ORCHIDS IN MACHU PICCHU

ORCHIDS IN MACHU PICCHU

Are there Orchids in Machu picchu? What are the Orchids in Machu picchu? What is the most beautiful Orchid in Machu picchu? How many species of Orchids are there in Machu picchu? They are some of the frequent questions that visitor of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu picchu have.

The Orchids in Machu picchu are one of the main reasons why thousands of visitors come to this place.

Machu picchu, the Inca citadel located high in the Peruvian Andes, is known throughout the world for its beauty and impressive architecture. But in addition to the man-made wonders, Machu picchu is also home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including a wide range of Orchids in Mach upicchu.

The Orchids are one of the largest families of flowering plants, with more than 25,000 of species known in the worldwide. In Machu picchu, you can find more than 400 different species of orchids, many of them are endemic and no found in any other region in the world.

The Machu picchu orchids can be found everywhere in this region, from the depths of the jungle to the slopes of the mountains. Some of the most common species include the Masdevallia Veitchiana, Epidendrum Secundum, and Sobralia Dichotoma. Each of these species is unique and offers something different in terms of shape and color.

The Masdevallia Veitchiana locally known as Waqanki “You will cry” is one of the most impressive orchids in Machu picchu, with its large red and gently elongated flowers, this species is easily recognizable. The flowering of the Masdevallia Veitchiana usually occurs at the beginning of the rainy season, which makes it one of the first orchids to bloom each year.

The Epidendrum Secundum, better known as Wiñaywayna “Forever Young” is another of the most common orchids in Machu picchu. This species has small and delicate flowers that grow in dense clusters, unlike other orchids in Machu picchu, the Epidendrum Secundum usually blooms throughout the year, which means that there is always an opportunity to see this beautiful flower in the region.

In addition to these common species, there are also many other lesser known, but quite attractive orchids that can be found in Machu picchu. Some of these species include the Lycaste Longipetala, Altensteinia Fimbrata, Sobralia Virginalis and Odontoglossum Praestans.

Despite their beauty, their cultural and historical importance, Machu picchu’s orchids are endangered due to habitat degradation and illegal collection. It is important that visitors to Machu picchu respect the plants and animals of the region and take measures to counter their extinction.

Finally, through the Classic Inca Trail and Short Inca Trail tours, the visitor will be able to observe some species of Orchids that are found along the route in the Historic Sanctuary of Machu picchu.

Peru Hiking Tours suggests to ask beforehand if you are interested in locating any specific species of orchid, any of our expert guides can lead you to the best areas where orchids could be found.