The Junín National Reserve is a marvel of nature located in the central Andes on the plateau del Bombón above 4,100 meters above sea level. It is 177 kilometers northwest of the city of Huancayo, in the departments of Junín and Cerro de Pasco.
With an extension of 53 thousand hectares, its objective is the conservation of the flora and fauna of Lake Junín or Chinchaycocha, which is the second largest and highest in Peru.
The area that protects the lake and its ecosystem is cataloged as a Ramsar Site because it is a wetland of international importance. It houses 149 species of high Andean waterfowl, including 28 migratory species (such as Baird sandpipers, avocets, stilts and colored ducks) and 5 endemic or resident species (such as huallatas, totoreros and Andean carpenters). It also highlights the diver of Junin, the symbolic bird of the region and in danger of disappearing due to the environmental impact.
In the rivers and the lake of the reserve you will find a great variety of fish like chalhuas and catfish. The giant frog of Junín, an endemic and endangered species, also lives in its waters.
It is also an area that has a wide variety of flora and the possibility of practicing different sports such as trekking and birdwatching or bird watching.
When to go
The best time to visit is between the months of June and October, when it is also possible to take boat trips.
Climate
This is a high-mountain climate. The coldest months go between May and September, with an average temperature of 5 ° C. The annual rainfall reaches 940 mm, while the rainiest months go from December to April.
How to get there
To get to the Junín National Reserve, there are two access routes:
Route Lima - La Oroya - Junín: you must take the Central highway, then the detour to Tarma in La Oroya and finally the detour to Junín. The journey takes 5 to 6 hours by car.
Huancayo Route - Junín National Reserve: It is 177 kilometers northwest of the city of Huancayo, the journey takes 3 hours and a half by car.
In the rainy season alternate roads are used:
Carretera Canta - Cordillera de La Viuda - Pasco.
Canta - Cordillera de La Viuda (Yatac) - Marcapomacocha - Corpacancha - Conocancha - Atocsaico - La Cima - Junín.
Recommendations
Take sunscreen, hat, comfortable shoes and water during your visit.
You must register your entry in the control posts and / or the administrative headquarters of the Natural Protected Area (ANP). The respective authorization must be requested at the offices of Sernanp Junín (telephone: (064) 344-146 or [email protected]).
