Tour to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve (4 Days)

Day 1: Start of the Expedition to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

Early in the morning, we pick you up from your accommodation in Iquitos or directly from the airport. We travel south in private transportation (car or minivan, depending on the group size) for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes until we reach the traditional town of Nauta.

During the trip, we share with you interesting facts about Iquitos, its history, landscapes, and the natural wonders that surround this gateway to the Peruvian Amazon.

From the port of Nauta, we board our private boat to sail upstream for about 3 hours. Here the real magic of the tour begins: along the way, you can see pink and grey dolphins, herons, turtles, and with some luck, other species that inhabit this unique ecosystem.

Our first stop is the community of Santo Domingo, where we complete the official registration to enter the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Then we navigate another 30 minutes to reach the community of Buenos Aires, the starting point of our first exploratory walk through the primary jungle, in search of wildlife.

At dusk, we embark on a night walk through the jungle, an unforgettable experience to observe spiders, snakes, frogs, lizards, and listen to the deep, mysterious sounds of the living jungle.

We end the day in a typical community house, where we will spend the night. An authentic way to connect with local life and experience Amazonian hospitality up close.

Day 2: Exploring the Depths of the Jungle in Pacaya Samiria

After a good breakfast, we board a peque-peque (motorized canoe) to venture even deeper into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, navigating through a narrow tributary surrounded by lush vegetation.

During the journey, we stay alert for the wildlife that inhabits this remote area. With some luck, we may see groups of monkeys, exotic birds, turtles, and even wild mammals such as capybaras, peccaries, collared peccaries, or the elusive tapir.

We arrive at our camping area within the reserve, where we enjoy an outdoor lunch surrounded by nature, and take some time to rest and regain energy. In the afternoon, we head out to explore trails near a cocha (Amazonian lake), an ideal spot to connect with the unique biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon.

If weather permits, at night we go on a special outing to listen to the deep sounds of the jungle and observe nocturnal birds. This experience is perfect for those seeking an authentic nature adventure.

We end the day with dinner at the campsite and sleep in tents under a starry sky, in the heart of the planet’s green lung.

Day 3: Piranhas, Otters, and Jungle Secrets

We begin the day very early with a birdwatching outing at dawn. It’s a magical moment, full of colors and songs that can only be enjoyed in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon.

Next, we walk to another nearby lake for a canoe ride, where we put our skills to the test with piranha fishing, an exciting and safe experience. All the while, we keep our eyes open: it’s not uncommon to spot Amazon river otters gliding through the water.

After a typical jungle lunch, we prepare for a special walk through the forest, guided by the ancestral knowledge of local inhabitants. We’ll learn about Amazonian medicinal plants that have been used for generations to heal, strengthen, and survive in this natural environment.

Among them, you’ll discover the incredible “water vine”, a liana that stores drinkable water inside and can be a key survival resource in the jungle.

We end the day with dinner at the campsite and spend the night surrounded by the deep sounds of the jungle, a total connection with nature.

Day 4: Return with a Heart Full of Jungle

After breakfast, we make a final visit to a nearby lagoon, where we look for prehistoric birds known as hoatzins (also called Shansho), easily recognized by their unique appearance and calm behavior. With a bit of luck, we might also spot the elusive Horned Screamer (Ánima Cornuta), a rare and special sighting for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Then we begin our journey back, navigating to the community of Buenos Aires, where we share a traditional lunch with local residents, closing the trip with a moment of authentic cultural exchange.

From there, we head back by boat to Nauta, and then by road to the city of Iquitos. We arrive at approximately 6:00 p.m., with our spirits recharged by nature, adventure, and a deep connection to the essential.

We’ll drop you off at your hotel in Iquitos or directly at the airport, as you prefer.