Amacayacu National ParkAmacayacu National Park at a Glance
About Amacayacu National Park
Amacayacu National Natural Park is a protected area in Colombia’s Amazonas Department established to conserve Amazonian rainforest along the upper Amazon River. It was created in the 1970s to protect riverine and floodplain ecosystems.
The park encompasses varzea floodplain forest, seasonally flooded river channels and river islands, supporting rich wildlife including river dolphins and diverse birdlife. It is a destination for ecological tourism, scientific study and cultural visits to indigenous communities.
Established by the Colombian government in 1975 as a national natural park, it was set aside to preserve representative Amazon habitats and to regulate sustainable use by local communities and visitors.
The park lies along the Colombian stretch of the Amazon River, accessible by boat from the regional town of Leticia in the southernmost part of Colombia’s Amazonas Department.
- Access point: Access is normally by river boat from Leticia, which serves as the main gateway for visitors and researchers to the park.
Best Time to Visit Amacayacu National Park
Both seasons offer different experiences; dry season is often more comfortable for trekking, wet season for deeper boat access.
Weather & Climate near Amacayacu National Park
Amacayacu National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2948 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 321 mm | overcast | 92% | 1.1 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.2h |
| February | Acceptable | 23° - 30° | 27° | 272 mm | overcast | 92% | 1.1 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.1h |
| March | Acceptable | 23° - 30° | 27° | 304 mm | overcast | 92% | 1.1 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 306 mm | overcast | 92% | 1.1 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.9h |
| May | Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 269 mm | overcast | 92% | 1.1 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.8h |
| June | Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 212 mm | overcast | 91% | 1.0 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.8h |
| July | Very Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 187 mm | partly cloudy | 89% | 1.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.8h |
| August | Good | 22° - 31° | 27° | 158 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 1.0 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.9h |
| September | Good | 23° - 31° | 27° | 187 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 1.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 31° | 228 mm | overcast | 90% | 1.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.1h |
| November | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 31° | 233 mm | overcast | 92% | 1.1 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.2h |
| December | Acceptable | 23° - 30° | 27° | 271 mm | overcast | 92% | 1.1 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.2h |
How to Get to Amacayacu National Park
The park is accessed primarily from Leticia (Amazonas Department), Colombia. Boat trips upriver and guided jungle excursions are organized from Leticia’s riverfront; plan multi-day trips with licensed operators.
Tips for Visiting Amacayacu National Park
- Access the park from Leticia; most tours and lodges in Leticia can arrange multi-day jungle excursions including boat transfers.
- Hire an experienced river guide: the park's trails and river channels are best navigated with local knowledge.
- Bring a waterproof dry bag for gear; river transport is common and sudden rain is frequent.