Tingo María National Park

Tingo María National Park is a protected area in the Department of Huánuco on the eastern slopes of the Peruvian Andes, set around distinctive ridge formations and montane forest. The park conserves cloud-forest and foothill habitats that are important for regional biodiversity.

Visitor highlights include prominent landscape features such as the ridge known as La Bella Durmiente and karst features like caves that host nocturnal birds; short trails and lookout points provide views across the foothills and lowland forest. The park is valued for birdwatching and for its variety of native plant communities.

The protected area was created in the mid-20th century to conserve the region’s forested slopes and scenic ridgelines and has since been managed for both conservation and regulated visitor access. Over time it has remained an important local reserve for wildlife and a recreational area for nearby towns.

Geographically it lies adjacent to the town of Tingo María in Huánuco, on the eastern Andean foothills; the park forms part of the transition zone from high Andes to Amazonian lowlands.

• Biodiversity importance: The park protects montane and cloud-forest habitats on the eastern Andean foothills, making it important for birdlife and native plant species.
• Access point: Access is commonly arranged from the nearby town of Tingo María, which serves as the gateway for visitors and local guides.

What to See #

• La Bella Durmiente ridge: The ridge known as La Bella Durmiente (the Sleeping Beauty) is a distinctive skyline feature resembling a reclining woman and is visible from park viewpoints.
• Cave of the Owls: The Cueva de las Lechuzas is a notable cave near the park that hosts nocturnal bird species and is a local natural attraction, reached by short trails from the park edge.