In Peru, there are many Private Conservation Areas (ACP), meaning individuals turn their land into private nature reserves to protect local wildlife and vegetation. These initiatives are increasingly common, but in the Amazonas region in northern Peru, they remain rare. Today, we present the Milpuj La Heredad Private Conservation Area, managed by Perico.
Milpuj La Heredad Private Conservation Area
Nestled in the northern Peruvian Andes, just 1 hour 30 minutes from Chachapoyas, Milpuj La Heredad is a true natural sanctuary. Passionately managed by Perico, this pioneering family initiative is dedicated to preserving the unique ecosystem of the dry Andean forest, a rare and threatened biome. Originally from Chachapoyas, Lola left the region at the age of 15 and returned in 2002 to live there once again. In 2006, Perico joined her. Together they began restoring and maintaining the property, which they transformed into a guesthouse with hiking trails for visitors.
The Property
The property covers 70 hectares, although only 16 hectares are officially classified as a conservation area. Perico focuses mainly on reforesting the land with native tree species such as Tara and a type of cedar called Cedro kuelapensis, a species unique to the region and named by a specialist from the Edinburgh Botanical Garden in 2010. The upper slope of the property is crossed by the Inca Trail, which leads to Chachapoyas. Thanks to a hidden camera, Perico even managed to film a Colocolo Leopard, a very rare feline that crossed the property.
Perico also maintains 14 beehives, which help fund the conservation area. In addition, they have created several guest rooms, all tastefully decorated and cozy. Each room has hot water and a private bathroom.
Milpuj thus protects an extraordinary biodiversity: centuries-old trees, orchids, pumas, and many other species. But this place is much more than a conservation area – it’s a sustainable life project, combining responsible ecotourism, environmental education, and cultural tradition
Accommodation – La Casa de Doña Lola
La Casa de Doña Lola is a small and charming guesthouse tucked away in the lowest part of the private conservation area ACP Milpuj. It is located right in the heart of the dry forest. Simplicity is key here: the rooms are modest yet comfortable and the home-cooked meals are delicious. At night, silence reigns – no noise, no lights. It’s the perfect spot for peaceful stargazing.
Perico has created trails that wind through ancient agricultural terraces, a stretch of Inca road, and the surrounding forest. It’s a gentle and respectful way to explore this unique landscape. I explain more about this just below.
In a truly ecological spirit, he recently built a small two-room cabin using wood salvaged after the 2024 wildfires. The walls are insulated with 3,000 plastic bottles, slowly collected over the years by the children of the nearby village school in Nogalcucho – a project aimed at raising environmental awareness.
To go even further in preserving the environment, solar panels and a solar water heater have been installed. And a campfire area was created near the main house.
Reforestation in ACP Milpuj, by Perico
For our travelers passing through the Amazonas region, we have created a partnership with Perico to support him in reforesting his nature reserve — especially following the devastating wildfires of summer 2024.
Reforesting their 70-hectare property is a huge responsibility for them. And reforesting is expensive!
How does reforestation work?
In short, reforestation of course means replanting trees where they have been cut down or burned. So far, so simple 🙂
But it’s important to understand that reforestation — meaning planting a new tree — has a higher chance of success or survival if the tree planted is stronger to begin with, meaning taller. Naturally, these larger trees are more expensive than small seedlings.
What does that mean?
- Perico has created his own tree nursery to grow small saplings. But he also sources small trees from surrounding ACPs.
- One must take into account all the care that a young tree needs. It requires regular attention — watering, and protection from disease. Many young shoots do not survive.
- Of course, one could buy or replant a larger tree, which has a better chance of taking root and surviving. But in that case, either the purchase is more expensive, or the nursery phase is longer and also incurs extra cost.
- In both cases, the following must be considered: planting the small tree in the nursery, or buying the tree and transporting it to the ACP, and finally planting it in its permanent location (meaning someone must take it to the future site, dig the hole, plant the tree, and water it).
How much does it cost to replant a tree in Milpuj?
Perico estimates that the cost of one tree is around 50 soles. This includes:
- Nursery care
- Planting
- Care until the tree can survive on its own (approximately 3 to 5 years
Protection of wildlife at the ACP Milpuj La Heredad
Of course, you can also choose to adopt a tree with Perico without traveling with us!
Or perhaps you would prefer to get involved in protecting the area’s endemic wildlife instead of reforestation? That is absolutely possible!
For several years now, Perico has been monitoring wildlife on his property using a dozen hidden cameras (thanks to donations from nature-loving friends). Among other things, he has observed the presence of the Colo Colo leopard, a little-studied species until now and seriously threatened with extinction.
Colo Colos are frequently hit by cars during the dry season, when they leave the nature reserve to go drink from the river. (We ourselves once saw young deer in this area one morning — it was amazing, but we couldn’t help thinking about the danger they face every day just to get water.) A local resident recently brought a dead Colo Colo leopard to Perico. He is currently having it stuffed so he can later display it in his future interpretation center, to help raise awareness among the local population.
To protect the Colo Colos, Perico has built water points in strategic locations. This helps prevent the leopards from crossing the road. These water points serve not only to provide drinking water to animals, but also to nearby plants.
If you would like to contribute to this initiative as part of your booking (rather than to the reforestation effort), Perico will of course provide a Certificate for your support.
While waiting to gather the necessary funds to begin work, Perico is planning to make keychains in the shape of a small stuffed leopard to sell.
Activities within and around the Milpuj La Heredad Private Conservation Area
Guided Tour of Milpuj – 3 to 4 hours
The tour begins at Doña Lola’s House, then continues to the Chachapoya archaeological site. From where visitors can observe agricultural terraces (andenería) as well as the foundations of ancient homes and crop storage buildings. A short break is planned at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the valley, before joining the prehispanic trail known as Qhapaq Ñan.
The second stop is at the Portal of Connection with Life, where visitors are invited to tie a ribbon onto the Quipu of Wishes, a symbolic gesture. From there, the descent continues toward the Milpuj ravine. There is an optional visit to the first wildlife drinking station of its kind in Latin America. After the wildfires of 2024, Perico built several reservoirs, totaling over 100,000 liters of water. These serve both for reforestation efforts and as retention basins in case of future fires.
The third stop takes place beneath the sacred fig tree, a site for ritual reconnection with Nature.
The fourth stop leads to the ecological restoration project and the voluntary tree adoption program, in which visitors can choose to participate upon request.
Finally, the tour ends by descending through the Milpuj ravine, returning to Doña Lola’s House.
Projects carried out at the ACP Milpuj.
During the tour, Perico explains how he and his team began restoring the seasonal dry forest around Milpuj in 2007, planting native species and monitoring wildlife with camera traps since 2014.
These cameras have recorded the presence of mammals such as the ocelot, pampas cat, white-tailed deer, opossum, and the mountain paca.
They have also installed an automated wildlife watering system near the road. Being connected to rooftops or reservoirs, these devices collect and filter rainwater. Then, they mix it with salt to attract animals and reduce road mortality. The drinkers fill automatically and only require cleaning every 15 to 20 days.
This tour offers visitors an insight into Perico’s conservation work while enjoying breathtaking views of the Utcubamba Valley – a truly unique and inspiring experience. A wish ceremony or tree planting can also be arranged for guests upon request.
Visit to Kuelap from Milpuj – Minimum 5 hours
Just 15 minutes from Milpuj is Nuevo Tingo, the access point to the cable cars leading to Kuelap, the impressive pre-Inca citadel. From there, it takes about 35 minutes to reach La Malca (via bus and cable car), located at nearly 3,000 meters above sea level, followed by another 30-minute walk to reach the entrance of the fortress.
The guided visit of Kuelap lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Guests will learn about this administrative and religious capital of the Chachapoya culture, which spans over 7 hectares and includes around 450 circular house foundations.
Kuelap is 1,000 years older than Machu Picchu. Its location, at 3,000 meters altitude, surrounded by trees and bromeliads, gives it a mystical atmosphere. The visit to Kuelap can also be combined with other excursions, such as the Mausoleums of Revash.
Participating in the Minga in Nuevo Huacas – Half-day activity
Nuevo Huacas is a village located at 2,800 meters above sea level, about 2 hours 30 minutes from Chachapoyas but only 1 hour and 15 minutes from the Milpuj Private Conservation Area making it an ideal destination for a half-day excursion.
The villagers of Nuevo Huacas are part of the network of activities included in the Ecomuseum, along with the community of San Bartolo (which is also the starting point for the Revash Mausoleums). They aim to showcase the living culture and traditions of these different communities.
The tradition in Nuevo Huacas is called the Minga – the act of coming together to accomplish a task that would be much harder and more tedious for one person or family to do alone, such as sowing, clearing a field, or harvesting.
Not only does the owner of the field invite other villagers for a day of work – but also for one of celebration. Accompanied by musicians, the group of volunteers first meets at the host’s house for a hearty breakfast before heading out to the field to complete the day’s task. On site, the musicians continue to play and encourage the workers. There’s also guarapo, a local energizing fermented drink made from sugar cane, to give strength and motivation. Lunch is brought by the women and shared directly in the field before the group continues working.
When travelers participate, they are also invited to try on traditional clothing and exchange with members of the community, who are happy to share this custom with visitors.
La Jalca Grande – legends and stories ½ day
It was here, in 1538, that the Spanish made their first attempt to establish a colony in the region. But then, the harsh climate forced them to relocate. Eventually they founded what we now know as Chachapoyas, whose founding is celebrated every year on September 5th.
To reach La Jalca, at 2,800 m altitude, it takes about 1h30 from the ACP Milpuj, and approximately 3 hours from Chachapoyas. We therefore recommend combining this visit with one or two nights at Perico’s place.
The leader of the association will welcome you on the Plaza de Armas, and the tour will begin with a visit to the village church. La Jalca is known for its 16th-century church. Unfortunately, the tower, also well known, collapsed during the last earthquake in October 2021.
Since joining the Chachapoyas Ecomuseum, La Jalca Grande has highlighted the village’s own traditions, along with the region’s legends and myths.
The village storyteller welcomes visitors and shares various local myths, especially the legend of Juan el Osito. It is a rather sad tale, but one that comes back to life every year during San Juan, on June 24th. Then it is reenacted by villagers in costume on the Plaza de Armas, accompanied by dancers and musicians.
Just outside the village, a visit to the archaeological site of Ollape is a must. It is a sort of mini-Kuelap, far less visited, but featuring the same symbolic elements and decorative friezes.
