Chaparri Ecological Reserve - Full Day

We will depart Chiclayo in the morning so we can enjoy a full day at the beautiful Chaparri Ecological Reserve. It takes about two hours to reach the reserve, and as we get closer we’ll see the towering Chaparri Mountain, after which the reserve is named. 

When we arrive at the reserve, your guide will tell you all about the community-led conservation project, as well as the ongoing scientific research into dry forest ecosystems that takes place at the reserve. You’ll also have the chance to interact with the local community and see the traditional hand-crafted art and customs that they make and sell.

Most of our time, however, will be spent exploring the reserve, so bring good walking shoes, sunglasses, insect repellant, and sunscreen and get ready for a wonderful trek through Chaparri. The reserve is famous for its biodiversity, with more than 122 varieties of plants, 23 mammal species, 21 reptile species, four species of amphibians, and five species of fish. It’s also a paradise for birdwatchers, with around 230 species of birds, including rare white-winged guans, Andean condors, king vultures and several species of eagle. As we walk through the reserve, you might be lucky enough to spot some of the endangered animal species that live here, such as pumas, ocelots, collared anteaters, and Andean weasels. You’ll probably see some foxes, too. 

The reserve’s biggest attraction, however, is its population of Andean Spectacled Bears (Tremarctos ornatus) – the same bear as the fictional Paddington Bear. These bears are classified as vulnerable, with only around 500 living in Peru. The reserve has a small wild population of spectacled bears, as well as a vital rescue and breeding program to save abandoned or abused bears from illegal captivity. The bears are rehabilitated and, if possible, released back into their natural habitat.

Once we’ve explored Chaparri Ecological Reserve and its various attractions, we’ll head back to Chiclayo.