Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
fauna including jaguars, condors and anteaters, though parrots, deer and peccaries are
more commonly sighted. Large-scale logging, illegal hunting and overgrazing are some of
the threats facing this habitat, of which there is very little left anywhere in Peru. The best
place to spot a wide range of wild animals is the Zona Reservada de Tumbes, now encom-
passed within Amotape itself. The forest is similar to the tropical dry forest of other parts
of Amotape, but because it lies more on the easterly side of the hills, it is wetter and has
slightly different flora and fauna, including crocodiles, howler monkeys and nutria. You
can also see various orchids and a wide variety of birds.
Guides
are essential for spotting wildlife and can be arranged in the town of
Rica
Playa
, a small, friendly village located just within the park. Although there are no hotels
here, you can camp and local families will sell you meals.
Agencies in Tumbes also organize tours for S230 for up to four people.
Santuario Nacional los Manglares de Tumbes
This national sanctuary was established in 1988 and lies on the coast, separate from the
other three dry-forest areas. Only about 30 sq km in size, it plays an essential role in con-
serving Peru's only region of mangroves.
You can travel here by going to Puerto Pizarro and taking a dirt road northeast to the
tiny community of
El Bendito
. From here, ask around for someone to guide you by ca-
noe. Guided tours are available from Puerto Pizarro as well, though the mangroves here
are not technically within the protection of the sanctuary. A visit here is tide-dependent.
Agencies in Tumbes also arrange tours for S150 for up to four people.
