Safari in Southern Andes & Altiplano
Explore the heart of the Inca Empire, from iconic Machu Picchu to the vast Altiplano and deep Andean canyons, rich in history and breathtaking landscapes.
Southern Andes & Altiplano Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Southern Andes & Altiplano
Southern Andes & Altiplano Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Southern Andes & Altiplano
Reserva Paisajística Subcuenca del Cotahuasi
Reserva Paisajística Subcuenca del Cotahuasi is a protected area in Peru.
Sacsayhuamán
Sacsayhuamán is a protected area in Peru.
Santuario Histórico de la Pampa de Ayacucho
Santuario Histórico de la Pampa de Ayacucho is a protected area in Peru.
Santuario Histórico de Machupicchu
Santuario Histórico de Machupicchu is a protected area in Peru.
Santuario Nacional de Ampay
This small but important sanctuary near Abancay protects the last remaining patches of Intimpa (Podocarpus glomeratus) forest, a unique Andean conifer. It's a good spot for birdwatching, including endemic species, and offers scenic hikes amidst a distinct high-Andean ecosystem.
Servidumbre Ecológica Privada Santa María
Servidumbre Ecológica Privada Santa María is a protected area in Peru.
Sillustani
Sillustani is a protected area in Peru.
Compare Parks in Southern Andes & Altiplano
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Southern Andes & Altiplano
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santuario Nacional de Ampay | - | 192 | - | Moderate | Moderate | PE-0019 (8km) |
| Reserva Paisajística Subcuenca del Cotahuasi | - | 59 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SPOR (53km) |
| Sacsayhuamán | - | 261 | - | Quiet | Moderate | CUZ (6km) |
| Santuario Histórico de la Pampa de Ayacucho | - | 147 | - | Quiet | Moderate | AYP (16km) |
| Santuario Histórico de Machupicchu | - | 348 | - | Quiet | Moderate | PE-0019 (53km) |
| Servidumbre Ecológica Privada Santa María | - | 384 | - | Quiet | Moderate | CUZ (5km) |
| Sillustani | - | 135 | - | Quiet | Moderate | SPNP (18km) |
64 species recorded in Southern Andes & Altiplano4 threatened
Stepping into the Southern Andes and Altiplano, we are immediately struck by the sheer scale and dramatic beauty of this ancient land. The air is thin and crisp, carrying the scent of high-altitude grasses, and the light here is unlike anywhere else, painting the towering peaks and vast plains in an ever-changing palette of golds and purples. We love how the landscape shifts from the lush, terraced valleys of the Urubamba to the stark, windswept expanses of the Altiplano, each offering a profound sense of history and spiritual connection. The sunsets are sensational, casting long shadows over ancient ruins and making the entire region feel both timeless and incredibly vibrant.
Terrain & Altitude
The dominant terrain features towering Andean peaks, deep river canyons, and the expansive, high-altitude Altiplano plateau.
From 2,400m in the Sacred Valley to over 6,700m at the highest peaks, with the Altiplano generally ranging between 3,500-4,500m above sea level.
Vegetation
Dominant vegetation includes high-altitude puna grasslands, hardy scrub, and remnants of cloud forest in lower, wetter valleys, alongside extensive terraced agriculture.
Water Sources
Major water sources are the mighty Urubamba River and its tributaries, the vast Lake Titicaca, and numerous glacial meltwater streams feeding high-altitude lagoons.
Unique Features
The region is uniquely defined by its dramatic glacial valleys, the vast, ancient Lake Titicaca, and the iconic, deeply carved canyons like Colca, home to condors.
We always recommend flying into Cusco first to allow for gradual acclimatization to the altitude before venturing deeper into the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu. For seamless travel, we advise pre-booking your airport transfers; navigating upon arrival can be disorienting, and a pre-arranged pick-up ensures a smooth start to your Andean adventure. The train journey from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo is an unmissable experience, offering breathtaking views and a comfortable ride.
Nearest Airports
Cusco (CUZ) - Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport
Adjacent to Cusco city center
Frequent daily connections from Lima on LATAM, Sky Airline, and Viva Air Peru. Limited international flights.
Arequipa (AQP) - Rodríguez Ballón International Airport
Adjacent to Arequipa city center
Daily connections from Lima and Cusco on LATAM, Sky Airline, and Viva Air Peru.
Juliaca (JUL) - Inca Manco Cápac International Airport
45km / 1hr drive to Puno (Lake Titicaca)
Daily connections from Lima and Cusco on LATAM and Sky Airline.
Driving Routes
From Cusco
A scenic drive on well-maintained paved roads through the Sacred Valley, often including stops at Pisac or Chinchero. We recommend hiring a private transfer for flexibility and comfort.
From Arequipa
The route involves paved roads initially, transitioning to good quality unpaved sections as you ascend to high altitude passes. A 4WD vehicle is not strictly necessary but provides more comfort on some stretches.
Temperature
8.5°C
47°F
Rainfall
216.9 mm
Heavy rains
Humidity
77.4%
Sunshine
9.8 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
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