The Different Monkeys You Can See In The Peruvian Amazon Rainforest

Peru’s large share of the Amazon Jungle (over 12%) means that we can find an abundance of rare and exotic animal species within the depths of the rainforest.

This includes many different species of Monkeys, who are often seen swinging overhead from branches and also get closer when curious about what we are doing there.

In this guide we’ll explore the different species of monkeys that you can spot in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest. This includes where is best to see them, as well as answering any other related questions you may have in our FAQ section.

What Monkeys Can We Spot In The Peruvian Amazon Rainforest?

Quick Answer: Within the Peruvian Amazon we can spot all 5 of the major monkey species groups that inhabit the entire Amazon Jungle.

This includes the infamous Howler Monkey, which is known for its loud howling that often carries over several kilometers through the jungle foliage (and is the loudest land-based animal on earth). The other species found here are Squirrel Monkeys, Marmosets, Sakis and Owl Monkeys.

Usually on tours it’s possible to see at least one of these major species, however if seeing multiple monkey species is your goal then we highly recommend heading on a specialized tour for this.

Where We Can See Monkeys In Peru

The Amazon Rainforest remains the best place to see monkeys, given this lush tropical area is where they thrive the most.

Covering the entire eastern third of Peru, this stretches all the way from the north by Colombia down to the south which borders Bolivia. 

In the north of Peru, the city of Iquitos is the best place for spotting monkeys in the surrounding jungle. Often tours will include land-based walks where they often come in search of food. 

In southern Peru, the Tambopata Rainforest remains the best place to see different types of Monkeys. On a longer tour it’s much easier to spot the various species that we’ve mentioned throughout this article. Those who don’t have as much time can also spot them on Monkey Island which is just a short trip from Puerto Maldonado.

Monkeys In The Peruvian Amazon FAQ

Here we’ll now answer some of the most frequent questions we get about the different monkeys that we can spot in Peru.

What Is The Largest Ape Species In The Amazon?

The Howler Monkey remains the largest species of monkey in the Amazon, measuring up to around 3ft when standing. They are often seen high up above sitting on branches, and in the night and early morning we can hear their famous howls across the jungle.

Are There Howler Monkeys In Peru?

Yes – Howler Monkeys can be spotted all throughout Peru in different regions such as Madre de Dios and Loreto. The most common type is the Red Howler Monkey (Alouatta seniculus), which is most abundant within the Tambopata Jungle.

What Are The Predators Of Monkeys In The Amazon Rainforest?

Unfortunately there are many predators that see monkeys as a nice meal, and often hunt them both on land and in the water. On land this includes Jaguars, Boa Constrictors and the Harpy Eagle. In the water, Anacondas and Caiman also hunt them – which is why monkeys spend as little time as possible in rivers given they cannot swim as fast.

Overview Of Monkeys In The Peruvian Amazon Rainforest

And that’s all for this guide on the different species of monkeys that you can spot within the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest.

The world’s largest jungle is home to many incredible animal species, and this includes various types of monkeys that are found throughout the jungles of Peru.

If you are hoping to spot monkeys in Tambopata, then take a look at our multi-day rainforest tour where we head deep into the rainforest where they are most abundant.