Pacaya Samiria Full Camping Expedition 5 Days 4 Nights

Day 1: Iquitos – City of Nauta – Pacaya Samiria

The experience begins with pickup at the Iquitos airport or directly at the hotel, for those already in the city. From there, the transfer is made by road to the City of Nauta, located about 100 km away, in a journey of approximately two hours. Along the way, a brief orientation is provided about the attractions of the area.

In Nauta, the journey continues to the port to embark on a trip along the Marañón River towards the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, located 80 km southwest. The river journey, lasting about two and a half hours, offers the opportunity to observe herons, hawks, horned screamers, jacanas, parrots, and parakeets, as well as dolphins that often appear in these waters.

A box lunch is served on board before registering at the reserve’s control post, a necessary step before entering the camping area.

The route continues to the community of Arequipa, where the first itinerant camp is set up, the starting point for a few days of true outdoor life in the heart of the jungle.

Before dinner, a short walk is taken through the nearby village to get to know its surroundings. The night is spent resting at the camp, under a starry sky in Pacaya Samiria.

Day 2: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

On our second day of expedition in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, we begin the day exploring the calm waters of the river, where it is possible to observe a great variety of birds such as macaws, parrots, the impressive king vulture, and, with luck, the majestic harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja). After enjoying a nutritious breakfast at the first camp, we set out on an excursion to the Shansho Cocha lagoon, a journey of approximately an hour and a half that takes us deep into the Amazon rainforest.

Along the way, the landscape is enriched with the presence of giant trees such as the imposing kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra), capirona, and capinurí (Heliocóstilis scabra). Among the dense vegetation, we may spot colorful toucans (Pteroglossus), scarlet macaws (Ara macao), yellow macaws (Ara ararauna), elegant great egrets (Egreta alba), and fast kingfishers (Chloroceryele). Upon reaching the lagoon, we encounter the peculiar hoatzin or shansho bird (Opysthocomus hoazin), patiently feeding along the vegetation-covered shores.

Later, we return to the camp for lunch and to regain energy before continuing with a hike along the Yanayaquillo creek. On this walk, the jungle offers us the opportunity to find groups of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis), small tamarins (Saguinus fuscicollis), and, with some luck, sloths (Bradypus variegatus) resting among the branches.

At the end of the day, we enjoy dinner at the camp, surrounded by the nocturnal sounds of the Amazon, before resting for the next stage of our expedition.

Day 3: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

The day begins with breakfast at the itinerant camp, surrounded by the sounds of the Amazon rainforest. After the first meal, an excursion begins through the Quebrada del Japón and the Yanta Lagoon, two places that allow for birdwatching and enjoying the abundant aquatic life of the reserve. Among the most common species are piranha (Serrasalmus), sábalo (Brycon americus), and sardine (Triportheus), along with other fish native to the area.

At midday, lunch is served, followed by a relaxing canoe ride. This navigation, carried out at sunset, offers a unique view of the landscapes and colors that surround Pacaya Samiria in its last moments of light.

The day ends with dinner at the camp and rest in the heart of nature, an essential part of this camping experience in the Amazon.

Day 4: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

After breakfast at the camp, the expedition continues with a navigation along the Yanayacu-Pucate River. During the journey, it is possible to spot pink dolphins (Inia geoffrensis), taricayas or river turtles (Podocnemis unifilis), and even giant river otters (Pteronura brasiliensis), emblematic species of the Amazon.

Later, the second itinerant camp is set up, located in a privileged environment that invites total disconnection.

Lunch is enjoyed on the riverbank, with an unbeatable view of the Amazonian landscape.

In the afternoon, a reconnaissance hike is carried out to closely observe the flora and fauna characteristic of Pacaya Samiria, immersing in the natural diversity that makes this protected area a unique place.

The day ends with dinner at the camp and nighttime rest in the heart of the jungle, an essential part of this outdoor living experience.

Day 5: Pacaya Samiria Reserve – Nauta – Iquitos

The last day begins with breakfast at the camp, enjoying for the last time the sounds and unique atmosphere of the jungle. After this morning pause, the return journey begins by navigating towards the city of Nauta, leaving behind the landscapes that accompanied the expedition.

From Nauta, the transfer continues by road to Iquitos.

Once in the city, the service concludes with a transfer to the hotel or, if applicable, directly to the airport, according to the scheduled time. In this way ends a camping and nature experience in the heart of Pacaya Samiria, marked by encounters with its wildlife, landscapes, and Amazonian life.