The park boasts remarkable biodiversity with over 468 bird species, 150 mammal species, and countless insects and reptiles. Notable wildlife includes pink river dolphins, various monkey species (including woolly, spider, and howler monkeys), jaguars, and giant river otters. The park is a birdwatcher's paradise, featuring colorful macaws, toucans, and numerous hummingbird species. Visitors might encounter black caimans, anacondas, and various turtle species in and around the water bodies. The park also hosts a significant population of endangered species, including the Amazonian manatee and the giant river otter.
Amacayacu hosts an extraordinary diversity of plant life, with over 5,000 documented species. The park features multiple forest types, including terra firme, várzea, and igapó forests. Notable species include towering ceiba trees, numerous orchid varieties, and various medicinal plants used by indigenous communities. The park is home to over 300 species of orchids and numerous endemic plant species. Visitors can observe massive Victoria regia water lilies in the park's lakes and witness the complex canopy structure that characterizes Amazon rainforests, with trees reaching heights of up to 55 meters.
The park's terrain is characterized by low-lying Amazon floodplains and gently rolling hills, with elevations ranging from 80 to 200 meters above sea level. The area features typical Amazon basin geology, with alluvial soils deposited by the numerous rivers that crisscross the region. The park contains both terra firme (non-flooding) forests and várzea (seasonally flooded) forests. The soil composition varies from nutrient-rich alluvial deposits near rivers to more acidic, weathered soils in upland areas, contributing to the park's diverse ecosystem types.
Established in 1975, Amacayacu National Natural Park was created to protect a vital portion of Colombia's Amazon rainforest and its indigenous communities. The park's name comes from the Quechua words 'ama' (high) and 'yacu' (water), referring to the important river systems within its boundaries. The area has been home to various indigenous communities for thousands of years, including the Ticuna, Yagua, and Cocama peoples, who continue to maintain their traditional ways of life. The park was temporarily closed to tourism in 2012 due to flooding but reopened with improved infrastructure and a stronger focus on sustainable tourism.
Key attractions include the Matamata Research Station, which serves as a center for scientific research and environmental education. The park offers well-maintained hiking trails, canopy walkways, and opportunities for night walks to observe nocturnal wildlife. The Amazon River and its tributaries provide excellent locations for boat tours and wildlife spotting. The Indigenous Interpretation Center offers insights into local cultures and traditional knowledge. Visitors can also explore Lake Tarapoto, known for its pink river dolphins, and participate in guided tours to observe the diverse wildlife and learn about traditional medicinal plants from indigenous guides.
Amacayacu National Natural Park experiences a typical tropical rainforest climate with high humidity and significant rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures range between 24°C and 30°C (75-86°F), with minimal seasonal variation. The region receives approximately 3,200mm of annual rainfall, with slightly drier periods from July to September. Humidity levels consistently remain between 80-90%, creating the characteristic steamy atmosphere of the Amazon rainforest. Visitors should be prepared for daily afternoon showers, especially during the wet season from December to May.
Colombia
-3.8060°, -70.2620°
1975
2930
Amacayacu is one of Colombia's most important Amazon rainforest parks. The park features extensive river systems and pristine tropical rainforest ecosystems. It is home to numerous primate species, pink river dolphins, and hundreds of bird species.