Parque Nacional Tingo María

Experience Peru’s lush cloud forests and rich biodiversity at Tingo María

Why visit Parque Nacional Tingo María

The Tingo María National Park offers visitors an unforgettable experience in one of Peru’s oldest protected cloud forests, brimming with natural and cultural treasures. Dominated by the iconic “Sleeping Beauty” mountain range and famed for the intriguing Cueva de las Lechuzas (Owl Cave), the park boasts breathtaking landscapes, rare geological formations, and abundant wildlife, including the rare guácharo bird. It is a haven for birdwatching, hiking, and ecotourism. With an array of ecosystems, Tingo María is ideal for those seeking to explore Peru’s diverse flora, fauna, and forested scenery in a sustainable setting.

Destination’s sustainability performance

Food & Products

Caring for People

Good Employment

Reducing Pollution

Caring for Climate

Reducing Waste

Caring for Water

Caring for Nature

Caring for Culture

Management & Info

Culture & Local Life

The area around Tingo María is rich in the traditions of Huánuco, blending Andean and Amazonian influences. Locals celebrate this cultural diversity through music, crafts, and traditional ceremonies, particularly during regional festivals. Agriculture remains an integral part of the community, with crops like cacao and coffee cultivated sustainably. Many locals have also integrated eco-friendly practices, engaging in responsible tourism and agricultural projects to protect the region’s natural heritage. The warmth and pride of the Tingo María communities make it a welcoming destination that respects both its cultural roots and natural environment.

Sustainability

Tingo María National Park actively fosters sustainability by preserving cloud forest ecosystems and promoting low-impact tourism. Through reforestation and conservation initiatives, the park maintains its rich biodiversity and ensures the protection of native flora and fauna. Sustainable income opportunities for local communities include eco-tourism roles, organic farming practices, and apiculture projects focused on Melipona bees. Efforts to conserve the Sleeping Beauty range and Cueva de las Lechuzas align with the park’s goals to balance environmental protection with community wellbeing, making Tingo María a model for sustainable tourism in Peru.

Good Practice Story

Tingo María National Park (PNTM) in Peru is a sanctuary for biodiversity, conserving rare species across its cloud forests. However, local economic pressures led to unsustainable practices, endangering its ecosystems. Through community-focused initiatives, PNTM promoted sustainable resource use, transforming butterfly and Melipona bee harvesting into profitable, eco-friendly enterprises for residents. Alongside these, the park introduced agricultural transformations, like using local produce for artisanal ice cream, linked to eco-tourism. Formal agreements and educational outreach strengthened local stewardship, and PNTM has since gained national and international recognition for its conservation and community development efforts.

GOOD BUSINESSES

Discover accommodations, restaurants, shops and attractions that are commited to responsible development

Historic and cultural heritage

In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:

Historic and cultural heritage

In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:

Historic and cultural heritage

In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:

Historic and cultural heritage

In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:

Nature & Wildlife

Tingo María National Park is a paradise for nature lovers, with a network of hiking trails through cloud forests and scenic viewpoints. Visitors can explore the Cueva de las Lechuzas, a limestone cave home to impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and colonies of guácharos, an enigmatic nocturnal bird. Birdwatching and guided eco-tours reveal the park’s rich biodiversity, while waterfall treks and river excursions offer serene encounters with lush flora and pristine waters. The “Sleeping Beauty” mountain range adds to the dramatic landscape, drawing photographers and hikers to capture the captivating natural beauty of Peru’s jungle highlands.

Getting there

To reach Tingo María, travellers can fly from Lima to Huánuco Airport, followed by a scenic 45-minute drive to the park. Alternatively, long-distance buses from Lima take around 8–10 hours to reach Tingo María, providing travellers with the opportunity to experience Peru’s changing landscapes en route. The town of Tingo María is the gateway to the park and offers transport options such as taxis and organised tours, making it easy to reach the park’s main attractions. Local guides are available to assist visitors and provide insights into the park’s unique ecosystems.

Getting around

Once in Tingo María National Park, visitors can explore on foot through the designated trails, offering safe and immersive experiences of the cloud forest and nearby attractions. Guided tours are recommended for insights on ecology and to enhance the experience. Local taxis or motor-taxis are readily available within the town of Tingo María and can transport visitors to the park entrances and nearby scenic spots. Alternatively, eco-tours provide convenient group transport and knowledgeable guides, ideal for maximising both time and experience while minimising environmental impact.