Primates route of northern Peru

Ikam Expeditions
May 21, 2025

In April 2025 we conducted the expedition, Primate route of northern Peru with Cheryl Antonucci and Julie Krajewski, a great adventure in search of unique species of monkeys in protected areas, conservation concessions and other areas that protect biodiversity.

During the 6-day trip, the most important species observed were Isabel’s saki Monkey (Pithecia isabela) (E), Illiger’s saddle-back tamarin Monkey (Leontocebus illigeri) (E), Large-headed capuchin Monkey (Sapajus macrocephalus), White-fronted capuchin Monkey (Cebus albifrons), Red-howler Monkey (Alouatta seniculus), Common squirrel Monkey (Saimiri macrodon), Nancy Ma’s night Monkey (Aotus nancymaae), San Martin titi Monkey (Plecturocebus oenanthe) (E) and Yellow-tailed woolly Monkey (Lagothrix flavicauda) (E).

Isabel’s saki Monkey expedition

To observe this endemic Peruvian monkey, we left Tarapoto very early in the morning and headed to a conservation concession in a wetland ecosystem in the lowland Amazon rainforest of the San Martin region at 140 meters above sea level.

In this 3-day adventure we had to navigate through flooded forests and after an arduous search we managed to observe Isabel´s saki Monkey, being this observation a memorable highlight of the trip.

In addition, in this area we were able to observe Illiger’s saddle-back tamarin Monkey, also endemic, Large-headed capuchin Monkey, White-fronted capuchin Monkey, Red-howler Monkey and Nancy Ma’s night Monkey.

Alto Mayo monkeys

On the fourth day we headed from Moyobamba to the Morro de Calzada Amazon Center and there we were able to observe the endemic and endangered San Martin titi Monkey. According to Proyecto Mono Tocón (n.d.), the dramatic loss of its habitat is the main threat, which makes this primate the most endangered in the country.

Then we headed to another Amazonian wetland of high jungle where aguajales and renacales are predominant and where we were able to observe the Red-howler Monkey, Large-headed capuchin Monkey, Illiger’s saddle-back tamarin Monkey and Common squirrel Monkey.

Yellow-tailed woolly Monkey expedition

The journey ends in the department of Amazonas, where we go in search of the enigmatic Yellow-tailed woolly Monkey, one of the rarest and most charismatic primates in Peru. This species, catalogued as critically endangered, lives in the cloud forests (Yunkawasi, n.d.). Its observation is a privilege for any nature lover, and closes our adventure with a deep reflection on the importance of protecting these species and their habitats.

The Primate route is not only a journey through the forested and mountainous landscapes of the northern Peruvian Amazon and Andes, it is a journey through the greatest biological wealth of the country, a lesson in active conservation and a close encounter with some of the most incredible species of Peru and the world. From the department of San Martin to the department of Amazonas, each step reveals a commitment to these unique species and an invitation to protect them.