Sierra del Divisor National Park

Sierra del Divisor Overview

Sierra del Divisor National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Sierra del Divisor, is a vast and biodiverse protected area in the Amazon Basin of Peru. Covering approximately 5,470 square miles (14,170 square kilometers), this remote park stretches across the Ucayali and Loreto regions along the Brazilian border.

It is a critical component of the Amazon Rainforest, known for its unique geological formations, lush tropical landscapes, and exceptional biodiversity. The park’s terrain is dominated by rugged, isolated mountains and deep valleys, standing in stark contrast to the surrounding flat lowland rainforest.

One of its most striking features is the volcanic-like formations, including the iconic El Cono, a perfectly shaped cone rising dramatically from the jungle floor. Numerous waterfalls, rivers, and natural hot springs add to the park’s allure, making it one of the most geologically fascinating areas in the Amazon.

The park’s dense forests and varied elevations create diverse ecosystems that support a remarkable array of wildlife. Among the most notable species are large mammals such as jaguars, pumas, tapirs, and giant otters. Primates are abundant, including red howler monkeys and the endangered bald uakari.

The park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 300 recorded species, including harpy eagles, scarlet macaws, and the rare wattled curassow. Reptiles and amphibians thrive in the humid environment, with numerous species of frogs, caimans, and anacondas found throughout its waterways and forests. The region’s rivers and oxbow lakes teem with fish, including the famous arapaima, one of the world’s largest freshwater fish.

Sierra del Divisor National Park offers an unparalleled wilderness experience for those willing to venture deep into the Amazon. While its remote location makes access challenging, visitors who make the journey are rewarded with pristine landscapes and the opportunity to encounter wildlife in one of the most untouched regions of the rainforest.

Guided boat tours along the park’s rivers provide an intimate look at aquatic wildlife, while multi-day jungle treks allow visitors to explore dense forests and reach breathtaking viewpoints such as the El Cono peak.

Indigenous communities, including the Asháninka and Shipibo-Conibo peoples, inhabit the region and offer cultural experiences that provide insight into traditional Amazonian lifestyles. Scientific research expeditions and birdwatching tours are also popular among those seeking to study or appreciate the park’s rich biodiversity.

Despite its ecological importance, Sierra del Divisor faces several conservation challenges, including illegal logging, drug trafficking, and encroaching agricultural activities. However, its designation as a national park in 2015 was a significant conservation milestone, offering legal protections to its ecosystems and indigenous communities.

Efforts from conservation organizations and local groups have helped to strengthen surveillance and sustainable development initiatives, promoting ecotourism as an alternative to harmful land use practices. These efforts continue to play a crucial role in preserving this vital section of the Amazon Rainforest for future generations.

Park Map

Sierra del Divisor National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Sierra del Divisor National Park, located in the Amazon rainforest of Peru, is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. This vast, rugged landscape is home to a wide variety of unique and rare wildlife, many of which are endemic to the region. Below are some of the most popular mammal and reptile species found within the park.

Jaguar (Panthera onca)
The jaguar is the largest feline in the Americas and a top predator in Sierra del Divisor. These elusive and powerful cats are essential for maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Jaguars are excellent swimmers and are often found near rivers hunting for capybaras, caimans, and fish.

Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis)
This social and highly intelligent carnivore is one of the largest members of the weasel family. Giant otters inhabit the rivers and oxbow lakes of the park, preying on fish, crustaceans, and small reptiles. They are known for their playful behavior and distinctive vocalizations.

South American Tapir (Tapirus terrestris)
The largest land mammal in South America, the South American tapir plays a crucial role in seed dispersal. These herbivores are primarily nocturnal and can often be found near water sources, where they feed on fruits, leaves, and aquatic vegetation.

Amazonian Manatee (Trichechus inunguis)
This gentle, slow-moving aquatic mammal is found in the rivers and oxbow lakes of Sierra del Divisor. Unlike other manatee species, the Amazonian manatee lacks nails on its flippers. It feeds exclusively on aquatic plants and plays an important role in maintaining healthy water ecosystems.

Pink River Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis)
Also known as the Amazon river dolphin, this unique species is famous for its pink coloration, which intensifies with age. These highly intelligent mammals navigate the park’s winding rivers using echolocation and feed on fish and crustaceans.

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
A smaller but equally stealthy feline, the ocelot is an expert hunter that preys on rodents, birds, and reptiles. These nocturnal cats have striking spotted coats and are known for their solitary nature.

Puma (Puma concolor)
Also known as the mountain lion, the puma is a highly adaptable predator found throughout the park. Though not as commonly seen as jaguars, they are just as formidable, preying on deer, peccaries, and smaller mammals.

Yellow-footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulatus)
This large terrestrial tortoise is often found in the lowland forests of the park. It is primarily herbivorous but occasionally consumes insects and carrion. Its slow metabolism and long lifespan make it one of the more enduring species of the Amazon.

Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus)
One of the largest snakes in the world, the green anaconda thrives in the swampy regions and slow-moving waters of the park. These massive constrictors can grow over 20 feet long and prey on capybaras, caimans, and even deer.

Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger)
The black caiman is one of the most dominant predators in the park’s waterways. Growing up to 16 feet long, it feeds on fish, birds, and mammals. Despite being a feared predator, it plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.

Birds

Sierra del Divisor is a paradise for birdwatchers, boasting a remarkable diversity of avian species. From large birds of prey to brilliantly colored parrots, the park is home to some of the most iconic birds of the Amazon rainforest.

Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja)
One of the most powerful eagles in the world, the harpy eagle is an apex predator in the rainforest. It hunts medium-sized mammals, including monkeys and sloths, using its massive talons and keen eyesight.

Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin)
A unique bird with a prehistoric appearance, the hoatzin is known for its blue face, spiky crest, and unusual digestive system that allows it to ferment leaves like a ruminant. It is often seen near riverbanks and swampy areas.

Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)
This vibrant parrot is one of the most recognizable birds of the Amazon. Scarlet macaws are highly social and intelligent, often forming lifelong pairs. They feed on fruits, nuts, and seeds, playing an essential role in seed dispersal.

Amazonian Motmot (Momotus momota)
Recognizable by its bright blue and green plumage and long tail with racket-shaped tips, the Amazonian motmot is often found perched quietly in dense foliage. It primarily feeds on insects, small reptiles, and fruits.

Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata)
Named for the white markings around its eyes that resemble spectacles, this nocturnal predator hunts rodents, bats, and small birds. It prefers dense forest habitats and is often heard before it is seen.

King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)
This striking vulture is easily recognized by its bald, multicolored head and large size. It is an important scavenger in the park, helping to clean up carrion and prevent the spread of disease.

Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna)
Another brilliantly colored parrot, the blue-and-yellow macaw is known for its loud calls and playful nature. It thrives in groups and can often be seen flying high above the rainforest canopy.

Razor-billed Curassow (Mitu tuberosum)
A large, turkey-like bird, the razor-billed curassow is often seen foraging on the forest floor for fruits, seeds, and small invertebrates. Its deep, booming calls echo through the jungle.

Black-collared Hawk (Busarellus nigricollis)
This fish-eating raptor is commonly found near rivers and oxbow lakes. It is an expert hunter, swooping down to snatch fish from the water’s surface with its sharp talons.

White-throated Toucan (Ramphastos tucanus)
With its oversized, colorful bill, the white-throated toucan is a symbol of the Amazon rainforest. It feeds on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates and is known for its loud, echoing calls.

Sierra del Divisor National Park remains one of the last great wildernesses on Earth, teeming with an astonishing array of wildlife. Its remote and pristine nature makes it a crucial refuge for some of the most extraordinary species in the Amazon.