Acari National Park

Acari Overview

Acari National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional do Acari, is one of Brazil’s lesser-known yet ecologically significant protected areas. Located in the state of Amazonas in northwestern Brazil, it covers an immense area of approximately 3,867 square miles, or 10,015 square kilometers.

Established in 2016, the park lies within the heart of the Amazon Rainforest and contributes to one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Remote and largely untouched by modern development, Acari National Park helps to preserve a stretch of the Amazon basin that is still wild, lush, and ecologically intact.

The terrain of Acari National Park is shaped by a mosaic of dense tropical rainforest, white-sand vegetation known as campinarana, and floodplain forests bordering meandering rivers. The Acari River, for which the park is named, runs through the area and provides life-sustaining water to its many ecosystems.

The park’s elevation changes subtly across its expanse, creating a variety of microhabitats that support an incredible diversity of life. The forest canopy is thick and multilayered, with emergent trees towering above a dense understory of ferns, vines, and epiphytes. The landscape includes a mixture of lowland rainforest and transitional forests, making it a critical region for studying ecological variation in the Amazon biome.

Wildlife within the park is abundant and often elusive due to the dense foliage and remote location. Visitors might glimpse jaguars, tapirs, and giant anteaters roaming the undergrowth or along riverbanks. The park is also home to howler monkeys, capuchins, and sloths that inhabit the treetops.

Birdlife is equally rich, with species such as the harpy eagle, scarlet macaw, and the Amazonian umbrella bird making appearances for those with a keen eye and patience. The waters of the Acari River support manatees, pink river dolphins, and various fish species, further highlighting the park’s aquatic biodiversity.

Acari National Park’s most popular features revolve around its rivers and pristine forests, which offer visitors opportunities to experience the untouched beauty of the Amazon. While tourism is minimal compared to other Brazilian parks, guided river excursions, wildlife observation, and scientific tours provide immersive ways to engage with the natural environment.

Birdwatching, in particular, is a draw for ornithologists and eco-tourists alike, as is photography for those hoping to capture the raw splendor of Amazonian wilderness.

Due to its remoteness and the difficulty of access, the park remains relatively undisturbed, which is both a blessing and a challenge. Conservation efforts are focused on preserving its biodiversity while supporting sustainable development in nearby communities.

Illegal logging, mining, and land grabbing remain persistent threats, although the designation of the area as a national park was a significant step forward in its protection. Collaborative management between government agencies and local stakeholders has helped to establish protective measures and monitor biodiversity, though enforcement in such remote areas can be difficult.

Nevertheless, Acari National Park represents a crucial component of Brazil’s conservation strategy for the Amazon, helping to maintain connectivity between protected areas and serving as a refuge for countless species in a rapidly changing world.

Park Map

Acari National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Acari National Park, located in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, is a vast and remote area teeming with extraordinary biodiversity. Characterized by dense tropical forest, winding rivers, and an abundance of wildlife, the park protects some of the most pristine ecosystems in the Amazon basin. It’s a refuge for several elusive and iconic species that define the richness of this untamed wilderness.

Jaguar
The apex predator of the Amazon, jaguars roam the dense forests of Acari. These powerful cats are solitary and stealthy, often spotted near riverbanks where they hunt capybaras, caimans, and fish.

Giant Otter
Highly social and playful, giant otters inhabit the park’s rivers and lakes. These endangered mammals are known for their loud vocalizations and cooperative hunting behavior.

Amazon River Dolphin
Also called the pink river dolphin, this freshwater cetacean is revered in local folklore. It navigates the murky rivers with echolocation and feeds on fish and crustaceans.

South American Tapir
The largest land mammal in South America, tapirs are shy herbivores that roam the forest floor in search of fruit and vegetation. They are vital seed dispersers in the rainforest ecosystem.

Puma
Sharing territory with jaguars, pumas (also known as cougars or mountain lions) are more adaptable and elusive. They feed on a wide variety of prey and are active both day and night.

Lowland Paca
This nocturnal rodent has a spotted coat and feeds on fruits and vegetation. It’s an important prey species for many predators in the park.

Black Caiman
A dominant predator in the waterways of Acari, the black caiman can grow up to 5 meters long. It preys on fish, birds, and mammals and plays a key role in maintaining aquatic balance.

Capybara
The world’s largest rodent, capybaras are semi-aquatic and often seen in groups near water sources. They are gentle grazers and an important food source for jaguars and caimans.

Giant Armadillo
Rarely seen due to its nocturnal habits, this enormous armadillo digs extensive burrows and feeds mainly on ants and termites. It is a keystone species due to the shelter its burrows provide for other animals.

Ocelot
This small, agile wild cat is covered in distinctive rosettes and hunts rodents, birds, and reptiles. Ocelots are mostly nocturnal and well-camouflaged in the forest.

Birds

The remote rainforests and river corridors of Acari National Park are alive with the sounds and colors of the Amazon’s rich avian life. From powerful raptors to vibrant parrots, these birds help pollinate plants, disperse seeds, and keep insect populations in check.

Harpy Eagle
One of the world’s largest and most powerful eagles, the harpy eagle is a rare but iconic resident of the park. It preys on monkeys, sloths, and large birds high in the forest canopy.

Scarlet Macaw
These brilliantly colored parrots are a dazzling sight in flight. They form strong pair bonds and feed on fruits, seeds, and nuts, helping to regenerate the forest.

Blue-and-yellow Macaw
With striking blue wings and yellow underparts, this macaw is another charismatic species of the Amazon. It nests in tree cavities and often travels in noisy flocks.

Hoatzin
This prehistoric-looking bird has a spiky crest and a distinctive odor. It feeds on leaves and ferments its food in a unique digestive system similar to a cow’s.

Toco Toucan
Famous for its oversized orange beak, the toco toucan feeds on fruits and occasionally small animals. Its bill helps regulate body heat in the tropical climate.

Amazonian Motmot
Easily recognized by its racket-tipped tail and calm demeanor, this colorful bird perches silently in the understory, feeding on insects and small reptiles.

Black-fronted Nunbird
Often found in small groups, these black-feathered birds with orange bills are common in the forest interior, where they eat insects disturbed by larger animals.

Red-and-green Macaw
Similar in size to the scarlet macaw but with deeper green plumage, this species also nests in cliffs and tall trees and is vital to seed dispersal.

Plumbeous Kite
This graceful raptor patrols the canopy looking for insects and small vertebrates. It is often seen soaring during the heat of the day.

Capped Heron
Found near slow-moving streams, this heron has a pale body, yellow neck, and striking black cap. It forages quietly in shallow waters, feeding on fish and frogs.