Wildlife tours and agritourism in the high wetlands of Peru
Peru
The Alto Mayo Wetlands, in the high jungle of Northern Peru, are natural spaces ideal for observing a great variety of wildlife. The Tingana Ecological Reserve, part of this ecosystem, is managed by the Association for the Conservation of Aguajales and Renacales of Alto Mayo (ADECARAM), which is made up of 14 families from the Tingana community, nine of which are fully involved and dedicated to the ecotourism development of the area.
This unique destination represents a remnant of rare and rich biodiversity. Being located at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level, its floodable forests are home to diverse species of mosses, ferns, orchids, bromeliads, heliconias, trees and palms. Notably, there is an abundance of the tropical palm aguajes (Mauritia flexuosa) and the ficus trees renacales (Ficus trigona and Coussapoa trinervia), as well as an important presence of mammals, birds and amphibians.
Biodiversity in the floodable forest of Peru
While navigating the brown waters of the Avisado River, you will be listening to beautiful birdsongs and accompanied by fabulous local guides. In this entangled jungle, you will discover a natural temporary floodable forest with an abundant population of renaco trees (Ficus Sp), especially two species: the huasca renaco (Ficus trigona) and the chullachaqui renaco (Coussapoa trinervia). The renacos are also called “walking trees” because as they grow, they drop roots from which new extensions are born, as if they were walking, which results in the formation of impressive natural cathedrals.
In wooden canoes and absolute silence, we enter this refuge of wild animals, where you will spot otters, monkeys (fraile, cotomono, pichico and moño negro), sloths, coatis, and anteaters. Among the birds, with a bit of luck you will see tarahuis, flauterillos, toucans, kingfishers, and herons. But what impresses the most is the mythical bird called ayaymama, or common potoo (Nyctibius griseus), that has given origin to several well-known legends in the Peruvian jungle.
Agritourism route: Meeting local, conservationist farmers
Beyond the wildlife-watching activities, this destination offers an interesting agritourism itinerary, combining farms that are implementing agroecology practices to protect the environment. Through a well-signposted path, we will arrive at the first farm called “Finca Centro Huascawasi”, belonging to the Mena family. Led by Mr. Santos Mena, you will discover the potential of some sacred medicinal plants such as ayahuasca, sangre de grado (croton lechleri), moringa, clavo huasca and oje, among others.
The next farm is the “Finca Don Pepito” of the Cabrera Mestanza family, where you can take part in the small-scale cultivation and processing of vanilla, cocoa, coffee, pitahaya, and orchids. You will also learn about the breeding of melipona and apis bees and have the opportunity to buy some handicrafts that represent the Tingana fauna. Finally, we will arrive at the “Finca Las Heliconias”, which is a garden of melliferous plants. From an observation tower, you will watch the arrival of different types of hummingbirds, tangaras, toucans, and other types of birds, as well as some monkeys, during a spectacle that occurs every day.
Tingana is an ecotourism destination with walking trees, an incredibly rich wildlife, rare ecosystems, and local farmers living in harmony with nature. Come and discover this ecological paradise!
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This blog post was a contribution by Milovan Savich Yesquén from the ecotourism initiative Tingana Experiences. Pictures belong to Erick Reátegui (wildlife) and Macoy Zapata (ecotourism and agritourism activities). To know more and to visit this community-led initiative, you can check our Peru Holidays page and send a request.
