Tabaconas-Namballe National Sanctuary

This protected area is known as “The lungs of the world”. As well as innumerable species of cloud-forest trees, orchids, and giant ferns, there are spectacled bears, mountain leopards, and an infinity of other small mammals, some of which are unknown outside the area. It is also a paradise for birdwatchers and butterfly hunters.

The Sanctuary gives more detailed information on the terrain, its special characteristics and maintenance.

We can arrange guided tours for groups, of two or more days, providing camping equipment and an experienced guide. This is extreme adventure tourism, and we do need at least 2 weeks notice. The best season for a visit is July to December. Being almost virgin territory, it provides the ultimate experience for those who have already done everything!

One-day tours by car/foot to the more accessible peripheral areas can also be arranged, once again, with sufficient advance notice.

Pre-historic paintings of Faical (6000 BC, aprox.) in the District of San Ignacio. www.sanignacio.com.pe/provincia/turismo/faical.php
About 40 minutes drive from San Ignacio, the Faical rock paintings are said to be the largest such collection in South America. There are over a thousand images painted in red on the rocks in Cerro Faical, and remarkably well-preserved, providing an intriguing look into humanity’s recent past, and an opportunity to speculate and imagine what messages they contain. Presented in what we might call magical realist style, they give insight into beliefs and worldview of the ancient inhabitants.

ONWARD CONNECTIONS
The District of Namballe is the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. It is also one day’s drive to the ancient fortress of Kuelap and the other archaeological sites in the Region of Amazonas. From there, Cajamarca is accessible in one day.

Travelling to the coast you may break your journey in Jaén, or continue to Piura or Chiclayo in one long day. An alternative adventurous journey is over the mountains through the cloud forest of the Cutervo National Park, to Chota, Bambamarca and Cajamarca.