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Camisea Gas Project

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Camisea Gas Project (Peru)

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The Camisea Gas Project, located in the Echarate district of the Cusco region, is the most important energy undertaking in Peruvian history. It exploits massive natural gas reserves in the Urubamba Basin, originally discovered by Shell in the 1980s. The project is operated by a consortium led by Pluspetrol and commenced operations in 2004. The gas is transported via pipelines across the Andes to the Pacific coast, where it is used for the domestic market or liquefied at the Pampa Melchorita plant for export. Camisea has fundamentally transformed Peru's energy matrix by enabling clean and cost-effective electricity generation. Revenue from gas royalties (canon) serves as a critical source of funding for the Cusco region and the national government.

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📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
Situated deep within the remote Amazon rainforest of the Cusco region, this exceptionally large extraction initiative significantly drives Peru's domestic energy supply and lucrative natural gas export capabilities.
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Visiting
Due to its extreme remote location in ecologically sensitive jungle terrain and very strict operational safety protocols, the actual extraction facilities are entirely off-limits to regular tourism.
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Where to view it
There are absolutely no practical viewpoints for regular travellers to see the complex infrastructure, as it remains hidden within dense vegetation and is accessible primarily by expensive specialized transport.
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Local products
The megaproject yields pure natural gas for industrial use, but visitors exploring the broader Cusco region will discover bustling markets offering traditional textiles and indigenous crafts.
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Active season
The massive extraction activities proceed year-round without any interruption, while general tourism and wildlife expeditions in the nearby Amazon areas peak during the drier season between May and October.
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Nearby
While strictly avoiding the highly restricted industrial zones from afar, travellers generally combine trips to the Cusco region with exploring the Sacred Valley, historical Inca ruins, and authentic jungle lodges.

Geography

Coordinates
-11.75000, -73.00000

Facts

  • Project operations commenced in 2004
  • Located in the Urubamba Basin (Cusco region)
  • Discovered by Shell between 1982 and 1983
  • Transported via high-altitude Andean pipelines
  • Supplies over 40% of Peru's electricity
  • Export capacity via the Pampa Melchorita LNG plant

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Otishi National ParkOtishi National Park40 km · WExplore →
Apurímac RiverApurímac River50 km · SExplore →
Megantoni SanctuaryMegantoni Sanctuary99 km · SEExplore →
Quillabamba Cacao FarmsQuillabamba Cacao Farms127 km · SExplore →
VilcabambaVilcabamba129 km · SExplore →
Manu National ParkManu National Park142 km · EExplore →
Urubamba RiverUrubamba River149 km · SExplore →

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Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Camisea gas project?
It is Peru's most important natural gas production area in the jungle.
Can you go there as a tourist?
No, the project area is closed for ecological reasons.
Why is it so important?
It covers the majority of the national energy demand.
Are there environmental concerns?
Yes, the intervention in the Amazon rainforest is controversial.
Where exactly is the area located?
In the basin of the Urubamba River, deep in the Peruvian jungle.
Camisea Gas Project: where is it located?
Camisea Gas Project is located in Peru.
Camisea Gas Project: why is it worth visiting?
The Camisea Gas Project, located in the Echarate district of the Cusco region, is the most important energy undertaking in Peruvian history.
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Nearby cities

Cusco — Camisea Gas Project (Peru)
Cusco
Former capital of the Inca Empire.

History & landmarks

Machu Picchu — Camisea Gas Project (Peru)
Machu Picchu
The famous Inca citadel high in the Andes, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a wonder of the world.
Choquequirao — Camisea Gas Project (Peru)
Choquequirao
An impressive Inca city in southern Peru, architecturally very similar to Machu Picchu, but much more isolated.
Ollantaytambo — Camisea Gas Project (Peru)
Ollantaytambo
One of the best-preserved Inca towns with an impressive fortress, located in the Sacred Valley.
Moray — Camisea Gas Project (Peru)
Moray
An Inca archaeological site consisting of deep, circular terraces dug into the earth.
Tambomachay — Camisea Gas Project (Peru)
Tambomachay
An Inca archaeological site that served as a sanctuary dedicated to water or baths of the Inca.
Pisac Ruins — Camisea Gas Project (Peru)
Pisac Ruins
An extensive Inca site in the Sacred Valley, known for its huge agricultural terraces and ceremonial centers.
Sacsayhuamán — Camisea Gas Project (Peru)
Sacsayhuamán
A massive Inca fortress near Cusco, known for its massive, seamlessly fitted stone blocks.
Q'enqo — Camisea Gas Project (Peru)
Q'enqo
One of the largest Inca sanctuaries in the Cusco region, known for its channels and altars carved into the limestone rock.

Nature

Urubamba River — Camisea Gas Project (Peru)
Urubamba River
The Urubamba River forms the Sacred Valley of the Incas and flows past the historical site of Machu Picchu.

More places

Otishi National Park — Camisea Gas Project (Peru)
Otishi National Park
A protected mountain forest in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, rich in waterfalls and endemic species.
Megantoni Sanctuary — Camisea Gas Project (Peru)
Megantoni Sanctuary
A hard-to-reach protected region that forms a vital bridge between the Andean highlands and the Amazon rainforest.
🗺️
Quillabamba Cacao Farms
The center of Peruvian cacao production in the tropical forest of Cusco, prized for its fine-flavor premium cacao.
Vilcabamba — Camisea Gas Project (Peru)
Vilcabamba
The last refuge of the Inca Empire before the complete conquest by the Spanish.
Machupicchu Butterfly House — Camisea Gas Project (Peru)
Machupicchu Butterfly House
An educational center and sanctuary for butterflies near the famous ruins, showing the life cycle of local species.
Salcantay — Camisea Gas Project (Peru)
Salcantay
Salcantay is the highest peak in the Cordillera Vilcabamba and a famous alternative trekking peak en route to Machu Picchu.
Puka Pukara — Camisea Gas Project (Peru)
Puka Pukara
An Inca military ruin whose name means 'Red Fortress'.
Pisac — Camisea Gas Project (Peru)
Pisac
Inca ruins with extensive agricultural terraces above the Sacred Valley.