The Alto Ucayali Reserved Zone protects a critical section of Amazonian rainforest in Peru, offering rich biodiversity and opportunities for river-based exploration and indigenous cultural encounters.
The Alto Ucayali Reserved Zone is a protected area located in the department of Ucayali, in the central Amazon basin of Peru. Covering an extensive area of primary tropical rainforest along the upper stretches of the Ucayali River, this zone plays an essential role in conserving one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world. The terrain is predominantly flat to gently rolling, marked by dense lowland rainforest, slow-moving rivers, oxbow lakes, and wetlands. The area is inhabited by important indigenous communities that depend on the forest and river for subsistence and maintain rich cultural traditions. Ecologically, the Reserved Zone is home to a vast variety of flora and fauna, including several endangered and endemic species such as the giant river otter, Amazon river dolphin, macaws, and numerous primate species. The zone acts as a buffer to deforestation pressures and supports the conservation of habitat continuity along the Ucayali River corridor. Although infrastructure for tourism is minimal, the region is accessible by riverboat and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, fishing, and cultural learning experiences with local indigenous groups. Visitors should be prepared for a remote Amazonian environment with limited amenities. The Reserved Zone emphasizes low-impact visitation and scientific research to better understand Amazonian dynamics and support indigenous land rights. Its pristine environment and vital role in safeguarding Amazon biodiversity contribute significantly to conservation efforts in Peru’s Amazon basin.
Ucayali River – vital waterway for exploration and transport
Primary Amazon lowland rainforest with outstanding biodiversity
Indigenous communities offering cultural insight and traditional knowledge
Wetlands and oxbow lakes habitat for rare aquatic species
The principal river corridor running through the Reserved Zone, supporting diverse aquatic ecosystems and transportation routes.
One of the largest intact tracts of tropical rainforest in Peru, rich in plant and animal species.
Local native groups maintain traditional lifestyles and provide cultural perspectives on sustainable forest use.