PACAYA SAMIRIA ADVENTURE PROGRAM (4 Days / 3 Nights)

The “Jungle of Mirrors”

Established in 1982, Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is a vast natural sanctuary at the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. Located between the Marañon and Ucayali rivers—two major tributaries of the Amazon—it spans over 2,080,000 hectares and protects approximately 1.5% of Peru’s total land area. The reserve stretches all the way to the confluence of these rivers near Nauta, 183 km southwest of Iquitos.

As the second-largest protected area in Peru, Pacaya Samiria is a paradise for nature lovers. It boasts remarkable biodiversity, with over 1,000 species of animals and 965 species of wild plants. The reserve’s primary mission is to safeguard the unique flooded forests of the region while promoting the sustainable development of its local communities.

Experience the beauty and biodiversity of Pacaya Samiria, Peru’s second-largest national reserve, on this immersive multiple days adventure.
Explore the heart of the Amazon, spot wildlife unique to this region, and learn about the local communities living in harmony with the jungle.

What’s Included:

• Accommodation: Comfortable eco-lodge or camping experience within the reserve.
• Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), with local ingredients and Amazonian flavors.
• Transportation: Round-trip ground and river transport from Iquitos to Pacaya Samiria.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable bilingual guides to lead you through all activities.
• Drinking Water: Provided throughout the trip.
• Entrance Fees: All reserve permits and fees.

Activities:

• Wildlife Watching: Spot pink dolphins, monkeys, caimans, and many other species in their natural habitat.
• Canoe River Tours: Navigate the waters of Pacaya Samiria to explore its stunning landscape and wildlife.
• Jungle Trekking: Walk through the flooded forest and discover its rich plant and animal life.
• Night Safari: Experience the jungle after dark and see nocturnal animals in their element.
• Visit to Local Communities: Learn about sustainable living from local indigenous groups.

Birdwatching: Observe some of the 500+ bird species that inhabit the region.

PACAYA SAMIRIA ADVENTURE

4 Days / 3 Nights – The Jungle of Mirrors

Location: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Loreto, Peru
Starting Point: Iquitos
Activity Level: Moderate
Accommodation: Eco-lodges or camping at multiple campsites
Group Size: Small, personalized groups

DAY 1: IQUITOS – NAUTA – PACAYA SAMIRIA ENTRY ZONE

Highlights: Scenic river journey | Wildlife introduction | Ranger station arrival

• 08:30 AM – Pick-up from hotel or airport in Iquitos.
  – Ground transfer (~2 hrs) to Nauta port.

• 10:30 AM – Motorized boat trip (2.5–3 hrs) along Marañón River into Pacaya Samiria buffer zone.
  – Box lunch served on board.

• 01:30 PM – Arrival at ranger station. Transfer to first eco-lodge or campsite.

• Afternoon: Introductory hike to observe monkeys, sloths, birds, and giant trees.

• Evening: Night canoe excursion to spot caimans, frogs, tarantulas, and bioluminescent insects.

• Dinner & briefing.

🛏️ Overnight: Lodge base camp
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2: PACAYA SAMIRIA – EXPLORE SECOND CAMPSITE

Highlights: Wildlife watching | Canoe tours | New habitats

• 05:30 AM – Early canoe ride for birdwatching: macaws, toucans, hoatzins.

• 07:30 AM – Breakfast.

• Morning: Jungle trek with focus on medicinal plants and wildlife tracking.

• 12:30 PM – Lunch and rest.

• Afternoon: Boat transfer to a second campsite deeper in the reserve. Explore blackwater lakes and channels for pink dolphins, anacondas, and otters.

• Evening night safari option.

🛏️ Overnight:  campsite (camping or eco-lodge)
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: DEEPER EXPLORATION & LOCAL COMMUNITY VISIT

Highlights: Remote wildlife spotting | Canoeing | Indigenous culture

• 05:30 AM – Sunrise canoe tour exploring new waterways and lakes, chances to see giant river otters, capybaras, and rare birds.

• 07:30 AM – Breakfast.

• Morning: Jungle trek through less visited trails, looking for tapirs, monkeys, and unique plant species.

• 12:30 PM – Lunch.

• Afternoon: Visit to a local indigenous community to learn about sustainable life and traditional crafts.

• Evening: Optional night canoe or jungle walk.

🛏️ Overnight: Second campsite or third campsite (camping)
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: MORNING ACTIVITY – RETURN TO IQUITOS

Highlights: Last wildlife sightings | Brunch | Return journey

• 07:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Final light hike or canoe ride for last wildlife and nature reflection.

• 10:00 AM – Brunch served at campsite or lodge.

• 12:00 PM – Start boat trip back to Nauta.

• 01:30 PM – Ground transfer from Nauta to Iquitos.

• ~4:30–5:00 PM – Arrival in Iquitos, drop-off at hotel or airport.

🍽️ Meals: Brunch (late breakfast/early lunch)