- Address: Amazonas, Amazonas, Colombia
- Area: 2 935 sq. M. km
- Date of foundation: 1975.
- Website: parquesnacionales.gov.co
- Opening hours: Mon-Fri 08: 00-17: 00
Colombia is among the three most picturesque countries in the world, behind only Brazil and Indonesia . By the number of species of birds, amphibians, orchids and palms, it is generally no equal. Therefore, it is not surprising that more than 40 national parks , 11 sanctuaries, as well as many eco-reserves and nature reserves are registered here.
Colombia is among the three most picturesque countries in the world, behind only Brazil and Indonesia . By the number of species of birds, amphibians, orchids and palms, it is generally no equal. Therefore, it is not surprising that more than 40 national parks , 11 sanctuaries, as well as many eco-reserves and nature reserves are registered here. One of them is Amakayaku - one of the largest and most interesting national natural parks of the Amazonas department and the whole of Colombia.
General information about Amakayaku
The National Park was established in the mid-1970s to preserve and explore all the richness of the Amazonian rainforest. From the very beginning of its existence Amakayaku was the center of tourism. Despite the fact that every year it is flooded with the waters of the Amazon River, every scientist, nature lover and supporter of ecotourism dreams of visiting it. The height difference in the park is 200-300 m, and the average annual air temperature is 26 ... 28 ° C.
Amakayaku was created to preserve the culture of the Tikkun tribes, which still live on its territory. In the language of local peoples, the name of the park "Amacayacu" is translated as "land of hammocks".
Biodiversity and uniqueness of Amakayaku
Currently, this national park is of great scientific interest. There are 150 species of mammals, the most unique of which are:
- three-toed sloth;
- jaguar;
- four-fingered Tamandua anteater;
- white-bellied possum;
- Oedipus tamarin, or pinch.
Amakayaku water bodies are full of freshwater fish, manatees, otters and Amazonian pink dolphins, also known as inia and bontho. According to the studies of the British Ornithological Union, 490 species of birds inhabit the national park, 11 of which are herpetropids alone.
Flora Amakayaku is represented in the form of numerous red and rubber trees, as well as trees with light and porous wood, whose height can reach 50 m. Here grows the form of an exporter, which is distinguished by huge, powerful roots. According to eyewitnesses, it is possible to break the ax about the bark of this tree. In the park, you can also find lemon-lily ficus - a parasitic plant that grows on other trees, gradually sucking out the vital juices from them.
Tourist infrastructure Amakayaku
In the park were organized special areas, where visitors can spend the night in hammocks or rent small rooms. Only in this case it should be noted that Amakayaku has a huge number of mosquitoes. Therefore, to visit him is in clothes, carefully covering the body.
Within the framework of an excursion to the Amakayak nature park, you can:
- to go on a boat on the Amazon to Lake Tarapoto;
- look at pink dolphins and a variety of monkeys;
- Visit the islands of Moccagua and Isla de los Mikos;
- see the lotus flower Victoria Regia.
Directly from here one should go to the study of neighboring national natural parks - Yaigoje Apaporis, Rio Pure and Cahuinari.
How to get to Amakayaku?
The National Natural Park is located in the southeast of the country 740 km from Bogota and 94 km from the border with Peru . The closest city to it is Leticia , the capital of the Amazonas department. Get here from Amakayaku only on country roads and a dense tropical forest, and most of the way will have to be overcome by boats sailing up the river.
To the city of Leticia, located 350 km from Amakayaku, you can get by plane from Bogota. Several times a day flights from LATAM and Avianca fly from the capital. Flight time is 2 hours.