Sol y Luna

Discovering the flora and fauna of the Sacred Valley

Peru’s 60km long Sacred Valley is a place of extraordinary natural beauty, colourful history and vibrant culture.

The Sacred Valley offers awe-inspiring panoramas, with grasslands, forests, valleys and snow-capped Andes

Hugging the Urubamba River, the valley covers a range of elevations through the Andes. From towering icy peaks and barren desert landscapes to verdant basins and lush forests, the Sacred Valley houses a host of microclimates that support a variety of plant and animal life, making it a tempting destination for nature fiends and wildlife buffs alike.

The flora and fauna of the Sacred Valley are central to Andean mythology and folklore. Myriad stories passed down through the generations tell of legendary creatures, spirits and gods that exist in the rivers, forests and mountains. Numerous animals such as the condor, serpent and puma are revered as sacred beings and certain plants believed to hold cultural powers have been used for centuries in rituals and ceremonies.

The untouched beauty of the area is a constant source of inspiration for the artisans of the Sacred Valley, who create works of art depicting the region’s animal and plant life and reflecting the communities’ respect for the natural environment.

The entrance to the informal restaurant Wayra, complete with llama statue

Plant power

From Sol y Luna, our 43 casita Relais & Chateaux lodge, guests can explore the Sacred Valley on horseback, by foot, two or four wheels or take to the water to glean a fascinating insight into the region’s thriving plant life – some of which are outlined below.

Queñua Trees thrive in the upper reaches of the Sacred Valley, having adapted to the tough conditions of the Andean highlands. The tree’s weathered bark is composed of successive layers, protecting it from the harsh mountain winds and forest fires. The indigenous Andean communities revere the Queñua tree as sacred – it symbolises strength, security, and sustainability.

Eucalyptus trees flourish in the Sacred Valley’s soil. They spring up fast, spreading their fresh scent and providing a host of practical benefits to the local communities.

Peruvian peppertrees are multipurpose, their wood being used in carpentry, ashes as a tanning aid and their fruits to concoct condiments.

Ornamental Brazilian coral trees were first introduced to the highlands by the Incas. They display stunning red flowers and are considered to be sacred.

Elderberry trees bloom at high altitudes, their sturdy wood ideal for building and their leaves a handy insect repellent.

The Cantu is Peru’s national flower; a shrub that loves nothing more than its high altitude habitat. The Incas used to dedicate the flowers to Inti, the sun god. Nowadays the leaves produce a vibrant yellow dye and its branches are often woven into baskets by talented local artisans.

Peru’s national flower the Cantu (otherwise known as Cantuta, or Cantua buxifolia) is found in abundance in Sol y Luna’s gardens

Black Cherry trees bear fruit between January and March – locals harvest the fruit to create rich jams and jellies.

Spanish broom, a shrub originating from the Mediterranean basin, is another altitude-adoring plant, its foliage used widely by artisans to make brooms and baskets.

Tara spinosa – a mountainside dweller, Tara is a thorny tree that blooms with flowers from November to February and fruit all year round. Locals turn to Tara to relieve skin irritations, sore throats and digestive problems.

Andean flowers – a host of flowers inhabit the Sacred Valley, their beauty and symbolism deeply rooted in the culture and customs of the region’s indigenous peoples. A journey into the Sacred Valley is a showcase of purple Andean Lupine, Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria), Inca marigolds, Andean irises and the widely prized Andean orchids. Locals tap into the valley’s flower power to create medicines and dyes and employ blooms for ceremonial and decorative purposes.

Numerous Cacti are attracted by the arid regions of the Sacred Valley:

• Prickly pear – the cochineal beetle dwells on this cactus and produces carmine, a natural red colorant used in the food and cosmetics industry. The fruit of the prickly pear is widely available on market stalls; it has a refreshing, slightly tangy, tropical flavour and often works its way into juices and jellies, smoothies and fruit salads.
• Agave Americana/ American aloe – revered by the indigenous population as historically and culturally significant, this plant has been used by local communities for centuries to produce ropes and woven goods, food, drink and traditional medicine.
• Achupallas – towering and spiky with striking flowers, this mountain dweller attracts pollinators such as insects and hummingbirds.

A cactus stands prominent in the Sol y Luna garden

Animals of the Andes

A range of creatures thrive in the high altitude conditions of the region.

Exporing the Sacred Valley offers wildlife lovers an opportunity to fully understand the crucial role animals play in the region’s ecosystems, cultural heritage and conservation initiatives.

The condor is regularly spotted soaring above the Sacred Valley. It is the world’s largest flying bird, weighing up to 15kg with a wingspan of up to 3.3m. The condor holds deep significance as a cultural symbol, featuring widely in Andean mythology.

Birdwatchers should also keep their binoculars poised for sightings of the charismatic Andean cock-of-the-rock, known for its vibrant plumage and elaborate courtship rituals and the Andean hummingbird, of which there are thought to be over 150 species.

Hummingbirds are a common site during a stay at Sol y Luna

Sol y Luna’s own gardens are abuzz with hummingbirds, not to mention butterflies and insects – attracted by the abundant flowers and vegetation that make the grounds such a peaceful environment.

Andean Fox: Also known as the culpeo, the wily Andean fox is a native carnivore that inhabits the grasslands, forests, and shrublands of the region. A solitary scavenger, the Andean fox often features in local folklore and mythology.

Andean/Spectacled Bear: Known locally as the “oso de anteojos” this is the only bear native to South America. An elusive operator, it can be difficult to spot as it stealthily roams grasslands, dry forests and scrub deserts in search of plants and occasionally rabbits, rodents, deer and llama. The bear embodies the unique natural and cultural heritage of the region.

Camelids: The Sacred Valley is home to three species of camelid, all of which are important culturally and economically in the region.

• Vicuña: The national animal of Peru and a relative of the llama and alpaca, the sociable vicuña grazes in herds on high altitude grassland and is prized for its soft, luxurious wool. Hard to come by, with a hefty price tag, vicuña wool is used to produce high end textiles, crafts, homewares and accessories.
• Llama: A descendant of the wild guanaco, the llama was traditionally used as a pack animal and for meat.
• Alpaca: Related to the wild vicuña, the alpaca is a common sight in the Sacred Valley, most commonly farmed for its soft wool and meat and often used as a pack animal.

A llama enjoys a stunning view of the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu

Andean Goose: fond of high elevation freshwater lakes, rivers and marshes, Andean geese are famously monogamous, forming life-long bonds with their mates. When one of a pair dies, the other often follows soon afterwards.

Andean deer: An ecologically and culturally significant creature for the region, the Andean deer is well adapted to life in high-altitude forests, grassland and shrubland. Its existence is under threat from harmful human activity and efforts are ongoing to protect its future.

Vizcacha: a sociable rodent falling somewhere between a squirrel and rabbit that lurks around rocks and crags. They are prized for their fur and adventurous gourmands enjoy their meat.

Puma: the puma holds great symbolic significance in local culture, being a creature revered for its strength, courage and spiritual powers. It is a highly adaptable apex predator, existing in a variety of habitats and hunting a range of prey; its stealth and speed meaning that sightings are rare. Local conservation initiatives are now well established and vital for ensuring the survival of these legendary predators.

Exploring the Sacred Valley offers visitors a fascinating insight into the indigenous peoples and their natural environment. Local traditions and beliefs are inextricably linked with the valley’s flora and fauna, serving as a reminder of the fundamental bond between humans and the environment that has existed for millennia.

Here at Sol y Luna we are deeply committed to promoting responsible tourism and conservation in the Sacred Valley, and to preserving the natural beauty and the flora and fauna of the Sacred Valley for future generations. Do contact us today to hear more about what we offer and let us help you to plan an unforgettable trip to the Sacred Valley.