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Camisea Gas Project
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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.
📋 Practical info
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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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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History & landmarks
Choquequirao
An impressive Inca city in southern Peru, architecturally very similar to Machu Picchu, but much more isolated.
Machu Picchu
The famous Inca citadel high in the Andes, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a wonder of the world.
Ollantaytambo
One of the best-preserved Inca towns with an impressive fortress, located in the Sacred Valley.
Moray
An Inca archaeological site consisting of deep, circular terraces dug into the earth.
Sacsayhuamán
A massive Inca fortress near Cusco, known for its massive, seamlessly fitted stone blocks.
Cusco Cathedral
The magnificent main church on the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, built on the foundations of an ancient Inca palace.
Cristo Blanco
A large white statue of Jesus on Pukamoqo Hill, watching over the city of Cusco with open arms.
Coricancha
The most important sun temple of the Inca Empire in Cusco, upon whose ruins the Spanish built the Church of Santo Domingo.
Nature
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Vilcabamba
The last refuge of the Inca Empire before the complete conquest by the Spanish.
Otishi National Park
A protected mountain forest in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, rich in waterfalls and endemic species.
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Quillabamba Cacao Farms
The center of Peruvian cacao production in the tropical forest of Cusco, prized for its fine-flavor premium cacao.
Machupicchu Butterfly House
An educational center and sanctuary for butterflies near the famous ruins, showing the life cycle of local species.
Salcantay
Salcantay is the highest peak in the Cordillera Vilcabamba and a famous alternative trekking peak en route to Machu Picchu.
Megantoni Sanctuary
A hard-to-reach protected region that forms a vital bridge between the Andean highlands and the Amazon rainforest.
Qorikancha
The most important temple of the Inca Empire, dedicated to the sun god Inti, on which the Spanish built a monastery.
Puka Pukara
An Inca military ruin whose name means 'Red Fortress'.