San Matías–San Carlos Protection Forest
San Matías–San Carlos Protection Forest is a protected forest in the Pasco Region of Peru. It covers about 1,458 square kilometers and was established in 1987. It is an IUCN category VI area, meaning it helps protect natural resources while allowing sustainable use. The forest protects soils and nearby towns and farms from erosion, floods, and other water-related hazards.
Located in the Yungas and Ucayali moist forests, it is part of the Oxapampa-Asháninka-Yánesha Biosphere Reserve. The area acts as a corridor between highland habitats and the Amazon lowlands, helping wildlife move and thrive. Elevations range from 300 to 2,250 meters, creating habitats from rainforest to cloud forest with ferns, orchids, and epiphytes. The forest is home to species such as the giant otter, jaguar, primates, and many birds, and to important plants like mahogany and cat’s claw (a medicinal plant). It also supports indigenous communities, including the Asháninka and Yanesha, helping preserve their cultural values. Additionally, the area is a water recharge zone that benefits the Pichis and Palcazu river basins.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 13:53 (CET).