An exceptional country to which the whole world can't wait to return soon is certainly the Perù. A true marvel that now also boasts a new record: that of having been recognized as one of the greenest countries in the world.
Machu Picchu, zero carbon emissions
An iconic and irresistible element of this country is certainly its Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu which has obtained certification from the Green Initiative, a recognition accredited worldwide by the United Nations, as the first tourist destination in the world with zero carbon emissions.
The goal is to reduce carbon emissions by 45% by 2030, and to achieve so-called net zero emissions (or carbon neutrality) by 2050, according to the guidelines of the Paris Agreement.
But not only that, others 9 tourist destinations have been recognized as among the most eco-friendly on the planet. Nine Peruvian places have in fact been included in the list of the 100 most sustainable destinations in the world according to Green Destinations, a non-profit organization that works for the development and recognition of sustainable destinations.
Let's discover together the other 9 destinations that have been recognized among the most sustainable in the world.
The Tambopata National Reserve, where beauty thrives
The Tambopata National Reserve stands out in the enchanting Amazonian department of Madre de Dios. A place that shows its richness in the form of colours, sounds, warmth and life. We are talking about a protected natural area with an extension of 274.690 hectares.
And in these parts mammals, birds, reptiles and butterflies can be admired without fear. But not only that, a thousand varieties of trees and flowers thrive inside it and accompany the visitor along the way, as well as aquatic creatures that live in their natural habitat.
Alto Mayo and Tarapoto, for nature lovers
Other green destinations in Peru are Upper Mayo and Tarapoto, two of the most visited tourist destinations in the San Martín region.
They are located in the area that includes Moyobamba and Rioja, where the westernmost part of the Mayo River flows, and allow you to enjoy wonderful natural landscapes characterized by immense biodiversity, ideal for lovers of nature, adventure and bird watching.
Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, autonomous ecosystem
Equally interesting is the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, a protected area of the Peruvian Amazon. With an area of 2.080.000 hectares it is the largest national reserve in the country and stands out as a paradise for nature lovers as it presents a biodiversity unique in the world thanks to over 1000 species of animals and 965 species of plants.
This tropical forest constitutes an autonomous and exemplary ecosystem. Furthermore, it is home to indigenous communities whose main means of subsistence is experiential tourism (to find out what it is, click here).
Gocta, unmissable waterfall
Near the Kuélap Fortress, an imposing citadel of the Chachapoyas culture, stands there Gocta waterfall, an impressive flow of natural water 771 meters high and separated into two sections: the first of 231 meters and the second of 540.
Also known as 'La Chorrera', the waterfall can be reached via a route through the dense vegetation of the Amazon forest. It is also possible to contact tourist guides in the towns of Cocachimba and San Pablo and, to save energy, travel part of the road on horseback and then continue on foot.
Historic sanctuary Bosque de Pómac, truly amazing
Il Bosque de Pómac Historic Sanctuary it is another destination that is part of the list of the 100 most sustainable in the world. It is a protected area located in the province of Ferreñafe. It is one of the four areas classified as historical sanctuaries in the country.
Suffice it to say that in a dry forest, inhabited by the densest formation of carob trees on the planet, sapote trees and numerous birds, thirty-six pyramids that belonged to the kingdom of the Lord of Sicán stand out. Whether they were temples, cemeteries, homes or laboratories is uncertain, but the large number of gold objects discovered inside testifies to the greatness of the Lambayeque civilization.
Tingo María National Park, with a lying woman
even the Tingo Maria National Park, established in 1965, is an eco-friendly destination in Peru. This is one of the oldest protected natural areas in the country and is home to the biological diversity typical of the high jungle region, as well as a very particular scenic beauty.
It boasts 180 square kilometers and extends around the mouth of the Río Monzón, a tributary of the Río Huallaga. Her distinctive element is the Bella Durmiente (Sleeping Beauty): a hill that dominates the city and which, seen from a certain angle, looks like a reclining woman with an Inca crown on her head.
Titicaca, Sacred Lake of the Incas
Titicaca, the largest freshwater lake in South America, is also wonderful and ecological. It is located at 3810 meters above sea level and also stands out for being the highest navigable body of water in the world.
Surrounded by thick vegetation characterized mainly by "totora" - a material similar to bamboo canes that floats on the water - the lake is dotted with several islands, each of which has an incredible story to tell. Taquile, Amantaní, the floating islands of Uros, offer the unique opportunity to experience the ancestral traditions and customs of these people who have been able to enhance the surrounding environment and live with it in harmony.
Sandia, the coffee route and the Bahuaja Sonene National Park
Did you know that Peru is one of the largest producers and exporters of organic coffee in the world? One of the best-known areas for the production of this sophisticated drink is the Sandia valley, in the Puno region, halfway between the Andean plateau and the lower Amazon jungle.
Between the regions of Puno and Madre de Dios there is also the Parco Nazionale Bahuaja Zones, a true mosaic of landscapes. After all, this is one of the places with the greatest biodiversity in the world and contains within it some unique ecosystems of Peru, such as the humid tropical savannah and the formations of the Candamo valley.
The Colca Canyon, where you can admire the largest bird in the world
Peru's ninth ecological attraction is the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the country and surrounded by abundant vegetation typical of the Andes.
Here it is possible to admire the flight of the emblematic condor, the largest bird on our planet and absolute lord of these incredibly blue skies.
In short, the Peru obtains some very important recognitions which, in addition to making it a highly fascinating country, also transform it into one of the greenest places in the world.