Stefan Austermühle, Expedition leader and Executive Director of Mundo Azul:

“Of all the expeditions I made and nature adventures I had as a biologist, working in Peru during the last 12 years, rainforest diving in Peru has been by far the most impressive and unforgettable one of all. The rainforest of the National Park Yanachaga Chemillen for me was the most beautiful rainforest area I have ever seen. To dive in its crystal clear rivers with hundreds of fish and dozens of species circling me can only be compared with diving in a healthy tropical reef.

The logistics to get there have been one of the most complicated ones I ever had to organize. Once we had the necessary permits it actually developed into a logistical nightmare. Wild canons and rapids defended the entrance to this protected rainforest and the entire way was an adventure in itself. I am considering myself a very blessed person to have had the chance to experience this virgin and threatened nature as wild and untamed as it is. Of the time we spent there every second was precious to me but really we only got a short glimpse of this marvelous underwater world.”

 

We are planing to return to dive in the rivers of Yanachaga Chemillen in July 2011. Participation in this expeditions is open for recreational and professional divers. For more information, click here.

 

We are planing to return to dive in the rivers of Yanachaga Chemillen in July 2011. Participation in this expeditions is open for recreational and professional divers. For more information, click here.

 

Stay in touch with Mundo Azul! Sign up to our google group “Mundo Azul International” and receive news about our work and nature conservation in Peru, Web site updates, action alerts, suggestions on how you can participate or help, volunteer opportunities, internship and job openings and much more.

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Page author: Stefan Austermühle 

Location: National Park Yanachaga Chemillen, Peru

 

This National Park is situated in the department of Pasco, province Oxampampa, districts of Oxapampa, Villarica, Huancabamba and Pouzo on a chain of mountains to the east of the Andes. It has a size of 122,000 hectares.

 

 

Description of the National Park:

 

The Yanachaga – Chemillen National Park was established on August 29, 1986, through Law (D.S.) N 068-86-AG. The National Park protects one of the most amazing rainforest landscapes in Peru and an incredible, still not fully known biodiversity.

 

Some of the characteristic and threatened tree species one can find in the Park are: Ulcumano (Podocarpus rospigliossi and Podocarpus glomeratus), the Diablo fuerte (Podocarpus oleifolrus and Podocarpus utilior), cedar (Cedrela lilloi), walnut tree (Juglans neotropica), among others.

 

 The wild fauna is represented by 59 species of mammals; for example: the giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), the jaguar (Panthera onca), the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), the deer species Pudu mephistopliles, the machetero (Dinomys branickii), all of them being in danger of extinction.

 

One can also find 427 species of birds, like for example: the Harpy eagle (Harpya harpija), the Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruviana), the relojero (Momotus momota), the quetzal (Pharomachrus sp.) and tucans, among others.

 

There are 16 species of reptiles like the highly poisonous jergon (Bothrops sp.) and the equally dangerous shushupe, as well as the naka naka (Micrurus sp.).

 

In its rivers so far, 31 species of fish are registered, such as Corvina (Plagiosion auratus), Boquichica (Prochilodus nigricans) and the Lisa (Schizodon fasciatus).

 

Within the park exist about 60 villages of native people and there have been found different archaeological sites from the Inca and Yanesha cultures.

 

We are planing to return to dive in the rivers of Yanachaga Chemillen in July 2011. Participation in this expeditions is open for recreational and professional divers. For more information, click here.

Stay intouch with Mundo Azul! Sign up to our google group “Mundo Azul International” and receive news about our work and nature conservation in Peru, Web site updates, action alerts, suggestions on how you can participate or help, volunteer opportunities, internship and job openings and much more.

Follow us on Twitter

Become a member of our Facebook group “Mundo Azul International“