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6 Days 5 Nights $ 600
Pacaya Samiria Reserve
INCLUDES CAMPING
"Spirit of the Amazon Pacaya Samiria Expedition
6 Days and 5 Nights"
👉 ITINERARY
DAY ONE
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Departure from Iquitos: Morning pickup from your accommodation in Iquitos or from our office by private vehicle or minivan (depending on group size). We travel south for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to the riverside town of Nauta. During the drive, your guide will provide a brief introduction to Iquitos, its surroundings, and some of its main attractions.
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Into the Wild – River Journey: Departure by private boat from the port of Nauta. We begin a 3-hour navigation upriver, enjoying the breathtaking Amazonian landscapes. Along the way, there is a high chance of spotting wildlife such as pink and gray river dolphins, herons, turtles, and a wide variety of tropical flora.
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Arrival at the Reserve – Pacaya Samiria Checkpoint: We arrive at the community of Santo Domingo, where we stop at the official checkpoint to enter the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Here, we register and present our entrance tickets to the authorities. Access to the reserve is strictly regulated and protected by SERNANP (National Service of Natural Protected Areas).
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Arrival at the Community of Buenos Aires: Continue navigating by boat for 30 more minutes to reach the community of Buenos Aires. Along the riverbanks, observe diverse flora and fauna, with special attention to birdlife such as great-crowned herons, snowy egrets, and kingfishers. A guided hike through the primary rainforest allows you to observe wildlife and fully connect with nature.
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Night Walk & Overnight Stay: As night falls, we embark on a guided night walk in search of spiders, snakes, lizards, frogs, and small rodents, while listening to the unique sounds of nocturnal jungle life.
We spend the night in a traditional village house in the community of Buenos Aires, sleeping in single beds with mosquito nets. (Optional: overnight camping in jungle tents is available upon request.)
DAY TWO
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Sunrise Exploration & Morning Wildlife Activity: We wake up early to enjoy the sunrise in the rainforest, one of the best moments to observe wildlife. We begin our expedition keeping an eye out for monkeys and sloths moving through the treetops. Afterwards, we board a canoe to explore the riverbanks, staying alert to movements and sounds as animals begin their morning routines along the river.
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Pucate River Navigation & Dolphin Watching: We navigate for approximately 3 hours along the Pucate River, traveling deeper into the primary rainforest. Along the way, we observe wildlife, including pink river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis) and gray dolphins (tucuxis). This is also a unique opportunity to swim in the Pucate River, right in the heart of Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
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Artisanal Piranha Fishing Experience: We continue by boat to enjoy traditional artisanal sport fishing, just as local communities do. Your guide will provide instructions, assistance, and all the necessary equipment. With some luck and skill, you may catch piranhas, as well as other species such as acarahuazu (Oscar fish) and fasaco (common trahira).
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Virgin Rainforest Hike & Lupuna Tree: We begin a guided hike through the virgin rainforest, observing Amazonian flora and fauna along the way. During the walk, we visit the impressive lupuna tree, one of the largest and most iconic trees of the Amazon rainforest.
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Lake Iricahua (Cocha) Expedition: We trek 2 to 3 hours deep into the jungle to reach Lake Iricahua (cocha). This remote lake offers excellent opportunities to observe wildlife, including woolly monkeys, howler monkeys, and marmoset monkeys (tocón). The lake is also home to the paiche (Arapaima gigas), the largest freshwater fish in the Amazon. We will also observe turtles and caimans basking in the sun along the shores.
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Night Expedition & Jungle Camping: At nightfall, we embark on a night expedition to search for black and white caimans (large river lizards) along the waterways. After the excursion, we set up camp deep in the primary jungle, where we spend the night sleeping in tents, fully immersed in the sounds and atmosphere of the Amazon rainforest.
DAY THREE
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Early Morning Canoe Exploration & Primate Search: We wake up very early and begin our day exploring the waterways by canoe, actively searching for primates and other wildlife during the most active hours of the morning.
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Morning Botanical Walk & Medicinal Plants: We take part in a morning botanical walk, where you will learn about a variety of medicinal plants of the Amazon rainforest. Your guide will demonstrate how to cut and drink from a natural vine known locally as “water rope”, used by jungle inhabitants as a source of fresh water.
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Preparation & River Journey into Pacaya Samiria: After the walk, we prepare our camping gear and get ready to enter the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. We then sail for approximately 2 hours to reach our next destination, going deeper into the Amazon rainforest.
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Deep Jungle Wildlife Expedition: We begin an expedition focused on observing primates and other animals in their natural habitat. The deeper we travel into the rainforest, the higher the chances of spotting wildlife in this pristine environment.
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Stream Exploration & Terrestrial Wildlife Observation: We explore a stream by canoe, navigating through narrow waterways surrounded by dense vegetation. At the end of the stream, we disembark and explore the surrounding area on foot, observing wildlife such as the nine-banded armadillo (carachupa), giant anteater, and rodents like the paca (majaz) and añuje, among other species.
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Night Expedition & Jungle Camping: At night, we embark on a nighttime expedition, listening for and searching for nocturnal animals such as alligators, frogs, snakes, and other creatures of the Amazon. Afterwards, we set up camp deep in the primary jungle, spending the night sleeping in tents, fully immersed in the rainforest environment.
DAY FOUR
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Boat Journey to Quebrada del Fraile: An approximately 2-hour boat ride takes us deep into the pristine jungle to our next campsite, located in a remote area known as Quebrada del Fraile. As we venture further into the rainforest, the chances of observing a wide variety of animals, birds, and fish increase.
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Jungle Hike & Primate Observation: We begin a guided hike through the jungle, searching for monkeys such as the howler monkey and the woolly monkey, along with other wildlife. We remain vigilant, as this area is ideal for spotting macaws, including red-and-green macaws and blue-and-yellow macaws, among others. Within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, two of the eight macaw species found in Peru can be observed.
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Giant River Otter Observation: We continue with a dedicated excursion to search for and observe giant river otters in their natural habitat, an unforgettable highlight of the Amazon experience.
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Night Canoe Wildlife Excursion: As night falls, we embark on a nighttime canoe excursion, navigating quietly through the waterways while searching for nocturnal wildlife along the riverbanks.
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Night Walk & Nocturnal Mammals: We take part in a night walk in search of terrestrial nocturnal animals such as the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) and rodents including the black agouti (Dasyprocta fuliginosa) and the paca agouti (majaz).
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Jungle Camping Overnight: At We set up camp in the virgin rainforest, spending the night sleeping in tents, surrounded by the sounds of the Amazon deep in Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
🔒 Secure Checkout
DAY FIVE
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Breakfast & Early Departure (7:00 a.m.): We enjoy breakfast and depart at 7:00 a.m. to continue exploring new areas rich in fauna and flora deep within the Amazon rainforest.
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Extended Jungle Hike & Wildlife Discovery: In the morning, we embark on a jungle hike lasting at least two hours. Walking through the forest and carefully clearing our path with a machete, we discover a wide variety of primates, birds, giant trees, medicinal plants, and many other natural wonders the jungle has to offer.
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Jungle Lunch Experience: We stop to enjoy lunch in the jungle, surrounded by pristine rainforest and the sounds of nature.
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Return Navigation & River Wildlife Observation: During the return journey by boat, we continue observing pink river dolphins and taricayas, the local name for yellow-spotted river turtles (Podocnemis unifilis). With some luck, we may also spot the elusive river otters along the waterways.
DAY SIX
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Early Morning Canoe & Birdwatching: An early morning canoe trip awakens your senses as we enjoy one of the best moments for birdwatching. Wild birds are most active at sunrise along the riverbanks and deep within the jungle, offering excellent opportunities to observe them in their natural habitat.
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Jungle Hike & Lake (Cocha) Exploration: We continue with a guided jungle hike in search of primates, exploring nearby Amazonian lakes (cochas) where wildlife is frequently observed in its natural environment.
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Community Visit – Buenos Aires: We begin our return journey, stopping at the Buenos Aires community. Here, you will have time to stretch your legs and the opportunity to support the local community by purchasing their handmade crafts, if you wish.
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Return to Nauta by River: Board the boat for the scenic return journey to the town of Nauta, enjoying the final views of the Amazon rainforest.
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Overland Transfer to Iquitos: Ground transportation from Nauta to Iquitos. Arrival at our office, or if you prefer, transfer to your hotel, accommodation, or Iquitos Airport.
THE TOUR INCLUDES
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Private transfer from/to Iquitos (hotel or airport) to Nauta and return.
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River transportation by typical boat along the Amazon River and its tributaries.
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All excursions detailed in the 3-day and 2 Night itinerary.
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Professional local guide (bilingual or with extensive knowledge of the area).
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Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner according to the program.
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Entrance fees and permits for natural areas visited.
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Community visit and conservation projects (according to the itinerary).
NOT INCLUDED
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Airfare or transportation to Iquitos.
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Tips for guides or staff.
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Alcoholic beverages or personal extras (snacks, souvenirs, etc.).
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Travel insurance.
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Any additional service or excursion not mentioned in the main itinerary.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GUEST
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Pack appropriate clothing: light and comfortable clothes, insect repellent, rain gear, hat, and suitable footwear.
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Bring extra cash for tips or local purchases.
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Weather and logistics: activities may vary depending on weather conditions