Chaparrí is a 34,412 hectare community-owned and managed private conservation area located in the dry forests of northern Peru.The reserve is one of the best protected dry forest areas and is home to a range of wildlife, including many endemic and threatened species such as the:Andean or Spectacled Bear, Andean Condor, White-winged Guan,
Sechuran Fox, Guanaco, Tumbes Tyrant.
The reserve is named for the spectacular Chaparri mountain that dominates the landscape; this mountain was sacred for the Muchik people and is still revered by Shamans throughout Peru. It is now a model community-led conservation and ecotourism project where local people benefit from protecting their natural resources. Additionally Chaparri is the centre for scientific investigation into dry forest ecosystems and the species that live there.
The reserve may be visited on day trips (prior booking is recommended) or by staying at the Chaparri EcoLodge. Visits can only be undertaken with a local guide and by paying an entrance fee which goes to the community
The lodge has 6 en-suite double cabins and five double rooms with shared bathroom facilities. All buildings are constructed in traditional style of local materials (adobe and stone) to ensure they blend into the environment, reduce the carbon footprint of importing materials and provide local jobs during construction.• Hot water is provided from solar water heaters. • Electricity is provided from solar panels. • Used waters are treated through a sedimentation tank and horizontal flow reedbed treatment system before being used for irrigation. An open air dining area maximises the visitor’s interaction with the local wildlife, with Peruvian White-tailed Deer and Sechuran Foxes being frequent visitors during meal times. Filtered drinking water is available at all times. The menu uses local produce where possible and is a fusion of traditional local cuisine with international elements prepared by staff from the local community – food cooked in the traditional earth oven is a particular speciality. All meals are served in a buffet style. Vegetarian options are available with prior notice. Around the lodge there are communal areas where one can swim in the pool in the stream, rest in a hammock or just sit back and enjoy the view. Out of respect for others these areas are smoke-free and no music is to be played (with the exception of occasional after dinner guitar and singing sessions). We also ask guests to be considerate with their use of cell phones in these areas now coverage has reached the lodge. Trails; there is a network of trails and some hides and viewpoints for wildlife viewing.
See Activities sectioEmail or Call Us on +44 (0)1285 643333 for a detailed itineraryn for more details.
