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Alto Purús National Park

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Alto Purús National Park (Peru)

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Alto Purús National Park is the largest national park in Peru, covering more than 2.5 million hectares, situated on the remote border with Brazil in the Ucayali and Madre de Dios regions. This vast protected area is of global significance, preserving one of the most pristine rainforest landscapes in the Amazon basin. The park is not only a biodiversity hotspot with massive stands of mahogany trees and jaguars but also serves as the homeland for several indigenous peoples living in voluntary isolation, such as the Mashco-Piro. Historically, the region remained untouched by development due to its extreme isolation, though it faces modern threats from illegal logging and gold mining. The Purús River, which winds through the park, is the primary lifeline for the ecosystem. Safeguarding this park is critical for maintaining the biological and cultural diversity of the entire Amazon region.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252525242424252728272625
Rain mm25723224215710549284477147190227

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Reaching this immensely remote protected area is extraordinarily difficult, typically requiring private chartered flights to isolated jungle airstrips directly followed by multiday motorized river journeys.
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Best season
Travel is generally only feasible during the drier months of the Amazonian basin, as the long wet season swells rivers drastically and thoroughly inundates vast stretches of the dense rainforest environment.
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Terrain & paths
The unforgiving environment consists of dense, impenetrable jungle undergrowth, winding river systems, and muddy riverbanks, with virtually no established human-made trails available for casual walking.
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What to bring
Extreme expedition gear is absolutely mandatory, including comprehensive tropical disease prophylaxis, heavy-duty insect repellents, modern satellite communication devices, and portable water filtration systems.
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Parking
There are absolutely no roads leading into this vast wilderness; any wheeled motorized transport must be left hundreds of miles away in the major gateway cities bordering the greater Amazon basin.
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Safety
Strict regulations exist to protect isolated indigenous tribes and fragile ecosystems; independent travel is universally prohibited, and entry strictly requires specialized government expedition permits.
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Time needed
Due to the immense logistical challenges and the sheer massive size of the territory, an authorized expedition typically spans a minimum of two to four continuous weeks deep in the field.

Geography

Coordinates
-10.00000, -71.50000

Facts

  • The park covers a total area of 2,510,694 hectares.
  • It was officially established on November 18, 2004.
  • The park contains some of the last major stands of genuine mahogany.
  • Several indigenous groups live within the park in voluntary isolation.
  • The area forms a vast transboundary biological corridor with Brazil.
  • There are no permanent roads leading into the interior of the park.

Explore nearby

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UrubambaUrubamba134 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

What is Alto Purús?
One of Peru's largest protected areas.
Is it touristy?
No, it is barely accessible to the public.
Who lives there?
Isolated indigenous tribes and rare animals.
Can one visit it?
Only with very special research permits.
Why is it important?
It protects untouched Amazon rainforest.
Alto Purús National Park: where is it located?
Alto Purús National Park is located in Peru.
Alto Purús National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Alto Purús National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Alto Purús National Park is the largest national park in Peru, covering more than 2.5 million hectares, situated on the remote border with Brazil in the Ucayali and Madre de Dios regions.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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