The park is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including over 600 bird species, 180 mammal species, and numerous reptiles and amphibians. Notable species include the giant river otter, black caiman, jaguar, harpy eagle, and the endangered black spider monkey. The Heath Plains support unique species adapted to savanna conditions, including the maned wolf and marsh deer. The park's rivers harbor diverse aquatic life, including multiple fish species and river dolphins. Several species found within the park are endemic to this region and cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Bahuaja Sonene hosts an extraordinary variety of plant life, with over 1,300 documented species. The park contains multiple vegetation zones including tropical rainforest, cloud forest, and unique pampa grasslands. Notable species include giant ceiba trees, numerous orchid varieties, and medicinal plants used by indigenous communities. The Heath Plains feature rare palm species and endemic grassland plants not found elsewhere in Peru. The park's varied elevations create distinct botanical zones, from lowland rainforest species to highland vegetation adapted to cooler temperatures and different soil conditions.
The park's geological formation is characterized by diverse landscapes ranging from Andean foothills to Amazon lowlands. It features unique geological formations including the Candamo Valley and the Heath Plains savanna ecosystem. The terrain includes alluvial plains, rolling hills, and steep mountain slopes formed during the uplift of the Andes Mountains. The park's soils vary from nutrient-poor sandy areas in the savanna to rich alluvial deposits along river valleys. Notable geological features include natural hot springs, exposed rock formations, and extensive river systems that have carved through the landscape over millions of years.
Established in 1996, Bahuaja Sonene National Park was created to protect one of Peru's most biodiverse regions and the traditional territories of indigenous communities, including the Ese'eja people. The park's name combines two indigenous terms: 'Bahuaja' (Ese'eja word for the Heath River) and 'Sonene' (Tambopata River in the Huarayos language). The area has historically served as a refuge for numerous indigenous groups and was largely unexplored by outsiders until the 20th century. The park's creation marked a significant milestone in Peru's conservation efforts, protecting both natural resources and cultural heritage.
Among the park's most distinctive features are the Heath Plains (Pampas del Heath), Peru's only tropical savanna ecosystem. The park contains pristine rivers including the Tambopata and Heath Rivers, which are crucial for local biodiversity and indigenous communities. Natural hot springs and salt licks (collpas) attract various wildlife species and provide unique viewing opportunities. The park's location at the intersection of Andean and Amazonian ecosystems creates exceptional biodiversity hotspots. Research stations and observation towers within the park offer visitors opportunities to study and observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
Bahuaja Sonene National Park experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season runs from November to April, with heavy rainfall and high humidity, while the dry season occurs from May to October with more moderate conditions. Average temperatures range from 21°C to 30°C (70°F to 86°F) throughout the year. The park's varying elevations, from 200 to 2,000 meters above sea level, create multiple microclimates that support its diverse ecosystems. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes and afternoon thunderstorms, particularly during the wet season.
Peru
-13.1670°, -69.5000°
1996
10914
Bahuaja Sonene National Park protects one of the most biodiverse regions in Peru, including rare pampas grassland habitat. The park is home to numerous endangered species including the giant otter and black caiman. It contains unique ecosystems ranging from lowland rainforest to cloud forest.