Wildlife of Machu Picchu

The wildlife of Machu Picchu is not something travelers normally think about. There is always talk about how wonderful this archaeological center and its sectors are, such as: Temple of the Sun, The Temple of the Three Windows, Intihuatana, its terraces, the Inca Baths and other important sites, but almost no one mentions how varied the local fauna is. The flora and fauna of the area are quite considerable due to its location in the cloud forest, where the mighty Andes meet the mysterious Amazon jungle.

Located high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Machu Picchu is considered a marvel of ancient architecture and a paradise for diverse wildlife. Visitors to this UNESCO World Heritage Site can encounter a variety of unique species, from the elusive spectacled bear to the vibrant Andean cock-of-the-rock. Machu Picchu’s rich biodiversity enhances its appeal and offers nature enthusiasts the opportunity to observe rare animals and plants in their natural habitat. Join us as we explore the fascinating wildlife that calls Machu Picchu home.

Let’s review some of the most fascinating wild animals a hiker can see in Machu Pichcu and the rest of the cloud forest.

Andean Condor

Considered one of the largest flying birds in the world is the Andean condor, an impressive species that makes its home in the local skies. The Andean condor has a huge wingspan of up to 3.3 meters (10.8 feet) and can weigh between 11 and 15 kg (24 to 33 pounds). The condor has characteristic black plumage, a collar of white feathers around its neck and striking white spots on its wings. Once you see an Andean condor, the impression it leaves tends to stay with you due to its immense size.

Males have a distinctive fleshy crest on their heads. Andean condors prefer open grasslands and mountainous regions where they can fly using thermal air currents, which are necessary for such a large bird to fly.

They are scavengers and as such, they feed mainly on carrion. They play a vital role in the ecosystem by helping to get rid of dead animals and preventing the spread of disease. They have excellent eyesight, allowing them to detect corpses from great distances. Although sightings of Andean condors near Machu Picchu are rare, the presence of these birds is a testament to the region’s rich biodiversity. Travelers are most likely to see one in theColca Canyon, located in the Arequipa region.

The Cock of The Rocks

The Cock of The Rocks The Cock of the Rock is a very recognizable bird found in the cloud forests of the Andean regions, this would include the town of Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. The male of the species has vibrant orange or red plumage and a prominent fan-shaped crest on its head, making it easier to distinguish it from the female. Females, on the other hand, have an equally striking color and are usually brown, which helps them blend in with their surroundings, also as camouflage.

These medium-sized birds live in humid cloud forests and the rocky, steep ravines of the Andes. The area around Machu Picchu, with its lush vegetation and rocky outcrops, is an ideal habitat for them.

Considered the national bird of Peru (not the Andean condor), the cock of the rock is significant and culturally important. Its vibrant appearance and unique behaviors make it a popular subject of folklore and nature tourism.

The Giant Hummingbird

It is a notable bird in the Andean regions, including around Machu Picchu. If you have a good eye for bird species, you may be able to spot this elusive giant of the hummingbird species. Known to be the largest species of hummingbird in the world, hence the name “giant hummingbird,” it measures between 20 and 22 cm (8 and 8.7 in) long and weighs approximately 18 to 24 grams. Despite its comparatively large size compared to other hummingbirds, it retains the agile flight characteristics of other smaller birds.

The plumage of the giant hummingbird is generally not the most colorful, which differentiates it from other bird species found in the cloud forest. It has an earthy brown color with a slightly iridescent throat and head, providing camouflage in the natural context of its habitat. The giant hummingbird is often found in open forests, thickets, and areas with abundant flowering plants at high altitudes. The environment around Machu Picchu, with its diverse flora, offers excellent habitat for these birds.

There are some differences between the giant hummingbird and the smaller species. For one thing, they have a slower wing beat than smaller hummingbirds, about 10 to 15 wing beats per second. This slower pace allows it to float efficiently despite its larger size. This difference in wingbeats greatly influences their mating rituals. During the breeding season, males perform aerial displays to attract females, showing their agility and strength.

Llama

Llama One of the most emblematic animals of Machu Picchu is the llama. These friendly woolly creatures are native to the Andes and have played a vital role in Inca culture for centuries. You’re likely to see llamas wandering around the site, grazing on the grass and posing for photos with tourists.

The llama is a domesticated animal that played a vital role in the Inca Empire. This ancient empire existed in the Andean region of South America from the 13th to the 16th century. The Incas relied on llamas for transportation, wool, meat, and even as sacrificial offerings in religious ceremonies.

Llamas adapt well to the high altitudes of the Andes Mountains. These animals were used as pack animals to transport goods such as food, textiles and precious metals. Llama wool was used to make clothing and textiles, highly valued by the Incas. Llama meat was also an important source of protein in the Inca diet. In addition, their dung was used as fuel for fires.

In addition to their practical uses, llamas also had religious significance in Inca culture. They were often sacrificed in ceremonies to honor the gods and ensure a good harvest.

Andean Fox

The Andean fox is an elusive mammal that lives in the valleys and mountains near and around the citadel of Machu Picchu. This medium-sized canid, weighing 5 to 13 kg and measuring 60 to 90 cm in body length, features a bushy black-tipped tail and reddish-brown fur mixed with gray and white fur; It also has black markings on its snout and ears. The Andean fox is primarily nocturnal, but can sometimes be active during the best hours of the day. This species of highland fox is generally solitary, although pairs can be seen during the breeding season, when you are more likely to see one during a visit to the cloud forest.

Viscacha

The Viscachas are a small rodent that looks like a mix of rabbit and squirrel. These small rodents are among the easiest animals to spot in Machu Picchu. They have long ears and bushy tails and are known for their soft, dense fur. If you pay close attention, you can see viscachas jumping off the cliffs surrounding Machu Picchu. Their gray coat color helps them blend in with the rocky surroundings, so it may be a while before you see one. The good thing is that vizcachas are social animals during the day, so if you see one, you’ll probably see more.

Conclusion on the wildlife of Machu Picchu

While the ruins are the centerpiece of a fantastic Machu Picchu experience, the local flora and fauna complement the trip remarkably well. If you are lucky enough to visit Machu Picchu, you may also be lucky enough to see one of these unique Andean species. Be sure to include a list of the flora and fauna you want to photograph when preparing your package to Machu Picchu.