Circuito De Pichana

Circuito De Pichana is a protected area in Peru.

Circuito De Pichana at a Glance

Location
Central Andes & Amazon Foothills, Peru, Central & South America
Coordinates
-12.239993, -74.917220
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season) for Amazon and Andean wildlife.

Getting to Circuito De Pichana

Nearest airport: Aeropuerto Francisco Carlé de Jauja (JAU), 79 km away.

Weather & Climate in Circuito De Pichana

The warmest temperatures in Circuito De Pichana occur in November, averaging 15.6°C (up to 21.2°C). The coolest conditions are in June at 13.7°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 8.1mm. Average humidity: 62.2%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 14.8°C (rainfall: 112.6mm)
  • February: 14.8°C (rainfall: 84.6mm)
  • March: 14.6°C (rainfall: 83.6mm)
  • April: 14.6°C (rainfall: 23.2mm)
  • May: 14.3°C (rainfall: 36.1mm)
  • June: 13.7°C (rainfall: 16.5mm)
  • July: 13.8°C (rainfall: 8.1mm)
  • August: 14.1°C (rainfall: 32.1mm)
  • September: 14.5°C (rainfall: 45.0mm)
  • October: 15.5°C (rainfall: 36.7mm)
  • November: 15.6°C (rainfall: 79.5mm)
  • December: 15.2°C (rainfall: 88.3mm)

Best Time to Visit Circuito De Pichana

The best months to visit Circuito De Pichana are June, July, October, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 14.75°C, rainfall 112.6mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 77.5%
  • February: Good, temperature 14.81°C, rainfall 84.6mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 78.5%
  • March: Good, temperature 14.56°C, rainfall 83.6mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 78.2%
  • April: Good, temperature 14.56°C, rainfall 23.2mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 73.2%
  • May: Good, temperature 14.34°C, rainfall 36.1mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 70.9%
  • June: Great, temperature 13.66°C, rainfall 16.5mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 65.3%
  • July: Great, temperature 13.82°C, rainfall 8.1mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 62.2%
  • August: Good, temperature 14.1°C, rainfall 32.1mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 67%
  • September: Good, temperature 14.54°C, rainfall 45mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 70.5%
  • October: Great, temperature 15.46°C, rainfall 36.7mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 68.5%
  • November: Good, temperature 15.58°C, rainfall 79.5mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 70.5%
  • December: Good, temperature 15.16°C, rainfall 88.3mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 74.6%

Wildlife in Circuito De Pichana

Home to 20 recorded species including 7 birds of prey, 5 waterbirds, 4 iconic birds, 2 tropical birds, 1 predators, 1 big herbivores.

Recommended Packing List for Circuito De Pichana

Based on average temperature of 14.6°C, typical conditions, humidity 71%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 15°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Circuito De Pichana

50 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Central Andes & Amazon Foothills

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Peru

Travel advisory for Peru

Circuito De Pichana FAQs

What's the ideal season for wildlife viewing at Circuito De Pichana, considering Peru's climate?

The dry season, typically from May to October, offers the best conditions for wildlife viewing at Circuito De Pichana. During these months, rainfall is minimal, leading to clearer skies and animals congregating around more accessible water sources, making them easier to spot. This period also generally provides more comfortable trekking temperatures.

What unique Peruvian wildlife can I expect to see at Circuito De Pichana that might be harder to find elsewhere?

Circuito De Pichana is known for its biodiversity, offering chances to spot species like the Spectacled Bear, various monkey species such as the Peruvian Spider Monkey, and a rich array of Andean and Amazonian birdlife. Keep an eye out for unique amphibians and reptiles endemic to this transitional ecological zone within Peru.

Given the moderate malaria risk in Circuito De Pichana, what specific precautions are recommended for visitors?

While the risk is moderate, it's crucial to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication before your trip to Circuito De Pichana. Additionally, wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk, and use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin to minimize mosquito bites.

What kind of safari experience can I expect at Circuito De Pichana, especially regarding visitor numbers and typical activities?

Circuito De Pichana offers a more intimate and less crowded safari experience, ideal for those seeking tranquility and deeper immersion in nature. Visitors can typically enjoy guided jungle treks, birdwatching excursions, and night walks, providing excellent opportunities for photography and observing nocturnal wildlife without large groups.

How accessible is Circuito De Pichana from major Peruvian cities, and what are the typical costs involved for a multi-day visit?

Access to Circuito De Pichana usually involves a combination of internal flights to a regional hub like Tarapoto or Puerto Maldonado, followed by a bus or boat transfer. For a multi-day visit, expect costs to range from $300-$700 USD per person, covering park entry fees, guided tours, basic accommodation, and meals, depending on the tour operator and duration.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.