Pagaibamba Protection Forest, Protected forest in Querocoto, Peru

Pagaibamba Protection Forest is a 2,078.38-hectare protected area in Querocoto district, Chota province, Cajamarca, Peru. It protects a mountainous area cut by small creeks, with elevations between 2,300 and 2,800 meters according to the English source, while the Spanish source gives 2,400 to 3,732 meters. The vegetation is wet tropical mountain forest, with tall grasses growing among the trees.

The forest was officially designated as a protected area in 1987 through government resolution. This formal recognition established measures to safeguard its natural ecosystems and resources.

The forest lies in the Pachacútec peasant community of Querocoto district, Chota province, Cajamarca. Its name comes from the Quechua place name Pagaibamba, and the area is managed to guarantee drinking water for the districts of Querocoto, Huambos and Llama. Local people also know the forest for the wild guinea pigs (cuyes silvestres) that live among the tree ferns and thickets.

The area is accessible for hiking and nature observation, but visitors should prepare for high altitude and challenging terrain. Weather conditions can change quickly, so appropriate gear and acclimatization time are important considerations.

The rodent Thomasomys pagaibambensis is known only from this forest, and the frog Pristimantis chimu has also been recorded here. The forest lies in the Querocoto district of Chota Province, Cajamarca, and was established on 19 June 1987 by Supreme Resolution No. 0222-87-AG/DGFF, covering 2,078.38 hectares.