Spectacled Bear Spottings at the Inca Ruins of Machu Picchu
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The spectacled bear, the only bear in South America, is a rare sight these days. Not only is the animal notoriously shy, but it is also endangered. However, tourists visiting the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu were treated to a surprise last week as one young bear was spotted descending the stepped agricultural terraces of the site before retreating towards the high-altitude forest that surrounds the ruins.
Published on 14-12-2015, por Inca World
The spectacled bear, the only bear in South America, is a rare sight these days. Not only is the animal notoriously shy, but it is also endangered. However, tourists visiting the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu were treated to a surprise last week as one young bear was spotted descending the stepped agricultural terraces of the site before retreating towards the high-altitude forest that surrounds the ruins.
The national reserve known as Machu Picchu Sanctuary doesn't just include the famous ruins, but a large area of the surrounding area. It includes different climates, including the cloud forest and high-altitude tropical forest, and is a haven for many plant and animal species. The sanctuary has particularly robust orchid and butterfly populations, but the bear population has been in increasing decline over the years. The English NGO Bear Rescue have been working with the only hotel permitted near the ruins, Inkaterra, since the year 2000 to help protect the spectacled bear popular within the reserve. Together, they began by taking bears that had been illegally captured and releasing them back into their natural habitat. Currently, they are hosting five bears rescued from captivity.
Maybe it's working, as another spectacled bear was spotted just three months ago by tourists who were hiking the trail up Huayna Picchu mountain, one of the peaks that overlook the ruins.
Other animals within the protected area of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary that are also under threat include the vicuña, and the national bird of Peru, the vibrant Cock of the Rocks. Those who explore by the protected area by hiking the Classic Four-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, or the shortened Two-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu have the enviable opportunity to spot these creatures along the scenic route. We recommend visitors to Peru to try to hike to Machu Picchu if time and health allows, because of the wonderful opportunity to see various plant species, animal species, and small archeological sites that might not be around for much longer.
The spectacled bear, the only bear in South America, is a rare sight these days. Not only is the animal notoriously shy, but it is also endangered. However, tourists visiting the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu were treated to a surprise last week as one young bear was spotted descending the stepped agricultural terraces of the site before retreating towards the high-altitude forest that surrounds the ruins.
Published on 14-12-2015, por Inca World
The spectacled bear, the only bear in South America, is a rare sight these days. Not only is the animal notoriously shy, but it is also endangered. However, tourists visiting the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu were treated to a surprise last week as one young bear was spotted descending the stepped agricultural terraces of the site before retreating towards the high-altitude forest that surrounds the ruins.
The national reserve known as Machu Picchu Sanctuary doesn't just include the famous ruins, but a large area of the surrounding area. It includes different climates, including the cloud forest and high-altitude tropical forest, and is a haven for many plant and animal species. The sanctuary has particularly robust orchid and butterfly populations, but the bear population has been in increasing decline over the years. The English NGO Bear Rescue have been working with the only hotel permitted near the ruins, Inkaterra, since the year 2000 to help protect the spectacled bear popular within the reserve. Together, they began by taking bears that had been illegally captured and releasing them back into their natural habitat. Currently, they are hosting five bears rescued from captivity.
Maybe it's working, as another spectacled bear was spotted just three months ago by tourists who were hiking the trail up Huayna Picchu mountain, one of the peaks that overlook the ruins.
Other animals within the protected area of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary that are also under threat include the vicuña, and the national bird of Peru, the vibrant Cock of the Rocks. Those who explore by the protected area by hiking the Classic Four-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, or the shortened Two-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu have the enviable opportunity to spot these creatures along the scenic route. We recommend visitors to Peru to try to hike to Machu Picchu if time and health allows, because of the wonderful opportunity to see various plant species, animal species, and small archeological sites that might not be around for much longer.
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Explore the latest from our Cusco travel blog. Get practical guides, Machu Picchu updates, and fresh trekking and culture recommendations. Everything you need to travel Cusco safely and stylishly in 2026. Your next Andean story starts here!
Lima's greatest devotion also walks through Cusco, departing from San Francisco Square. October dyes Peruvian streets purple with robes, incense, and fervor. We tell you how to follow the official 2026 processions in Lima and experience the Cusco replica from the Andes with practical details.
tags: lord of miracles, cusco, lima, peru processions, religious tourism, purple month
Just 11 kilometers from the Plaza de Armas, the historic district of San Jerónimo celebrates its patron saint every late September: 5 days of processions, 26+ dance troupes, a food fair, and a 16th-century church built on an Inca huaca. In 2016, it was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation. Most tourists don't know it exists; many young locals don't either. This year it starts on Monday, September 28, with the main day on Wednesday 30.
Third Sunday of September. 9 a.m. The pututos sound and 1,500 students from the National School of Sciences of Cusco set off in procession from their school to the Sacsayhuamán esplanade. They are going to compete — for real — in speed, strength, and endurance tests that replicate those the Tahuantinsuyo used to determine who was ready for adulthood. It is not a choreography. It is the Warachicuy, and in 2025 it was declared a Cultural Interest.
Are you planning to visit
Machu Picchu in 2026?
We would like to inform our travelers that availability for Circuit 1 and 2 for the months of November, December and January is at 85% of capacity. We recommend booking at least 3 months in advance.
New Circuits and Routes
The Ministry of Culture has consolidated the three main tours. As of 2026, Tour 2 (The Royal Route) remains the only one that allows visitors to take the classic photo from the Guardian’s House. We have adapted all our packages to ensure this access.
Digital Check-In and Biometric Verification
Say goodbye to long check-in lines! Starting this season, entry is faster thanks to the new digital check-in system. Our packages include full management of your personalized tickets to prevent errors on the state platform.
| Circuit | Ideal for... | Clasic photo | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit 1 (Panoramic) | High views and photo posts | Yes | Low |
| Circuit 2 (Andean) | Complete circuit through the ruins | Yes | Medium |
| Circuit 3 (Reality) | Persons or reduced movement | No | Very low |
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Explore the best of our land
Explore the breathtaking diversity of the Central Andes. From ancient archaeological wonders and surreal high-altitude landscapes to world-class gastronomy and Amazonian adventures, our updated 2026 guides showcase the very best of this premier global destination.
