PACAYA SAMIRIA ADVENTURE PROGRAM (6 Days / 5 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 EXPEDITION

6 Days / 5 Nights – Deep Amazon Immersion

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

DAY 1: IQUITOS – NAUTA – PACAYA SAMIRIA ENTRY ZONE

Highlights: Scenic boat ride | Ranger station entry | First wildlife encounters

• 08:30 AM – Pick-up from hotel or airport in Iquitos

• Ground transfer (~2 hrs) to the port of Nauta

• 10:30 AM – Motorboat 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 and entrance procedures

• Transfer to first eco-lodge or campsite

Afternoon: Introductory jungle hike to observe monkeys, sloths, toucans, and towering ceiba trees

Evening: Night canoe ride to see caimans, frogs, tarantulas, and bioluminescent insects

Overnight: Lodge or jungle campsite
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2: RIVER JOURNEY TO SECOND CAMPSITE

Highlights: Wildlife canoeing | Remote campsite | Blackwater lake ecosystems

• 05:30 AM – Early canoe tour to spot macaws, hoatzins, kingfishers, and other riverine birds

• 07:30 AM – Breakfast at base

• Morning: Jungle walk focused on flora, fauna, and medicinal plant use

• 12:30 PM – Lunch

• Afternoon: Navigate deeper into the reserve to set up second campsite near a secluded lake

  • Explore blackwater lagoons where pink dolphins, otters, and anacondas reside

Evening: Optional night walk or canoe safari

Overnight: Eco-campsite or remote lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: IRICAHUA LAKE & INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY VISIT

Highlights: Sunrise wildlife | Giant river otters | Cultural exchange

• 05:30 AM – Canoe tour on Iricahua Lake, a pristine site with giant river otters, capybaras, and rare birdlife

• 07:30 AM – Breakfast

• Morning: Jungle trek on little-used trails for chances to spot monkeys, tapirs, and unusual plant life

• 12:30 PM – Lunch

• Afternoon: Visit a local indigenous Kukama or Cocama community

  • Learn about sustainable living, ancestral knowledge, and traditional crafts

Evening: Night canoe or guided walk for nocturnal species

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

DAY 4: FRAILE OXBOW LAKE & ADVANCED TREKKING

Highlights: Mirror lakes | Uncommon species | Jungle immersion

• 05:30 AM – Canoe to Fraile Oxbow Lake, known for crystal-clear reflections and wildlife

  • Look for monkeys, river turtles, and rare birds

• 07:30 AM – Breakfast

• Morning: Longer jungle hike with advanced tracking and plant identification

• 12:30 PM – Lunch

• Afternoon: Canoeing or wildlife photography session

Evening: Campfire with storytelling and night sounds

Overnight: Jungle camp or lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: FULL-DAY DEEP JUNGLE EXPEDITION – LUNCH ON BOARD

Highlights: Expedition into untouched zones | River brunch | Maximum wildlife

• 07:00 AM – Full-day river and trail expedition into rarely accessed jungle zones

  • Navigate narrow creeks, search for elusive wildlife like black howler monkeys, harpy eagles, or tapirs

• 12:30 PM – Lunch on board the boat, surrounded by pristine rainforest

• Afternoon: Explore hidden blackwater lagoons and creeks

  • Reflection moments, wildlife spotting, photo opportunities

Evening: Return to the third campsite or eco-lodge for rest

Overnight: Final night at camp or lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (on board), Dinner

DAY 6: RETURN TO IQUITOS

Highlights: Farewell hike | Scenic ride back

• 07:00 AM – Light jungle walk or canoe ride for final nature connection

• 10:00 AM – Brunch

• 12:00 PM – Begin return boat ride to Nauta

• 01:30 PM – Ground transfer to Iquitos

• ~4:30–5:00 PM – Drop-off at hotel or airport

Meals: Brunch