Pacaya Samiria National Reserve 3-Day Tour
Stay at a lodge inside Pacaya Samiria and explore the Amazon with expert native guides
Briefing
Explore the Peruvian Amazon in its purest form with our Pacaya Samiria National Reserve 3-Day Tour.
Staying at a jungle lodge deep in the rainforest, canoeing along Amazonian rivers, and spotting pink dolphins, monkeys, exotic birds, and other incredible wildlife make this a true adventure. Guided by local experts, you’ll explore one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth in a safe, sustainable way.
👉 Book now and experience the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve like never before! 🌿
Tour details
Included
- Transfers
- Guide in English or Spanish
- 1 night of lodging in cabins in the Pacaya Samiria Reserve
- 1 night of lodging in tents in the Pacaya Samiria Reserve
- Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Excursions
Not included
- Drinks at the bar
- Laundry
- Tips
Important information
🔄 The order of some activities may change due to operational or climatic reasons.
👨👩👧 This is a family-friendly tour. Children under 7 receive a special discount. Children under 5 can join for free.
🛶 You can add an extra night in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve by selecting the "extra night" option during booking.
Cancellation policy
If you cancel at least 12 days before the start of the tour, you will receive a refund of 70% of the total cost.
After this time or in case of not doing the activity, no refund will be made.
*Reservation modifications are subject to the same conditions.
Tour itinerary
DAY 1 Iquitos - Nauta - Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
Beginning of the tour and transfer to Nauta
We’ll pick you up from the Iquitos airport based on your flight arrival, or directly from your hotel in the city. From there, we’ll travel by road to the town of Nauta, located about 62 miles (100 km) south of Iquitos.
During the drive, your guide will give you an introduction to this quiet riverside town, known as the gateway to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
Navigation on the Marañon River
At the Nauta pier, we’ll board a comfortable, covered motorboat and begin our navigation on the Marañón River—one of the main tributaries of the Amazon. This three-hour journey will take us through lush landscapes and, with a bit of luck, offer sightings of pink and gray river dolphins.
Entrance to the Pacaya Samiria Reserve
We’ll make a short stop at Checkpoint No. 1 to register our official entrance into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, managed by the National Service of Natural Protected Areas (SERNANP).
🍽️ While sailing, you’ll enjoy a traditional Amazonian buffet lunch on board. (Vegetarian options are available upon request.)
Arrival at Buenos Aires Camp and night hike
Upon arrival at our base in Buenos Aires Camp, located inside the reserve, you’ll receive a short briefing on the sustainability rules and an introductory walk around the area to get oriented with your surroundings.
After dinner, we’ll head out on a guided night hike to discover the fascinating world of the rainforest after dark—spotting insects, spiders, frogs, snakes, and other nocturnal creatures.
You’ll spend the night deep in the Amazon, surrounded by the natural sounds of the jungle.
DAY 2 Yanayacu - Pucate
Amazon sunrise and bird watching
We’ll start the day early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Amazon. These early hours are ideal for birdwatching, as toucans, parrots, herons, and other exotic species are most active along the riverbanks.
🍽️ Return to camp for a traditional Amazonian breakfast.
Dolphin watching, wildlife spotting and piranha fishing
While navigating through the reserve, we’ll be on the lookout for pink and gray dolphins. Later, we’ll head into the jungle on foot for a guided wildlife walk, followed by a lesson in traditional piranha fishing using local techniques. If you’re up for it, you can even try your catch.
Swimming in the Marañon River
After fishing, cool off with a swim in the Marañón River. With a bit of luck, you might even swim near the playful pink dolphins that live in this part of the Amazon.
🍽️ Back at the camp, enjoy a homemade lunch prepared with fresh, local ingredients by the community.
Botanical walk
In the afternoon, we’ll take a guided botanical walk through the jungle to learn about important medicinal plants and native Amazonian trees. Many of these plants are still used in local remedies and carry centuries of tradition. Along the way, you may spot macaws, curassows, kingfishers, and more.
🍽️ Enjoy a traditional Amazonian dinner back at camp.
Night navigation on the Pucate River
After dinner, we’ll explore the Pucate River by canoe under the stars. Using flashlights, we’ll search for caimans and other nocturnal wildlife while enjoying the glow of fireflies and the mesmerizing sounds of the nighttime jungle.
You will sleep in our camp inside the reserve. Your rest will be restorative, preparing you for new adventures the next day.
DAY 3 Pacaya Samiria National Reserve - Nauta - Iquitos
Craft fair
🍽️ Begin your final day with a delicious breakfast at camp, featuring local Amazonian flavors.
Before leaving, you’ll have the chance to visit a small craft fair, where local artisans sell handmade items such as bracelets, necklaces, and wood carvings. It’s a great way to support the community and bring home a meaningful souvenir.
🍽️ Enjoy a final homemade lunch prepared by the community in a welcoming, family-style setting.
Return to Nauta and Iquitos
After lunch, we’ll travel by boat down the Marañón River to Nauta, and then continue by road back to Iquitos. Drop-off will be at your hotel or the airport, with arrival expected between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m.
What to bring to Pacaya Samiria National Reserve 3-Day tour
To make the most of your jungle experience, we recommend packing the following:
Light and comfortable clothing.
- Lightweight, long-sleeved cotton shirts and pants
- Bermuda shorts or cool shorts
- T-shirts or T-shirts with short sleeves
Sun and insect protection
- Sunscreen
- Cap with visor or light hat
- Mosquito repellent (we recommend OFF!)
Technology and personal equipment
- Camera or camcorder with rechargeable battery
- Binoculars
- Personal flashlight
For rain and hiking
- Poncho or waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes or boots
Other essentials
- Swimwear
Where does the tour Pacaya Samiria National Reserve 3-Day start
The tour starts and ends in the city of Iquitos (accommodation or airport) and includes pick up and drop off service. Remember to tell us in the booking form the name of your accommodation in Iquitos or the arrival time of your flight.
The most comfortable and safest way to get to Iquitos is flying, as it is not connected by road with the rest of the country. Most travelers fly from Lima, from where several airlines operate. In addition, the airline Latam sometimes offers direct flights between Cusco and Iquitos.
How to get to Iquitos? 👉 Here you will find all the available routes and transports
Questions & Answers
What time is the pick-up time? What flight do you recommend?
The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve tour usually starts between 7:40 and 8:00 a.m. We recommend arriving in Iquitos on early morning flights between 5:30 and 7:30 a.m. so you can start the tour on the same day.
If you arrive later or at night, we suggest spending the night at a hotel in Iquitos and starting the tour the next morning.
Is the 3-day tour in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve suitable for children or senior citizens?
Yes, our program is suitable for the whole family.
What do the meals consist of, are there vegan or vegetarian options?
You'll enjoy fresh, homemade meals prepared by local staff using regional ingredients.
- Breakfast: Continental-style with tropical fruits, fresh bread, eggs (made to order), coffee, and natural juices.
- Lunch & Dinner: Traditional Amazonian dishes such as fresh river fish (like paiche or doncella), yucca, fried plantains, and rice with jerky.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Available throughout your stay with prior notice—options include vegetable stews, legumes, mushrooms or soy-based proteins, salads, and plantain rice. Please indicate dietary preferences in the booking form.
What kind of wildlife can I see?
Pink dolphins, monkeys, caimans, sloths, tropical birds and a great diversity of Amazonian fish. Observation depends on the season and luck.
What happens if it rains during the 3-day Pacaya Samiria Tour?
The tour continues as scheduled, even in the rain. The Amazon rainforest has a humid climate year-round. Only in rare cases of extreme weather will adjustments or cancellations be made for safety reasons.
Is there a telephone or internet signal at the National Reserve?
No. There is no cell service or internet access in the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. A complete digital disconnect is part of the immersive jungle experience.
What is the climate like in the Pacaya Samiria Reserve?
The climate is warm and humid year-round, with temperatures ranging from 72°F to 90°F (22°C to 32°C). The rainy season typically runs from November to April.
Can I book an extra night at the National Reserve?
Yes, you can add an extra night in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Simply select the "extra night" option when filling out the reservation form.
By adding this extra night, you will enjoy unique activities that enhance your jungle experience, such as:
- Change of camp to Camp Chambira, in a new area of the reserve.
- Navigating the Yanayacu River, which is different from the Marañón River visited previously.
- More opportunities for piranha fishing.
- Monkey and wildlife viewing excursions.
- An additional night-time navigation, ideal for observing nocturnal wildlife.