A guide to laquipampa wildlife refuge

Located 70 km (43 miles) north east of Chiclayo, in the Ferreñafe district of Lambayeque, Laquipampa Wildlife Refuge was established in 2006.

It covers 8,329 hectares (32 square miles) with altitudes ranging from 200 m (1,300 ft) in the Leche River valley, to 2,600 m (8,500 ft) above sea level. This topography has resulted in a variety of dry forest habitats, with the types of tree species depending on the level of moisture. 

The name laquipampa has the evocative meaning ‘field of wails’ in Quechua.

Flora & Fauna of Laquipampa Wildlife Refuge:

The principal habitat is lowland dry forest, mainly consisting of Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens), Hualtaco (Loxopterygium huasango) and Pasallo (Eriotheca discolor) trees.

As the altitude increases, the habitat changes to highland dry forest.

Established with the principal aim of preserving the endangered white-winged guan (Penelope albipennis), the Refuge is also home to other key bird species: 

• Red-masked Parakeet

• Bearded Guan

• Piura Chat-tyrant

• Koepcke's Screech Owl

• Blue Seedeater

• Fasciated Tiger-heron

• Andean Slaty Thrush

• Andean Condor

• Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl

Mammals to be found in Laquipampa include:

• The iconic Spectacled Bear

• Jaguarundi

• Agouti

• Oncilla

• Collared Peccary

• Anteater

• Southern Tamandua

• White-tailed Deer

• Guayaquil Squirrel

Archaeology of Laquipampa Wildlife Refuge:

Little research has been carried out in the Refuge, but there are two known archaeological sites:

• Huaca El Zapote: in the village of Puchaca; human remains, ceramics and necklaces have been unearthed.

• Cueva Pozo: in the village of San Antonio de Laquipampa; human remains, ceramics and tools have been unearthed.

How to Visit Laquipampa Wildlife Refuge:

It is a 90-minute drive from Chiclayo to the Laquipampa Ranger Station. From here there are various trails that can be followed, taking in the dry forest landscape, waterfalls … and pools where one can take a dip.

Laquipampa is also popular with birders for the species mentioned above. Tours with expert birding guides can be arranged. Just ask us for more information.