The park is renowned for its exceptional animal diversity, hosting over 200 mammal species, including 10 primate species, jaguars, giant otters, and tapirs. Bird diversity is particularly impressive with more than 600 species recorded, making it one of the richest avian sites in the world. The park also supports 121 documented reptile species, nearly 140 amphibian species, and over 260 fish species. Notable species include harpy eagles, black caimans, pink river dolphins, and numerous endangered species such as giant armadillos and white-bellied spider monkeys.
Yasuní hosts an extraordinary diversity of plant life, with over 2,700 documented species of vascular plants and estimates suggesting the total could exceed 4,000 species. The park contains record-breaking numbers of tree species per hectare, with some areas hosting more than 650 species per hectare. Notable species include numerous varieties of palms, such as the moriche palm, along with valuable hardwoods like mahogany and cedar. The park also features extensive epiphyte communities, including hundreds of orchid species, bromeliads, and lianas.
The park's terrain was formed during the uplift of the Andes Mountains and subsequent erosion processes, creating a complex network of hills, valleys, and floodplains. The area sits atop the Napo Formation, characterized by Cretaceous marine deposits and more recent alluvial sediments. The park's elevation ranges from 190 to 400 meters above sea level, with numerous rivers, including the Napo and Tiputini, carving through the landscape. The soil is predominantly nutrient-poor clay and sand, typical of Amazon rainforest regions.
Yasuní National Park was established in 1979 and designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1989. The area has been home to indigenous communities, including the Waorani, Tagaeri, and Taromenane peoples, for thousands of years. The park gained international attention in recent decades due to conflicts between conservation efforts and oil exploration, leading to the innovative but ultimately unsuccessful Yasuní-ITT Initiative in 2007, which sought international funding to keep oil reserves untapped. The park remains a crucial territory for both biodiversity conservation and indigenous peoples living in voluntary isolation.
Key attractions include the Napo River system, which provides essential access routes and wildlife viewing opportunities, and the Tiputini Biodiversity Station, a renowned research facility. The park features numerous saladeros (clay licks) where parrots and other wildlife gather to consume mineral-rich soil. Canopy towers offer unique perspectives of the rainforest ecosystem, while oxbow lakes provide habitats for aquatic species and excellent bird-watching opportunities. The park also contains several indigenous territories and archaeological sites, though many are restricted to protect isolated communities.
Yasuní National Park experiences a tropical rainforest climate with high humidity year-round. Average temperatures range between 24-27°C (75-81°F), with minimal seasonal variation. The park receives approximately 3,200mm of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season, though slightly less rain falls between December and March. Humidity levels typically remain between 80-94% throughout the year. Visitors should be prepared for daily afternoon showers and occasional heavy downpours, particularly between April and July when rainfall is most intense.
Ecuador
-0.9330°, -76.3670°
1979
9823
Yasuni National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, containing Amazon rainforest ecosystem. The park is home to numerous indigenous communities and countless species of plants and animals. It represents a unique intersection of peak diversity for multiple species groups including amphibians, birds, mammals, and plants.