Andean Condor
2.1× youWingspan longer than a playground slide
Photo: Arabsalam (CC BY-SA 4.0)
4 featured species · 3 habitat zones
Animals of Peru
Meet the amazing animals that live in Peru! From the high Andes mountains to the green Amazon rainforest, Peru is home to a variety of exciting creatures. You might find a colorful macaw in the trees, see a graceful llama on the hills, or even spot a jaguar hiding in the jungle. These animals make Peru a lively and wonderful place full of nature’s wonders.
Featured Species
Habitat Zones
Andes Mountains
The Andes Mountains are very high with chilly air and snow-covered peaks. Even though it's cold, lots of amazing animals and plants live here.
Andean condor, llama, vicuna, spectacled bear
Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest is a big, green jungle that's warm and full of life. You'll hear the sounds of all kinds of birds and animals all around.
jaguar, giant river otter, macaw, sloth
Coastal Deserts
The Coastal Deserts are sandy and dry with a bright sun overhead. Special plants and animals live here that don't need a lot of water to survive.
sechuran fox, desert tortoise, burrowing owl
How Big Are They?
Each animal shown next to a 10-year-old (🧒) at true scale.
Llama
1.2× youLlama
About as tall as a 10-year-old when standing
Giant River Otter
1.2× youAs long as a grown-up lying down
Spectacled Bear
1.3× youBear
About as tall as a 10-year-old when standing
Where to Spot Them
Andean Condor
Look in: Throughout the Andes
Watch for: They are social birds and often roost together on cliff edges.
Llama
Look in: Highlands of Peru
Watch for: Llamas communicate with each other using a series of hums and ear twitches.
Giant River Otter
Look in: Amazon waterways
Watch for: They live in family groups and are very social.
Spectacled Bear
Look in: Cloud forests of the Andes
Watch for: They are excellent tree climbers and often find food high up in the trees.
Cultural Connection
Peru is proud of its biodiversity and celebrates its animals with festivals and art.
Vocabulary
Did you know that the Giant River Otter, found in Peru, is just as long as a human adult?