2. Tunki
Better known as a “cock-of-the-rock,” the brightly coloured tunki, Peru’s national bird, lives in the cloud forests along the eastern slopes of the Andes. The first thing you’ll spot is its brilliant red-orange head and fan-like crest that resembles the plume of a Roman soldier’s helmet. This vibrant head of feathers contrasts with its black undercarriage and monochrome wings. The males are easier to spot as they’re more colourful than the females.
3. Andean condor
The Incas believed the majestic Andean condor was the bird of heaven and carried the dead to the afterlife on its wings. Condors certainly do fly high – up to 6,500m (21,300 ft) into the sky – and they have a wingspan double the height of the average person. Despite being a member of the vulture family, condors aren’t actually predators. They’re a bit lazy and prefer to find animals that are already dead to chow down on.
4. Puma
A symbol of power to the Incas, the puma was such an important animal in this culture that they modelled the city of Cusco on it. When you visit the city, grab a map and see if you can trace the outline of the puma yourself (hint: Sacsaywaman is its head). This mighty cat was seen as the top predator, and the Incas emulated its power and strength in their way of life.
5. Amazon pink river dolphin
This blushed dolphin, aka the “boto,” has been the subject of many Amazonian myths and legends over the centuries. One story suggests that they’re shapeshifters who turn into handsome men at night and come ashore to seduce women. Another legend says that if you jump in the river at night, they can whisk you away to a magical world. We don’t suggest testing that second theory – it’s likely a caiman or piranha will find you first.
6. Hoatzin
Recognized for its cobalt blue face and piercing red eyes, the hoatzin, also known as the “dinosaur bird,” starts life with two claws on each wing, similar to a pterodactyl. Scientists have long scratched their heads over its possible connection to dinosaurs. See the resemblances yourself when you stay at the Tambopata Ecolodge on our Amazon to the Andes tour, where you’ll soon learn that Jurassic Park isn’t the only film inspired by Amazonian wildlife.
7. Humboldt penguin
The Ballestas Islands south of Lima are the only place other than Antarctica where you can see Humboldt penguins. These mid-sized penguins are excellent swimmers, and they’re known to dive up to 150m (500 ft) underwater in search of fish. The islands are protected, so you can’t swim or walk on them, but boat tours run from Paracas to give you a good view of the penguins and the thousands of other species living on the islands.
8. Hummingbird
Catching sight of a hummingbird is a hugely gratifying experience, as they’re incredibly fast and quiet. Several breeds unique to Peru can be spotted in the Andean cloud forests, such as the giant hummingbird, the largest of the species, which is still only 20 cm (8 in) long. Wearing red increases your chances of a close encounter – the hummingbirds think you’re a flower.
9. Jaguar
El tigre is a rare sighting nowadays because years of poaching and deforestation have pushed the jaguar to the brink of extinction. But if you’re going to strike it lucky somewhere, it’ll be the Amazon jungle. These big cats tend to stay near water and swamps, so keep your eyes peeled when you’re whizzing down the Amazon in a motorized voadeira boat on an adventure in the rainforest.
10. Spectacled bear
The only bear found south of the equator, the spectacled bear (ukumari in Quechuan) owes its name to the yellow circular markings that go partly or all the way around its eyes. These bears live in the desert, but you’ve got a better chance of spotting one while trekking in the Andes. They love to hang out in the trees, so don’t forget to look up as well as around.
11. Viscacha
Viscachas resemble rabbits, but they are more closely related to chinchillas. These bashful rodents are nocturnal and hide in the rocks high up in the Andes during the day, so you would be lucky to spot one. But stranger things have happened in Peru… like shapeshifting dolphins seducing the local chicas. It’s best to just stay ready for anything.
