Bahuaja-Sonene National Park

Park Peruvian national park protecting Amazonian and montane ecosystems

Protected area in southeastern Peru spanning Amazonian lowlands and Andean foothills, notable for rainforest biodiversity. Visitors come for jungle wildlife, river excursions and guided ecotours from nearby lodges.

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Bahuaja-Sonene National Park is a large protected area in southeastern Peru covering lowland Amazon rainforest and adjacent montane-foothill habitats in the departments that include Puno and Madre de Dios. The park combines two sectors and is designed to conserve a broad altitudinal gradient and diverse wildlife.

The protected area was created in the late 20th century to conserve Amazonian and Andean-foothill ecosystems and to protect species threatened by deforestation and hunting. Management plans emphasise connectivity between lowland and upland habitats and anti-poaching measures.

The park lies in southeastern Peru, spanning parts of the Puno and Madre de Dios regions, and occupies a remote area of Amazonian lowlands and rising foothills toward the Andes.

  • Scale and habitats: The park comprises two named sectors and protects a wide altitudinal range from Amazon lowlands to Andean foothills, making it important for habitat connectivity and large mammal conservation.

What to See #

  • Bahuaja sector: The Bahuaja sector, covering lowland Amazon forest and river systems that support typical Amazonian wildlife and floodplain habitats.
  • Sonene sector: The Sonene sector, protecting transitional upland and Andean foothill environments that connect lowland rainforest to higher-elevation ecosystems.
Bahuaja-Sonene National Park
Bahuaja-Sonene National Park, Madre de Dios-Puno border region, Peru
-13.5092, -69.5738

How to Get to Bahuaja-Sonene National Park #

Access generally requires river or overland travel arranged from Puerto Maldonado or other regional gateways. Coordinate with licensed guides and park authorities for permits and transport arrangements.

Tips for Visiting Bahuaja-Sonene National Park #

  • Organize trips with accredited local operators who understand Amazonian logistics and the park's seasonal access rules.
  • Expect humidity and heat; bring malaria prophylaxis if advised and appropriate insect protection.
  • Plan wildlife observation early in the morning or near dusk when animals are most active.

Best Time to Visit Bahuaja-Sonene National Park #

The park is most accessible in the dry season; travel logistics are complex year-round and depend on river conditions.

Dry season
May-October · 18-30°C
Lower river levels and more manageable trails; better for trekking and wildlife spotting.
Wet season
November-April · 22-32°C
High river levels and lush vegetation; some areas may be accessible only by boat.

Weather & Climate near Bahuaja-Sonene National Park #

Climate

Bahuaja-Sonene National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 15°C to 29°C. Heavy rainfall (3325 mm/year), wettest in January.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
29°
Warmest Month
15°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (487 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
19° 28°

Weather

487 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (463 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
19° 28°

Weather

463 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (374 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
19° 28°

Weather

374 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (241 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
18° 28°

Weather

241 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (171 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
17° 27°

Weather

171 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
16° 26°

Weather

147 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
15° 27°

Weather

140 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (161 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
16° 28°

Weather

161 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
17° 29°

Weather

152 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (275 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
18° 29°

Weather

275 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (300 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
18° 29°

Weather

300 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (414 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
19° 28°

Weather

414 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

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