It is situated in the department of Cajamarca, province of San Ignacio, Tabaconas and Namballe districts. It extends over an area of 29 500 hectares. The forests in this Sanctuary are known as mist forests because of the constant mist existing in the highest areas. They record a high diversity of flora depending on the altitude, topography, soil, and drainage. At altitudes of 5 413,39 feet above sea level, the predominant species of flora in the arboreous stratum are the Lauraceae, Ericaceae, Melas-tomataceae, Rubiaceae, Actinidaceae, and Podocarpáceae families; however, there are many others that have not been identified yet. The Podocarpus is the only genus of conifers that can be found in natural state in Peru.
The low stratum shows dense vegetation, including native tree ferns and bamboos from the Chusquea genus; or abundant epiphytes, such as orchids, bromeliads, moss, and lichens. Over the 6 561,68 feet above sea level, there is a forest of abundant tree ferns from the Cyathea genus, combined with some stocky forest species. To date, 33 species of birds and 17 species of mammals have been recorded. Some of the threatened species are the Spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), and the Andean tapir (Tapirus pinchaque), whose protection is one of the main objectives of the Sanctuary.
On the other hand, the main tourist attractions in this area are its moors and waterfalls, as well as its system of lagoons known as Arrebiatadas, famous for their beautiful landscape and medicinal properties. The average altitude of these lagoons is 10 498,69 feet above sea level.
Some of the principal objectives of this National Sanctuary are to preserve a representative sample of the moor; to protect the mist forests and their species so as to keep the biological diversity; to protect the basins by guaranteeing the stability of soils and maintaining the water quantity and quality; and to support the development of the people settled in the low areas.
The low stratum shows dense vegetation, including native tree ferns and bamboos from the Chusquea genus; or abundant epiphytes, such as orchids, bromeliads, moss, and lichens. Over the 6 561,68 feet above sea level, there is a forest of abundant tree ferns from the Cyathea genus, combined with some stocky forest species. To date, 33 species of birds and 17 species of mammals have been recorded. Some of the threatened species are the Spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), and the Andean tapir (Tapirus pinchaque), whose protection is one of the main objectives of the Sanctuary.
On the other hand, the main tourist attractions in this area are its moors and waterfalls, as well as its system of lagoons known as Arrebiatadas, famous for their beautiful landscape and medicinal properties. The average altitude of these lagoons is 10 498,69 feet above sea level.
Some of the principal objectives of this National Sanctuary are to preserve a representative sample of the moor; to protect the mist forests and their species so as to keep the biological diversity; to protect the basins by guaranteeing the stability of soils and maintaining the water quantity and quality; and to support the development of the people settled in the low areas.
