Otishi National Park

Otishi Overview

Otishi National Park, or Parque Nacional Otishi in Spanish, is a remote and largely unexplored national park in Peru, situated within the regions of Junín and Cusco.

Covering approximately 1,374 square miles (3,558 square kilometers), this park is part of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range and serves as a critical conservation area within the Peruvian Amazon.

The park is nestled in one of the most biologically diverse and ecologically significant regions in South America, featuring a mix of high-altitude cloud forests, deep river canyons, and vast expanses of lowland rainforest.

The terrain is rugged and dramatic, with steep mountain slopes, lush valleys, and sheer cliffs that define its unique landscape. One of the park’s most striking features is the Otishi Plateau, a high-altitude tableland that offers breathtaking panoramic views. Numerous waterfalls cascade down the cliffs, feeding into pristine rivers that eventually merge with the Amazon Basin.

The park’s diverse habitats support an astonishing array of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic or rare. The dense forests of Otishi are home to some of Peru’s most elusive mammals, including the jaguar, spectacled bear, puma, and the endangered Andean tapir.

Smaller species such as the ocelot, giant armadillo, and various primates, including the howler monkey and woolly monkey, also thrive in the park. Bird enthusiasts may spot the vibrant Andean cock-of-the-rock, Peru’s national bird, along with harpy eagles, macaws, and toucans. The biodiversity of Otishi extends beyond its visible wildlife, as the park is also rich in amphibians, reptiles, and insects that contribute to the delicate ecological balance of the region.

Among the park’s most notable features is its role in protecting the headwaters of several important rivers, which provide water to both local communities and major ecosystems downstream.

The Ene and Tambo Rivers carve through the landscape, creating deep canyons and fostering unique microclimates that support a wide range of species. The park is also home to a variety of ancient rock formations and caves that have yet to be fully explored, adding to its mystique. Because of its remote location, Otishi National Park is not a typical tourist destination, making it one of the least disturbed areas in the country.

Visitors who wish to experience Otishi must be prepared for an adventurous journey, as access is difficult and typically requires guided expeditions. Activities in the park include trekking through the dense jungle, wildlife observation, and river excursions along its winding waterways.

Given the park’s inaccessibility, it remains a prime location for scientific research and conservation efforts rather than large-scale tourism. Indigenous Asháninka communities reside in the surrounding areas, and their traditional knowledge and connection to the land play an essential role in the park’s ongoing conservation initiatives.

Despite its rich biodiversity, Otishi National Park faces challenges such as illegal logging, poaching, and the threat of encroaching agricultural activities. Conservation efforts have been focused on strengthening the park’s protection through partnerships with local communities, government agencies, and environmental organizations.

Its relative isolation has helped shield it from some of the pressures faced by other Amazonian parks, but continued vigilance is necessary to ensure the survival of its unique ecosystems.

Park Map

Otishi National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus)
The only bear species native to South America, the spectacled bear is known for its distinctive white or yellowish facial markings. These shy and solitary bears primarily feed on fruits, bromeliads, and small mammals while inhabiting the park’s dense cloud forests.

Jaguar (Panthera onca)
As the top predator of Otishi National Park, the jaguar thrives in the region’s forests and riverbanks. This powerful feline is known for its muscular build and distinctive rosette-patterned coat. Jaguars play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the park.

Puma (Puma concolor)
The adaptable and elusive puma, also known as a mountain lion, is another key predator in Otishi National Park. It preys on deer, rodents, and other small mammals, thriving in various altitudes ranging from lowland forests to high-altitude grasslands.

South American Tapir (Tapirus terrestris)
The largest land mammal in South America, the tapir is an important seed disperser in Otishi’s forests. With its prehensile snout, it forages for fruits, leaves, and aquatic vegetation. Despite its bulky size, the tapir is an excellent swimmer.

Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis)
This highly social and intelligent carnivore is found in the park’s rivers and oxbow lakes. Giant otters are known for their strong family bonds and cooperative hunting behaviors, preying on fish and small aquatic animals. Their populations are threatened by habitat destruction and poaching.

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
The world’s largest rodent, the capybara, is commonly found near the park’s water bodies. These semi-aquatic mammals live in groups and are excellent swimmers, using water as an escape route from predators like jaguars and caimans.

Andean Fox (Lycalopex culpaeus)
Also known as the culpeo, this fox species is the second-largest canid in South America. It has a reddish-gray coat and preys on small mammals, birds, and carrion, adapting well to both forested and open landscapes.

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
A smaller yet agile predator, the ocelot thrives in Otishi’s dense forests. With its strikingly patterned coat and excellent night vision, this nocturnal feline hunts rodents, birds, and reptiles under the cover of darkness.

Lowland Paca (Cuniculus paca)
A large, nocturnal rodent, the lowland paca is known for its spotted brown coat and burrowing behavior. It plays a vital role in seed dispersal while feeding on fruits, nuts, and vegetation, contributing to the park’s ecosystem.

Bush Dog (Speothos venaticus)
A rare and highly elusive species, the bush dog is a small, short-legged wild canid that lives in the dense forests of Otishi. These social predators hunt in packs and are known for their strong teamwork when pursuing prey like rodents and small deer.

Birds

Otishi National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, hosting a rich diversity of avian species, from colorful parrots to majestic raptors. The park’s varying elevations and pristine forests create the perfect conditions for both endemic and migratory birds.

Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja)
One of the most powerful raptors in the world, the harpy eagle is an apex predator of Otishi’s forests. With its massive talons and striking black-and-white plumage, it preys on monkeys, sloths, and large birds in the canopy.

Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruvianus)
Recognized for its brilliant red-orange plumage and fan-shaped crest, this bird is the national bird of Peru. Males gather in leks to perform elaborate courtship displays, making them a highlight for birdwatchers in Otishi National Park.

Military Macaw (Ara militaris)
This striking green macaw is a social and intelligent bird, often seen flying in pairs or small flocks. It feeds on fruits, nuts, and seeds and plays a significant role in seed dispersal within the park’s forests.

Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin)
Known for its prehistoric appearance and distinctive crest, the hoatzin is a unique, herbivorous bird that primarily feeds on leaves. It emits a pungent odor due to its specialized digestive system, earning it the nickname “stinkbird.”

Crested Quetzal (Pharomachrus antisianus)
A close relative of the famous resplendent quetzal, this species is admired for its iridescent green and red plumage. It inhabits the cloud forests of Otishi and is often found feeding on fruits in the canopy.

Black-and-Chestnut Eagle (Spizaetus isidori)
A rare and powerful bird of prey, this eagle soars over the mountainous regions of Otishi, hunting monkeys, small mammals, and large birds. Its striking black-and-chestnut coloration makes it a visually impressive sight.

Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)
One of the most recognizable parrots in the world, the scarlet macaw dazzles with its bright red, yellow, and blue feathers. These highly social birds are often found in family groups and play a crucial role in the park’s ecosystem.

Amazonian Motmot (Momotus momota)
This beautifully colored bird, with its distinctive racket-shaped tail, is often found perched quietly in the understory. It feeds on insects, small reptiles, and fruits, contributing to the park’s biodiversity.

Ornate Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus ornatus)
A medium-sized raptor with striking plumage, the ornate hawk-eagle is a fierce predator of the park’s forests. It preys on birds, mammals, and reptiles, using its sharp vision and powerful talons to hunt.

Golden-headed Quetzal (Pharomachrus auriceps)
Another stunning member of the quetzal family, this bird features shimmering green plumage with a golden-yellow head. It thrives in Otishi’s high-altitude cloud forests, where it feeds on fruits and small invertebrates.

Otishi National Park remains a crucial sanctuary for these remarkable species, offering one of the last untouched refuges for Peru’s rich biodiversity.