Chacamarca Historic Sanctuary

Prior to the arrival of the conquistadors, the area was occupied by the Pumpush and the Yarovilca cultures and after them, the Incas. == Geography ==

This historic landmark is located at 4105 m of elevation in a high andean plain known as Pampa de Junín. The historic sanctuary spans an area of . == Climate ==

The area has an annual average temperature of 4.8 °C. The rainy season spans from October to April; with an annual average precipitacion of 800 mm. == Ecology ==

Flora The sanctuary also protects part of the puna ecosystem, comprising grasslands and wetlands. Native plant species found at the site include: Festuca dolychophylla, Jarava ichu, Calamagrostris vicunarum, Carex ecuadorica, Alchemilla pinnata, Trichophorum rigidum, Astragalus garbancillo, Distichia muscoides, Plantago rigida, Werneria nubigena, Hypochaeris taraxacoides, Erythranthe glabrata, Gentiana sedifolia, Luzula peruviana, Acaulimalva crenata, Hordeum muticum, Aciachne pulvinata, Azorella diapensioides, Solanum acaule, etc. Fauna Bird species protected in the sanctuary include: the Puna tinamou, the Andean goose, the Andean flicker, the Puna ibis, the chiguanco thrush, the Andean lapwing, the aplomado falcon, Cinclodes spp., Raimondi's yellow finch, the variable hawk, Anas spp., the Andean hillstar, the black-winged ground dove, etc. Among the mammals reported in the area are: the vicuña, Molina's hog-nosed skunk, the Andean fox, and the montane guinea pig. == Activities ==

It is possible to visit the site and have a panoramic view of the plains from two hills inside the sanctuary. There are also archeological sites inside the sanctuary, like the colcas, which were Inca warehouses that once stored food and other goods. == Environmental issues ==

Land tenure conflict with surrounding communities; livestock grazing; illegal hunting; illegal plant extraction and garbage dumping next to the sanctuary are the main issues that threaten the local biodiversity and the preservation of the site. == References ==