Río Abiseo National Park
Location: Northeastern Peru
Year of Inscription: 1990
Criteria: (iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(vii)to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Río Abiseo National Park is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and cultural heritage. It is a protected area that encompasses a vast expanse of tropical rainforest, high mountains, and archaeological sites. The park is home to various species of flora and fauna, including several endangered and endemic species.
Prominent Features:
History: The history of Río Abiseo National Park dates back thousands of years. It was inhabited by indigenous cultures, including the Chachapoya and the Incas. The archaeological sites within the park bear witness to the ancient civilizations that once flourished in the area.
Family-Friendly Activities: While Río Abiseo National Park is known for its rugged terrain and remote location, there are still family-friendly activities to enjoy. These may include guided hikes through the rainforest, visits to archaeological sites, birdwatching, and exploring the natural wonders of the park.
Fun Fact: Río Abiseo National Park boasts a remarkable variety of ecosystems, ranging from high-altitude puna grasslands to cloud forests and lowland rainforests.
Entry Fees: Permits are requied from Peru's Park Service
How to Reach It: Access to Río Abiseo National Park can be challenging due to its remote location. The park can be reached by taking a domestic flight from Lima to the nearby city of Tarapoto. From Tarapoto, it is necessary to hire a local guide and arrange transportation to reach the park. It is important to plan your visit in advance and make necessary arrangements with local tour operators or park authorities.
Where to Stay: Accommodation options near Río Abiseo National Park are limited, given its remote location. It is advisable to stay in Tarapoto or nearby towns, where you can find a range of hotels, guesthouses, and eco-lodges. These accommodations can serve as a base for exploring the park, and they often offer guided tours and transportation services to Río Abiseo National Park.
Next Stop: Huascarán National Park
Year of Inscription: 1990
Criteria: (iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(vii)to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Río Abiseo National Park is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and cultural heritage. It is a protected area that encompasses a vast expanse of tropical rainforest, high mountains, and archaeological sites. The park is home to various species of flora and fauna, including several endangered and endemic species.
Prominent Features:
- Tropical Rainforest: Río Abiseo National Park boasts a pristine and diverse tropical rainforest ecosystem, known for its lush vegetation, towering trees, and abundant wildlife.
- Archaeological Sites: The park is also home to important archaeological sites, including pre-Inca and Inca ruins. These sites offer insights into the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region.
- Gran Pajaten: One of the most notable archaeological sites within the park is Gran Pajaten, an impressive complex of stone structures and terraces perched on a mountaintop. It is considered one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Peru.
- Scenic Landscapes: The park features breathtaking landscapes, including rugged mountains, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, and pristine rivers. It offers opportunities for hiking, photography, and immersing oneself in nature.
History: The history of Río Abiseo National Park dates back thousands of years. It was inhabited by indigenous cultures, including the Chachapoya and the Incas. The archaeological sites within the park bear witness to the ancient civilizations that once flourished in the area.
Family-Friendly Activities: While Río Abiseo National Park is known for its rugged terrain and remote location, there are still family-friendly activities to enjoy. These may include guided hikes through the rainforest, visits to archaeological sites, birdwatching, and exploring the natural wonders of the park.
Fun Fact: Río Abiseo National Park boasts a remarkable variety of ecosystems, ranging from high-altitude puna grasslands to cloud forests and lowland rainforests.
Entry Fees: Permits are requied from Peru's Park Service
How to Reach It: Access to Río Abiseo National Park can be challenging due to its remote location. The park can be reached by taking a domestic flight from Lima to the nearby city of Tarapoto. From Tarapoto, it is necessary to hire a local guide and arrange transportation to reach the park. It is important to plan your visit in advance and make necessary arrangements with local tour operators or park authorities.
- Travel to the city of Tarapoto: From Trujillo, you can take a bus or fly to the city of Tarapoto. There are several bus companies that offer daily trips between Trujillo and Tarapoto, with a travel time of approximately 8-10 hours. Alternatively, you can take a domestic flight from Trujillo to Tarapoto, which takes about 1 hour.
- Travel from Tarapoto to Juanjuí: From Tarapoto, you can take another bus or hire a private vehicle to travel to the town of Juanjuí, which is the gateway to Río Abiseo National Park. The journey takes around 4-5 hours by road.
- Arrive at the village of Tununtunumba: From Juanjuí, you will need to continue your journey to the village of Tununtunumba, which serves as the main access point to Río Abiseo National Park. This is where you will meet your licensed guide and make necessary arrangements for your visit to the park.
- Trek to Río Abiseo National Park: The park is only accessible by foot, and you will need to embark on a multi-day trek with a licensed guide. The trekking routes vary in difficulty and duration, depending on your chosen itinerary. It's important to be well-prepared, physically fit, and equipped with proper hiking gear.
Where to Stay: Accommodation options near Río Abiseo National Park are limited, given its remote location. It is advisable to stay in Tarapoto or nearby towns, where you can find a range of hotels, guesthouses, and eco-lodges. These accommodations can serve as a base for exploring the park, and they often offer guided tours and transportation services to Río Abiseo National Park.
Next Stop: Huascarán National Park