In order to protect the high mountain ecosystem of the Huayhuash mountain range, the Huayhuash reserved zone was created on December 24th of 2002.

     This designation protects the biodiversity of this region; which includes 272 species of plants, 61 bird species, 14 species of mammals and 2 species of amphibians and fishes. Travelers can also observe the Quenuales forests. The Quenual is a native tree species that can grow at more than 16,000 feet above sea level, making it the tree species that grows at the highest elevation on earth.

     The total area of the Huayhuash Reserved Zone is 67,589 hectares. This mountain range has 7 peaks over 20,000 feet; including Mountain Jerupaja, which is the second largest peak in Peru, with an altitude of 21,710 feet. The Huayhuash mountain range belongs to 7 communities. Llamac and Pacllon are located on the Ancash region, Jesus and Tupac Amaru are in the region of Huanuco, and Urumaza and Huayllapa is located in the region of Lima. The average temperature of Huayhuash mountain range is between 30º F and 40º F.