Pacaya Samiria National Reserve 05 Days / 04 Nights
Duration
5 Days/4 Nights
Tour Type
Daily Tour
Group Size
10 people
Languages
English, Spanish
Description
The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is the largest Protected Natural Area in Peru, covering over 2 million hectares of pristine Amazon rainforest. Located approximately 300 km from Iquitos and accessible only by river, this vast expanse of lowland virgin jungle is one of the richest biodiversity hotspots on the planet, comparable to the renowned Manu National Park.
Inside its dense forests, you’ll find:
- 85+ lakes and lagoons, surrounded by swamp forests and four distinct forest types.
- Towering trees like the Lupuna, reaching up to 160 feet in height.
- 130 mammal species, including Jaguars, Ocelots, Giant River Otters, and endangered primates such as the Black Spider Monkey and the Yellow-breasted Woolly Monkey.
- 350+ bird species, like Toucans, and flocks of vibrant Blue, Yellow, and Red Macaws.
- 150 reptile species from 20 families.
Its aquatic diversity is equally impressive:
- 250+ fish species, including the mighty Paiche, the world’s largest freshwater fish.
- Pink and Gray River Dolphins, Turtles, Manatees, and countless other river inhabitants.
The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve remains largely unexplored and uninhabited, aside from its protected wildlife, offering exceptional potential for wildlife observation and ecological research.
As there are no permanent lodges within the reserve, overnight stays are experienced through expedition-style camping, bringing travelers into authentic contact with the untouched rainforest.
Your expedition may include:
- Navigating the Amazon’s black waters.
- Trekking through diverse forest habitats.
- Spotting wildlife at lakes, lagoons, and along riverbanks.
- Fishing adventures, including the opportunity to catch Piranhas.
- Watching Pink Dolphins swim in their natural habitat.
- Learning about Shamanism and medicinal plants.
- Exploring riverside communities and experiencing their local cultures.
Whether you’re an adventurer, wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking a deep connection with nature, the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve offers a journey into the very heart of the Amazon, where nature reigns supreme.
ITINERARY
Day 1:- Iquitos / Nauta / Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
Arrival and Transfer to Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
Upon your arrival at the airport, our team will warmly welcome you and provide a brief panoramic tour of Iquitos, the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon. During the tour, you’ll discover the city’s most important landmarks and learn about its transformation from a small jungle outpost into one of the Amazon’s principal river ports during the 19th-century rubber boom, which ushered in a period of prosperity and cosmopolitan development.
Next, you’ll meet your expert naturalist guide, who will accompany you throughout the expedition, providing valuable insights into the flora, fauna, and ecosystems of the Amazon Rainforest.
We will then transfer by private vehicle to the town of Nauta, located approximately 40 miles (65 kilometers) from Iquitos via a modern highway. After the two-and-a-half-hour drive, you’ll have time to explore the picturesque streets of Nauta, located on the banks of the Marañón River, and enjoy a delicious lunch.
From here, you will board our motorized boat and begin your navigation up the Marañón River, where the adventure truly begins. After approximately two to two-and-a-half hours, we will enter the Yanayacu-Pucate River Basin, officially crossing into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, a pristine expanse known as the “Jungle of the Mirrored Waters” for its dark, reflective river surfaces. Along the way, keep watch for flocks of parrots, macaws, herons, and egrets, as well as the elusive pink river dolphins that occasionally break the surface of the water.
Before entering deeper into the reserve, we’ll make a brief stop at the Forest Police Checkpoint in the village of 20 de Enero for registration. After this, we’ll continue navigating the Yanayacu River to reach our first campsite, located near the small native village of Yarina, the final human settlement along the Yanayacu.
As complex structures are not permitted within the reserve, your comfortable expedition tents will be set up by our team at each selected campsite, ensuring an authentic jungle experience without sacrificing comfort.
In the evening, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner before embarking on an exciting night boat or canoe excursion, where you’ll have the chance to spot black caimans and spectacled caimans, often visible along the riverbanks under the starlit sky.
Overnight in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve – Camp near Yarina Village.
Day 2:- Pacaya Samiria (Yanayacu - Pucate)
After a hearty breakfast at camp, we will continue our navigation deeper into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, following the meandering course of the Yanayacu River. Along the way, we will make brief stops to observe the incredible Amazonian wildlife more closely. Keep your camera ready—you’ll have excellent chances to spot several species of monkeys such as the Monk Saki Monkey, Howler Monkey, Woolly Monkey, and Squirrel Monkey. With some luck, you may also encounter colorful macaws, toucans, and possibly even the elusive capybara, the world’s largest rodent.
We will soon reach the small Yarina Settlement, where local inhabitants actively participate in a conservation initiative focused on the Yellow-Spotted Amazon River Turtle (Podocnemis unifilis). This endangered species is part of a repopulation project, contributing to the broader conservation and reforestation efforts shared by over 200 communities surrounding the Reserve.
We’ll enjoy lunch back at the camp before venturing on an afternoon jungle hike along trails near the campsite. As we walk through the dense rainforest, you’ll witness endless columns of Leaf Cutter Ants at work and have the opportunity to observe the rich biodiversity hidden within the jungle canopy, where primates and other exotic species thrive.
Following dinner at camp, we’ll set out on an evening jungle walk, immersing ourselves in the nocturnal symphony of the Amazon. With attentive listening, you may hear the calls of hawks, owls, potoos, and the rhythmic sounds of countless insects filling the night air.
Overnight in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve – Camp near Yarina Village.
Day 3:- Pacaya Samiria (Yanayacu - Pucate)
After an early breakfast, we will embark on a two-hour guided hike through the lush Amazonian jungle, making our way to the scenic Laguna Caro, a classic oxbow lake. Along the trail, our naturalist guide will point out various medicinal plants, many of which are not only used by local communities but are also processed commercially and distributed globally by the pharmaceutical industry. Keep watch for Howler Monkeys and Woolly Monkeys, which are often sighted along this route.
Upon reaching Laguna Caro, you’ll enjoy a peaceful canoe ride across its calm waters. This lake is home to a variety of Amazonian fish species, including the Red-Bellied Piranha (Serrasalmus natteri), Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum), and the striking Peacock Bass (Cichla ocellaris). As we paddle, you’ll be able to observe these species up close, with the opportunity to try your hand at traditional fishing, just as the locals do.
We’ll enjoy lunch on the lakeshore, where, if your fishing has been successful, you’re welcome to request your catch prepared native style, grilled over an open fire.
In the afternoon, you can choose to relax at camp, surrounded by the vibrant sights and sounds of the rainforest, or continue exploring the river by canoe.
Dinner and overnight at camp near Yarina Village.
Day 4:- Pacaya Samiria (Yanayacu - Pucate)
After an early breakfast, we’ll dedicate the morning to birdwatching within the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. This region is home to notable species such as the Yellow-Headed Caracara (Milvago chimachima), the impressive King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa), the Black-Collared Hawk (Busarellus nigricollis), and, with some luck, the magnificent Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja).
Following our morning observations, we’ll begin the return journey downstream, navigating back toward the Marañón River. Along the way, we’ll make several stops for wildlife spotting. Keep watch for the elusive Giant River Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), often heard before it is seen due to its distinctive vocalizations. We may also encounter one of the Amazon’s legendary creatures—the Common Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus), which can reach lengths of up to 12 meters and spends much of its time submerged in the river’s waters.
Around midday, we’ll pause for a picnic-style lunch before continuing downriver until reaching our final campsite near the mouth of the Yanayacu River.
While our team prepares the camp, you’ll have the option to visit a nearby local community, where residents rely on fishing and small-scale farming for their livelihoods.
In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner and share final reflections on our expedition through the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
Overnight at riverside camp.
Day 5:- Pacaya Samiria (Yanayacu - Pucate)
After breakfast, you’ll have a final opportunity to take photographs and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Amazon. We’ll then begin our navigation along the Marañón River, heading towards the town of Nauta.
Upon arrival in Nauta, we’ll continue the journey back to Iquitos by road, enjoying the last glimpses of the rainforest landscape.
At the appropriate time, we’ll provide your transfer to the airport, where you will board your flight for your next destination.
End of our services.
Included / Excluded
INCLUDED
- 04 Nights of accommodation in differents camp sites
- All in and out transfers from Iquitos City
- All applicable taxes
- Bilingual guides (English / Spanish)
- All entrance tickets for the excursions mentioned above
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Note: Due to the ever-changing nature of the Peruvian jungle, day-by-day activities may vary due to local conditions.
EXCLUDED
- International and Domestic flights
- Airport taxes
- Baggage excess
- Additional nights or flights cancellation
- Alcoholic drinks, soda or bottled mineral water
- Snacks
- Laundry
- International or National personal telephone calls
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