Tingo María National Park in Huánuco, Peru
Wildlife & Flora

🧭 General Overview

Tingo María National Park (PNTM), established in 1965, is Peru's second protected natural area. It harbors biodiversity typical of mountain forest ("selva alta") and unique landscapes including:

1. "The Sleeping Beauty": Iconic mountain range resembling a reclining woman
2. Geographical boundaries:
   • North: Monzón River
   • East: Huallaga River (including tourist sites like Cueva de las Pavas)
   • South: Tres de Mayo Ravine
   • West: Gloriapata Waterfalls area and Perdido River

🏞️ Natural Features

Geography

• Altitude: 600-1,800 meters
• Crystal-clear rivers and waterfalls
• Limestone caves including the famous Cueva de las Lechuzas

🏞️ Major Attractions

• Cueva de las Lechuzas (Cave of the Owls): Flagship tourist site
• Lush waterfalls
• Critical ecosystems for:
  • ✓ Water resource preservation
  • ✓ Scientific research
  • ✓ Environmental education

Special feature: The park combines natural heritage (unique geological formations) and ecological importance (Andean-Amazonian biodiversity).

🐦 Birds (364 species)

• Iconic species:
  • Andean cock-of-the-rock (Peru's national bird)
  • Oilbirds (cave-dwelling birds)
  • Parrots, woodpeckers, toucans
• Observation areas: Tres de Mayo sector, Cueva de las Lechuzas, Quinceañera

🐾 Mammals

• Predators:
  • Puma, jaguar, ocelot, margay
• Other species:
  • Otter, capybara (world's largest rodent)
  • Monkeys (titi, saddleback tamarin), peccary

🦋 Butterflies (320 species)

• Including the famous Morpho with metallic blue wings

🌿 Flora (high jungle)

• High zone (1800 m):
  • Dense forest with mosses, lichens
  • Epiphytic bromeliads and orchids
• Low zone (700 m):
  • Giant trees (Lauraceae, Myristicaceae)
  • Tree ferns
• Notable species: Cumala, requia blanca, moena (precious woods)

Special feature: High-biodiversity ecosystem blending Andean and Amazonian species, with vegetation stratified by altitude.

The park has three major tourist areas:

1. Cueva de las Lechuzas (★ Main attraction)

• Location: 7 km from Tingo María (10 min by car)
• Highlights:
  • Spectacular cave with millennia-old stalactites/stalagmites
  • Habitat of oilbirds (cave-dwelling birds), bats and porcupines
  • Picnic area and swimming in Cueva River
• Services: Guides, snacks, handicrafts, toilets
• Hours: 8am-5:30pm
• Activities: Birdwatching, ecocamping, hiking

2. Tres de Mayo (Pristine nature)

• Location: 14 km south (20 min by car + suspension bridge)
• Features:
  • Orchid garden and butterfly house
  • 3 crystal-clear waterfalls (Gloriapata, Sol Naciente, Salto del Ángel)
  • Medicinal forest and rare birds
• Services: Lodging, local dining
• Hours: 8am-3pm
• Activities: Trekking, community tourism, waterfall visits

3. Quinceañera (Water adventure)

• Location: 7 km (10 min by car + huaro crossing - traditional boat)
• Special features:
  • 43-meter waterfall surrounded by tropical vegetation
  • Premontane humid forest area
• Services: River crossing, snacks
• Hours: 8am-4pm
• Activities: Swimming, biodiversity observation

Common features:

• ✓ All sectors offer flora/fauna observation
• ✓ Easy access from Tingo María
• ✓ Local food products available on site

🌦️ Climate of Tingo María National Park

• Type: Humid tropical and rainy
• Average temperature: 24.5°C (warm year-round)
• Rainfall: 3,000 to 3,500 mm/year (frequent heavy rains)
• Relative humidity: 80% (very humid atmosphere)

⚠️ Practical Tips

• ✓ Pack lightweight clothing and rain gear
• ✓ Best period: June to September (less rainy)
• ✓ Avoid December to March (heaviest rains)

Note: This climate fosters the lush biodiversity of the tropical rainforest.

🎟️ 2025 Fees

• General: S/. 30.00
• Nationals:
  • Adults: S/. 12.00
  • Children*: S/. 6.00
• Locals:
  • Adults: S/. 6.00
  • Children*: S/. 3.00

*: ages 5 to 16

📍 Access

• From Tingo María: 5 km to main entrance (15 min by shared taxi)

🐒 A natural sanctuary where Amazonian biodiversity reveals itself!

Around the park's tourist sites, you'll find various dining options:

On site

• Local snacks: Fresh fruits, sandwiches and drinks sold near main attractions
• Small stalls: Serving simple, typical regional dishes

In Tingo María

• Regional cuisine: Several establishments offer Peruvian specialties
• Local markets: To discover fresh regional products

Various types of accommodations are available depending on your preferences:

Park border

• Eco-lodges: For nature immersion
• Simple shelters: Budget option near trails

In Tingo María

• Standard hotels: All budgets, 10-15 minutes from park
• Hostels: Friendly local atmosphere

Tingo María National Park offers a complete nature experience:

• Discovery of unique ecosystems between Andes and Amazon
• Adventure opportunities (hiking, swimming, wildlife watching)
• Immersion in protected Peruvian biodiversity

Whether you come for a day or several days, each visit contributes to protecting this ecological gem.

🌳 A must-see for lovers of authentic nature!