¿Do you want to have a great time surrounded by the nature that the Peruvian Amazon gives us? Looking for a special connection with great forests? Well, the Tingo María National Park is -without a doubt- your next destination to choose for a getaway that you will remember forever.
Located in the province of Leoncio Prado, in the Huánuco region, this destination offers us innumerable landscapes, areas with abundant flora and fauna, waterfalls and more with which you will connect from the first moment.
Declared a protected area in 1965, it gives us hundreds of species to enjoy in its ecosystem, such as the otter, jaguar, parrots and capybara; in addition to high mountains with dense vegetation. Here, we present five places that you cannot miss if you are looking for an unforgettable adventure in this natural wonder.
Protect the natural areas called “La Bella Durmiente” and the “Cueva de las Lechuzas”. Conserve the exceptional wild flora and fauna. Guarantee the socio-economic development of the surrounding towns and promote local tourism.
On May 14, 1965, by Law No. 15574.
It is located in the High Jungle Ecoregion (Peruvian Yungas), in the district of Mariano Dámaso Beraún, province of Leoncio Prado, department of Huánuco.
4,777.00 hectares.
The Tingo María National Park is the second protected natural area established in Peru in 1965. It houses a biological diversity typical of the high jungle region, as well as a very particular landscape beauty. One of the geographical features that distinguishes the park is the formation of a mountain range that resembles a woman lying down and is known as "Sleeping Beauty."
Its limits are determined as follows:
Another of the characteristic geological formations of the Park is the Cueva de las Lechuzas, which is a magnetic point for tourists, as well as its exuberant waterfalls. The park protects ecosystems that ensure the presence of water in the area and that allow scientific research and environmental education to be carried out.
The Tingo María National Park has a great variety of birds, estimating the presence of 364 species. The cock of the rocks (Rupicola peruviana), guacharos (Steatornis caripensis), various species of parrots, woodpeckers, toucans, among other birds, stand out. The most important places to observe birds are: Tres de Mayo tourist sector, Cueva de las Lechuzas and Quinceañera.
Among the mammals, the presence of the puma (Puma concolor), jaguar or otorongo (Panthera onca), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), tigrina (Leopardus tigrinus), aquatic opossum (Chironectes minimus), margay (Leopardus wiedii), capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), otter (Lontra longicaudis), peccary (Tayassu tajacu), puffin (Saimiri boliviensis) and common pichico (Saguinus fuscicollis).
A large number of butterflies have been recorded in the Tingo María National Park, reporting approximately 320 species, highlighting the butterflies of the Morpho genus.
The flora present is typical of the high forest, in the high parts (1800 m.a.s.l.) of the Park the vegetation is dense, with diverse thickets loaded with mosses, lichens, bromeliads and other epiphytes that cover the rocky outcrops. As you go down in altitude (700 m.a.s.l.), the forest becomes higher, appearing tree ferns, which share the space with tree species of the Lauraceae, Clusiaseae and Rubiaceae families, associated with these are numerous species of orchids.
On the lower slopes of the mountains, the forest is even higher and trees from families such as Meliaceae, Lauraceae, Myristicaceae, Moraceae, among others, are common. The best known species are the cumala, the white requia, the moena and the sapotillo.
The climate is tropical and rainy, with an average temperature of 24.5° C. Annual precipitation fluctuates between 3,000 and 3,500 mm; relative humidity is between 80%.
7 kilometers from the city of Tingo María you will find this unique place: a cave inhabited by guacharos, bats and other species that you must enter together with an expert.
The shape of its interior, with stalagmites, stalactites and various columns give the impression of being surrounded by natural sculptures. Almost at dusk, it gives us an unforgettable view. Not immortalizing the moment with a photograph is impossible.
Near this fascinating place, you will find restaurants with typical dishes of the area so that your visit is as pleasant as possible. You just have to let yourself be carried away by nature and enjoy.
The Tingo María National Park has three sectors:
It is the main tourist attraction of the Park, located 7 km from the city of Tingo María, on the road to Monzón (by car 10 min.), comprised of the entrance boulevard towards the Cueva river bridge, Picnic area located in the sector Water hole at 300 mt. From the entrance access to the Cueva de las Lechuzas, inside the Cave we find stalactites, stalagmites, mantles and columns, formed over thousands of years, the cavern houses an important colony of guacharos (Steatornis caripensis), bats, insects, Amblipigids, porcupine, among others.
In addition, there are tourist orientation services, photographic taking, hygienic services, sale of snacks, handicrafts, homemade ice cream, typical dishes of the area and drinks.
It is located to the south of the Park, 14 km from the city of Tingo María on the section of the highway to Huánuco, a trip of approximately 20 minutes. By vehicle, this place is accessed through a suspension bridge over the Huallaga River in the Tambillo Chico hamlet.
At the beginning of the tour you can see an orchid, butterfly, birds, medicinal, forest and ornamental plants. You can also see beautiful waterfalls of three falls of crystal clear waters such as Gloriapata at 1.8 km, Sol Naciente at 4.76 km and Salto del Ángel 5.46 km.
It also has tourist orientation services, accommodation, sale of snacks, typical dishes of the area and drinks.
Located 7 km from the city of Tingo María on the section of the road to Huánuco (by car 10 min.), this attraction is accessed through the crossing in a huaro over the Huallaga river, then by a 1 km walk approx. You arrive at the Quinceañera waterfall, where you can enjoy a 43 m. waterfall, it is a life zone of the very humid pre-montane tropical forest, surrounded by exuberant vegetation.
It also has tourist orientation services, sale of snacks and drinks, transportation service in Huaro.
Because of its beauty, it is worthy of a tremendous story to remember. This set of mountains, seen in the distance, gives the impression of a woman lying on her back admiring the beautiful sky of the city.
The Monzón and Huallaga rivers flow on its base and its inhabitants tell the Inca legend of the young Cuynac, who was deeply in love with the princess Nunash. She was transformed into a butterfly and he into stone. When the latter could not return to her human form, she perched forever on her beloved.
From where can this figure be perfectly appreciated? Mirador de la Cruz on the San Francisco hill, an ideal place to steal a snapshot.
Walking has been said. One of the main attractions of the Tingo María National Park is this proposal, which includes various activities to be carried out in the midst of an enthralling nature.
It is located 14 kilometers from the city of Tingo María, to the south of the park, and from the outset the adventure begins by having to cross the Huallaga River by means of a suspension bridge. Waterfalls such as Gloriapata, Salto del Ángel and Sol Naciente are one of the fixed points on its route, so prepare your swimwear in case you want to take a dip.
Not everything is there since it has an orchid garden, a butterfly garden and you can even bring tents to spend the night. If you want more comfort, the bungalows are at your service.
What better than enjoying the day with drops of natural water falling on your face, with that relaxing sound of the liquid 'breaking' close to your body. 20 minutes from the city by car (12 kilometers) we find this unique natural paradise that is part of the Tres de Mayo Tourist Circuit.
You must arrive prepared since a walk close to 50 minutes is what awaits you. However, the diversity of flora and fauna (you can find the famous cock-of-the-rock) undoubtedly compensates for all the effort made.
The waterfall has an approximate height of 13 meters, which you will only have centimeters. Impossible to take just one photo of the place. Write it down.
A trip is meaning of pleasure and relaxation. What better way to get here immersed in waters that average 18 degrees? In the district of Rupa Rupa, 15 minutes by car from the city of Tingo María, is this rock formation, which gives the impression of being a pool made by nature.
Of immediate access to its visitors, its waters have healing properties due to a high level of sulfur, an element that helps the human body therapeutically. 100% distension.
And you, what are you waiting for to take your suitcase and experience what the Tingo María National Park gives us? They will welcome you with open arms.
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
