Pacaya Samiria is the second largest protected area in Peru. It is a paradise for nature lovers, with biodiversity that is manifested in more than 1,000 species of animals and 965 species of wild plants.
This humid, tropical and flooded forest is an autonomous and exemplary ecosystem, which is home to lagoons such as the El Dorado lake and native communities that have experiential tourism as one of their main means of subsistence.
Where is Pacaya Samiria located?
The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is located in the department of Loreto, 308 kilometers from the city of Iquitos. This place occupies more than 20,000 square kilometers and is one of the largest reserves in the entire Amazon. Furthermore, in 2015 it was named the second best place in the world for wildlife, so its fauna and flora are simply amazing.
What will you find in Pacaya Samiria?
Pacaya Samiria, classified as a flooded tropical humid forest, is a paradise for nature lovers. During your days in the jungle you will feel like a true adventurer traveling through unparalleled landscapes and sailing along the rivers that flow into the Amazon. And the best of all this is the company: a wide variety of mysterious animals and striking plants.
The diversity of Pacaya Samiria is exciting: up to 1,000 species of animals and 965 species of plants have been found in this national reserve. In every corner of Pacaya Samiria you will find something new that will make you fall in love with this place at every turn.
Among all these species, the paiche stands out, the largest freshwater fish in the entire Amazon, which is used as one of the main ingredients in the area's gastronomy. Don't leave Pacaya Samiria without trying a plate of this delicious fish!
What activities can you do in Pacaya Samiria?
This national reserve has countless activities to do: you can spend an afternoon fishing to get your own food, go on excursions along rivers where alligators live, take a bath in enigmatic lagoons or sleep under a true blanket of stars.
Although we know that once you arrive at Pacaya Samiria you will want to stay for weeks exploring the deepest corners of the jungle, we are also aware that tourists usually have limited time to visit this destination.
Therefore, we are going to tell you the main places that you have to visit when you visit this national reserve.
Crossing the waters of the Marañón River: one of the main axes of Pacaya Samiria is the Marañón River, a large tributary of the Amazon that will become your highway during the days you are in the jungle. Take advantage of the trip you will take along this river to the different tourist attractions of the jungle to meet the inhabitants of the Marañón, such as alligators, turtles and piranhas.
The magic of Laguna El Dorado: although in this area of Peru you will find a large number of lagoons, such as those of Yarina, Fortuna and Ungurahui, among all of them, El Dorado stands out, a place where you will see one of the best sunsets of your life.
Adventure at Lake Yanta: One of the destinations with the most activities to choose from is Lake Yanta, a place where you can take a hike, receive a plant identification master class, enjoy an entertaining canoe ride or go diving to its waters in a bath with the most beautiful landscape of your life. Choosing what you prefer to do will be a difficult choice!
Visit to a native community: in Pacaya Samiria there are just over 200 population centers in which around 120,000 people live. The way of life of these families is totally different from our daily lives, so it is very enriching to visit them and learn everything about their customs.
A cruise in the middle of the jungle: who said that a trip to the jungle couldn't be synonymous with luxury? Some companies offer an experience at another level, getting to know the jungle from the comfort of a cruise. You can navigate the waters of Pacaya Samiria aboard a large boat and make stops at some tourist attractions in the national reserve. A different way to explore the Peruvian Amazon.
Animal sighting: as we have mentioned previously, the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is one of the areas of Peru with the greatest diversity of fauna. In places like Quebrada Yanaquillo you can meet such curious animals as squirrel monkeys and adorable sloth bears. Additionally, in Yanaquillo there are giant Lupuna trees, up to 70 meters high.
When you walk through Pacaya Samiria you cannot miss any details, pay close attention because in the blink of an eye you can find the most impressive animals walking, swimming or flying around you.
A night walk through the jungle: if it is already exciting to explore the depths of the jungle during the day, imagine doing it at night with practically no light. This experience, only suitable for the most adventurous, will test your bravery and allow you to discover the Amazon from an even more enigmatic and intrepid point of view.
What to bring to Pacaya Samiria?
- 40 to 60 liter backpack to carry the things you will use during the tours.
- 25 liter backpack for the short walks you will take during the day.
- Comfortable clothes.
- Long pants.
- T-shirts or long sleeve shirts.
- Waterproof pants and jacket.
- Rain poncho.
- Trekking shoes.
- Water.
- Snacks.
- Sun hat.
- Sunscreen.
- Insect repellent.
- Binoculars.
- Headlamp.
- Towel.
- Personal hygiene items.
How to get to Pacaya Samiria?
Although the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is quite far from Iquitos, the best way to get there is through this city in the Peruvian jungle.
To do this, the first thing you have to do is go to Iquitos by plane or boat. These are the only means of transportation you can get there with as this is the largest city in the world without road access.
Once in Iquitos, you must go to Nauta. In this small port town you will get on a boat where the real adventure begins: for 35 minutes you will travel the waters of the Marañón River, one of the tributaries of the Amazon, in one of those experiences that remain in your memory for a lifetime. .
As with practically all excursions to the Peruvian jungle, to get to know Pacaya Samiria you must hire a tour and do this entire trip with the help of a specialized guide. This is mandatory since the jungle is a very difficult place to navigate, with very similar paths that are difficult to follow without getting lost.
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