We have studied the histopathological aspects related to the evolution of cutaneous lesions experimentally produced in the monkey Cebus apella (Primates: Cebidae) by Leishmania (V.) lainsoni, L. (V.) braziliensis and L. (L.) amazonensis. Microscopical examination of a series of biopsies obtained from these animals showed the kinetics of the cutaneous lesions regarding three species of Leishmania inoculated, as follows: 1) an initial non-specific chronic inflammatory infiltrate; 2) macrophagic nodules; 3) necrosis of parasitized phagocytic cells; 4) epitheliode granuloma; 5) absorption of the necrotic area (sometimes forming "foreign-body granuloma"); 6) a non-specific residual inflammatory infiltration; and 7) cicatrization. These pathological processes are, of course, responsible for both development and resolution of the leishmaniotic lesion. We also discuss some immunopathological mechanisms probably related with the sequential events, and that could be also responsible for the different clinical aspects found in man.