Santa Elena Ecological Reserve: Paradise of Biodiversity

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Santa Elena is located 8 km northwest of the city of Rioja, in the district of Pósic, and can be reached in about 20 minutes by car or in just 5 minutes on foot. This place is part of an Ecosystem Conservation and Recovery Zone, which makes it a privileged space for the preservation of biodiversity. Its landscape is characterized by swampy and flooded areas during the rainy season (December to April), as well as a natural forest with pools of water where species such as aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa) and renacales dominate.

In addition to its ecological value, Santa Elena is an attraction for those who enjoy ecotourism and bird watching. Its wetlands serve as a habitat for various species of wildlife, which makes it an ideal place for nature photography and for getting to know the Amazonian ecosystems up close.

About the Santa Elena Ecological Reserve

The Santa Elena Ecological Reserve is a natural paradise in the Amazon jungle, recognized as part of the Alto Mayo wetlands. Here, nature is shown at its best: small rivers, swampy forests, and surprising biodiversity create an ideal environment for ecotourism and wildlife.

A canoe ride on its calm waters will allow you to go into a landscape surrounded by lush vegetation, while you listen to the birds' singing, the murmur of the water, and the sounds of the jungle.

Welcome and Interpretation Center

Upon arriving at Santa Elena, the local community, in charge of managing the place, will welcome you with warmth and accompany you throughout the experience, sharing their knowledge and local traditions.

On the other hand, in the reception area, you will find an Interpretation Center, where the main species of flora and fauna of the reserve are displayed. This space is ideal for family visits, school trips, and travelers interested in learning more about the ecosystem.

Afterwards, a walk on a wooden pier begins from the interpretation center, going into the dark waters of the Romero river. Little by little, the path sinks into the swampy jungle until it reaches the point where the canoes are waiting to start the river tour.

Available River Routes

Route 1: Navigate the Romero river to the El Abuelo rest stop (2 hours). It is the only one also offered at night, allowing you to experience the magic of the jungle under the stars.
Route 2: Extends the trip to El Matorral (4 hours), ideal for those looking for a more complete experience.
Route 3: Travels the Romero river, the Negro river, and the Mayo river to its mouth (6 hours). There is also a reduced option to the El Edén port (4 hours).

Note: On any of these routes, the rivers are flanked by tall tropical trees that form a natural canopy, filtering the light and creating an atmosphere typical of the Peruvian Amazon.

Featured Flora and Fauna

Among the most notable plant species are the renaco, the aguaje, the capirona, and the bijao. As for the fauna, you can spot mammals such as the river wolf, the little ferret, the achuni, the sloth, the majaz, and the monk monkey. It is also possible to hear the imposing roar of the howler monkeys, especially in the early morning hours (6:00 – 7:00 a.m.), an ideal time to observe wildlife. Likewise, Santa Elena is home to a wide variety of species, including:

Great Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata)
Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona)
Green Kingfisher (Chloroceryle americana)
Rufous-tailed Kingfisher (Chloroceryle inda)
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Rufous-sided Crake (Rufirallus viridis)
Common Gallinule (Gallinula galeata)
Yellow-hooded Blackbird (Gymnomystax mexicanus)

Location and Accessibility

The Santa Elena Ecological Reserve is located just 15 minutes from the city of Rioja, bordering the Tingana Reserve, within the Conservation and Recovery Zone of the “Alto Mayo Wetland” Ecosystem (ZoCRE). Its proximity to the city and its adapted routes make it the best choice for families with children or for those who prefer not to do long hikes, without failing to experience the purest essence of the Amazon.

What to see and do in the Santa Elena ecological reserve?

Sail in canoes. Handcrafted boats without motors navigate the intricate canals under the thick vegetation. The natural tunnels are home to a large number of animal species.
Enjoy nature. The reserve is a space that is safe from contamination. Its administrators strive to keep it that way and preserve its resources, which has turned it into a sanctuary for animal and plant species.
Learn about sustainable tourism. There is an interpretation room where models of the species that can be observed are displayed, in addition to explaining the process of creating the reserve and the associated activities.
Try local cuisine dishes. In the reserve restaurant they work only with local ingredients and prepare jungle specialties. Let yourself be carried away by bold local recipes.
Yoga and relaxation. Any activity related to the elevation of the spirit, such as meditation and yoga, can be practiced in the green areas of the reserve.

How to get to the Santa Elena ecological reserve?

The Santa Elena Ecological Reserve is located northwest of Tarapoto, very close to the town of Pósic. Various tour operators in the capital of San Martín offer full-day tours that include round-trip transportation, ideal for those looking for an organized visit.

If you prefer to go on your own, it is important to coordinate in advance with the reserve manager to ensure access.

By private vehicle: The trip from Tarapoto takes approximately three hours by road.
By public transport: From Tarapoto you can take a bus or van to Rioja.

Buses leave from the San Martín Company terminal (Av. Alfonso Ugarte) for an approximate cost of S/ 24.
Vans depart from the Turismo Selva terminal (also on Av. Alfonso Ugarte), with a cost of S/ 14.50 and a travel time of about two and a half hours to cover the 135 km.

Once in Rioja, you take a mototaxi to Pósic and, from there, another ride to the entrance of the reserve. This last ride can cost between S/ 10 and S/ 15 additional per person.

Recommendations

Fresh clothing and anti-mosquito protection. Navigation through the canals can be hot, and there can be mosquitoes. So you should wear loose clothing and apply repellent.
Leave Tarapoto very early. If you only visit it for one day, it is the best option to enjoy the entire tour with the peace of mind of finding return transportation.
Enjoy it for more days: The reserve is huge! Therefore, if you want to visit it completely, you may need more than one day. Within the same reserve there are hostels that can accommodate you if it is convenient for you to spend the night there.
Visit the caves of Palestine: Many tourists usually make this visit in conjunction with the caves of Palestine, since these places are a short distance away.
Wear the vest at all times in the canoe. It is an essential requirement to board the boats and must be worn throughout the entire journey.
Follow the guides' recommendations. The walk in the reserve is always done in the company of authorized guides. Respect all their instructions.
Please take all the trash you generate. Do not leave any type of waste in the reserve.
Santa Elena can be visited from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Respect visiting hours

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