Alto Purús National Park

Popular

Alto Purús National Park, located in the remote Amazonian region of Peru, is one of the largest protected areas in the country. This biodiverse park is home to a vast array of wildlife, including some of the Amazon’s most iconic and elusive species. From powerful predators to secretive jungle dwellers, the park’s dense forests and winding rivers provide refuge for a stunning variety of animals.

Jaguar (Panthera onca)
The jaguar is the top predator of Alto Purús, roaming the dense forests and riverbanks in search of prey. With its powerful build, keen senses, and striking spotted coat, this elusive big cat is an essential part of the ecosystem, maintaining the balance of herbivore populations.

Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis)
This social and highly vocal carnivore thrives in the park’s waterways, hunting fish in family groups. Growing up to six feet long, giant otters are among the Amazon’s top aquatic predators and play a crucial role in maintaining healthy fish populations.

Amazonian Tapir (Tapirus terrestris)
The largest land mammal in South America, the Amazonian tapir is a nocturnal browser that feeds on fruits, leaves, and aquatic vegetation. Despite their bulky size, these animals are excellent swimmers and use river corridors to navigate the dense rainforest.

Puma (Puma concolor)
Also known as the mountain lion or cougar, the puma is a stealthy predator that preys on a variety of animals, including deer, monkeys, and rodents. Its adaptability allows it to thrive in Alto Purús’ diverse habitats, from dense forests to riverbanks.

Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)
With its long, sticky tongue and powerful claws, the giant anteater specializes in feasting on ants and termites. This fascinating species can be seen foraging in open areas and along the edges of the rainforest.

Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger)
This massive reptile is one of the Amazon’s top aquatic predators. Found in the park’s rivers and oxbow lakes, black caimans prey on fish, birds, and even large mammals. They play a crucial role in regulating fish populations.

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
As the world’s largest rodent, the capybara is a highly social animal that thrives along riverbanks and wetlands. These semi-aquatic creatures are often seen in groups, grazing on vegetation and taking refuge in the water when threatened by predators.

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
A smaller but equally elusive wild cat, the ocelot is a solitary and nocturnal hunter that preys on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Its beautiful, spotted coat provides excellent camouflage in the dense undergrowth.

Giant Armadillo (Priodontes maximus)
A rare and secretive species, the giant armadillo is known for its powerful digging abilities, which it uses to excavate termite mounds and burrows. It is mostly nocturnal and plays an essential role in soil aeration and ecosystem health.

Red Brocket Deer (Mazama americana)
This shy and solitary deer species inhabits the dense forests of Alto Purús, foraging on fruits, leaves, and fungi. It is an important prey species for big cats like jaguars and pumas.

Birds

Alto Purús National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, home to an incredible diversity of avian life, from vibrant macaws to stealthy forest hunters. These birds play essential roles in the ecosystem, from pollination to seed dispersal, making the rainforest a dynamic and ever-changing environment.

Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja)
One of the most powerful birds of prey in the world, the harpy eagle is an apex predator that preys on monkeys, sloths, and other arboreal animals. Its impressive size, powerful talons, and striking black-and-white plumage make it a symbol of the Amazon’s wilderness.

Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)
This brilliantly colored parrot is one of the most iconic birds of the Amazon. Often seen in pairs or flocks, scarlet macaws are highly social and rely on large trees for nesting. Their loud calls echo through the rainforest canopy.

Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin)
Known for its unusual appearance and strong, musky odor, the hoatzin is a leaf-eating bird that spends most of its time near slow-moving rivers and swamps. It has clawed wings as a chick, a trait reminiscent of ancient bird species.

Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona)
A masterful fish hunter, the Amazon kingfisher is frequently spotted perching near rivers and lakes, scanning the water for prey. Its striking green and white plumage makes it a beautiful sight against the lush rainforest backdrop.

Blue-and-Yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna)
Another stunning macaw species, the blue-and-yellow macaw is a social and intelligent bird that relies on large, old-growth trees for nesting. These birds are crucial for seed dispersal, helping maintain the rainforest’s biodiversity.

White-throated Toucan (Ramphastos tucanus)
With its enormous, colorful bill, the white-throated toucan is a prominent frugivore in the rainforest. It plays a crucial role in spreading seeds and maintaining tree diversity. Their loud calls are often heard before the birds are seen.

Razor-billed Curassow (Mitu tuberosum)
A large, ground-dwelling bird, the razor-billed curassow is often found foraging along forest floors for fallen fruits and seeds. Despite their size, they are elusive and rarely seen by visitors.

Black-faced Cotinga (Conioptilon mcilhennyi)
This rare bird, found only in remote parts of the western Amazon, is known for its striking black-and-white plumage. It prefers dense, untouched forests, making Alto Purús one of the few places where it can still be spotted.

Pavonine Quetzal (Pharomachrus pavoninus)
This stunning bird, with its iridescent green plumage and striking red belly, is closely related to the famous Resplendent Quetzal. It inhabits humid forests and is often seen perched quietly in the canopy.

Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis)
A master of camouflage, the great potoo is a nocturnal bird that resembles a broken tree branch when resting. At night, it hunts insects and small vertebrates, using its large, gaping mouth to snatch prey mid-flight.

Alto Purús National Park remains a hidden gem of the Amazon, where some of the most fascinating and rare creatures of the rainforest continue to thrive in a vast, untouched wilderness.