APREC has  raised public awareness in regard to the various in regard to the various ecosystems of the Cajamarca Valley, particularly in regard to the archaeological components of the Inca Trail (the 'Capac Ñan,') the natural beauty of the countryside and the great variety of flora and fauna, including birds and wild animals, and works to design and promote local hiking circuits of worldwide interest.

The Association has works directly with local inhabitants to promote the cultural, ethnic and ecological values of this area, so as to offer its population the opportunity to earn a living through tourist-oriented businesses and activities. For this reason, the assistance, support and interest of the local communities are key parts of this project.

The Scope of the Project

Our project involves hiking routes built and used in the times of the Caxamarcan and Incan travelers, businessmen, messengers and warriors in the geographic triangle formed by San Pablo, Bambamarca and San Marcos, with their respective connections to the Peruvian coast. Through research done in conjunction with the INC and Minera Yanacocha, a great deal of information has been gathered about these routes. All of our projects are carried out in ways that encourage the support and cooperation of the local communities, institutions and individuals, many of whom have helped by providing specific information about places of historic interest along the trails.

One of the most important results of APREC's ongoing research is a set of species lists for the flora, fauna and birds that live in the valley and surrounding watersheds. Together with detailed information about other natural and cultural elements in the region, these lists have been incorporated into written guides designed to accompany scientists and hikers along the routes of one of the historical wonders of the world: the Inca Trails, also knows as the Qhapaq Ñan. In addition to the species lists, these guides include descriptions and photographs of the most important species to be encountered along the trails, and are the cornerstone of the Association's work thus far.

Cajamarca’s beautiful countryside, mild climate, and dramatic history, including the meeting of Atahualpa and Pizarro and the two worlds they represented, provide the perfect setting for the area’s many world-class tourist attractions, including those whose promotion has traditionally lagged behind their vast inherent interest. 

Thus it is that one of APREC's most important goals is to raise public awareness in regard to the region's natural and historical resources, and to bring greater energy to the hospitality and tourism sectors of the local economy.

The identified routes until now are four:

Furthermore many species of flora and fauna have been identified

  59 species of flora

  130 species of birds

Images of birds                              

Av. Manco Cápac 1098, Baños del Inca - Cajamarca, Perú.
Telefax: (51 76) 584300 Fax: (51 76) 584311

mailto:oper@aprec.org