With its fascinating history and breathtaking landscape, the South American country of Peru has always been a popular destination for those searching for a holiday a little out of the ordinary. Walking Peru’s Inca Trail up to Machu Picchu is, for some, the ultimate, once-in-a-lifetime experience. For history buffs there is much of interest, from ancient Inca tunnels to the ‘Lost City ‘ itself; but another fascinating aspect of a holiday walking Peru, is the abundance of unique wildlife you can encounter.

The Lovely Llama

Probably the most iconic animal associated with Peru is the llama. This odd looking creature has a strange charm and, like its cousin the camel, many people fall in love with their expressive eyes. A fully-grown llama can measure up to six feet from the ground to the tips of their ears and their strength puts them in demand for pack duties. The llama is an intelligent animal and has a pleasant gentle nature. Walking Peru’s mountains and villages you will see llamas used extensively in day to day working life as well as occasionally for guarding herds of sheep.

Spectacled Bear

You may come across this delightful fellow walking Peru’s dry northern habitats. Although unfortunately on the endangered list, there are conservation projects in place to protect the Spectacled Bear. It is so named because of its unique light colouring across its face which looks like a pair of spectacles, but it is also known as the Andean Bear. They are quite a docile animal but very protective of their cubs so if you want to get up close and personal with one of these unique creatures, perhaps the zoo would be the best option, otherwise the hospital beckons!

Magnificent Macaws

South America is one of the world’s premier bird-watching destinations. With many unique native birds it is a birdwatcher’s delight and the spectacular macaw is one of the most beautiful you will see. Walking Peru’s Amazon jungle will give you the best opportunity to meet a macaw and the brightly coloured plumage is easy to spot amongst the lush backdrop of the forests. Travelling in flocks of up to 300 the macaws congregate on clay ‘licks’, special deposits of clay along the riverbanks of the Amazon. There are many different species of macaws, each with their own individual colouring and markings in various vivid shades of blues, reds, yellows and greens.

The Andean Cat

Unfortunately your chances of seeing the Andean cat are quite slim as it has a reputation of being one of the world’s shyest cats. It also has another, unwanted, title which is as one of the world’s top five most endangered cats. Found in the high regions of Peru, the Andean cat is not much bigger than a normal domesticated cat with distinctive rust coloured spots and stripes on a silvery body. Although they look very cute and cuddly with their long thick fur, if you do happen upon one whilst walking Peru’s arid regions of the Andes, it is not advisable to approach them – but do try and get a photograph as proof!

Author Bio: Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While walking Peru with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can see the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Category: Travel
Keywords: walking Peru