Machu Picchu flora and fauna: orchids, bears and hummingbirds
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Machu Picchu's flora and fauna are those of a cloud forest: more than 400 recorded orchid species, bromeliads, ferns and mosses, and animals such as the spectacled bear, the Andean cock-of-the-rock, viscachas and hundreds of bird species. All of it is part of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, which UNESCO protects not only for its Inca citadel but also for its nature.
A natural sanctuary, not just an archaeological site
Many visitors don't realize it, but what UNESCO has protected since 1983 is not only the citadel. It is the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, a protected natural area listed as a mixed World Heritage Site, cultural and natural at the same time. Very few places in the world hold both titles.
The reason is geography. Machu Picchu, at 2,430 meters, sits in the cloud forest, the band of humid mountain forest where the Andes start dropping toward the Amazon. Within a few kilometers the sanctuary rises from the floor of the Urubamba canyon to snow peaks above 6,000 meters, and that range holds many different climates. The mist you see over the ruins in the morning is what keeps the forest wet and feeds its biodiversity.
That mix of mild climate, water and sacred mountains also helps explain why the Inca chose this spot. We cover it in why was Machu Picchu built.
Flora: orchids, bromeliads and ferns
Orchids are the stars. More than 400 species have been recorded in the sanctuary, and botanists believe many more are still undescribed. A few are big and showy; most are tiny and you have to look for them on trunks and rocks. One of the best known is the wiñay wayna ("forever young" in Quechua), with pink to purple flowers, which gave its name to an Inca site on the Inca Trail.
Beyond orchids, look out for:
- Bromeliads, which grow on trees and hold water between their leaves.
- Ferns, from the small ones on Inca walls to tree ferns in the ravines.
- Mosses and lichens, covering stones and branches thanks to the constant humidity.
- Native trees such as alder, cedar and cinchona, the tree on Peru's national coat of arms.
- Begonias and other wildflowers along the edges of the trails.
Fauna: from spectacled bears to the cock-of-the-rock
The animal everyone hopes to see is the spectacled bear, or Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus), South America's only bear. It is named for the pale markings around its eyes, which are different on every individual. It is shy, eats mostly plants and fruit (it loves bromeliads) and is a vulnerable species. Sightings in the sanctuary are reported from time to time, but seeing one is a matter of luck, not something you can plan.
Easier to spot is the Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus), Peru's national bird. The male is an intense orange-red you cannot miss, and it shows up in humid ravines near the river, especially early in the morning.
Other wildlife in the sanctuary:
- Birds: more than 400 recorded species, including the Inca wren, a small bird found only in this region of Peru, colorful tanagers and the torrent duck, which swims in the rapids of the Urubamba.
- Mammals: Andean fox, white-tailed deer, coati and, very rarely, puma.
- Butterflies: hundreds of species, most active on sunny days.
The animals you will see in the citadel
Inside Machu Picchu there are three almost guaranteed encounters:
- Llamas. A small herd grazes the terraces and has become part of the classic photo. They are calm, but don't touch or feed them.
- Viscachas. They look like long-tailed rabbits but are rodents related to the chinchilla. They like to sunbathe on walls and among the rocks, and they blend in so well that many people walk right past them.
- Hummingbirds. They dart from flower to flower around the edges of the citadel; you will hear their buzz before you see them.
At Machu Picchu, half the show is not made of stone: it is on the walls, in the branches and in the air.
Where and when to see Machu Picchu's flora and fauna
The citadel is only the beginning. If you want more nature, the best base is Aguas Calientes and its surroundings:
- The botanical garden at the Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum, near Puente Ruinas at the foot of the citadel, with orchids and plants from the sanctuary.
- The Machu Picchu butterfly house, a quiet spot a short distance from town.
- The Mandor gardens, with a waterfall and forest, where the cock-of-the-rock sometimes appears.
- The orchid gardens at some hotels in town, which protect hundreds of native species.
All of this takes time, and a day trip leaves almost none. If nature is your thing, it is worth deciding whether to sleep in Aguas Calientes or return to Cusco: an afternoon and the next morning in town give you time to explore gardens and trails at your own pace.
As for timing, birds are most active very early and late in the afternoon. And as for the season, there are orchids in bloom all year; in the rainy months, November to March, the forest is at its greenest, while the clear skies of the dry season make birdwatching easier. We compare them month by month in the best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu. And pack insect repellent: the cloud forest has mosquitoes.
Frequently asked questions
What animals live at Machu Picchu?
In the citadel you will see llamas, viscachas and hummingbirds. The wider sanctuary is also home to the spectacled bear, the cock-of-the-rock, the Andean fox, the white-tailed deer and more than 400 bird species.
How many orchid species are there at Machu Picchu?
More than 400 species have been recorded in the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, and specialists believe there are more to discover.
Can you see spectacled bears at Machu Picchu?
It is possible, but very rare. The bear is shy and lives in the forest, and sightings are only occasional. Don't count on it; if it happens, consider it a gift.
Why is Machu Picchu a mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Because in 1983 UNESCO recognized both its cultural value (the Inca citadel) and its natural value (the cloud forest and its biodiversity). That is why the whole sanctuary is protected, not just the ruins.
Are the llamas at Machu Picchu wild?
No. They are domestic animals that live in the citadel and help keep the terrace grass short. Give them space and don't feed them.
At Inka Planet Adventure we go to Machu Picchu every week, and we still get excited about a cock-of-the-rock by the river or a new orchid on a wall. If you love nature, we can plan your visit with time to enjoy it.