[1][2] It covers an extension of 2,078.38 hectares (8.0247 sq mi) and protects a mountainous area dissected by small creeks.

[1] According to the Holdridge life zones classification, the vegetation type is a wet tropical mountain forest.

[1][2] Mammals reported in the forest include: the spectacled bear, the puma, the white-tailed deer, the Andean fox, the montane guinea pig, the mountain tapir, the tapeti, the pacarana, etc.

[6] Nature watching, trekking and scientific research are the main activities in the area.

[2] In late 2016, Pagaibamba was one of several protected areas in northern Peru affected by human-caused wildfires.