Tour to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve (4 Days)

Day 1: Iquitos – San Joaquín de Omaguas – Nauta – Ecolodge

The experience begins with a welcome at the airport or from your hotel in Iquitos. From there, the journey continues to Nauta, the first town founded by the Spanish on the banks of the Marañón River, located 97 km from the city. Along the way, there is a stop at San Joaquín de Omaguas, one of the oldest populated centers in Loreto, where you can see the birth of the Amazon River, the longest and most voluminous river in the world.

In San Joaquín, a stop is made at the Samuel Fritz Interpretation Center, where guides explain the area’s history and its role as a hub of evangelical missions in the 17th and 18th centuries.

From the port of Nauta, a boat is boarded to reach the ecolodge, located deep in the lowland jungle. During the high-water season, a visit to Fundo Casual is included, an ideal place to observe Amazonian flora and fauna in their natural state.

Upon arrival at the ecolodge, a member of the Kukama Kukamiria community greets guests with a seasonal fruit drink. Afterwards, bungalows are assigned.

After lunch, the guide invites guests to choose a sustainable activity to carry out during the stay: plant a tree, learn words in Kukama, or another ecological experience. In the afternoon, there is a walk along the Ethnobotanical Ecotrail, an interpretive trail with augmented reality, guided by Amana, a virtual assistant.

The day ends with dinner and a talk about Amazonian myths and legends, followed by a walk along the Mythological Ecotrail, where five legendary jungle characters are introduced. Overnight at the lodge.

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

After breakfast, the day begins with a hike through the Private Reserve of the ecolodge, located in a restinga forest area. The trail leads through lush vegetation and abundant wildlife, where you’ll explore the biodiversity of the Amazon by following tracks of primates and other species. During the walk, the guide interprets the natural surroundings and explains the traditional use of medicinal plants and native trees.

This stage also includes access to the Fauna Ecotrail, an interactive circuit that lets you learn about six representative species of the area with the support of a virtual guide, blending adventure with technology.

In the afternoon, the excursion enters the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, specifically the Nauta Caño sector. There, the official registration is completed before continuing with a river expedition.

During the navigation, you’ll look for sightings of pink and gray dolphins, typical of Amazonian waters. The scenery is dazzling: the perfect reflection of the sky, clouds, and vegetation on the water creates a unique sensation, as if traveling through mirrors. That’s why the region is known as “The Jungle of Mirrors.”

Throughout the route, you may spot various bird species and take part in a traditional fishing practice, using the same techniques as local inhabitants for subsistence.

As night falls, a night walk through the forest surrounding the ecolodge is carried out ideal for listening to the jungle’s sounds and spotting species active at dusk. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 3: Full Day in Pacaya Samiria National Reserve – 20 de Enero Community

After breakfast, the day begins with another entrance into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve for a full day of exploration. This time, the river journey extends along the Yanayacu River basin, an area rich in biodiversity and of great ecological value.

During the navigation, you’ll arrive at the 20 de Enero Community, where visitors have the opportunity to interact with local families. This community actively participates in conservation projects, organized in natural resource management groups, which protect key species of the Amazonian ecosystem.

During the visit, guests can observe how the locals live, learn about their customs, and take part in a traditional regional activity: climbing the aguaje palm, a native tree whose fruit is sustainably harvested by the community.

The journey continues deeper into the river, offering new opportunities to spot various bird species and to connect with untouched nature. A second round of artisanal fishing practice is also included, using traditional techniques of the Amazonian people, reflecting their deep connection to the river environment.

Throughout the day, the river navigation allows guests to enjoy the unique aquatic landscapes of the reserve, along with its rich fauna, all guided by the expertise of the local team.

By late afternoon, the group returns to the ecolodge, where dinner is served, followed by a time to rest after a deep immersion into the rainforest. Overnight at the lodge, surrounded by the peace of the Amazonian forest.

Day 4: Shiriyacu Lake – San Jorge Community – Return to Iquitos

After breakfast, the day begins with a boat excursion along the Marañón River toward Shiriyacu Lake, a lagoon that depending on the season and water level allows for traditional Amazonian fishing. This setting is known for its peacefulness and natural beauty, making it an ideal place to conclude the journey with an authentic experience in contact with local biodiversity.

The next stop is the San Jorge Community, a small riverside village that preserves strong cultural traditions. There, visitors explore the Pua Kamatawara Women Artisans Center, renowned for its handmade creations using chambira palm fiber and the art of carving wingo (Amazonian gourd). This visit provides insight into the handicraft work of local women, who preserve ancestral techniques while strengthening the local economy through art.

After the visit, guests return to the ecolodge to gather their belongings and prepare for departure. At the scheduled time, the group boards the boat once more to reach the port of Nauta.

From the port, a vehicle awaits to transport guests back to the city of Iquitos, completing the journey through one of the most fascinating ecosystems on the planet.

Upon arrival in the city, the final transfer is made to the hotel or airport, marking the end of an immersive experience that combines nature, culture, and sustainability in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon.