Santuario Natural de Mandor
Cloud-forest waterfall reserve with orchid trails, hummingbirds and the elusive cock of the rock.
Location
About this audio guide
This guide to the Santuario Natural de Mandor, reached on foot along the tracks out of Aguas Calientes, covers the waterfall reserve almost none of the crowds heading up to Machu Picchu ever see. It follows the cock of the rock, Peru's flame-orange national bird, and the hummingbirds working the orchids in a valley that holds an outsized share of the sanctuary's hundreds of orchid and butterfly species. You'll hear about the local family running it as a conservation project rather than a polished attraction. Take the marked trail uphill from the entrance and listen for the roar building before the falls come into view.
This audio guide was created using AI.
Similar places
Cascadas Alcamayo
Jungle waterfall hike ending at a private trailside gate where an informal, cash-only toll is collected.
Machupicchu Botanical Garden
Orchid-filled garden of native cloud-forest flora, fenced against illegal wild collectors.
Butterfly Zoo - Mariposario of Machu Picchu
Cloud-forest greenhouse breeding and releasing morpho and owl butterflies through every life stage.
Phutuq K'usi
Free, unpatrolled granite peak reached by steep wooden ladders, offering a rare side-on view of the Inca citadel across the valley.
Hiram Bingham Hiking Trail to Machu Picchu
Stone pilgrim path climbing through cloud forest to a sun-aligned gateway above the Inca citadel.
Winay Wayna
Terraced Inca waystation with ritual baths, hidden in the cloud forest along the classic pilgrim trail.