The Jungle
Peru’s Jungle comprises 60% of the country’s territory; in fact Peru has the second-largest portion of the Amazon rainforest after Brazil yet only 5% of Peruvians live in this area. This ecoregion stands between 80 and 1,000 meters above sea level and thus it is classified as highland jungle (Selva Alta) and lowland jungle (Selva Baja). It has warm weather with an average temperature of 28 °C, over 75% humidity, and a yearly rainfall of approximately 260 cm. Its long and powerful rivers originate in the high Andean mountains including the mighty Amazon which main source -the Apurimac River- is initially a small stream formed by the thaw on a snowy peak near the Colca Valley. The Peruvian Amazon jungle is one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth. Peru has one the largest number of bird species in the world and the third-largest number of mammals; 44% of all bird species and 63% of all mammal species inhabit the Peruvian Amazon. There are countless species of insects, including butterflies, as well as plants of all types, even orchids, and water lilies. Amongst the many indigenous peoples that inhabit this jungle, we find the Aguaruna, Bora, Cocama-Cocamilla, Urarina, and Yahua.
With over two million hectares, Pacaya-Samiria is the second-largest protected natural area in Peru after Tambopata-Candamo. It is a vast complex of alluvial terraces and floodplains covered by tropical rainforest embracing the two large river basins including numerous permanent freshwater lakes, lagoons, and seasonally flooded forested wetlands. A paradise for nature lovers, with biodiversity that includes more than 1000 species of animals and 965 species of wild plants. These wetlands form an autonomous ecosystem that homes oxbows lakes such as El Dorado, and numerous indigenous communities who supplement their incomes through experiential tourism initiatives.
