Rio Abiseo National Park

The area that is now part of Río Abiseo National Park preserves evidence of pre-Hispanic occupations linked to the Chachapoyas tradition. Among its most representative sites is the Gran Pajatén archaeological complex, known for its circular stone buildings, geometric decorations, and anthropomorphic figures. Los Pinchudos also stands out, an archaeological complex associated with funerary contexts and located in a hard-to-access environment.

Description

Río Abiseo National Park is located on the Amazonian slope of the Eastern Andes, in the department of San Martín. It was created on August 11, 1983, and covers an area of 274,520 hectares. Its importance lies in the protection of cloud forests, high jungle, endemic species, and pre-Hispanic archaeological sites. Due to its natural and cultural values, it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Location

Río Abiseo National Park is located in the province of Mariscal Cáceres, department of San Martín, west of the town of Huicungo. It extends across an area of mountains, cloud forests, ravines, and rivers, in the transition zone between the tropical Andes and the Peruvian Amazon.

Attractions

Río Abiseo National Park stands out for its high jungle landscapes, cloud forests, archaeological sites, and endemic species.

• Gran Pajatén is one of the park’s most representative archaeological sites. It is known for its circular stone structures and decorations with geometric and anthropomorphic motifs. Due to its fragility and remote location, it is not part of a mass tourism circuit.
• Los Pinchudos is an archaeological complex associated with funerary contexts. It stands out for its structures located in a difficult-to-access mountain setting and for its anthropomorphic wooden carvings.
• El Breo Waterfall is one of the most visited attractions in the Alto Huayabamba area. Its waterfalls, surrounded by high jungle vegetation, are part of the circuits usually reached by river from the Huicungo or Juanjuí area, depending on the program booked.
• Ecosystems and wildlife: the park protects cloud forests and high jungle areas where species such as the yellow-tailed woolly monkey, the Andean bear, the Andean cock-of-the-rock, deer, birds, and a great diversity of orchids can be found. Wildlife observation requires patience, silence, and the support of specialized guides.

Best Time to Travel

The best time to visit Río Abiseo National Park is usually between May and October, during the dry season. During these months, the rivers generally offer better conditions for navigation, and the trails are more accessible. Between December and March, heavy rains can make transportation, navigation, and hiking more difficult.

Opening Hours

Schedules vary depending on the attraction or excursion. To book tours and visits to natural areas, consult CuscoPeru.com, an authorized tourism agency that will help you organize your trip in an accessible and safe way.