Great Megantoni National Sanctuary in Cusco

The Great Megantoni National Sanctuary in Cusco is a clear nature gift. Here you can observe a variety of flora and fauna that only this place can offer you.

Remember that sanctuaries are naturally occurring areas that are meant to protect the endangered species from hunting, poaching and predation. They are protected and administered by the government. The main focus of these areas is the conservation of ‘wild nature’ for posterity and as a symbol of national pride. Megantoni National Sanctuary is one of the 9 National Sanctuaries in Peru. Let’s learn more about it.

Megantoni National Sanctuary is located in La Convención in the department of Cusco.

Location:

Megantoni National Sanctuary is a protected area in Peru situated in the Cusco Region, La Convención Province, Echarate District. It protects a part of the Peruvian Yungas ecoregion.

Altitude:

Megantoni is located at an altitude of 3, 960 m.a.s.l

Extension:

Megantoni National Sanctuary has an extension of 216,003 hectares

Description:

Megantoni was declared a National Sanctuary on August  18, 2004, under Supreme Decree Nº 030-2004-AG in order to:

• Protect the flora and fauna of the area in tangible form.
• Preserve the ecosystems that exist in the Megantoni Mountains.
• Protect the area where isolated indigenous live
• Provide a safe zone for the indigenous of Sababantiari community. This will enable them to continue with their forest traditional use.
• Monitor the hunting impact.
• Guarantee possible researches to promote the area as a tourist destination.

Source: www.sernanp.gob.pe 

Fauna:

Fauna in Megantoni National Sanctuary in Cusco is diverse. You can observe different species of birds, toads, lizards, mammals and other species that make this sanctuary very special.

In Megantoni National Sanctuary you can observe different species of toads

Flora:

Megantoni National Sanctuary will amaze you with its mountainous areas. You will also find a great variety of native vegetables.

Orchids in Megantoni National Sanctuary

Something really nice that you  find in Megantoni National Sanctuary is the extraordinary Pongo de Mainique. The Pongo de Mainique is used to refer indistinctly to both a gorge in the Vilcabamba mountain range and the rapids of the Urubamba River that are formed in this gorge. It would make sense to think of Pongo de Mainique as an area including both the canyon and rapids. This is the exact place where the Andes and the Amazon basin meet.

This place is at an altitude that goes from 416 to 3 960 m.a.s.l. Therefore, we recommend acclimatizing to the altitude in Cusco. It normally takes from 2 to 3 days to get used to the altitude and get ready to visit Megantoni National Sanctuary.

Note:

In Megantoni National Sanctuary in Cusco is not permitted to settle down. You are also prohibited to perform any activity that can imply exploitation of natural resources. 

According to recent research,  60 new species were found in the sanctuary:

• 3 of the 120 species of dung beetles.
• Around 22 species of fish of the 70 estimated.
• Some of the fish species of high altitude can be endemic in the region

If you are looking forward to visiting Megantoni National Sanctuary, you shouldn’t worry. There are many tourist agencies that can take you there, or at least the closest possible. (Provigil)

It is not permitted to settle down in this reserve.

Inkayni tips:

• Bring your personal documents and passport with you all the time.
• Wear a hat and sunscreen to prevent from sun damage.
• Drink water to keep hydrated.
• Buy dried fruits.
• Children must be under a parent supervision.
• If you opt for a tourist, make sure it is a licensed tour operator.

“To live will be an awfully big adventure.” – Peter Pan