Abiseo River National Park | World Heritage

Posted On: 06 April 2022 #TierrasVivas 401

It is located in the province of Mariscal Cáceres, San Martín Region. Located on the eastern slope of the tropical Andes of central-northern Peru and with an area of 274,520 hectares, the Abiseo River National Park not only has a magnificent diverse endemic flora and fauna, the same ones that have been maintained and evolved during more than 8 millennia; but it houses threatened species such as the "Mono Choro de Cola Amarilla" in danger of extinction. Under the protection of the National Park there are also archaeological remains, the result of an indigenous and unique cultural development that originates from 6,000 years BC and culminates with the Chachapoya nation, incorporated into the Tahuantinsuyo empire in the s. XV. Its cultural legacy consists of extraordinary archaeological sites that add up to around 36 sites, among which "Los Pinchudos" and "El Gran Pajatén" stand out, both of Chachapoya cultural affiliation, and whose constructions have a unique architectural decoration.

Location

In the province of Mariscal Cáceres, in the department of San Martín.

Extension

274,520.00 hectares.

Flora and fauna

In the Río Abiseo National Park, nearly 900 species of wildlife have been registered to date, distributed in 181 species of mammals, 409 of birds, 17 of reptiles, 30 of amphibians, 14 of fish and about 250 of invertebrates. Of these, 552 species correspond to the western sector and 351 to the eastern sector of the national park. In the western sector, no less than 27 species are considered endemic to Peru and their distribution is restricted to the Río Abiseo National Park and its surroundings, with several threatened species. In the eastern sector, 18 threatened species have been reported: 11 mammals and 7 birds.

On the other hand, of the 1,134 registered plant species, 986 correspond to the western sector. In the hill lands there are large trees, such as the renaco (Ficus sp.) and the rubber (Hevea brasiliensis). Among the species of economic importance are the sangre de Grado (Croton lechleri), the cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa), and among the timber species, the cedar (Cedrela odorata), the mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) and the screw (Cedrelinga catenaeformis). . There are also two species of trees considered to be on the verge of extinction: the highland cedar (Cedrela montana) and the rosemary (Prumnopitys montana).

Climate

The climate in the eastern zone is hot and very humid, with average temperatures above 18° C and rainfall exceeding 750 mm, with a relative humidity of 90%. On the west side, temperatures range between 7° and 25° C, depending on the altitude. Rainfall varies between 800 mm and 2,000 mm. The ideal time to visit is from May to September.

Attractions

Among the natural attractions, the Oros ravine, the El Oso, Velo de Novia, Shihui and Las Gemelas waterfalls stand out; the Abiseo, Montecristo and Túmac rivers; and the La Empedrada, La Escondida, La Colorada, Negra, Honda and Chúcara lagoons. You can also visit the montane, cloud, dwarf, Andean forest and tornillal forests; the landscapes and rock formations: Pampa de Venados, a mountainous massif, U-shaped valleys, the Pinchudos cliff and the Cueva de los Muertos. In these tours you can see the local fauna and flora.

The list of cultural attractions includes the pre-Hispanic settlements of Gran Pajatén, La Playa, El Encanto, Las Papayas and Cerro Central. This also includes other archaeological sites such as Los Pinchudos, Los Paredones, Pampa de Cuyes, Puerta del Monte, El Mirador, Apisuncho, Achiras, Alpamachay and Ochanache. Finally, in all these places agricultural terraces, irrigation canals, pre-Hispanic roads and places of offerings, outcrops of lithic material used in prehistory and rock art can be seen.

Archaeological sites

In terms of archaeological heritage, El Gran Pajatén is an impressive monumental complex due to its special architecture. This citadel was built by the Chachapoyas before being subdued by the Incas. Also noteworthy is the funerary complex Los Pinchudos, built on the narrow ledge of a large cliff. His wooden idols, which represent naked beings, were found intact and placed in their original place.

Other remains found include Cerro Central, with around 200 buildings; to the complex of Las Papayas, with about 100 structures, some of carved stone; the archaeological site of Marcial (Pajatén II), also with more than 100 buildings; and many others like La Playa, Apisunchu, Alpamachay and Manachaqui.

The presence of numerous and exceptional archaeological remains within a vast forested area is unique on the continent. This caused UNESCO to declare, in 1992, the Río Abiseo National Park as a Natural and Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a mixed category that the country only shares with the Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu.

Best Tours in Peru

Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.