Villa Carmen Biological Station

Photo of Villa Carmen
Photo by Adrian Tejedor

In 2010, the Amazon Conservation Association (ACA), in partnership with the American Bird Conservancy and the World Land Trust, provided funding for the purchase of 7,576 acres of land in southern Peru by ACA's sister organization, La Asociación para la Conservación de la Cuenca Amazónica (ACCA). Located near the Rio Pini Pini and the Rio Tono in the Manu Biosphere Reserve, the land is particularly esteemed for its bird activity, as it is home to more than 600 known species. This purchase will help to ensure the protection and prosperity of wildlife in the region.

Villa Carmen Biological Station and reserve supports a wide variety of habitats including old-growth rainforest, lower mountain forest, secondary forests, streams, rivers, waterfalls, and a highly diverse flora and fauna. It has an all-weather road, and is accessible by car and by boats going up the Madre de Dios river.  ACCA is overseeing management of Villa Carmen, which will be used to promote sustainable agroforestry and aquaculture, host educational programs, serve as a biological research station, and further incorporate local communities into conservation efforts.

 

Quick Facts about Villa Carmen

Location: 1.5 km north of the town of Pillcopata, district of Kcosñipata, Cusco, Peru.

Geographic coordinates: -12.8955, -71.4038

Elevation: 520-1200 meters

Precipitation: 4000 mm/year; driest in August & wettest in February (rainy season Nov-March). See 2011 and 2012 rainfall data from Villa Carmen.

Temperature: Annual average 22°C; maximum temperature 32°C (during sunny days August - November) and down to 10°C (during cold fronts May - August)

Area of reserve: 3,065 hectares

Prevailing wind: NNE

Vegetation: Premontane rainforest, lower mountain rainforest, bamboo forest, riparian succesional vegetation, secondary succesional vegetation, crops and pasture.

Area of reserve: 3,066 hectares (7,576 acres)

Percent forest cover: 92%

Trail system: 40 km, elevation gain 680 m, easy to difficult 

Accommodations: Currently we can provide three double cottages with private bathroom, four double rooms with shared bathrooms, and three dormitories with shared bathrooms for 12 people each, for a total lodging capacity for 50 visitors. Wilderness camping is permitted.

Other facilities: laboratory, multipurpose meeting space, 24 hour electricity and internet access

District population: 4,700 inhabitants, 97% of which are Andean colonos, 2% Machiguenga and Wachiperi, and 1% from coastal/northern Peru or other countries

Mammal sightings: See maps of mammal sightings at Villa Carmen from September 2011, October 2011, November 2011, or December 2011.

"The tree fern garden was one of the most astonishing things I observed, and a vivid memory of my time at Villa Carmen."
--Dr. Caroline Chaboo, University of Kansas

To learn more:

  • Interested in visiting Villa Carmen? Email
  • Interested in volunteering at Villa Carmen? Also see our volunteer blog
  • Visit Villa Carmen's page on Facebook
  • Read a blog about a day of birding at Villa Carmen
  • Current visitors, download our Visitor Services Guide and Code of Conduct (pdf)

TOP

Photo of macaws

Resident macaws (Ara macao) at the Hacienda. Photo: Adrian Tejedor

Clouds over the mountains of Villa Carmen

Clouds roll over the hillsides of Villa Carmen. Photo: Adrian Tejedor

Jaguar at Villa Carmen

Jaguar caught passing a camera trap at night at Villa Carmen in October 2011. Photo: ACA

Photo of Morpho butterfly

Morpho helenor butterfly at Villa Carmen. Photo: Adrian Tejedor

Clouds over the mountains of Villa Carmen

Cave Swift Waterfall at Villa Carmen. Photo: Adrian Tejedor



red tapestry