Tour to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve (5 Days)

Day 1: Iquitos – Nauta – Jungle Ecolodge

Upon arrival in Iquitos, the team welcomes travelers at the airport or hotel to begin the journey into the heart of the Amazon. The first leg is a road trip of approximately an hour and a half towards Nauta, one of the oldest cities in Loreto, located on the banks of the Marañón River.

Along the way, there is a stop in San Joaquín de Omaguas, a historic village that played a key role in the religious missions of the 17th century. It is also home to the Samuel Fritz Interpretation Center, where visitors can learn more about local history and the formation of the largest river on the planet: the majestic Amazon.

From the port of Nauta, the journey continues by boat to the ecolodge. During the flood season, a walk through Fundo Casual is included, a temporarily flooded forest where it is possible to spot wildlife and vegetation typical of the Amazon ecosystem. Upon arrival at the ecolodge, a member of the Kukama Kukamiria community welcomes visitors with a refreshing juice made from local fruits. Then, bungalows are assigned.

In the afternoon, a sustainable activity of your choice is offered: planting a tree, learning words in the Kukama language, or another action with positive impact.

The experience continues with a walk along the Ethnobotanical Ecotrail, where a virtual guide (Amana) presents ten species of Amazonian flora through augmented reality. As night falls, the guide hosts a conversation about the most fascinating myths and legends of the Amazon, followed by a magical tour of the Mythological Ecotrail, inhabited by the most well-known characters of local lore.

Overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 2: Private Reserve – Nauta Caño – Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

After breakfast, the day begins with a walk through the private reserve surrounding the lodge, an ecosystem known as restinga forest. This type of forest, which floods during the high-water season, is ideal for observing species adapted to changing environments. Following the route of the primates, the guide interprets the sounds of the forest, the behavior of animals, and shares knowledge about Amazonian medicinal plants used by local communities.

In the afternoon, the group heads to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, entering through the Nauta Caño sector. After the mandatory registration, the exploration by boat begins along the creek of the same name, sailing in search of one of the region’s most iconic species: the pink and gray Amazon river dolphins.

The landscape is breathtaking from the first moment. The black waters reflect the sky, trees, and clouds with perfect clarity, creating a unique visual effect. This natural magic is the reason many refer to it as “The Jungle of Mirrors.”

During the journey, there is also a walk through flooded forests, where it is possible to see sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds in their natural habitat. The experience is enriched by an ancestral practice: traditional Amazonian fishing, using the same techniques employed by local riverine communities for their daily sustenance.

This day combines adventure, deep contact with biodiversity, and a genuine connection with local traditions. The night ends at the lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.

Overnight stay.

Day 3: Yanayacu-Pucate – Veinte de Enero Community – Pacaya Samiria National Reserve (Camping)

After breakfast, the expedition continues to the 20 de Enero community, located within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Here, visitors get a close look at the work of local residents, who are part of community management groups committed to conserving Amazonian species and ecosystems.

During the visit, participants engage in activities that connect directly with the culture and environment: climbing aguaje palm trees, traditional canoeing, and artisanal fishing techniques that have been passed down through generations. These experiences provide insight into how communities coexist sustainably with the nature around them.

The journey then continues to the Renacal Area, a dense and biodiverse jungle zone ideal for setting up camp. Depending on the weather, lunch is served either on board the boat or on land as the tents are assembled. Once the camp is set up, the group organizes into smaller outings based on traveler interests—short hikes, birdwatching, or mammal tracking.

After dinner at camp, the night offers one of the most thrilling experiences of the trip: a night boat outing to observe wildlife active at dusk. With the help of the guide and strong flashlights, it’s possible to spot caimans, owls, tree frogs, and other creatures that emerge only under the cover of darkness.

This day delivers total immersion in the jungle, blending cultural interaction, sustainability, and adventure.

Overnight at camp.

Day 4: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve – Ecolodge

The day begins early with breakfast at the campsite, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle. Then, a walk is taken around the Yanayacu-Pucate area with the hope of having one last encounter with wildlife. It is possible to observe birds in flight, monkeys moving through the trees, or even tracks left by mammals that crossed during the early morning. For those who prefer to relax, there is the option of taking a refreshing dip in the waters of the Yanayacu, enjoying a moment of connection with nature.

After the activity, the group gets ready to dismantle the camp and prepare for the return to the lodge. Everything is done with respect for the environment, leaving the place as it was found, in line with responsible tourism practices.

Lunch is served at the camp or during the return journey, depending on the timing set by the guide. As the boat heads downriver, the landscape once again takes center stage: lush trees, flocks of birds, and dolphins that occasionally surface become part of the natural spectacle that accompanies the journey.

On the way back, the jungle still holds surprises. Sometimes elusive animals that were not seen in previous days appear unexpectedly. In the Amazon, every journey is unique, and nothing can be taken for granted.

Upon arrival at the ecolodge, spaces are assigned for rest, and the remainder of the afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Overnight stay.

Day 5: Cocha Shiriyacu – San Jorge Community – Iquitos

After breakfast, the final excursion of the program begins with a boat ride along the Marañón River to Cocha Shiriyacu, a peaceful lagoon where, depending on the season and water level, it is possible to engage in traditional artisanal fishing. This setting is ideal to close the experience with a serene moment in direct contact with Amazonian nature.

The next stop is the San Jorge Community, a small riverside village that preserves its cultural traditions. Here, visitors explore the Pua Kamatawara Women’s Artisan Center, known for its work with chambira fiber and the art of carving wingo, a type of Amazonian gourd. These products not only reflect creativity, but also serve as a source of income that boosts the local economy and strengthens cultural identity.

After this enriching visit, the group returns to the lodge for a short rest before the final transfer. At the scheduled time, the group boards the boat back to Nauta port, sailing one last time through the landscapes that define this part of the Amazon.

From the port, a vehicle awaits to complete the return journey to Iquitos, marking the end of an experience filled with discoveries, learning, and genuine encounters with Amazonian life.

The adventure ends, but the memories of this journey through the heart of the Peruvian jungle will last a long time.