Santuario Nacional de Calipuy

Santuario Nacional de Calipuy is a protected area in Peru.

Santuario Nacional de Calipuy at a Glance

Location
Central & Southern Pacific Coast, Peru, Central & South America
Coordinates
-8.344393, -78.299830
IUCN Category
III
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season) for Amazon and Andean wildlife.

Getting to Santuario Nacional de Calipuy

Nearest airport: Aeródromo de Zorrillos (SPLS), 342 km away.

Weather & Climate in Santuario Nacional de Calipuy

The warmest temperatures in Santuario Nacional de Calipuy occur in July, averaging 8.9°C (up to 14.4°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 8.2°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 19.2mm. Average humidity: 55.0%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 8.2°C (rainfall: 264.7mm)
  • February: 8.6°C (rainfall: 250.7mm)
  • March: 8.2°C (rainfall: 328.2mm)
  • April: 8.7°C (rainfall: 230.5mm)
  • May: 8.9°C (rainfall: 162.1mm)
  • June: 8.5°C (rainfall: 37.7mm)
  • July: 8.9°C (rainfall: 19.2mm)
  • August: 8.8°C (rainfall: 40.4mm)
  • September: 8.8°C (rainfall: 84.1mm)
  • October: 8.4°C (rainfall: 141.9mm)
  • November: 8.3°C (rainfall: 101.9mm)
  • December: 8.3°C (rainfall: 266.2mm)

Best Time to Visit Santuario Nacional de Calipuy

The best months to visit Santuario Nacional de Calipuy are July, June, August, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 8.18°C, rainfall 264.7mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 86.3%
  • February: Poor, temperature 8.55°C, rainfall 250.7mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 85.6%
  • March: Poor, temperature 8.22°C, rainfall 328.2mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 88.1%
  • April: Poor, temperature 8.72°C, rainfall 230.5mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 84.9%
  • May: Poor, temperature 8.91°C, rainfall 162.1mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 77.1%
  • June: Good, temperature 8.46°C, rainfall 37.7mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 65.3%
  • July: Great, temperature 8.92°C, rainfall 19.2mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 55%
  • August: Good, temperature 8.84°C, rainfall 40.4mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 56.1%
  • September: Good, temperature 8.84°C, rainfall 84.1mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 67.1%
  • October: Good, temperature 8.44°C, rainfall 141.9mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 77.7%
  • November: Good, temperature 8.32°C, rainfall 101.9mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 71.4%
  • December: Poor, temperature 8.26°C, rainfall 266.2mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 84.8%

Wildlife in Santuario Nacional de Calipuy

Home to 4 recorded species including 3 birds of prey, 1 predators.

Recommended Packing List for Santuario Nacional de Calipuy

Based on average temperature of 8.6°C, typical conditions, humidity 75%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 9°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Santuario Nacional de Calipuy

10 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Central & Southern Pacific Coast

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Peru

Travel advisory for Peru

Santuario Nacional de Calipuy FAQs

When is the best time to visit Santuario Nacional de Calipuy, and what kind of experience should I expect?

The ideal time to visit Calipuy is during Peru's dry season, typically from May to September, when trails are more accessible and wildlife viewing is optimal. Expect a tranquil, immersive nature experience focused on hiking and observing unique Andean dry forest ecosystems, far from crowded tourist routes.

What specific wildlife can I hope to see at Santuario Nacional de Calipuy that makes it unique among Peruvian protected areas?

Santuario Nacional de Calipuy is primarily known as a crucial sanctuary for the wild guanaco, a camelid native to South America, making it one of the best places in Peru to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Visitors may also spot various bird species adapted to the dry Andean environment.

Given its low crowding level, how accessible is Santuario Nacional de Calipuy, and what activities are available for visitors?

Due to its 1/5 crowding level, Calipuy offers a very secluded experience, meaning access might require arranging private transport from nearby towns like Santiago de Chuco or Trujillo. Activities primarily revolve around hiking, birdwatching, and photography, allowing for deep immersion in its unique dry forest and high-Andean landscapes.

What are the specific malaria risks and general safety precautions for visitors to Santuario Nacional de Calipuy?

Santuario Nacional de Calipuy has a moderate malaria risk, so it's essential to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication and use insect repellent, especially during dawn and dusk. General safety includes staying on marked trails, hiring a local guide for remote areas, and being prepared for varying Andean weather conditions.

What are the typical costs associated with visiting Santuario Nacional de Calipuy, and how should I plan my trip budget?

As a less-visited protected area, costs will mainly involve transportation to and from the sanctuary, potential entrance fees (which are generally modest for Peruvian protected areas), and any guide services. Budget for local accommodation in nearby towns and consider bringing your own food and water as facilities within the sanctuary are minimal.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.