Cusco, Machu Picchu, impressive paradise of orchids

Machu Picchu, fabulous orchid garden

Peru has more than 3000 species of orchids in its biodiversity, which grow between 100 and 4600 meters above sea level. Many of these orchids are in danger of extinction, due to illegal trade, deforestation of their habitat and biopiracy.

The Historical Sanctuary of Machupicchu, for the tropical climate and the cloud forests with microclimates (including the whole route of the Inca Trail), is the habitat of more than 80 genera and 500 species of orchids, so it is one of the most important places in orchid biodiversity. In the 38,448 hectares there could be more than 1,000 species.

Around 30,000 species are recorded in the world; the most privileged places are the forests of South America and Malaysia with the greatest diversity. There are very small orchids, just a few millimeters, or huge with a 4-meter atura that is located in Machu Picchu.