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Located
in the department of Apurímac, covering an area of
3,635 hectares, the national sanctuary of Ampay protects the
largest forests of intimpa trees in the Peruvian highlands.
The intimpa is Peru's only native only conifer species, and
the dense forests shelter many species of wildlife, largely
birds. The national sanctuary of Ampay also features a series
of glacial lakes and crystal-clear streams flowing down from
the majestic snow-capped peak of Mount Ampay, which dominates
the region and lends its name to this protected area.
Climate: Sunny and dry during
winter (from May to October), although nights can be cold
(frost and temperatures below 5° C). Rainy from December
to March.
Access: The sanctuary is reached
by several dirt roads from Tamburco, on the outskirts of the
city of Abancay, which is reached overland from Cuzco (6 hours)
or from Andahuaylas (3 hours).
Services: Tourist infrastructure
is non-existent.
Visitors are advised to spend at least three days here, camping
by the lakes in the sanctuary, as well as hiring a local guide
and stocking up on food and water in Abancay.
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