a guide to chaparri ecological reserve
Located 75 km (46 miles) from Chiclayo, in the province of Lambayeque, Chaparri Ecological Reserve is the number one dry forest site in the north. Covering 34,412 hectares (133 square miles), it was declared a reserve in 2001.
Chaparri Mountain with Spectacled Bear in foreground.
The reserve is managed by the local community of Santa Catalina de Chongoyape, in conjunction with a local conservation development organisation, Asociacion Naylamp.
It is named after Chaparri Mountain, which separates the villages of Batan Grande and Chongoyape, and which locals consider to be sacred.
Flora & Fauna in Chaparri Ecological Reserve:
White-winged Guan in grounds of Chaparri Lodge.
The Reserve is renowned for its biodiversity, boasting some 122 varieties of plant, 23 species of mammal, 21 species of reptiles, four species of amphibians and five species of fish.
It is particularly well-known for its vast variety of bird species - 250 in total.
Key bird species:
Largest protected population of the threatened Andean Condor
King Vulture
Sulphur-throated Finch
Tumbes Pewee
Tumbes Tyrant
White-winged Guan.
Baird's Flycatcher
Black-cowled Saltator
Black-faced Ibis
Black-tailed Trogan
Brush-headed Duck
Comb Duck
Henna-headed Foliage-gleaner
Spotted Rail
Tyrannulet Grey & White,
Tumbes Sparrow
White-tailed Magpie.
Among the endangered mammals that can be seen are:
Puma
Ocelot
White Tail Deer
Sechuran Fox.
But perhaps the biggest draw is the Spectacled or Andean Bear, of which there are no more than 500 in Peru.
As well as a small, wild population, the Reserve has a rescue and breeding programme to save abandoned or abused bears, with the aim of rehabilitating them and releasing them back into the their natural habitat, if possible.
How to Visit Chaparri Ecological Reserve:
Chaparri Reserve has a rustic, 11-room ecolodge, which is the ideal place from which to explore. Hiking, bird-watching, camping and horse-riding can all be arranged from here.
Here are the per person costs of staying in a standard room at Chaparri Lodge, which includes all meals, Spanish-speaking guide and entrance fee to Chaparri Reserve:
| Itinerary | Length | Prices From |
|---|---|---|
| Chaparri Lodge | 2 Days | £88 / $120 |
| Chaparri Lodge | 3 Days | £165 / $224 |
| Chaparri Lodge | 4 Days | £235 / $318 |
| Chaparri Lodge | 5 Days | £313 / $424 |
PeruNorth uses this lodge as the base for their Chaparri Birding 4D itinerary, which makes an excellent extension to our longer birding tours ... or any tour for that matter. Just ask us for more information.
What our clients say about Chaparri Ecological Reserve:
“Yes, it was quite an adventure! But we absolutely loved it. A very unique experience.
The wildlife was amazing - it was just teeming! Fantastic to see all the birds, especially the white-winged guan.
Ismael was so knowledgable.
The bears were enchanting. The tarantula we saw on the walk to see the bears, less so!
Ismael and his brother and their wives were fantastic hosts and we loved the food.
We have recommended it to all our friends and family!”
“We had a great time in Chaparri. Everything went smoothly and Juan was a great host.
Unfortunately we didn’t see any wild spectacle bears, but other than that everything was great.”