The National Parks are meant to be representative examples of the natural diversity and the ecological unities of Peru. In these Parks, the ecological integrity of one or more ecosystems, the flora and wild fauna are protected. In these areas the direct exploitation of natural resources and the settlement of new population are not permitted.

Visitors can enter these areas only with scientific, cultural and educative goals. Peru has 8 National Parks with a surface of 2,918,179,25 has, which means 2,27% of the national territory.

THE BAHUAJA-SONENE NATIONAL PARK

The Bahuaja - Sonene National Park was created on July 17, 1996 according to Law (D.S.) N 012-96-AG. The area of Tambopata Candamo was created afterwards with the active participation of the citizens of Madre de Dios and Puno.

This National Park is found in the provinces of Tambopata and Sandia, of the departments of Madre de Dios and Puno. It has an area of 537,053.25 has which overlap the National Sanctuary of Pampas del Heath and border the National Park of Madidi in Bolivia. The Bahuaja-Sonone Park is the haven of several animals in danger of extinction like the giant outer, the river wolf (Pteronura brasiliense), the wild dog (Speothos venaticus), the black alligator (Melanosuchus niger) and the harpa eagle (Harpya harpija).

In the river heath we can find the famous collpas of guacamayos -macaws- which are a great attraction to visitors.. The main purpose of this park is the conservation of the environment and the protection of its wild flora and fauna.