Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Tour

Start of the Pacaya Samiria tour and transfer to Nauta

Your Pacaya Samiria tour begins with pick-up at Iquitos Airport according to your flight arrival time, or directly from your accommodation in the city. From there, you will travel by road for approximately 2 hours to the town of Nauta, located about 62 miles (100 km) south of Iquitos and considered the main gateway to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

During the drive, your guide will introduce you to the Amazon region, its extraordinary biodiversity, and the exciting activities planned for the next few days.

Navigation on the Marañón River

At the Nauta pier, you will board a traditional Amazon river boat to begin a 2.5-hour navigation along the Marañón River. As you travel deeper into the jungle, you will be surrounded by lush vegetation and the sounds of Amazonian wildlife.

You will make a brief stop at the official checkpoint to register your entry into the protected natural reserve.

🍽️ Typical Amazonian buffet lunch served on board.

Arrival at the lodge and first jungle exploration

Upon arrival at the lodge, located in the heart of the rainforest, you will attend a short welcome talk about sustainability guidelines and conservation practices within the reserve.

You will then set out on your first guided jungle hike, where you will learn about native plant species and begin to understand the Amazon ecosystem.

In the afternoon, you will visit a local community to discover their traditions and way of life. Later, you will navigate along the Ucayali River, where you may spot pink and gray river dolphins, caimans, turtles, tropical birds, and possibly monkeys.

Night canoe excursion

After dinner, enjoy one of the highlights of your Pacaya Samiria tour: a night canoe excursion through the flooded forest. This unique experience allows you to observe nocturnal wildlife such as insects, amphibians, spiders, and other species that become active after sunset.

Overnight at the jungle lodge, surrounded by the magical sounds of the Amazon rainforest.

Sunrise in the Amazon and birdwatching

Your day starts early to witness an unforgettable Amazon sunrise, the best time for birdwatching. Keep an eye out for toucans, parrots, herons, kingfishers, and other exotic species.

🍽️ Traditional Amazonian breakfast at the lodge.

Navigation on the Yarapa River & traditional piranha fishing

After breakfast, continue your Pacaya Samiria tour with a canoe excursion along the Yarapa River, searching for wildlife and learning traditional piranha fishing techniques used by local communities.

If you wish, you will have the chance to taste your catch.

Swimming in the Marañón River

Later, enjoy some free time to swim in the Marañón River. In this area, it is sometimes possible to see pink river dolphins swimming nearby.

🍽️ Homemade lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients.

Guided botanical hike

In the afternoon, take a guided botanical walk to discover giant trees, medicinal plants, and fascinating Amazonian legends. You may also spot wildlife such as macaws, curassows, and other jungle species.

🍽️ Typical Amazonian dinner at the lodge.

Night jungle walk

After dinner, head out on a guided night walk to observe nocturnal wildlife while your guide explains the complex dynamics of this unique ecosystem.

Sunrise canoe ride and final jungle exploration

At dawn, enjoy a peaceful canoe excursion, ideal for birdwatching and soaking in the tranquility of the rainforest.

After breakfast, you will take a final guided jungle hike, where you may spot monkeys, ancient trees, and learn basic Amazon survival techniques.

🍽️ Last traditional lunch prepared by the local community.

Return to Nauta and transfer to Iquitos

After lunch, begin the return journey by boat along the Marañón River back to Nauta. From there, continue by road to Iquitos, arriving at approximately 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

End of your Pacaya Samiria tour.