Chaparrí Private Conservation Area

A minor road runs to Chongoyape, a pleasant old town 70 km to the east (3 km before the city, turn left/west to the Chavín petroglyphs of Cerro Mulato). Nearby are the vast Taymi and Pampa Grande pre-Columbian and modern irrigation systems (the modern are also called Taymi). Also near Chongoyape are the aqueduct of Racarrumi, the hill fort of Mal Paso and the ruins of Majín (12-14 pyramids). In the district of Chongoyape is the Chaparrí Private Conservation Area (Comunidad Campesina Muchik Santa Catalina de Chongoyape, US$3.60 for a day visit (contact Juan Carrasco, T074-433194, jcchaparri @hotmail.com) , if intending to stay overnight, http://www.chaparri.org) . This community-owned project (the first of its kind in Peru) covers over 34,000 ha, extending from 1540 to 1350 m above sea level. The variety of habitats, including dry desert forest, harbours many bird and mammal species, some of which are extremely rare. Notable birds are the white-winged guan (see also Zoocriadero Bárbara d’Achille, page) and the Peruvian plantcutter, while there are also spectacled bears, Sechuran fox, puma and other cats. There are no dogs or goats in the area so the forest is recuperating.The Tianjones reservoir, good for birdwatching, is another reserve here. All staff and guides are locals. For every ten people you have to have a guide (this provides work and helps to prevent rubbish).