7 parks
    Peru

    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.

    TerrainThe dominant terrain featur...
    AltitudeFrom 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.
    Parks
    7
    Species
    64

    Southern Andes & Altiplano Parks Map

    Explore safari parks across Southern Andes & Altiplano

    Safari Destinations

    Southern Andes & Altiplano Safari Parks

    Explore safari parks in Southern Andes & Altiplano

    Compare Parks in Southern Andes & Altiplano

    Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Southern Andes & Altiplano

    ParkAreaWildlifeLodgesCrowdsMalariaAirport
    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)

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    64 species recorded in Southern Andes & Altiplano4 threatened

    More details

    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

    1.5-2 hours to Urubamba / Ollantaytambo

    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

    3-4 hours to Chivay (Colca Canyon)

    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

    Planning & reference

    Health & Travel Info

    Important health and safety information for Peru