Amazonia National Park

Amazonia Overview

Amazonia National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional da Amazônia, is a vast protected area located in the state of Pará, Brazil. Covering approximately 3,183 square miles or 8,260 square kilometers, the park lies along the western banks of the Tapajós River in the northern part of the country.

Established in 1974, it is a significant part of Brazil’s efforts to preserve the Amazon Rainforest, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. The park plays a crucial role in conservation and research while also serving as a destination for eco-tourism and education.

The terrain within Amazonia National Park is dominated by lush, tropical rainforest interspersed with winding rivers, seasonal wetlands, and small patches of savanna. The Tapajós River, a major tributary of the Amazon River, cuts along the park’s eastern border, creating floodplains and unique aquatic habitats.

Towering Brazil nut trees, kapok trees, and palms stretch high into the canopy, while dense underbrush and vines form a tangled layer beneath. This mosaic of landscapes includes rolling hills and lowland areas, some of which become inaccessible during the rainy season due to flooding. In the more remote corners, visitors might encounter hidden waterfalls and oxbow lakes teeming with life.

The park’s wildlife is among its most compelling attractions. It provides refuge to numerous iconic Amazonian species, including jaguars, giant anteaters, South American tapirs, and howler monkeys. Armadillos and capybaras are also frequently seen in open clearings or near water sources.

The birdlife is extraordinarily rich, with over 400 species recorded within the park. Harpy eagles soar through the canopy in search of prey, while toucans, macaws, and kingfishers bring bursts of color and sound to the trees. Reptiles such as anacondas and caimans inhabit the park’s waterways, and a wide array of amphibians and insects thrive in the damp forest floor.

Among the most popular features of Amazonia National Park is the Tapajós River itself, offering stunning views and a natural corridor for boat tours and research expeditions. The Serra do Cachimbo plateau in the southern part of the park provides dramatic elevation changes and scenic overlooks.

Visitors are drawn to these areas for canoeing, guided jungle treks, birdwatching, and photographic safaris. A network of trails allows travelers to explore the diverse environments while learning about native flora and fauna. Some research stations and ecotourism lodges operate under strict environmental guidelines to limit human impact.

Conservation in Amazonia National Park presents both challenges and successes. Illegal logging, mining, and unregulated fishing still pose threats, particularly near the park’s boundaries.

However, increased oversight by Brazil’s environmental agencies, partnerships with indigenous communities, and support from international conservation organizations have helped mitigate some of the pressure.

The park has also become a hub for scientific research, aiding in better understanding and protecting the Amazon’s complex ecosystem. These efforts have led to improved biodiversity monitoring and sustainable tourism practices, which in turn contribute to long-term conservation goals.

Park Map

Amazonia National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Amazonia National Park, one of the oldest protected areas in the Brazilian Amazon, lies in the state of Pará and encompasses an expansive stretch of pristine rainforest, rivers, and floodplains. The park is a stronghold for some of the most iconic and ecologically important species in South America. Its rich biodiversity makes it a vital refuge for both well-known animals and rare, endemic species.

Jaguar
The elusive jaguar is the top predator in the park, where it patrols rivers and dense forest in search of capybaras, deer, and caimans. Its presence signals a healthy, balanced ecosystem.

Giant Otter
Living in family groups along the park’s rivers, giant otters are energetic, vocal, and fiercely territorial. These endangered carnivores play a crucial role in regulating fish populations.

Amazon River Dolphin
Also called the boto, this freshwater dolphin is known for its pink hue and graceful movements. It’s an important symbol of Amazonian folklore and feeds on a wide variety of fish.

South American Tapir
This large herbivore browses on fruits, leaves, and aquatic plants. Tapirs are excellent swimmers and often move along riverbanks, helping to disperse seeds through their droppings.

Puma
The adaptable puma shares habitat with the jaguar and hunts a wide range of prey, including rodents, monkeys, and deer. It is stealthy and rarely seen in the wild.

Capybara
The world’s largest rodent, capybaras are semi-aquatic and live in groups near the park’s wetlands. They graze on grasses and are a key prey species for predators like jaguars and anacondas.

Green Iguana
This large, tree-dwelling reptile is often found basking near rivers and streams. Green iguanas are herbivorous and play a role in dispersing seeds from the fruits they consume.

Armadillo (Nine-banded Armadillo)
This common but fascinating mammal uses its claws to dig for insects and create burrows. Its armor-like shell helps protect it from predators.

Boa Constrictor
A powerful non-venomous snake, the boa constrictor ambushes birds, mammals, and reptiles, using its muscular coils to suffocate its prey before consuming it whole.

Giant Anteater
With its bushy tail and elongated snout, the giant anteater roams the forest floor sniffing out ant and termite mounds. Its long tongue can flick in and out up to 150 times per minute.

Birds

The skies and canopies of Amazonia National Park are alive with bird calls and flashes of vibrant color. The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with hundreds of species, many of which are endemic or endangered. These birds play essential roles in pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control.

Harpy Eagle
One of the largest and most powerful raptors in the world, the harpy eagle nests high in the canopy and hunts sloths and monkeys. Its strong talons are adapted for gripping large prey.

Scarlet Macaw
With brilliant red, yellow, and blue feathers, the scarlet macaw is one of the park’s most eye-catching residents. These social parrots form lifelong bonds and help disperse seeds.

Hoatzin
A strange, leaf-eating bird with a prehistoric appearance, the hoatzin uses fermentation to digest food. Young birds have claws on their wings to help climb branches.

Amazonian Motmot
Known for its racket-shaped tail feathers, the Amazonian motmot perches quietly in the mid-canopy, preying on insects and small reptiles.

Toco Toucan
This striking bird has a massive orange bill and a loud croaking call. It eats fruits, small animals, and bird eggs, contributing to forest regeneration through seed dispersal.

Blue-and-yellow Macaw
These large parrots are often seen flying in pairs or flocks over the treetops. Their bright coloration and loud squawks make them a standout in the rainforest.

Rufous-tailed Jacamar
This slender bird resembles a hummingbird but is actually a flycatcher. It perches silently before darting out to snatch insects in mid-air.

Black-collared Hawk
A fish-eating raptor often seen perched near waterways, it swoops down with great precision to catch prey from the surface of the water.

Capped Heron
A graceful wader with pale plumage and a black cap, the capped heron feeds in slow-moving streams and flooded areas, hunting fish, frogs, and aquatic insects.

Great Potoo
Master of camouflage, this nocturnal bird looks like a broken branch when perched. It feeds on large flying insects and is rarely seen during the day due to its stillness and disguise.