PACAYA SAMIRIA ADVENTURE PROGRAM (5 Days / 4 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

5 Days / 4 Nights – The Jungle of Mirrors

Location: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Loreto, Peru
Starting Point: Iquitos
Activity Level: Moderate
Accommodation: Eco-lodges and jungle 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 the port of Nauta.

• 10:30 AM – Motorized boat journey (2.5–3 hrs) along the Marañón River into the buffer zone of Pacaya Samiria.

  • Box lunch served onboard.

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

Afternoon: Introduction hike through rainforest trails. Wildlife sightings may include monkeys, sloths, toucans, and giant trees.

Evening: Night canoe adventure to spot caimans, tarantulas, frogs, and glowing insects.

🛏️ Overnight: Lodge or campsite
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2: DEEPER INTO THE RESERVE – SECOND CAMPSITE

Highlights: Canoe expeditions | Wildlife watching | New habitats

• 05:30 AM – Sunrise canoe ride to observe macaws, hoatzins, toucans, and more.

• 07:30 AM – Breakfast at base camp.

• Morning: Jungle trek focused on animal tracking and medicinal plant identification.

• 12:30 PM – Lunch and rest.

• Afternoon: Boat journey deeper into the reserve. Arrival at second campsite near secluded blackwater lakes.

  • Look out for pink dolphins, otters, and anacondas.

Evening: Optional night safari by canoe or on foot.

🛏️ Overnight: Camping or eco-lodge
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: IRICAHUA LAKE & COMMUNITY VISIT

Highlights: Remote lakes | Otters and capybaras | Cultural immersion

• 05:30 AM – Sunrise canoe tour on Iracahua Lake, a pristine waterway with high chances of spotting giant otters, caimbaras, and rare birds.

• 07:30 AM – Breakfast.

• Morning: Jungle trek along less-traveled paths in search of monkeys, tapirs, and jungle cats.

• 12:30 PM – Lunch at the second campsite.

• Afternoon: Visit to a local indigenous community for cultural exchange, traditional crafts, and insights into sustainable living.

Evening: Optional nocturnal walk or canoe ride to search for night wildlife.

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

DAY 4: FRAILE OXBOW LAKE – ADVANCED JUNGLE TREK

Highlights: Pristine lagoons | Wildlife tracking | Deep jungle

• 05:30 AM – Canoe ride to Fraile Oxbow Lake, known for its rich biodiversity and mirror-like waters.

• Look for squirrel monkeys, horned screamers, and river turtles.

• 07:30 AM – Breakfast at camp.

• Morning: Advanced jungle trekking session into remote zones for wildlife encounters and botanical study.

• 12:30 PM – Lunch.

• Afternoon: Rest or optional short canoe ride.

Evening: Campfire storytelling, night sounds of the jungle.

🛏️ Overnight: Third campsite or eco-lodge
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: FAREWELL TO THE JUNGLE – RETURN TO IQUITOS

Highlights: Final wildlife sightings | Scenic return | Jungle reflection

• 07:00 AM – Light canoe or hiking activity for last glimpses of jungle life.

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

• 12:00 PM – Begin return boat trip to Nauta.

• 01:30 PM – Ground transfer to Iquitos.

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

🍽️ Meals: Brunch