Wilde leven en planten

The wonder of Machu Picchu is not only in its amazing ruins. Just looking at the big picture of that land we can understand the multiple sources of such an inspiration that turned the Incas into one of the most important civilizations of the History. One of those sources: wildlife in the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. The Machu Picchu Sanctuary is a reserve of 35,000 hectares -which includes the famous ruins site- where thousands of animal and vegetal species have lived in harmony for thousands of years. This astonishing diversity of wildlife was possible also because of the weather, a sub-tropical combination that brings humidity to the cloudy forest every year, to a soil full of nutrients. The paradise of life, down here on earth. The Machu Picchu Sanctuary was created in 1981 to protect all the wildlife of the region, flora and fauna, but the illegal hunting and the strong demand for their beauty or fur as exotic ornaments in the black markets have increase, carrying lot of animal and vegetal species even to the brink of extinction. The wildlife list is infinite: all kind of trees, moss, bushes and ferns cover all the place, offering an incredible landscape, an unforgettable view no photo could ever copy. They are also home and shelter for millions of animals, from the elusive lizards, to pretty rare insects and colorful butterflies. But when the green become too much, you only have to look up to the cliffs that surround you; then the blessing of an orchid could touch your soul. The Machu Picchu Sanctuary has one of the greatest variety of orchids of the planet. There are approximately fifty species of this exquisite wonder of wildlife climbing its mountains, painting them with colors even the most expert painter won´t mix in his palette. They could be pale or full of brightness, microscopic or really big, living in groups or hidden in an isolated kingdom up in a leafy tree. They could smell bad or make you fall in love immediately because of the fine fragrance they exude. Hundreds of orchid collectors visit Machu Picchu from all over the world, just to enjoy the fortune of being there, with this garden of natural elegance all around. There are some hotels in the town that offers orchid trails, where you could find almost four hundred of different orchids. A blooming festival unveils in front of the visitor eyes there, sharing the beauty of nature´s wildlife as the great gift of all. Feeling grateful with this experience, a visitor (could be you) leaves that place and walk to the river aside the town, the noisy Urubamba. Your hands in your pockets, your mind floating, your lungs purified. Suddenly, at the opposite riverside, right in front of you, a black figure moves over the rocks and behind the bushes. Then it stops and takes a lazy look directly at you. You can´t move. You can´t believe it: a spectacled bear have just cross right in front of your life. It´s the only bear species that belongs to the south american wildlife and it was right there, sniffing on your direction. The spectacled bear is another elusive habitant of the Machu Picchu Reserve. They used to live all over the place, but because of the human presence and their illegal hunting, there are much fewer that in the past. They are most vegetarians, but they also eat some small animals of the mountain forest, just as elusive as them. Some important projects of wildlife protection where created to save the spectacled bear of extinction, organizing donations campaigns, for example. Maybe your fortune is because of their success. Joining the spectacled bear, there are other species that enrich this wildlife list of wonders. Animals like the vizcacha, the forest bobcat, the dangerous puma or the funny otter could be seen by the most diligent and persistent explorers. Time flies. You realize its getting dark and have to return to the hotel. As you turn, a red spot on a light pole capture your attention. It´s the famous cock-of-the rock, locally known as gallito de las rocas or “tunqui”, the peruvian icon. It is one of the most exotic birds of Machu Picchu and they are hard to find in nature. You´re lucky to see one of these birds. Hypnotized by its intense red clothes, you approach. But the nervous bird flies away, leaving you in sorrow. There are some bird watching tours in Machu Picchu that could get you in closer contact with those amazing creatures, among other rare species of hummingbirds, tanagers, and dippers that populate the cloudy forest. The cock of the rock is an endemic species. There is no other place in the world they live in besides the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Its dawn in the small village near Machu Picchu ruins. The bus that will take you up to the ancient ruins will be leaving soon. But first, you decide to go for a little walk, following a stream route that climbs a mountain throat. Crossing the main square and outside the town, you find a bridge made of ropes and wood. You are right in the middle when you see, down in the stream, a female deer drinking some of that pure and crystal water; another amazing view of wildlife. The deer look up and stare at you but, unexpectedly, she don´t run and continue drinking. You think it´s strange the lack of fear to humans in that beautiful beast. Maybe she didn´t smell the danger in your clothes. Maybe she knew you´re not there to harm her. Feeling like that unique moment was enough for a lifetime, you turned back to the bus. The journey continues; what wonder is next? Take a trip to Machu Picchu: you´ll have the journey of your life.