Best national parks to visit in Peru | Our top picks

Machu Picchu isn’t the whole story. Peru national parks are some of the most biodiverse places on the planet – packed with cloud forests, high-altitude deserts, and jungle so thick you’ll need a machete (or at least a good guide).

From spotting jaguars in Manu to hiking glacier-fed trails in Huascarán, these wild corners of Peru deliver the kind of raw, untamed nature you won’t find in the brochures. If you’re after condors, volcanoes, or just the quiet thrill of being somewhere completely off-radar, this list is your starting point.

What are the best national parks to visit in Peru?

Peru isn’t just about Machu Picchu. Sure, the ancient Inca citadel is a global icon, but this country is a full-on sensory overload – from Pacific beaches and highland villages to jungle rivers and volcanoes that puff smoke into cobalt skies. Its natural diversity is wild in every sense of the word.

The real secret? Peru national parks. These are the places where you trade crowds for condors, and queues for quiet lagoons, ancient cloud forests, or coastal cliffs echoing with the calls of sea lions. Whether you’re watching pink dolphins in the Amazon, hiking beneath glaciers in the Cordillera Blanca, or camping near the world’s deepest canyon, Peru’s parks let you connect with the country on a deeper, wilder level.

But it’s not all mud and mosquitoes – some parks are a stone’s throw from cities like Arequipa or Paracas, making them ideal for a quick escape. Others take time, a guide, and a sense of adventure. From beaches to rainforests, high-altitude lakes to volcanic ridges, Peru’s national parks show you what the country is really made of – and it’s a lot more than just ruins.

1. Manu National Park

Welcome to the wildest corner of Peru. Manu National Park is where the Andes crash into the Amazon, creating one of the most biologically diverse zones on Earth. Over 1,000 bird species, 200 mammal species, and countless insects and amphibians live here – many still unnamed. You won’t find cafes, Wi-Fi, or even proper roads. What you will find are river dolphins, giant otters, and monkeys swinging overhead as you drift down brown jungle rivers in a longboat.

The experience is immersive – this isn’t a place for day-trippers. You’ll hike through cloud forests, sleep in rustic jungle lodges, and fall asleep to the hum of cicadas and distant howler monkeys. Travel here is slow, but that’s the point. For travelers who want more than snapshots – who want wild, muddy, and unforgettable – Manu is a standout among Peru national parks.

How to get to Manu National Park

From Cusco, it’s a long haul: roughly 8 hours by road to the town of Atalaya or Paucartambo, followed by several hours by boat. Most travelers go with a guide or join a multi-day tour.

When to visit Manu National Park

May to October is the dry season – ideal for access and wildlife spotting. June to August offers the best conditions but also the most visitors.

2. Huascarán National Park

If your idea of adventure includes crampons, coca tea, and dizzying altitudes, Huascarán National Park should be high on your list. Sitting in the Cordillera Blanca, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Peru’s tallest mountain, Mount Huascarán (22,205ft), as well as dozens of turquoise glacial lakes like Laguna 69. 

The air is thin and the hiking is demanding, but the views are unreal – icy peaks, high-altitude meadows, and herds of grazing alpacas. This is one of the most popular national parks for trekking, with trails ranging from day hikes to multi-day epics like the Santa Cruz trek. It's also steeped in pre-Columbian history, with ancient ruins dotting the valleys.

How to get to Huascarán National Park

Most visitors base themselves in Huaraz, an 8-hour bus ride from Lima. From there, colectivos and day tours connect you to trailheads like Llanganuco and Laguna 69.

When to visit Huascarán National Park

The dry season (May-September) is best for hiking. July and August have the clearest skies, but also bring the most visitors – come in May or September for fewer crowds.

3. Paracas National Reserve

Paracas isn’t your typical national park. There are no rainforests or mountain trails – just wind, sand, and a dramatic collision of desert and sea. Located along Peru’s southern coast, this protected area is famous for its Martian landscapes, unique rock formations, and wildlife-packed Ballestas Islands. Sea lions bark from rocky outcrops while Humboldt penguins waddle along the coast.

Back on land, red-sand beaches and ancient Paracas culture relics add a human touch to the stark scenery. This is an accessible and enjoyable place to travel in Peru with kids, yet wild enough to feel far from civilization. For anyone interested in the lesser-known side of Peru national parks, Paracas is a surreal, salty must-visit.

How to get to Paracas National Reserve

Paracas is an easy 3.5-hour bus ride from Lima. Once in town, the reserve is just a tuk-tuk or rented bike ride away. Boats to the Ballestas Islands leave from the local pier.

When to visit Paracas National Reserve

Visit between December and April for sunshine and calm seas. Wildlife is active year-round, but the ocean is rougher in the winter (June-August).

4. Tambopata National Reserve

Tambopata National Reserve is where the Amazon becomes accessible without losing its mystique. It’s less remote than Manu but still wild enough to spot howler monkeys, giant river otters, and hundreds of parrot species at sunrise clay licks. This park is a go-to for those who want a real jungle experience with a bit of comfort.

Several ecolodges offer guided hikes, canopy towers, and even night safaris – ideal if you’re not up for hardcore expedition-style travel. It's also a hotspot for researchers, with one of the world’s most studied tropical ecosystems.

How to get to Tambopata National Reserve

Fly from Lima or Cusco to Puerto Maldonado. From there, you’ll travel by car and boat to your lodge – usually 2 to 5 hours total, depending on how deep into the reserve you're going.

When to visit Tambopata National Reserve

The dry season (May-October) is best. Trails are less muddy, boat travel is easier, and clay lick activity peaks between July and September.

5. Bahuaja-Sonene National Park

Want to disappear off the grid? Bahuaja-Sonene is where you go. Tucked away in Peru’s southeast corner, this massive park spills across the border into Bolivia and protects one of the largest tracts of undisturbed Amazon rainforest in the world. Wildlife sightings here are the real deal: maned wolves, tapirs, and even rare harpy eagles.

But it’s not just about animals – this park is also home to indigenous groups who’ve lived in balance with the forest for generations. Tourism is almost non-existent, so if you come here, you’re a pioneer. This is one of the least-visited Peru national parks, which is exactly what makes it so compelling. You’ll need patience, a good guide, and an adventurous spirit.

How to get to Bahuaja-Sonene National Park

Access is challenging. Start in Puerto Maldonado or Juliaca. Entry often requires special permits and coordination with local tour operators or NGOs. Boat transport is usually necessary.

When to visit Bahuaja-Sonene National Park

Visit during the dry season (May-October) when rivers are navigable and trails are less swampy. Wet season travel is possible but extremely difficult.

6. Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park

This one flies under the radar, and that’s exactly the draw. Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park protects a swath of cloud forest in central Peru that feels secretive and untouched. Mossy trails wind past orchids and waterfalls, while brightly colored tanagers flit through the canopy. It’s a birdwatcher’s dream, but even if you can’t tell a toucan from a trogon, the sheer sense of stillness is unforgettable.

This park is also one of the few Peru national parks where you can see the overlap of Andean and Amazon ecosystems. Add in some Inca-era trails and pre-Columbian petroglyphs, and you’ve got a deeply layered, less-touristed experience.

How to get to Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park

Start in Oxapampa, a scenic mountain town about 9 hours by bus from Lima. From there, local guides and agencies can take you into the park – especially to the San Alberto or Huampal sections.

When to visit Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to September. July and August are prime for hiking and wildlife spotting.

7. Cordillera Azul National Park

Remote, rugged, and barely mapped, Cordillera Azul National Park is one of Peru’s best-kept secrets. This is serious explorer territory – thick jungle, jagged limestone peaks, and a complete lack of tourist infrastructure. There are no lodges here. No trails. No cell signal. But there is silence, wild beauty, and the thrill of being somewhere few others have ever stood.

Scientists love it for its biodiversity (over 6,000 plant species), and conservation groups have dubbed it a “Noah’s Ark” of the Amazon. For the average traveler, it’s not easy – but if you’re looking for extreme adventure, few Peru national parks can top this.

How to get to Cordillera Azul National Park

You’ll need to work with conservation groups or local agencies. Most routes start from Tarapoto, Pucallpa, or Yurimaguas, then continue by boat or bush plane. This is not a casual weekend trip.

When to visit Cordillera Azul National Park

Go from May to October for more predictable weather. Expect daily rain regardless – it’s the Amazon, after all – but trails and river crossings are easier during the dry season.

8. Tingo María National Park

Tingo María is one of the most accessible jungle parks in Peru – and also one of the smallest. But don’t let size fool you. This national park punches above its weight with limestone caves, waterfalls, and the dramatic sleeping beauty silhouette of the Bella Durmiente mountain range.

It’s a great introduction to Amazon foothill ecosystems without the logistical headaches of deeper jungle trips. You’ll find short trails, lush forest, and the famous Cueva de las Lechuzas (Owl Cave), home to oilbirds and swarms of bats. If you’re short on time but want a genuine taste of Peru national parks, this is a solid option.

How to get to Tingo María National Park

Fly from Lima to Huánuco (about 1 hour), then take a 2-hour bus or taxi to Tingo María. The park entrance is just outside the town.

When to visit Tingo María National Park

Visit during the dry months from May to October. The rainy season (November to April) brings more humidity and slick trails but also dramatic waterfall flows.

9. Sierra del Divisor National Park

Sierra del Divisor is like stepping into a lost world – volcanic mountains rising out of the flat Amazon basin, cloaked in dense rainforest and shrouded in mist. It’s one of the newest Peru national parks and also one of the most mysterious. Few travelers make it here, but those who do are rewarded with surreal scenery and a true sense of isolation. It’s home to endangered species, uncontacted tribes, and no end of adventure potential. Don’t expect marked trails or tourist infrastructure – this is raw, remote jungle at its best.

How to get to Sierra del Divisor National Park

Start in Pucallpa, a jungle city in eastern Peru. From there, it’s a multi-day boat journey upriver. Trips must be arranged through conservation groups or specialist outfitters.

When to visit Sierra del Divisor National Park

The dry season (May to September) is best for river navigation and wildlife viewing. Wet season trips are technically possible but very difficult.

10. Otishi National Park

Otishi National Park guards a hidden world of waterfalls, cloud forest, and sheer escarpments deep in the Vilcabamba mountain range. It's wild, beautiful, and sacred – home to the Asháninka and Machiguenga peoples, as well as endemic species that thrive in the misty highlands. Few tourists make it here.

This is more of a conservation stronghold than a tourist destination, but its raw beauty puts it among the most visually stunning national parks. Think vertical limestone cliffs, ancient rock formations, and rivers that disappear into the forest. It's still largely unexplored – and that’s exactly why it matters.

How to get to Otishi National Park

Access is complicated. Most visitors start in Satipo or Cusco and coordinate with NGOs or indigenous communities. There are no established routes or guides—visiting often requires permits and advance planning.

When to visit Otishi National Park

Dry season (May to September) is ideal for any chance of access. During the wet season, landslides and floods make travel nearly impossible.

11. Ichigkat Muja – Cordillera del Cóndor National Park

Perched along the border with Ecuador, Ichigkat Muja – Cordillera del Cóndor is one of Peru’s most geopolitically sensitive – and biologically unique – protected areas. It’s a park of jagged peaks, misty forests, and extraordinary biodiversity. Dozens of orchid species grow here, and rare mammals like spectacled bears and jaguarundi roam the cloud forest.

But what really sets this place apart is its cultural importance: it's home to the Awajún and Wampis Indigenous peoples, who’ve protected these lands for centuries. Tourism here is limited and community-based, so don’t expect big eco-lodges. Still, if you’re into conservation, botany, or Indigenous culture, this is one of the best places to visit in Peru.

How to get to Ichigkat Muja – Cordillera del Cóndor

Most trips start in Jaén or San Ignacio in northern Peru, followed by local transport to remote villages like La Poza or Santa María de Nieva. Coordination with Indigenous community leaders is essential.

When to visit Ichigkat Muja – Cordillera del Cóndor

Dry months (June to September) are best for exploring trails and navigating local roads, which can be rough and muddy in wet season.

12. Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve

Salinas and Aguada Blanca isn’t just about nature – it’s a landscape made for postcards. Here, high-altitude plains stretch beneath smoking volcanoes like Misti and Chachani, while herds of vicuñas graze beside reflective lagoons. Flamingos wade through mineral-rich waters, and the light seems to change by the minute.

Located just outside Arequipa, it’s one of the easiest Peru national parks to visit on a day trip, yet it feels wildly remote. Photographers love it. So do birdwatchers. And if you’re acclimating for Colca Canyon or El Misti climbs, it’s the perfect intro to high-altitude terrain.

How to get to Salinas and Aguada Blanca

Base yourself in Arequipa. From there, tour operators or taxis can take you into the reserve – around 1.5 hours’ drive. You can combine it with Colca Canyon or a volcano trek.

When to visit Salinas and Aguada Blanca

May to October is ideal. Roads are drier, views are clearer, and wildlife like flamingos and vicuñas are most visible.

13. Cerros de Amotape National Park

One of the few national parks in Peru with a dry forest ecosystem, Cerros de Amotape is an ecological oddball in the best way. Located near the northern coast, this park blends Pacific desert with tropical forest, creating a habitat for unique wildlife like the white-tailed deer, gray fox, and dozens of rare bird species. Its trails are little known, and that means peace and quiet. You won’t see many tourists here, but you will find winding rivers, canyons, and giant ceiba trees.

How to get to Cerros de Amotape

Start from Tumbes or Piura. From either city, travel to the town of Pampas de Hospital or El Caucho, where you can arrange entry and guided hikes.

When to visit Cerros de Amotape

Go between June and September. This is the dry season on the coast, with clearer skies and better trail access. Avoid January to March – heavy rains can make travel rough.

14. Cutervo National Park

Cutervo is the oldest national park in Peru, established in 1961 – and one of its most mysterious. Tucked into the cloud-covered mountains of Cajamarca, the park is known for eerie limestone caves, underground rivers, and towering podocarpus trees. There’s a strong sense of ancient wonder here.

You can hike to hidden waterfalls, explore the Gruta de los Guácharos (a deep cave full of oilbirds), and spot rare mammals like the spectacled bear. It’s not as developed as other national parks, which adds to the adventure. Fewer visitors means more chances to connect with nature – and the occasional cow crossing your trail.

How to get to Cutervo National Park

From Cajamarca, travel to the town of Cutervo (about 7-8 hours by road). From there, local guides can take you into the park. Access to some caves and trails requires advance coordination.

When to visit Cutervo National Park

May through September offers the best conditions. Trails are drier and safer. Rainy season (October-April) can make cave exploration risky due to flooding.

15. Alto Purús National Park

Alto Purús is pure, raw rainforest – home to uncontacted tribes, endangered species, and no paved roads whatsoever. It’s one of the largest and least-accessible Peru national parks, protecting over 2.5 million hectares of jungle and rivers. This is deep Amazon. No lodges. No set trails. If you visit, it’ll be through a conservation project or Indigenous collaboration.

It’s not about sightseeing – it’s about listening, learning, and respecting. Whether you're tracking scientific work or exploring ancient Indigenous territories, Alto Purús offers a type of travel that forces you to slow down and think deeply.

How to get to Alto Purús National Park

Access starts in Pucallpa or Puerto Esperanza, often involving flights and river transport. You’ll need special permits and help from NGOs or local communities to arrange a visit.

When to visit Alto Purús National Park

Dry season (May to October) is best for travel. River levels are manageable and trails—where they exist – are less waterlogged. The wet season is best avoided unless you’re on a scientific expedition.