The park is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including 86 species of mammals, over 500 bird species, and numerous reptiles and amphibians. Notable species include jaguars, giant otters, black caimans, and harpy eagles. The park harbors healthy populations of endangered species such as the giant armadillo and the black spider monkey. Several species of macaws, including the scarlet macaw, are commonly seen. The rivers contain diverse fish species, including various catfish and the prehistoric-looking arapaima, one of the world's largest freshwater fish.
Alto Purús hosts an extraordinary diversity of plant species characteristic of western Amazonian rainforests. The park contains over 1,000 documented plant species, including numerous varieties of hardwood trees like mahogany and cedar. The forest canopy reaches heights of up to 50 meters, creating distinct ecological layers. Notable species include rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis), Brazil nut trees (Bertholletia excelsa), and various medicinal plants used by indigenous communities. The park also features extensive bamboo forests and numerous species of orchids and bromeliads.
The park's terrain is characterized by alluvial plains and gently rolling hills typical of the Amazon lowlands, with elevations ranging from 200 to 500 meters above sea level. The landscape was formed by sedimentary processes associated with the Amazon River system, particularly the Purús River and its tributaries. The soil composition varies from clay-rich areas to sandy deposits, supporting diverse vegetation types. The park's western boundary includes the foothills of the Andes Mountains, creating a unique transitional zone between mountainous and lowland ecosystems.
Established in 2004, Alto Purús National Park is Peru's largest national park, protecting over 2.5 million hectares of pristine Amazon rainforest. The area has been home to various indigenous groups for millennia, including several voluntarily isolated communities. The park's creation marked a significant milestone in Peru's conservation efforts and indigenous rights protection.
The park's most distinctive feature is the Purús River system, which creates a network of waterways vital for both wildlife and indigenous communities. The presence of uncontacted indigenous groups makes the park unique among Peru's protected areas. The park contains several oxbow lakes (cochas) that serve as important habitats for aquatic species. The region also includes extensive bamboo forests (pacales) and clay licks (collpas) where hundreds of parrots and macaws gather to consume mineral-rich soil. The park's remote location and limited access have helped preserve its pristine condition, making it one of the most untouched protected areas in the Amazon.
Alto Purús experiences a typical tropical rainforest climate with high annual rainfall and consistent warm temperatures. Average temperatures range from 22-32°C (72-90°F) year-round, with a pronounced rainy season from November to April. The park receives approximately 2,000mm of rainfall annually, creating humid conditions that support its rich biodiversity.
Peru
-10.8330°, -71.6670°
2004
25107
Alto Purus National Park is one of Peru's largest protected areas, located in the Amazon rainforest. It protects uncontacted indigenous peoples and vast stretches of pristine rainforest. The park contains exceptional biodiversity including numerous endangered species and unique ecosystems.