Top 10 Natural Wonders of Peru

Peru is a nature lover's paradise - it's ranked among the world's top megadiverse countries for the variety of its natural habitats and species. From the coastal desert to the peaks of the Andes, here is a top 10 list of the natural attractions that keep nature lovers coming to Peru.

Peru's Natural Wonders - #10 - Puerto Chicama

Renowned among surfers as one of the longest waves in the world, enthusiasts flock to Puerto Chicama for the intense rides made possible by its long lefts. It's considered a great place to surf, with conditions for beginner and experienced surfers alike.

Peru's Natural Wonders - #9 - Sechura Desert

The Sechura Desert, running along Peru's western coast south of Piura, is among the world's most arid deserts. It is an important migratory corridor for many species of birds that nest in the area, and has several species of endemic plant life.

Peru's Natural Wonders - #8 - El Misti Volcano

Peru's El Misti Volcano, at 5,821 meters (19,098 feet) above sea level, is an impressive sight hovering over the horizon in the mountains near Arequipa, Peru. Thought to have had religious significance to the Incas, El Misti is popular with climbers, with two routes to the top.

Peru's Natural Wonders - #7 - El Cerro Blanco

At 2078 meters, El Cerro Blanco is the world's tallest sand dune. Located near the city of Nazca, about 300 miles (445 km) south from Lima, El Cerro Blanco is considered the 'Holy Grail' of sandboarding dune riders.

Peru's Natural Wonders - #6 - Gocta Cataract

Gocta Cataract in the Amazonas region was well known amongst the locals for decades but was only brought to public attention in 2006. Ranked among the tallest waterfalls in the world, it measures 771 meters (2531 feet) in height, and is visible from kilometers away.

Peru's Natural Wonders - #5 - Lake Titicaca

Located on the border between Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake. Don't miss the floating islands of the Uros tribe - a people who live their entire lives on the surface of the water on man-made reed islands.

Peru's Natural Wonders - #4 - The Colca and Cotahuasi Canyons

Colca Canyon and Cotahuasi Canyon, located near Arequipa, and are both more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States. The canyons are popular destinations amongst those eager to get a close up view of the endangered Andean condor, and also well known for hiking, white water rafting and mountain biking.

Peru's Natural Wonders - #3 - Manu National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is counted among the most unspoiled of the world's tropical forests. The park has a level of biodiversity that is among the highest of any park in the world, thanks to a wide variety of ecological zones.

Peru's Natural Wonders - #2 - Huascaran Mountain

Huascaran is the highest mountain in Peru, and is situated in the Cordillera Blanca, a portion of the Andes Mountains. A popular destination for mountain climbers, it usually takes 5-7 days to reach the peak.

Peru's Natural Wonders - #1 - The Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest covers over 50% Peru. One of the most biologically diverse places on earth, it is home to nearly 3000 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

Sources:
Dr Jann Williams, Biodiversity, Australian State of the Environment Report, Australia Dept. of the Environment, Heritage, Water and the Arts

Misti Volcano, Britannica Online Encyclopedia

International Sandboarding Locations, Sandboard.com

Colca and Cotahuasi, The deepest canyons in the world, GreatPeru.com

Gocta Cataract, World Waterfall Database

Peru: Environmental Profile, Mongabay.com