Machu Picchu, the world wonder high in the Peruvian Andes mountains, is not just a monument to an old people’s greatness but also a place for many kinds of life. Its special place, where the Andes and the Amazon meet, makes different small weather areas where lots of wild things live. So, learn about the nature of Machu Picchu, including its rich flora and fauna, by looking at all its plants and animals.
Weather and Nature
Machu Picchu is where the Andes Mountains meet the Amazon jungle, a place called the “jungle’s edge”. This makes it have a warm, wet weather, with temperatures between 8°C and 27°C. This also includes Aguas Calientes, the town closest to the ancient city, which is 2400 meters above sea level, so it gets the same weather.
Also, the weather in Machu Picchu has two seasons during the year:
- Dry season (May to October): During these months, the days are usually warm and sunny, with very little rain. It’s the best time to visit the ancient city and enjoy the views without rain.
- Rainy season (November to April): In this time, it rains a lot, especially in February, which is the rainiest month. So, it’s better not to go in February if you want to enjoy the Inca city without problems.
Extra Info: The “jungle’s edge” is a special place with lots of different plants and animals. The warm weather, high humidity, and many plants make it a great home for many types of living things.
Fauna in Machu Picchu
The animals of Machu Picchu are a treasure of different living things in Peru, with many kinds of animals that have changed to live in the different places in the area.
Emblematic Mammals
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Spectacled Bear
This bear, only found in South America, finds a good home in the cloudy forests of Machu Picchu. Its dark fur, with the white marks around its eyes, gives it its special name. The spectacled bear is an animal that lives alone and mostly eats plants, fruits, and honey. It is very important for the place it lives, because it helps spread seeds and keeps other animals balanced. |
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Andean Puma
It is a fast and strong cat, living in the rocky and forest areas of Machu Picchu. Its ability to hide and its skill at hunting make it the top hunter in the area. The puma is an animal that lives alone and has its own space. Seeing it in Machu Picchu is not common, but it is exciting. |
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Andean Deer
Also known as taruca, it is an animal that eats plants and lives in the high grasslands of Machu Picchu. Its nice look and its thick fur protect it from the cold and wind. This deer eats grass and bushes, and it is important for keeping the plants balanced in the grasslands. |
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Vizcacha
It is a rodent with a long tail that looks like a rabbit, eating grass and plants. It lives in the rocky areas of Machu Picchu, where it finds shelter and food. These animals are awake during the day and often sit in the sun on the rocks in the morning; so, it is common to see them walking around the city. |
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Llamas and Vicuñas
Llamas and vicuñas are animals that have been tamed and used by Andean people for many years. In Machu Picchu, you can see these animals eating grass in the fields and terraces. Llamas are used to carry things, while vicuñas are valued for their soft wool. Both animals are a key part of the Andean area and the local culture. |
Birds Nearby
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| Cock-of-the-Rock
It’s Peru’s national bird and seeing it in Machu Picchu is really special. Its bright orange feathers, fan-shaped crest, and fancy mating dance make it very interesting. |
Hummingbirds
With their shiny colors and ability to fly in all directions, they’re like acrobats in the Machu Picchu sky. From the tiny hermit hummingbird to the big giant hummingbird, each kind is special. |
Other Birds
Beyond Machu Picchu’s iconic sights, the surrounding landscape hosts diverse avian life. Majestic Andean condors soar with impressive wingspans, while eagles and hawks hunt overhead. Below, vibrant tanagers, flycatchers and warblers populate the forests, adding color and charm. |
Reptiles and Amphibians
In the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, many types of amphibians and reptiles have been seen. According to studies by Sernanp (National Service of Protected Natural Areas), 12 kinds of amphibians and 22 kinds of reptiles have been found. This shows how many different living things are in the place. So, you can find different animals like frogs, toads, lizards, snakes, and others, that are part of the many different living things in the sanctuary.
Flora in Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a plant paradise that has a lot of different plants. Each plant is made for the different little weather areas in the region. Among these we can find:
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| Orchids
With more than 300 types, orchids are a beautiful sight. From Darwin’s orchids, only found in the Peruvian Andes, to the nice-smelling Cattleya and the orchids that bees and hummingbirds help, these flowers add color and beauty to the area. |
Bromeliads
With their leaves shaped like a circle, these are well-known plants found a lot in Machu Picchu. These plants that grow on other plants give homes and food to many kinds of animals. |
Ichu
Ichu, or straw, is a very important plant in the Andes. Used to build roofs and walls, and also as fuel, ichu is a useful and valuable thing. |
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| Quinua
A plant from the Andes, it has been an important food for thousands of years. Its seeds, full of protein and vitamins, have made it a food known all over the world. |
Muña
With its special smell and green leaves, it is a common plant in Machu Picchu. Known for helping with health, muña is used to help with pains and sickness, and is drunk as a tea. |
Queñoa
A tree that can grow in high places, it helps a lot to keep the ground safe. Its deep roots stop the ground from washing away, and its ability to live without much water makes it important in fighting climate change. |