Tingo María National Park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including numerous bird species, mammals, reptiles, and insects. The Cueva de las Lechuzas houses large colonies of oilbirds (guácharos) and various bat species. The park's mammal population includes spectacled bears, jaguars, ocelots, and various monkey species such as the brown capuchin. Notable bird species include the Andean cock-of-the-rock, various hummingbirds, and toucans. The park also harbors a diverse population of butterflies, including the brilliant blue morpho, and numerous amphibian species adapted to the humid environment.
The park hosts an incredibly diverse range of plant species typical of tropical rainforest ecosystems. Over 96 species of orchids have been identified within the park boundaries, including several endemic varieties. The vegetation includes towering emergent trees reaching heights of up to 45 meters, multiple layers of canopy trees, and a rich understory of ferns, bromeliads, and palms. Notable species include the giant ceiba tree, various medicinal plants used traditionally by local communities, and numerous species of lianas and epiphytes. The park also contains important stands of podocarpus, Peru's only native conifer.
The park is characterized by its remarkable karst landscape, formed by the dissolution of limestone rocks over millions of years. The most prominent geological feature is the Bella Durmiente mountain range, whose profile resembles a sleeping woman when viewed from certain angles. The park contains numerous caves and underground formations, including the extensive Cueva de las Lechuzas. The area's geology is shaped by the meeting of the Andean mountain range with the Amazon basin, creating unique topographical features including steep cliffs, deep valleys, and complex cave systems. The limestone formations continue to evolve through ongoing erosion processes.
Established on May 14, 1965, Tingo María National Park was Peru's second national park, created to protect the unique ecosystem of the 'Bella Durmiente' (Sleeping Beauty) mountain range and surrounding areas. The park's creation was largely motivated by the need to preserve the region's distinctive karst formations and cave systems, particularly the famous Cueva de las Lechuzas (Cave of the Owls). The area has historical significance dating back to pre-Columbian times, with evidence of indigenous settlements. The park's name comes from the nearby town of Tingo María, which developed during the early 20th century as part of Peru's colonization of the central jungle region.
The park's most iconic feature is the Bella Durmiente (Sleeping Beauty) mountain formation, which dominates the landscape and is visible from many points within the park. The Cueva de las Lechuzas is another major attraction, featuring impressive limestone formations and large colonies of birds and bats. The park contains several waterfalls, including the Gloriapata and Three Kings Falls, accessible via hiking trails. The Quimba Mayo hot springs offer visitors a unique geological experience with their naturally heated waters. The park also features several viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding rainforest and mountain landscapes, making it a photographer's paradise.
Tingo María National Park experiences a tropical climate with high humidity year-round. Average temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C (72°F to 90°F), with the warmest months being September through November. The region receives significant rainfall, with an annual average of 3,000mm, and has two distinct seasons: a drier season from June to August and a rainy season from December to March. Morning fog is common in the park, particularly around the mountain areas, typically clearing by midday. Visitors should be prepared for sudden rain showers and high humidity levels regardless of the season.
Peru
-9.3380°, -76.0170°
May 14, 1965
47.8
Tingo Maria National Park is known for its distinctive limestone formation called La Bella Durmiente (The Sleeping Beauty), which resembles a sleeping woman. The park features extensive cave systems, including the famous Cueva de las Lechuzas (Cave of the Owls). It protects a region of high jungle and hosts diverse flora and fauna typical of Peru's central jungle.