Río Abiseo National Park:
UNESCO Jewel of Biodiversity and Archaeology in Peru

🏞️ Río Abiseo National Park UNESCO World Heritage

The Río Abiseo National Park (PNRA), created on August 11, 1983 by Supreme Decree No. 064-83-AG, is a protected area of 274,520 hectares located in the Mariscal Cáceres province, San Martín department. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 (cultural) and then in 1992 (mixed natural and cultural), it shares this unique distinction in Peru with the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

🎯 Objectives of Río Abiseo National Park

The park's main mission is to protect the cloud forests of the "ceja de selva" "Eyebrow of the jungle" - transition zone between the Andes and Amazon, characterized by dense vegetation and frequent fog and the high forest, while conserving endangered wildlife species. It also aims to protect the archaeological complexes of Gran Pajatén Circular Chachapoyas citadel perched at 2850m, famous for its anthropomorphic friezes and unique architecture and Los Pinchudos Funerary complex with sarcophagi and carved wooden idols, clinging to a vertiginous cliff and to maintain the ecological balance of the Abiseo, Túmac and Montecristo river basins.

Exceptional Ecological Importance

• 22% puna grasslands High-altitude ecosystem (>3500m) of the Andes characterized by grasslands, cold climate and strong thermal variations
• 53% mountain forests
• 25% premontane forests Mid-altitude forests (800-1800m) in transition to tropical rainforest
• Core zone of the biosphere reserve UNESCO recognition that promotes conservation and sustainable development Gran Pajatén (UNESCO 2016)

🐒 Biodiversity of Río Abiseo National Park

Remarkable Fauna: 900 Recorded Species

• 181 mammal species including the yellow-tailed woolly monkey Lagothrix flavicauda - Endemic critically endangered primate, treasure of the park (Lagothrix flavicauda)
• 409 bird species including the king vulture Sarcoramphus papa - Large colorful vulture of tropical forests
• 17 reptiles, 30 amphibians, 14 fish
• 250 invertebrates documented
• 27 endemic species of Peru in the western sector

Exceptional Flora: 1,134 Species

• Medicinal species: Dragon's blood Croton lechleri - Healing red sap used in traditional medicine , Cat's claw Uncaria tomentosa - Medicinal vine that stimulates the immune system
• Precious woods: Cedar Cedrela odorata - Highly sought aromatic wood , Mahogany Swietenia macrophylla - Noble wood threatened by deforestation , Tornillo Cedrelinga catenaeformis - Giant tree with tabular roots
• Endangered species: Mountain cedar Cedrela montana - Andean conifer in critical danger , Romerillo Prumnopitys montana - Ancient conifer of high altitudes
• Orchids, bromeliads, tree ferns

🏺 Pre-Inca Archaeological Sites Río Abiseo

The park is home to more than 144 archaeological sites from the Chachapoyas culture, including the famous complexes of Gran Pajatén and Los Pinchudos. These exceptional remains testify to sophisticated pre-Columbian occupation in this remote environment.

Main Archaeological Sites

• Gran Pajatén: Circular stone citadel with human divinities
• Los Pinchudos: Funerary complex with intact wooden idols
• Cerro Central: Approximately 200 buildings
• Las Papayas: 100 structures with carved stone
• La Playa, Apisunchu, Alpamachay, Manachaqui

🔍 Recent Discoveries (2025)

A joint expedition revealed new structures associated with Gran Pajatén, including a residential area and ceremonial remains, shedding light on the urban complexity of the Chachapoyas.

🗺️ Visiting Río Abiseo National Park

🌤️ Climate and Best Time to Visit

Humid tropical climate with average temperature above 18°C and rainfall exceeding 750 mm. The dry season (May to October) is ideal for visits, with more stable conditions and better visibility for wildlife observation and hiking.

🚀 Visit Options Offered by Local Agencies

Local travel agencies generally offer two types of experiences to discover the park according to your availability and preferences.

🎯 Natural Attractions and Activities

💦 Waterfalls and Water Points

• Waterfalls: El Oso, Velo de Novia, Shihui, Las Gemelas, El Breo
• Rivers: Abiseo, Montecristo, Túmac, Huallaga
• Lakes: La Empedrada, La Escondida, Negra, Honda, Chúcara

🌳 Ecosystems and Natural Formations

• Forests: Mountain, cloud, dwarf, Andean, tornillal
• Rock Formations: Farallón de los Pinchudos, Caja Ñahui
• Caves: Cueva de los Muertos, Cueva de los Franceses

🏃 Proposed Activities

📍 Access and Practical Organization

• Starting point: Tarapoto Main access city, known as "the city of palm trees" or Juanjuí Ideal base on the banks of the Huallaga River, gateway to the park
• Transportation: Combis from Tarapoto (2.5 hours) or private car
• Mandatory registration at the Huicungo Interpretation Center

📋 Regulations and Contacts

Due to its preserved nature and ecological fragility, access to Río Abiseo National Park is strictly regulated. Visits require special authorization and must be accompanied by authorized guides.

🗺️ Interactive Map of Río Abiseo National Park