National park · Peru
Cerros de Amotape National ParkParque Nacional Cerros de Amotape
Enter Cerros de Amotape National Park for about S/ 30–50 per person (check), hike Sendero Cerro Amotape early in the dry season (May–Oct) for clear views, and camp at ranger stations with basic facilities.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
1,516 km² (585 sq mi)585 sq mi (1,516 km²)
approximate
Established
2005
Best months
May–Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 9Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Peru ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Peru's migration authority (Migraciones) or a Peruvian consulate; keep the entry record you receive, as hotels may ask for it.
- Peru ↗Machu Picchu entry is by timed ticket for a named circuit, with daily caps; in high season tickets sell out weeks or months ahead. Buy tickets only from the official Ministry of Culture seller or a licensed agency.
- Peru ↗The classic Inca Trail needs a permit booked through a licensed operator, often months ahead; the trail closes every February for maintenance.
- Peru ↗Altitude sickness is common above 2,500 m: ascend gradually, rest on day one, and ask a doctor before travel if you have heart or lung conditions.
- Northern Coast ↗Talara and some northern towns mix 110 V and 220 V at 60 Hz; check the socket before plugging in.
- Northern Coast ↗The coast is warm and dry most of the year; rain and rough seas cluster December to April.
At a glance
- Country
- Peru
- Area
- 1,516 km² (585 sq mi)585 sq mi (1,516 km²)
- Approx. 150,000 ha (1,515.6 km²); figures may vary by source (check).
- Established
- 2005
- Best months
- May–Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Piura
Cerros de Amotape National Park spans the Cordillera de los Amotapes and the Tumbes River on Peru's northern coast, offering remote backcountry, diverse habitats from dry forest to riverine wetlands, and low visitor numbers.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 2005.
Size and age
1,516 km² (585 sq mi)585 sq mi (1,516 km²) · national park since 2005
Approx. 150,000 ha (1,515.6 km²); figures may vary by source (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Piura.
Why go
- Remote backcountry with minimal crowds.
- Diverse habitats from dry forest to riverine wetlands.
- Opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife spotting and archaeological ruins.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarCaution
- AprGo
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctGo
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanCool but occasional rain, trails muddy.
- FebRainy, higher river levels.
- MarTransition month, some showers.
- AprDrying, temperatures moderate.
- MayStart of dry season, comfortable hiking.
- JunDry, clear skies, warm days.
- JulDry, low humidity, good visibility.
- AugDry, warm, ideal for long treks.
- SepDry, slightly cooler evenings.
- OctEnd of dry season, occasional showers.
- NovIncreasing rain, trails may be slick.
- DecRainy, river higher, some paths closed.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White‑tailed deer, red brocket, mantled howler, yellow‑tailed monkey, white‑fronted capuchinAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Ocelot, jaguar, American crocodile (river)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Birds: hawks, parakeets, owls, grey‑cheek parakeet, black‑headed spinetail, slaty becard, occasional Andean condorMay–Oct | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Main entrance / ranger station | Ticket office, basic camping area, restrooms. | Open daily; entry fee required. |
| Sendero Cerro Amotape area | Highest peak trail, viewpoints over Tumbes River valley. | Hiking only, no vehicle access. |
| El Salto waterfall zone | Lightly traveled trail to waterfall and overlooks. | Open, trail may be overgrown after rain. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are approximate centre of the park; exact gate location varies.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | PEN 30–50 | person | Official fee not published online (check). |
| Camping at ranger stations | PEN 10–20 | site | Basic facilities only (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Camping permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- PEN 30–50
- PEN 10–20
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Check with the park or your operator before you go.
Park rules
- Camping
- Only in designated sites near ranger stations; no open‑air fires beyond provided grills.
- Pets
- Not allowed in the park to protect wildlife.
- Firearms
- Prohibited.
- Trail use
- Stay on marked paths; off‑trail travel may damage fragile habitats.
Where to stay
Near the park
Piura city
Hotels, hostels and guesthouses; 2‑hour drive to park.
Near the park
Talara
Coastal town with budget lodging; 1.5 h to park entrance.
Safety
Heat and dehydration medium
Wildlife (crocodiles, jaguar) medium
Getting lost on remote trails high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Main entrance facilities have wheelchair‑accessible restrooms.
- Trails are rugged and not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Pack out all waste; use provided toilets only.
- Support local communities by buying food in Piura or Talara.
- Avoid disturbing wildlife; keep distance from animals.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Cerros de Amotape National Park?
Entry is about S/ 30–50 per person, but the exact fee is not published online; check at the gate.
What are the best hikes in Cerros de Amotape National Park?
Sendero Cerro Amotape (hard, summit views), Sendero El Salto (moderate, waterfall) and Sendero Los Huacas (moderate, ruins) are the most popular.
When is the best time to visit Cerros de Amotape National Park?
The dry season May – October offers clear trails and comfortable temperatures.
Can I camp inside the park?
Yes, at designated sites near ranger stations; a small fee applies and facilities are basic.
How do I get to the park from the nearest airport?
Fly to Piura, then take a bus to Sullana and a taxi or local bus for the remaining 3 hours to the park entrance.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Cerros de Amotape National Park
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