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Río Abiseo National Park

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Río Abiseo National Park (Peru)

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The Río Abiseo National Park is located in the San Martín region of Peru and was established in 1983 to protect the unique flora and fauna of the montane rainforests. Spanning an area of approximately 274,520 hectares, the park provides a vital habitat for numerous endangered species, such as the yellow-tailed woolly monkey, which was once thought to be extinct. Beyond its ecological value, the park is famous for its archaeological significance, containing over 36 pre-Columbian sites like Gran Pajatén, a monumental complex built by the Chachapoya culture. In 1990, UNESCO designated the area a World Heritage site for both its natural and cultural importance. The park's diverse geography ranges from high-altitude Andean tundras to dense cloud forests, supporting an immense level of biological diversity. Access to the park is strictly controlled to preserve the fragile ecological balance and the ancient ruins from human impact. It stands today as a primary center for scientific research into the history of high-altitude civilizations and the biodiversity of the Eastern Andes.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C141414141313131314151515
Rain mm606280674120201525526555

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Accessing this remote national park typically requires coordinating with authorized tour operators or local guides. The journey often involves traveling from nearby regional hubs like Juanjuí and navigating unpaved local access roads.
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Best season
The dry season, usually falling between May and September, is universally considered the best time for a visit. During the rainy season, the cloud forests experience heavy downpours that can make trails and roads entirely impassable.
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Terrain & paths
Expect highly challenging terrain with steep inclines, dense cloud forest vegetation, and rugged, uneven pathways. The environment can be intensely humid, muddy, and requires excellent physical stamina to navigate safely.
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What to bring
High-quality, waterproof trekking boots with aggressive tread are absolutely essential for the muddy trails. Visitors must bring durable rain gear, warm clothing layers for altitude drops, and plenty of drinking water.
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Parking
There are generally no formal parking facilities near the deep forest trails; vehicles are left at organized staging areas or nearby villages. Most visitors rely completely on transport arranged by their designated tour operators.
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Safety
Navigating the dense, remote cloud forest poses risks of getting lost, so a professional guide is virtually mandatory. Always be prepared for rapid weather changes and the potential effects of high altitude in certain park sectors.
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Time needed
Exploring the montane forests and reaching significant viewpoints or archaeological areas usually requires a multi-day expedition. Even a peripheral day trip into the park boundaries demands a full day of dedicated travel and hiking.

Geography

Coordinates
-7.45000, -77.30000

Facts

  • The park was officially established as a national park in 1983.
  • It covers a total area of approximately 274,520 hectares in the San Martín region.
  • UNESCO designated the park a World Heritage site in 1990 for both cultural and natural criteria.
  • Gran Pajatén is the most famous archaeological site located within the park boundaries.
  • The park is home to the critically endangered yellow-tailed woolly monkey.
  • Over 36 distinct archaeological sites have been documented throughout the park's territory.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Huascarán National Park (Flora & Fauna)Huascarán National Park (Flora & Fauna)47 km · SWExplore →
ChopicalquiChopicalqui50 km · SWExplore →
AlpamayoAlpamayo50 km · SWExplore →
ArtesonrajuArtesonraju51 km · SWExplore →
HuascaránHuascarán53 km · SWExplore →
Llanganuco LakesLlanganuco Lakes53 km · SWExplore →
Chavín de HuántarChavín de Huántar54 km · WExplore →
HuandoyHuandoy55 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the park accessible to tourists?
No, the national park is currently strictly closed to general tourism for conservation reasons.
What makes the park so special?
It houses significant archaeological sites of the Chachapoyas culture and unique mountain cloud forest flora.
Are there researchers who visit the park?
Yes, access is allowed exclusively for scientific research purposes with strict ministry authorization.
Which region does the park cover?
It is located in the Peruvian San Martín region and spans various altitude levels of the Andes.
Why is entry prohibited?
To protect the fragile biodiversity and irreplaceable archaeological ruins from damage caused by mass tourism.
Río Abiseo National Park: where is it located?
Río Abiseo National Park is located in Peru.
Río Abiseo National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Río Abiseo National Park: why is it worth visiting?
The Río Abiseo National Park is located in the San Martín region of Peru and was established in 1983 to protect the unique flora and fauna of the montane rainforests.
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Nearby cities

Huaraz — Río Abiseo National Park (Peru)
Huaraz
The premier hub for trekking and mountaineering in the Peruvian Andes, at the foot of the Cordillera Blanca.
Caraz — Río Abiseo National Park (Peru)
Caraz
The gateway to the majestic Cordillera Blanca, known as "Caraz Dulzura" for its famous handmade sweets.

History & landmarks

Chavín de Huántar — Río Abiseo National Park (Peru)
Chavín de Huántar
An archaeological site and important religious center of the pre-Hispanic Chavín culture in the Peruvian Andes.
Chachapoyas — Río Abiseo National Park (Peru)
Chachapoyas
A charming city in the cloud forest, serving as the gateway to the massive Kuélap fortress and Gocta, one of the world's tallest waterfalls.
Kuélap — Río Abiseo National Park (Peru)
Kuélap
A massive fortress of the Chachapoya culture high in the Andes, often called the 'Machu Picchu of the North'.

Nature

Llanganuco Lakes — Río Abiseo National Park (Peru)
Llanganuco Lakes
The Llanganuco Lakes are two turquoise glacial lakes at the foot of Huascarán in the Cordillera Blanca.
Gocta Waterfall — Río Abiseo National Park (Peru)
Gocta Waterfall
Gocta Waterfall is one of the highest in the world and only became known to the western world in 2005.

More places

Huascarán National Park (Flora & Fauna) — Río Abiseo National Park (Peru)
Huascarán National Park (Flora & Fauna)
In addition to glaciers, this national park protects Puya Raimondii plants, spectacled bears, and Andean condors.
Chopicalqui — Río Abiseo National Park (Peru)
Chopicalqui
Chopicalqui is a popular 6000m peak in the Cordillera Blanca, often climbed as preparation for more difficult peaks.
Alpamayo — Río Abiseo National Park (Peru)
Alpamayo
Alpamayo is often called the most beautiful mountain in the world due to its perfect pyramidal shape.
Artesonraju — Río Abiseo National Park (Peru)
Artesonraju
A pyramid-shaped mountain in the Peruvian Andes, often believed to have inspired the Paramount Pictures logo.
Huascarán — Río Abiseo National Park (Peru)
Huascarán
Huascarán is the highest mountain in Peru and the entire tropics, standing at 6,768 meters.
Huandoy — Río Abiseo National Park (Peru)
Huandoy
A striking mountain in the Cordillera Blanca with four distinct peaks, rising right next to the higher Huascarán.
Antamina Mine — Río Abiseo National Park (Peru)
Antamina Mine
One of the largest copper and zinc mines in the world, located high in the Andes mountains.
Pastoruri Glacier — Río Abiseo National Park (Peru)
Pastoruri Glacier
An easily accessible Andean glacier that is unfortunately shrinking rapidly due to climate change, but remains an important natural monum…