The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is the guardian of not only one of the best preserved archaeological remains in the world, but also of incredible species of flora and fauna. Really exciting wildlife sightings have happened during this last month at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, and these were announced coinciding with the International Biodiversity Day, as decreed by the United Nations Organization (UN) on the 22nd May 2021!

Two spectacled bears visit Machu Picchu citadel in May 2021

The spectacled bear (inspiration for Paddington Bear, with black fur and white spots around their eyes as main distinctive feature) or Andean bear is the only bear species in South America. In recent years, spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) sightings have become more and more frequent at Machu Picchu. There is a natural reserve especially for them managed by the Inkaterra association inside the sanctuary, to help protect and preserve this beautiful species of bear considered Vulnerable by IUCN because of habitat loss and low population numbers. Tourists have on rare occasions been able to spot them along the inca trail or just outside the citadel.

The latest sighting happened just recently inside the Machu Picchu citadel, to the amazement of both tourists and park rangers present. Two spectacled bears (likely mother and cub) were captured strolling around leisurely the same paths tourists use to visit Machu Picchu - see below video!

As you can see, the pair were walking on the walls near the Plaza Sagrada, the most sacred area of Machu Picchu citadel. Eventually they both climbed down the many terraces until out of sight. It is incredibly rare to see them walking along these paths. Likely, it’s due to the restricted number of visitors. Because of the pandemic, Machu Picchu is currently operating at only 40% its usual capacity - with daily visitor numbers a far cry from from the usual 5,000 people who would visit the citadel in a single day.

The images and video of these Andean bears were captured by Luis Cobos and released this week by the Decentralized Directorate of Culture (DDC) of Cusco.

First ever sighting of an Ocelot at Machu Picchu

A second incredibly exciting sighting happened recently as well in the Machu Picchu sanctuary. Cameras were able to capture for the very first time ever an ocelot, more specifically near Wiñay Wayna (one of the last archaeological sites visited on the Inca Trail). Incredibly historic, as this is only the second highest altitude where this species has been spotted in Peru, ever.

The Ocelot (Leopardus Pardalis) was spotted during research being carried out by Daniel Cossios, with support from Sernanp and Biosfera Consultores Ambientales SAC. This sighting as well as many others by the same researcher shows how biodiversity is thriving in the area.

Read more fascinating facts about Machu Picchu!

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