These are natural areas devoted to the protection and propagation of animal wildlife whose conservation has been declared of national interest. Animal wildlife resources in national reserves may be used solely by the State, and only under special conditions. At present, eight national reserves protect about 2.3% of the national territory. (PROMPERU)

A burst of greenery amidst the barren Peruvian costal desert, the Lomas de Lachay or Lachay foothills, are a unique natural life zone created by the condensed winter haze that shrouds the western Andean mountain slopes. On specific spots along the coast, the humidity carried to the mountains by the trade winds is deposited on the desert sand as drops of water that nurture a wide range of seasonal plants and associated animal wildlife.
The most common plant species include sturdy tara and palillo trees as well as flowers, cacti and numerous fast-growth bushes like the stinging nettle and wild tobacco. Almost 60 bird species, the coastal fox, the (recently reintroduced) white-tailed deer, skunks and several types of rodents and lizards also are at home in the park. The coastal lomas have been visited and used by Peruvians since the dawn of time. Nomadic hunters and gatherers have left vestiges of their presence in rock carvings in the area.

Climate: Two marked seasons are characteristic. Winter, from August to December, when the lomas are in full bloom, is the ideal time for visiting. Drought is typical during the rest of the year. A jacket and raincoat are advisable. The temperature in Lachay rarely falls below 12 ºC in winter and climbs to 25 ªc in summer.

Access and Services: The Lomas de Lachay can be easily reached along a 3-km detour road off kilometer 105 in the North Pan-American Highway.

Length of stay: One full day. (PROMPERU)

Spreading over 2,080,000 hectares, the crown jewel of Peru's northern Amazon region natural reserves, Pacaya Samiria is also the nation's largest. It was created in 1982 to conserve the region's exuberant and diverse animal wildlife, including its huge variety of fish species that are the main source of protein for the local population.
Its countless lakes, swamps and flood plains are home to 130 types of mammals, 330 bird species, and countless numbers of amphibians and reptiles. Among its main attractions are the giant charapa turtles, manatees, dolphins, giant otters, black caymans, and paiche (the world's largest fresh-water fish), all of which are endangered species.

Climate: Hot and extremely humid, the Reserve's climate is typical of the tropical forest. Temperatures often top 34 ºC. The "dry" season that runs from May to October provides the perfect climate for a visit. The area sees torrential downpours from December to March.

Access and Services: The area can only be reached by river. The trip starts in Iquitos, which is linked by regular commercial flights; followed by 3-to-4 hour outboard motorboat trip that takes the traveler upstream to Nauta.
From there, the Marañón River runs to the Pacaya River after crossing the Puinahua channel (another four to six hours.) No accommodation for tourists is available. Hiring a local tour guide is recommended.

Length of stay: At least six to seven days are needed, three of which are required just to access and exit the area. (PROMPERU)

A stronghold of the wild vicuña in Peru, Pampa Galeras is part of an aggressive campaign for the recovery of this endangered species. Created in 1967 on 6,500 hectares on the high plateau plains of the Lucanas community in the department of Ayacucho, the reserve is part of a plan to preserve this endangered species. In recent years, thanks to progress made by implementing an adequate regulatory framework, the national vicuña population grew from 5,000 to 70,000 individuals. Pampa Galeras also shelters other species of typical puna animal wildlife, including Andean condors, pumas, tarucas or Andean deer, the white-tailed deer, skunks called añás, vizcachas and the Andean fox. In April 1993, the original name of the reserve was modified to Pampas Galeras - Bárbara D'Achille, to honor the renowned environmental journalist.

Climate: Typical puna climate with rainy season stretching from December to March. The dry season, erroneously called "summer", runs from May to October, and is the best time to visit the reserve. At 3,800 masl (11,580 ft), Pampas Galeras can be extremely cold at night, with temperatures frequently plunging below freezing.

Access and Services: The reserve can be reached along a recently resurfaced road that climbs from the city of Nasca (450 kilometers south of Lima) to the town of Puquio in about two hours. No services are available in the Reserve.

Length of stay: One full day. Overnights stays are possible in the nearby town of Puquio for a morning visit to the Reserve. (PROMPERU)

Established in 1975 on 335,000 hectares, Paracas is the only SINANPE natural area protecting the Peruvian portion of the cold Humboldt Current. Located on the coastal desert strip, this unique life zone comprises one of the world's richest seas, a condition made possible by the upwelling of huge masses of marine plankton that provide vital nourishment to innumerable fish species. Paracas is the land of the guano birds and vast colonies of seals. It provides a stopover of tens of species of migratory birds and is the final refuge for many endemic and endangered species, including the marine otter or chingungo, the Humboldt penguin and the common flamingoes.
Paracas was home to a major pre-Columbian civilization that left a superb legacy of spectacular textiles and pottery.

Climate: Typical sunny desert weather with temperatures above 30 ºC from December to March. However, this balmy weather continues during most of the winter season as well, even if temperatures can fall to 10 ºC at nights. Strong paracas winds often blow in the afternoon.

Access and Services: Paracas can be easily reached from Lima down the South Pan-American Highway. After arriving in Pisco, 240 kilometers (150 miles) south of Lima, a paved road leads to the reserve, where a network of roads provides access to the reserve's beaches and main attractions and interests.

Length of stay: We recommend 2-3 days and camping on the beach for a closer contact with nature. (PROMPERU)

Since 1978, this reserve has helped to conserve the region's plant and animal wildlife as well as its scenic beauties while promoting the rational use of resources. The Titicaca Reserve's 36,180 hectares spread almost totally over the highest navigable lake in the world. The reserve is divided into two separate sectors. The first, surrounding and including the Bay of Puno, aims to protect the totora reed fields that provide sustenance to the Uros-Chulluni communities, while the second, in the Huancané area, preserves less frequently visited totora fields that may nevertheless be just as rich and interesting. More than 60 varieties of birds, including the endemic Titicaca flightless grebe have been identified in the lake's surroundings. Other species include 14 types of native fish species and 18 kinds of amphibians, among which are the giant Titicaca frog and a type of aquatic frog.

Climate: Extreme weather is characteristic of the area with dramatic temperature changes between day and night. Winter stretches from May to December, featuring bright days, infrequent rainfall and daytime temperatures as high as 25 ºC. This is the perfect travel season. Nights, however, are always cold though rarely colder that 0 ºC. Sunblock, a coat and precautions against altitude sickness are strongly recommended.

Access and Services: regular flights arrive in Juliaca, one hour by road from Puno. From the airport of Puno boats take travelers to the lake's islands. Accommodation of all sorts is available around the lake.

Length of stay: At least three days are required, with a stay of a least one-day on one of the lake's islands (Taquile or Amantaní.) (PROMPERU)

These are areas granted temporary protection, while surveys to determinate the most appropriate way to address their specific conservation needs, in compliance with the corresponding zoning regulations are carried out. So far, eleven reserved zones have been proclaimed in Peru, usually on large swaths of territory where there are various ways of using available resources. A distinctive environmental feature characterizes these areas. (PROMPERU)