Parque Nacional Natural Amacayacu

Location:
60 kilometers (36 miles) upstream from Leticia
Leticia , Colombia

Other Activity Types:
Wildlife refuge, Natural park, National park

V!VA User‘s Description

Parque Nacional Natural Amacayacu is one of the most easily (and safely) accessible jungle national parks. Its 293,500 hectares on the banks of the Amazon and Amacayacu Rivers is home to over 150 species of mammals, including pink and grey dolphins, danta, jaguar, manatee, nutria and the tití leoncita, the smallest primate in the world, and is a reptilian haven with crocodiles, anacondas and boas. Parque Nacional Natural Amacayacu has one of the most diverse populations of avifauna with almost 500 species, making this a must-come for birdwatchers. Amacayacu is one of the most virgin tropical forests, with thousands of species of plants and trees. You can explore the park by canoe up its many waterways, or on foot along marked trails. Undertake the six-day hike from one extreme of the park to the other with a specialist guide.

Getting There
Buy your ticket from the national park office in Leticia. You can contact a tour agency in Leticia or Decameron Explorer at Hotel Decameron Ticuna for making plans to go to the park, or take a public launch (see Getting to and away from Leticia for detail

Travel Tips: The concessions (hotel, restaurant, tours) has been privatized, with Decameron now administering it. Lodging has been improved, but prices have risen steeply. This is the only lodging option within the park now. In shared accommodations prices are $46-55, and in maloka cabin $120-145 for single, $70-85 double occupancy. Prices are per person and includes breakfast and dinner, but not boat transportation.

A cheaper alternative is to stay in a neighboring Resguarda Indígena (indigenous village), like Mocagua. If you choose to do this, upon arriving request to speak with the curaca, or head of the village, to ask permission to stay. Lodging in these hamlets costs approximately $6 per person.

Students and professionals of biological sciences / ecology and individuals with national park experience can apply at the national park office in Leticia to be a volunteer.

Price Description: Nationals: Adults $4.20, students $2.10. Foreigners: $12.10.

Relative price: Mid-Range

Open Hours from:Day trip: Daily 7 a.m.

Open Hours to:Day trip: Daily 6 p.m.

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: There are tons of mosquitoes, so insect repellent is definitely necessary. Also take sun block, water, snack; wear light weight, light-colored clothing, good walking shoes and hat.

Museo del Hombre Amazónico, Serpentario Armero-Guayabal and Amazoonas, Reserva Tanimboca, the Kilometer villages and indigenous settlements along the river, Tabatinga, Isla de Micos, trips into the jungle and on the river, Puerto Nariño, Lago Tarapota and the pink dolphins.

Currencies accepted
Colombian Peso