Isla

Isla is a protected area in Peru.

Isla at a Glance

Location
Northern Pacific Coast (Tumbes & Piura), Peru, Central & South America
Coordinates
-3.426413, -80.261116
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season) for Amazon and Andean wildlife.

Getting to Isla

Nearest airport: Trompeteros Airport (TDP), 581 km away.

Weather & Climate in Isla

The warmest temperatures in Isla occur in February, averaging 26.2°C (up to 28.5°C). The coolest conditions are in September at 22.9°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in September with average rainfall of 2.9mm. Average humidity: 80.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 25.6°C (rainfall: 62.0mm)
  • February: 26.2°C (rainfall: 130.7mm)
  • March: 25.9°C (rainfall: 202.3mm)
  • April: 25.6°C (rainfall: 119.2mm)
  • May: 25.3°C (rainfall: 25.0mm)
  • June: 24.2°C (rainfall: 12.2mm)
  • July: 23.5°C (rainfall: 3.5mm)
  • August: 22.9°C (rainfall: 3.9mm)
  • September: 22.9°C (rainfall: 2.9mm)
  • October: 23.2°C (rainfall: 9.0mm)
  • November: 22.9°C (rainfall: 4.4mm)
  • December: 24.5°C (rainfall: 31.6mm)

Best Time to Visit Isla

The best months to visit Isla are January, February, April, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 25.55°C, rainfall 62mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 78.4%
  • February: Great, temperature 26.18°C, rainfall 130.7mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 79.3%
  • March: Good, temperature 25.94°C, rainfall 202.3mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 83.4%
  • April: Great, temperature 25.64°C, rainfall 119.2mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 82.6%
  • May: Great, temperature 25.26°C, rainfall 25mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 80.4%
  • June: Great, temperature 24.2°C, rainfall 12.2mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 78.8%
  • July: Great, temperature 23.47°C, rainfall 3.5mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 79.9%
  • August: Great, temperature 22.87°C, rainfall 3.9mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 80.4%
  • September: Great, temperature 22.85°C, rainfall 2.9mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 80.3%
  • October: Great, temperature 23.22°C, rainfall 9mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 80.7%
  • November: Great, temperature 22.9°C, rainfall 4.4mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 79.8%
  • December: Great, temperature 24.49°C, rainfall 31.6mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 80%

Wildlife in Isla

Home to 22 recorded species including 14 waterbirds, 4 birds of prey, 2 tropical birds, 1 reptiles, 1 marine & freshwater.

Recommended Packing List for Isla

Based on average temperature of 24.4°C, typical conditions, humidity 80%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 24°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • 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

Similar Parks in Northern Pacific Coast (Tumbes & Piura)

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Peru

Travel advisory for Peru

Isla FAQs

What is the optimal time of year to visit Isla for wildlife viewing and comfortable weather conditions?

The best time to visit Isla, Peru, is generally during the dry season, from May to October. This period offers more accessible trails and better opportunities to spot wildlife concentrated around dwindling water sources. While the wet season (November-April) brings lush greenery, some areas may become harder to navigate.

What unique wildlife species can I expect to encounter within Isla's protected area in Peru?

Isla's diverse ecosystem, being a protected area in Peru, is home to a remarkable array of wildlife. Visitors often spot species like jaguars, tapirs, capybaras, and various monkey species such as howlers and spider monkeys. The park is also a birdwatcher's paradise, boasting hundreds of avian species, including macaws and harpy eagles.

Given the moderate malaria risk in Isla, what specific precautions should travelers take before and during their visit?

Due to Isla's moderate malaria risk, it is highly recommended to consult your doctor about antimalarial prophylaxis before your trip. Additionally, travelers should use insect repellent with DEET, wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers, and sleep under mosquito nets provided by lodges. These measures significantly reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

How does Isla's low crowding level enhance the safari experience, and what unique activities are available in this Peruvian protected area?

Isla's remarkably low crowding level (1/5) offers an exceptionally intimate and immersive safari experience, allowing for undisturbed wildlife viewing. Visitors can enjoy serene river excursions, guided jungle treks, and night walks to spot nocturnal creatures without the distraction of large tourist groups. This provides a truly pristine and personal connection with Peru's natural environment.

What are the typical access routes and permit requirements for visiting Isla, a protected area in Peru?

Access to Isla, being a remote protected area, typically involves flying into a regional hub like Puerto Maldonado or Cusco, followed by a combination of overland transfer and a boat journey along local rivers. Entry permits are mandatory and are usually arranged as part of an organized tour package through licensed operators, which simplifies logistics for visitors.

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.