This protected area occupies 10,925 square kilometres (4,218 sq mi) of the Amazon Region of Colombia, roughly 15% of the Guainía Department.

The Reserve was created in September 1989 and coincides with three important indigenous territories that were also formed at the same time.

[3] The Natural Reserve lies between altitude of 200 to 380 metres (660 to 1,250 ft) above sea level and its climate is hot and humid with little seasonal variations throughout the year.

The area of the Puinawai Natural Reserve mainly consists of humid tropical rainforest.

[4] Pressure from deforestation has so far remained relatively small, due to its inaccessibility and low population density.