The Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve, which celebrated its 19th anniversary on January 15, is a must-see destination in the Peruvian Amazon. Getting to this protected natural area, where the famous Perlita de Iquitos lives, is simple and economical, so there is no excuse not to visit this paradise of trees and rods where you can go hiking, bird watching and cycling. Tourism is one of the main bets of the Allpahuayo Mishana headquarters, which in 2019 implemented new tourist routes and diversified the activities that can be carried out. “Not only are there walks in the forest, there is also the possibility of cycling and, in times when the river is empty, people go to do sport fishing, or to appreciate the beaches, and there are stops to watch river otters in the lakes that are within the reserve,” says Herman Ruíz, head of the reserve. Although the pandemic brought these activities to a halt. As of 2021, the reserve reopened its doors to visitors. For this, they further improved their tourism offer, which they work hand in hand with the communities.
Objective
Conserve the biological diversity and habitat of the barral and chamizal forests on the white sand that belong to the Napo Ecoregion, as well as that of the surrounding floodplain forests of the Nanay River basin.
Creation
On January 15, 2004, by Supreme Decree No. 002-2004-AG.
Location
In the department of Loreto, province of Maynas.
Extension
58,069.9 hectares.
Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve
The Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve is located 23 km south of Iquitos and is mainly characterized by protecting a representative sample of the rare white sand forests and forests flooded by the black waters of the Nanay River. It presents two notable types of habitat: the rods and the flooded forests. The first of them develops on white sand and forms a very special ecosystem with a high diversity of soils and different drainage conditions. The second is made up of forests flooded by the black waters of the Nanay River that are home to species with a very restricted range. The Reserve has exceptional potential for environmental education and nature tourism due to its proximity to Iquitos. On the other hand, it also protects part of the water sources that supply the city of Iquitos and guarantees the traditional use of renewable natural resources by the communities settled in the area. One of its attractions is the presence of the Iquitos Gnatcatcher (Polioptila clementsi), a bird that is only found in the rebar forests on white sands, in the north of the Reserve. It is estimated that its population does not exceed one hundred specimens.
Flora and fauna
In the Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve, approximately 145 species of mammals are recorded, among which two endemic species stand out: the equatorial huapo (Pithecia aequatorialis) and a rodent not yet well studied (Scolomys melanops). The first, along with the black stump (Callicebus torquatus), are primates protected only in this place. Likewise, it records 475 species of birds, 21 of which are exclusive to the white sand forests and nine are endemic to the Napo Ecoregion. Likewise, the presence of 83 species of amphibians has been reported, including several endemic species of the Napo Ecoregion. 120 species of reptiles and 155 species of fish have also been found. In the area, endemic plant species have also been identified such as the aguaje de rodral (Mauritia carana), the caimito de rodal (Ponteria sp.), the aguajillo (Mauritiella aculeata), the carachacaspi (Tachigalia sp.), the irapay (Lepidocaryum tenue), caspi oil (Caraipa tereticaulis), among others.
Climate
The climate is tropical and rainy, with an average temperature of 26° C. Annual precipitation fluctuates between 2,500 and 3,000 mm; The relative humidity is between 80 and 100%.
Tourist routes
Between Km. 25 and 26 of the Iquitos-Nauta highway, where you can visit a typical low humid rodal forest. There you can see numerous species of birds endemic to these ecosystems. In the Nanay River sector you can see forests flooded by sewage. At Km. 23 there is a livestock farm where you can see the sustainable management of wild animals such as the ronsoco and sajino. There is a tourist bird watching circuit in a woodland forest near the highway (Km. 25). At Km. 26 is the Allpahuayo Research Center (CIA) belonging to the Research Institute of the Peruvian Amazon (IIAP), where you can see medicinal plants and native fruit trees. At Km. 28 is the El Irapay surveillance post, where a trail begins towards the community of Mishana. Along the way you can see numerous rods.
Adventure Guide
About 45 minutes from the Plaza de Armas of Iquitos is one of the land entrances to the Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve, an area created on January 15, 2004 to safeguard a great diversity of ecosystems, among which the rod forests stand out. and chamizal on white sand, and flooded black water forests. To visit this area from Iquitos without a tourism agency, you must take one of the cars that make the Iquitos-Nauta route, at the terminal located on Aguirre Street (in front of the Sachachorro Shopping Center). When boarding the vehicle, the driver must be told that the stop will be at the Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve. The cost of this transfer is 15 soles (3.9 dollars). The car should leave you at kilometer 28 of the Iquitos-Nauta highway. At this point you will see the Irapay checkpoint, where you must locate one of the park rangers in the area. The park ranger will give you the necessary information for your tour and you will have to pay 11 soles (2.8 dollars) as an entry fee to the area.
A paradise for bird watching lovers
The Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve protects ecosystems of great biological diversity such as rodal and chamizal forests on white sand, flooded black water forests, and species such as the Iquitos Perlita, a bird endemic to this area. In addition, there are 475 species of birds, 21 of which are exclusive to the white sand forests, so this reserve offers the ideal space for activities such as bird watching.
Space for scientific research
This reserve is a space for research and university education, in fact, this is where the majority of Iquiteños university students go when they need to do their internships, because they can learn about biodiversity, soils, forests, water, streams, among others. others.
Threats: mining and illegal logging
Its proximity to the city of Iquitos also makes it the target of many illegal activities that put at risk the resources that Allpahuayo Mishana houses and protects. For years there was a municipal dump in its buffer zone and the non-metallic mining (white sand) that takes place around the Iquitos-Nauta highway is a constant threat. Currently, the illegal mining with dredges that has been taking place in the Nanay basin and the deforestation for the illegal use of timber species used for firewood and charcoal have put the reserve management on alert.
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