Flora and Fauna of Peru: Wildlife & Biodiversity Guide

Peru is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth. Peruvian wildlife is vast, varied, and shaped by 11 distinct ecoregions and 84 ecological life zones (out of 117 recognized worldwide), grouped across three major geographical realms: Coast, Andes Highlands, and Amazon Rainforest.

These diverse geographical conditions give rise to extraordinary flora and fauna, alongside unmatched natural resources. This biodiversity has traditionally been classified across eight altitudinal natural zones, ranging from arid coastal deserts and snowcapped peaks to dense tropical rainforest.

Three Natural Geographical Regions of Peru

The Eight Altitudinal Natural Regions of Peru

Western Andean Slopes & Coast:

• Chala or Coast.- From 0 to 500 m.a.s.l. Coastal desert cities include Lima, Ica, Trujillo, Chiclayo, and Piura.
• Yunga.- From 500 to 2,300 m.a.s.l. “Warm valley” zone including Chosica, Moquegua, Huanuco, Tacna, and Nazca.
• Quechua.- From 2,300 to 3,500 m.a.s.l. Temperate fertile valleys inhabited since pre-Inca times: Cusco, Arequipa, Cajamarca, and Huaraz.
• Suni.- From 3,500 to 4,000 m.a.s.l. Cold high plateau zone including Puno, Juliaca, and Sicuani.
• Puna.- From 4,000 to 4,800 m.a.s.l. High-altitude alpine tundra where altitude acclimatization is vital.
• Janca or Glacial Cordillera.- From 4,800 to 6,768 m.a.s.l. Glaciated alpine peaks and permanent snowfields.
• Eastern Andean Slopes & Amazon Basin:
• Rupa-Rupa or High Jungle.- From 400 to 1,000 m.a.s.l. Lush cloud forest valleys: Tingo Maria, Chanchamayo, and San Martin.
• Omagua or Lowland Amazon.- From 80 to 400 m.a.s.l. Expansive tropical rainforest including Loreto, Iquitos, and Ucayali.

Privileged Wildlife & Heritage

This immense natural heritage was revered by ancient Andean cultures, who depicted sacred wildlife in ceramics, textiles, and stone temples. Today, Peru remains a premier global destination for eco-travelers, nature lovers, and adventure hikers.