Mapinguari National Park

Mapinguari Overview

Mapinguari National Park, or Parque Nacional do Mapinguari in Portuguese, is a vast and ecologically rich protected area located in the western Brazilian Amazon. Spanning approximately 5,707 square miles (14,784 square kilometers), it stretches across parts of the states of Rondônia and Amazonas.

The park was established to safeguard the unique biodiversity and cultural heritage of this remote region. Nestled within the heart of the Amazon Basin, Mapinguari is one of the most pristine rainforest environments left on the planet. Its name is derived from local mythology—Mapinguari is a legendary forest creature said to inhabit the Amazon, symbolizing the mystery and allure of the area.

The terrain of Mapinguari National Park is defined by its lowland rainforest interspersed with hilly landscapes and meandering rivers. It features dense, tropical vegetation composed mainly of evergreen broadleaf trees, lianas, and epiphytes.

This lush forest canopy is layered and teeming with life, with intermittent clearings caused by seasonal floods or natural treefalls. Notable geographic features include the Rio Cautário and Rio Madeira, two significant rivers that provide lifelines for the ecosystem and routes for aquatic life.

While there are no towering mountain peaks, the park contains undulating highlands known as the Serra dos Três Irmãos, which provide unique microhabitats and panoramic views of the forest expanse.

Wildlife sightings in Mapinguari can be astonishing due to the park’s isolation and biological diversity. Key mammal species include the giant anteater, jaguar, South American tapir, ocelot, and the threatened giant armadillo.

The Amazon river dolphin may be seen in the park’s waterways, and primate species such as the red howler monkey and white-fronted capuchin populate the treetops. Birdwatchers are particularly drawn to the park for its rich avifauna, including the harpy eagle, scarlet macaw, and the endemic white-browed guan. The dense forest, paired with the lack of large-scale human development, allows these species to thrive in their natural habitats.

Popular features of the park include its network of rivers and oxbow lakes, which offer excellent opportunities for canoeing and wildlife observation. While the park remains relatively undeveloped compared to other Brazilian parks, this lack of infrastructure is considered by many to be part of its appeal.

It provides a truly immersive and undisturbed experience of the Amazon rainforest. Visitors often access the park through organized expeditions, scientific research missions, or guided eco-tours from nearby towns such as Lábrea.

Mapinguari National Park offers several ways for visitors to engage with its landscape. Guided river excursions, wildlife tracking, and birdwatching are some of the most popular activities. Due to its remoteness, access is generally limited to those with a strong interest in nature and conservation, making every visit a deeply personal and often transformative experience.

The park faces conservation challenges, including illegal logging, mining threats, and encroachment from agriculture, especially along its borders. However, its designation as a national park has provided a legal framework for protection and enforcement.

Partnerships with indigenous communities and environmental NGOs have led to improvements in surveillance and conservation awareness. Continued success will depend on sustainable management practices and ongoing government support to ensure the long-term health of this critical part of the Amazon.

Park Map

Mapinguari National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Mapinguari National Park, spanning parts of the states of Amazonas and Rondônia in Brazil, safeguards an ecologically rich transition zone between the Amazon rainforest and the open woodlands of the Cerrado. This diverse blend of ecosystems provides refuge for numerous rare and emblematic mammals of South America.

Jaguar
The top predator in Mapinguari, the jaguar thrives in both forest and wetland habitats. Its strength and stealth make it a formidable hunter, and its presence is a strong indicator of healthy ecosystems.

Giant Anteater
With a distinctive long snout, bushy tail, and powerful claws, this solitary mammal specializes in feeding on ants and termites. It is commonly seen crossing open savanna patches within the park.

South American Tapir
This large, shy herbivore is often found near water bodies in the forest. It plays an essential ecological role by dispersing seeds as it feeds on fruit and foliage.

White-lipped Peccary
These pig-like mammals travel in large, coordinated herds and root through the forest floor in search of food. Their group behavior and loud vocalizations make them a dynamic force in the ecosystem.

Red-handed Howler Monkey
Known for their booming calls that carry through the forest canopy, these primates live in social groups and feed on leaves, fruit, and flowers. They are most active during early morning hours.

Ocelot
This sleek and beautifully spotted feline hunts small mammals and birds, preferring thick vegetation for cover. It is an elusive but widespread predator in the park.

Capybara
Found along the park’s rivers and wetlands, the capybara is the world’s largest rodent. It lives in social groups and spends much of its time grazing and resting near water.

Tayra
A large member of the weasel family, the tayra is curious and agile. It is often seen in forested areas and has a varied diet that includes fruit, insects, and small animals.

Nine-banded Armadillo
Common in the park’s diverse habitats, this armor-plated mammal digs for insects and shelters in underground burrows. It is mainly nocturnal and reclusive.

Paca
A nocturnal, burrowing rodent with a spotted coat, the paca plays an important role in seed dispersal. It stays close to water and avoids predators by freezing in place or diving into burrows.

Birds

Mapinguari’s combination of Amazonian rainforest and Cerrado savanna attracts a wide range of bird species, from large canopy dwellers to ground-foraging specialists, offering extraordinary diversity for birdwatchers.

Harpy Eagle
This massive raptor is rarely seen but unmistakable in presence. With its enormous talons and strength, it preys on monkeys and sloths and nests in towering emergent trees.

Scarlet Macaw
Vivid red, blue, and yellow feathers make this parrot one of the most recognizable birds in the Amazon. It flies in loud, social pairs and contributes to forest regeneration through seed dispersal.

White-throated Toucan
This canopy-dwelling frugivore uses its large, colorful bill to pluck fruit from high branches. Its loud croaking calls are a familiar sound in the rainforest.

Razor-billed Curassow
A striking, ground-dwelling bird with glossy black feathers and a bright red facial knob. It forages for fallen fruits and is often seen along forest edges and near water.

Amazonian Motmot
A calm, colorful bird that perches still in the understory, the motmot is known for its racket-shaped tail and quiet presence in forested habitats.

Spix’s Guan
This turkey-like bird moves slowly through the canopy in search of fruit. Its contributions to seed dispersal make it an important part of the forest’s reproductive cycle.

Hoatzin
With its unique digestive system and prehistoric appearance, the hoatzin lives in the park’s flooded forests and riverbanks. It is a clumsy flier but an excellent climber as a juvenile.

Blue-and-yellow Macaw
A brilliant and noisy parrot, it inhabits forest edges and clearings. It is highly social and forms lifelong bonds, often seen foraging and flying in pairs or groups.

Black-fronted Nunbird
This all-black bird with a bright orange bill often perches visibly while hunting flying insects. It is frequently found in family groups in open forest and secondary growth.

Lineated Woodpecker
A large and powerful woodpecker, it uses its sharp bill to excavate tree trunks for insects. Its bold black and white stripes and red crest make it easy to spot.