Pacaya Samiria Reserve – 5D/4N

Located in the Loreto region, the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is a natural gem of ecotourism in Peru. With more than two million hectares of tropical forests, rivers, and lagoons, this protected area is home to emblematic species such as the pink river dolphin, jaguar, Amazonian manatee, and hundreds of exotic birds. Its landscape, known as the Forest of Mirrors, dazzles with the perfect reflection of the sky on its calm waters.

Created in 1982

The reserve aims to conserve Amazonian biodiversity from illegal logging and hunting. Today, Pacaya Samiria has become a benchmark for sustainable tourism, offering unique experiences of contact with nature and environmental learning. Visitors can travel along its rivers by boat, take guided hikes through the jungle, and observe wildlife up close in its natural environment.

Access to this paradise is possible from Iquitos, with boats that sail along the Marañón, Pacaya, and Samiria rivers. The 4- to 5-day tours allow you to explore lagoons, native communities, and conservation areas. Visiting Pacaya Samiria is like entering the green lung of the planet, an experience that combines adventure, culture, and environmental conservation in one of the most impressive destinations in the Peruvian Amazon.

🐆 Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Tour 5 Days / 4 Nights

🌿 Day 1: Iquitos – Nauta – Pacaya Samiria National Reserve – Base Camp

At 7:30 a.m., our team will pick you up from your hotel in Iquitos to begin the journey to Nauta, located 97 km away, an approximately 2-hour drive.
Upon arrival at the port, we will board a motorized boat that will navigate the Marañón and Ucayali Rivers, tributaries that give rise to the majestic Amazon River. During this tour, travelers will be able to admire exotic birds, riverside communities, and, with luck, the pink and gray dolphins that inhabit these waters.

An Amazonian lunch will be served on board or on the riverbank, featuring fresh ingredients from the jungle. Then, we will begin the official entrance to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, known as the Forest of Mirrors for the way its waters reflect the sky.
Upon arrival at the base camp or lodge, visitors will settle into their cabins before embarking on an exploratory hike, observing wildlife, tropical birds, and the majestic ceiba trees, which reach over 50 meters in height.
The day culminates with an Amazonian dinner and an introductory talk about the upcoming days’ activities. A night of rest amidst the jungle.

🌅 Day 2: Wildlife Observation – Cocha Exploration – Night Birdwatching

Very early, we’ll depart by boat for birdwatching at dawn, when the forest comes alive with macaws, parrots, toucans, and herons. Sunrise at Pacaya Samiria is an incomparable natural spectacle.
Afterward, we’ll return to camp to enjoy an Amazonian breakfast with local fruits and coffee.

The morning continues with a boat exploration of the cochas and inland lagoons, home to taricaya turtles, caimans, howler monkeys, and Amazonian fish. The naturalist guide will share information about the ecological importance of these floodplains.
After a traditional lunch at the lodge, we’ll take an interpretive walk through the jungle, discovering giant trees like the lupuna and learning about medicinal plants and their ancestral uses.

At dusk, a night excursion will allow us to observe caimans, frogs, insects, and other creatures active under the Amazonian moon. Return to camp for dinner and a rest, surrounded by the sounds of the forest.

🪶 Day 3: Local Communities – Artisanal Fishing – Cultural Experience

The day begins with a sunrise boat ride, ideal for photographing birds in flight and the reflections of the sky on the rivers.
After breakfast, we will sail to one of the native communities in the buffer zone, where residents will share their way of life, crafts made from seeds and natural fibers, and knowledge of medicinal plants used for generations.

A typical Amazonian lunch, prepared by the community members, includes fresh fish, cassava, plantain, and jungle fruits.
In the afternoon, we will participate in an artisanal fishing activity for piranhas and other species, guided by local experts. This experience provides an insight into the sustainable relationship between the communities and their natural environment.
Back at camp, there will be free time to rest or photograph the jungle.
In the evening, we will enjoy an Amazonian dinner and, optionally, a cultural evening with traditional music or stories of Amazonian myths. Rest at the lodge.

🐬 Day 4: Deep Trek – Dolphin Watching – Amazon Experience

At dawn, we will take a deep trek into the virgin rainforest, relaxing.

We’ll explore trails where you can see the footprints of peccaries, deer, and anteaters, while the guide teaches Amazonian survival techniques.
After breakfast, we’ll sail in search of the famous pink and gray dolphins that inhabit the lagoons and rivers of Pacaya Samiria. This sighting, in the calm waters of the “mirrors of the jungle,” is one of the most memorable moments of the trip.

Lunch will be a picnic lunch in the jungle, enjoying the natural scenery and Amazonian serenity. There will then be free time to relax in hammocks, paddle a canoe, or simply observe birds and aquatic fauna.
At night, we’ll return to camp for dinner and relaxation under a starry sky. Free night in the heart of the Amazon.

🌞 Day 5: Return to Nauta – Transfer to Iquitos – Farewell to the Amazon

Before dawn, an optional boat or hike is offered for one last wildlife and landscape observation.
After an Amazonian breakfast, we will begin our return trip by cruising the reserve’s rivers, once again observing the riverine life and birds that accompany us along the way.
Upon arrival in Nauta, we will board the tour vehicle for the return trip to Iquitos (approximately 2 hours).
Arrival and transfer to the hotel or airport, concluding an unforgettable 5-day, 4-night experience amidst the biodiversity, landscapes, and living culture of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

✅ What’s included in the tour?

This tour has been designed to offer a complete, safe, and enriching experience in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. It includes everything you need to experience the jungle without worries:

🚐 Round-trip private ground transportation from Iquitos to Nauta, in a comfortable and safe vehicle.

🛶 River transfers by motorboat and pamacari, following the reserve’s established navigation routes.

🏕️ Accommodation in camps and lodges within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve (with rustic rooms or tents, depending on the area).

🧭 Expert local guide and bilingual guide (Spanish-English), knowledgeable about the Amazonian fauna, flora, culture, and mysticism.

🍽️ All meals throughout the tour: breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared with local products.

🥤 Unlimited purified water during activities.

🧤 Hiking equipment: rubber hiking boots, rain ponchos, and camping utensils.

🎣 Scheduled activities: sailing, artisanal fishing, botanical walks, wildlife watching, night tours, cultural visits, and nature rituals.

🎟️ Entrance fees and official permits to enter the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

🎒 Permanent assistance throughout the tour to ensure your comfort and safety.

🧾 Basic first aid kit available to the group.

❌ What’s not included?

To fully prepare your trip, it’s important to consider the following. These services are not included in the tour price:

✈️ Domestic or international flights to/from Iquitos.

🏨 Accommodation in Iquitos before or after the tour (can be arranged separately if desired).

🧴 Personal items such as insect repellent, sunscreen, toiletries, a headlamp, or extra batteries.

🍷 Alcoholic or soft drinks (the tour includes only purified water and basic drinks).

🐒 Voluntary tips for guides, cooks, or local staff (optional, but recommended as a thank you for their work).

👜 Travel insurance or personal medical insurance is highly recommended for any jungle adventure.

📷 No special cameras or photography equipment, spare batteries, or solar chargers (suggested to bring your own).

🌟 Recommendations

Exploring the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is a unique experience, but it also requires proper preparation to enjoy it to the fullest. Here are some practical tips:

🎒 Pack the essentials in a waterproof backpack, preferably a lightweight one, as much of the tour involves navigation and hiking in wet environments.

👕 Lightweight, quick-drying clothing in neutral colors is your best bet. We recommend long-sleeved shirts, long pants, a sun hat, and a waterproof jacket to protect yourself from rain and mosquitoes.

🥾 Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes, such as hiking shoes or ankle boots, as well as sandals to wear at camp.

🧴 Don’t forget your insect repellent, eco-friendly sunscreen, and biodegradable personal hygiene items to avoid harming the ecosystem.

💡 Bring a headlamp or rechargeable flashlight, as continuous electricity is unavailable in deep jungle areas. It’s also recommended to bring extra batteries or solar chargers.

💧 Stay hydrated, especially during hikes. Although purified water is provided, having a small bottle is a good idea.

Reusable personal protective equipment is ideal.

📷 Bring your camera with waterproof protection, and if you use binoculars, this is the perfect place to make the most of them.

🧘‍♀️ Keep an open and patient attitude; nature has its own rhythm. Wildlife doesn’t always appear immediately, but waiting is usually rewarded.

🎁 Support local communities by purchasing their handicrafts and respecting their customs. Responsible tourism is key to preserving the rainforest and its cultures.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be in good physical condition for this tour?
Yes, a medium to good physical condition is recommended, as the tour includes hiking through uneven terrain, constant humidity, and activities such as fishing, night exploration, or sailing. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you do need to be prepared for an active experience in the rainforest.

Is there phone coverage or internet access during the tour?

No. Once inside the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, there is no mobile signal or internet access. It’s a perfect opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. If you need to notify family members, please do so before leaving Iquitos.

What is the accommodation like within the reserve?
Accommodations can vary from rustic campsites with equipped tents to basic eco-lodges, depending on the overnight stay. All are safe, clean, and managed in harmony with the surroundings. Don’t expect luxury, but do expect an authentic connection with nature.

What type of food is offered during the tour?

The food is based on local products and is adapted to the surrounding conditions. It includes typical Amazonian dishes, fish, fresh fruits, vegetables, and balanced meals. Special requests (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.) can also be accommodated with prior notice.

Is it safe to swim in the rivers?

In certain areas of the river, the guide may authorize brief swims if conditions permit. This will always be done under supervision. However, free swimming in bodies of water without authorization is not permitted for safety reasons.

What is the best time to visit Pacaya Samiria?

You can visit year-round, but there are two distinct seasons:

High water season (November to May): ideal for sailing and reaching deeper areas.
Low water season (June to October): excellent for hiking and land-based animal viewing.
Both seasons offer different but equally fascinating experiences.

Should I get vaccinated before traveling?

Although it is not mandatory, it is recommended that you consult with your medical center about vaccinations against yellow fever and tetanus, and that you carry a personal first-aid kit if you are undergoing medical treatment. The area is a humid tropical rainforest, so it is important to take precautions.

Can I bring children on the tour?

Yes, but it is recommended for children over 10 years of age who are accustomed to walking and living in natural environments. The tour is not suitable for infants or very young children due to logistics and jungle conditions.