Plizio Visual Lab

Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Forest

Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park (Peru)

Weather…

The Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park is located in the Pasco region of central Peru and protects a vital section of the eastern Andean slopes. The park spans a vast altitudinal range from 460 to 3,643 meters, encompassing a mosaic of tropical lowland rainforests and mist-shrouded cloud forests. The dramatic topography of the Yanachaga mountain range fosters exceptional biodiversity, with over 500 bird species and rare mammals such as the spectacled bear and the jaguar. Historically, the area is deeply connected to the Yanesha and Asháninka indigenous peoples, who have sustainably managed the land for centuries. The park is part of the Oxapampa-Asháninka-Yanesha Biosphere Reserve, which was recognized by UNESCO in 2010. For scientists, the area is of inestimable value, as its steep slopes have kept it largely untouched by modern agriculture or road construction.

Location: Peru
Nearby: Tarma (52 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	14	14	14	14	14	13	13	14	15	15	15	15
Rain mm	50	56	52	24	20	14	14	12	14	32	39	64

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The main gateway is the town of Oxapampa. From there, various sectors of the park are reachable via unpaved roads using high-clearance vehicles or local buses scheduled from the town center.

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Best season

The dry season from May to September is the best time for a visit. During these months, trails are less muddy and the visibility of the misty montane cloud forests is significantly better.

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Terrain & paths

The cloud forest terrain is extremely steep and rugged. Trails are often narrow, slippery, and lead through dense vegetation with significant elevation changes over very short distances.

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What to bring

Waterproof hiking boots, high-quality rain gear, and insect repellent are a must. Since it gets dark quickly in the forest, a flashlight should be part of every visitor's basic equipment.

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Parking

Limited parking is available at the official ranger stations, such as Huampal. It is advisable to arrange transport from Oxapampa to avoid leaving vehicles unattended in remote park areas.

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Safety

Be prepared for rapid weather changes and high humidity. Always inform the rangers of your planned route and use trekking poles for better stability on the often slippery forest paths.

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Time needed

Most visitors spend at least a full day in the park. For exploring more remote sectors or undertaking multi-day trekking tours, you should plan additional time and bring sufficient supplies.