Santuario Nacional Lagunas de Mejía

Santuario Nacional Lagunas de Mejía is a protected area in Peru.

Santuario Nacional Lagunas de Mejía at a Glance

Location
Central & Southern Pacific Coast, Peru, Central & South America
Coordinates
-17.146301, -71.862770
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 Lagunas de Mejía

Nearest airport: Aeródromo de Mollendo (SPDO), 18 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aeropuerto Internacional El Alto (LPB), 397 km away.

Weather & Climate in Santuario Nacional Lagunas de Mejía

The warmest temperatures in Santuario Nacional Lagunas de Mejía occur in February, averaging 23.2°C (up to 25.2°C). The coolest conditions are in August at 15.5°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in April with average rainfall of 0.2mm. Average humidity: 75.4%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 22.4°C (rainfall: 8.8mm)
  • February: 23.2°C (rainfall: 2.5mm)
  • March: 22.6°C (rainfall: 0.6mm)
  • April: 20.7°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • May: 18.3°C (rainfall: 0.9mm)
  • June: 16.7°C (rainfall: 1.7mm)
  • July: 15.6°C (rainfall: 2.0mm)
  • August: 15.5°C (rainfall: 3.4mm)
  • September: 15.8°C (rainfall: 2.4mm)
  • October: 16.9°C (rainfall: 3.0mm)
  • November: 18.6°C (rainfall: 2.1mm)
  • December: 20.4°C (rainfall: 4.3mm)

Best Time to Visit Santuario Nacional Lagunas de Mejía

The best months to visit Santuario Nacional Lagunas de Mejía are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 22.44°C, rainfall 8.8mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 75.5%
  • February: Great, temperature 23.2°C, rainfall 2.5mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 74.7%
  • March: Great, temperature 22.62°C, rainfall 0.6mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 75.5%
  • April: Great, temperature 20.7°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 75.4%
  • May: Great, temperature 18.26°C, rainfall 0.9mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 78.7%
  • June: Good, temperature 16.71°C, rainfall 1.7mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 80.5%
  • July: Good, temperature 15.59°C, rainfall 2mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 81.8%
  • August: Good, temperature 15.53°C, rainfall 3.4mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 81.9%
  • September: Good, temperature 15.75°C, rainfall 2.4mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 81.2%
  • October: Great, temperature 16.93°C, rainfall 3mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 80.1%
  • November: Great, temperature 18.59°C, rainfall 2.1mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 77.8%
  • December: Great, temperature 20.44°C, rainfall 4.3mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 78.5%

Wildlife in Santuario Nacional Lagunas de Mejía

Home to 34 recorded species including 21 waterbirds, 10 birds of prey, 1 tropical birds, 1 iconic birds, 1 marine & freshwater.

Recommended Packing List for Santuario Nacional Lagunas de Mejía

Based on average temperature of 18.9°C, typical conditions, humidity 78%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 19°C weather
  • 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 Lagunas de Mejía

16 safari lodges available.

Other

budget

Similar Parks in Central & Southern Pacific Coast

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Peru

Travel advisory for Peru

Santuario Nacional Lagunas de Mejía FAQs

What is the optimal time of year to visit Santuario Nacional Lagunas de Mejía for birdwatching, and what unique species can I expect to observe?

The best time for birdwatching is typically during the migratory season, from October to April, when thousands of shorebirds and waterfowl from the northern hemisphere arrive. You can expect to see a remarkable diversity of species, including various flamingos, pelicans, gulls, terns, and numerous duck species, making it a prime destination for avian enthusiasts.

Given it's a "Santuario Nacional Lagunas," what kind of visitor experience should I anticipate at Santuario Nacional Lagunas de Mejía, and what activities are available?

Unlike traditional savanna safaris, your experience here will focus on tranquil birdwatching and nature photography amidst a vibrant coastal wetland ecosystem. Visitors can enjoy gentle walks along designated trails, utilize observation blinds, and immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the lagoons and their avian inhabitants.

What are the primary access points and transportation options for reaching Santuario Nacional Lagunas de Mejía, and what local amenities are available nearby?

The sanctuary is located near the city of Mollendo, with Arequipa serving as the closest major city and transportation hub. From Mollendo, you can typically arrange local taxis or buses to reach the sanctuary, though facilities within the park itself are minimal, so plan to find accommodation and dining in nearby towns.

What makes Santuario Nacional Lagunas de Mejía ecologically significant, and what conservation efforts are in place to protect its unique wetland environment?

This sanctuary is recognized as a Ramsar site of international importance, serving as a critical stopover and breeding ground for over 200 species of resident and migratory aquatic birds along the Pacific flyway. Conservation efforts focus on protecting these vital coastal wetlands, ensuring the survival of numerous bird populations and the delicate ecosystem they depend on.

Beyond general health considerations, what specific safety precautions and essential gear should I bring for a visit to Santuario Nacional Lagunas de Mejía?

It's crucial to bring strong sun protection, including a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen, as the coastal sun can be intense. Additionally, pack binoculars and a camera for optimal bird observation, plenty of water, and comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on potentially uneven or damp terrain.

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.