Río Abiseo National Park, Natural and archaeological reserve in San Martín Region, Peru.
Río Abiseo National Park is a protected area in Peru's mountains spanning three distinct landscape zones, from wet forests in the valleys to high grasslands. The terrain ranges from forested lowlands up to elevations above 4,200 meters, creating home to thousands of plant species.
The park was established to protect the ancient structures of Gran Pajatén, one of the major archaeological sites in this mountain region. This designation recognized that both natural landscape and human history needed safeguarding in this remote area.
Archaeological ruins scattered throughout the park reveal how ancient peoples built settlements high in these mountains. The structures show the skills and knowledge of communities who adapted to life among steep slopes and dense forests.
Entry to this protected area is restricted and requires special authorization to preserve both the ecosystem and archaeological sites. Visitors need advance planning since the terrain is remote and challenging to reach.
Two rare monkey species, the yellow-tailed woolly monkey and white-fronted spider monkey, live only within this protected forest. These animals exist nowhere else, making this one of Earth's most important refuges for their survival.
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