Andina

Peru's top 10 most popular protected natural areas in 2018

12:57 | Lima, Apr. 29.

The 2018 top 10 list of the most visited natural areas in Peru is led by the Ballestas Islands, located in the country's southern region of Ica, with nearly 500,000 visitors coming from all over the country and abroad.


According to PromPeru, which cites information from the National Service of Natural Protected Areas (Sernanp), the Ballestas Islands received 499,199 tourists.

This protected natural area is part of the Guano Islands, Islets, and Capes National Reserve System of Peru (RNSIIPG), managed by Sernanp.


The Paracas National Reserve, also in Ica, placed second. Paracas is one of Lima residents' favorite destinations to spend their holidays, and last year it welcomed 427,013 visitors.


Next in the list is the Huascaran National Park, with 378,440 visits. This protected natural area is located in Ancash region, and high season starts in May with lots of foreign tourists interested in mountain climbing and other extreme sports.


The Titicaca National Reserve, situated in Puno region, ranks fourth. In 2018, this natural area —containing the emblematic Lake Titicaca— attracted 146,619 travelers.


The Pampa de Ayacucho Historical Sanctuary comes next. Located in Quinoa district in the province of Huamanga, the place drew 121,164 holidaymakers.


The sixth most popular site was the Tingo Maria National Park (Huanuco region) with 107,287 visitors, followed by the Lachay National Reserve (Lima region) with 70,008, the Tambopata National Reserve (Madre de Dios region) with 64,369, the Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge (Lima region) with 43,322, and the Huayllay National Sanctuary (Pasco region) with 30,347.

(END) MAO/RMB/MVB

Published: 4/29/2019