5-Day Ultimate Iquitos Amazon Experience | Pacaya Samiria National Reserve & Jungle Wildlife

Upon arrival at the airport—or with pickup from your hotel—we begin our journey into the Peruvian Amazon. We will travel by road to the town of Nauta, the first settlement founded by the Spanish along the banks of the Marañón River. The drive covers approximately 97 km and takes around 1.5 hours.

En route to the port of Nauta, we will visit San Joaquín de Omaguas, one of the oldest populated centers in the Loreto region. From this point, we will witness the origin of the mighty Amazon River, the longest and most voluminous river on Earth. We will also stop at the Samuel Fritz Interpretation Center, where our guides will share the history of San Joaquín de Omaguas and explain its strategic importance during the 17th and 18th centuries as the headquarters of evangelical missions led by Samuel Fritz.

At the port of Nauta, we will board a motorized boat and continue our journey by river toward the ecolodge. Along the way, we will visit Fundo Casual (during the high-water season), an area ideal for observing local flora and fauna in their natural environment.

Upon arrival at the ecolodge, we will be warmly welcomed by a descendant of the Kukama Kukamiria people, who will greet us with a refreshing drink made from seasonal fruits. Bungalows will then be assigned.

After lunch, our guide will invite guests to choose a sustainable activity to carry out during their stay at the ecolodge, such as planting a tree or plant, or learning ten basic words in the Kukama language.

To further enrich the experience, we will explore the Ethnobotanical Eco-Trail, where we will learn about ten species of Amazonian flora with the support of Amana, a virtual guide powered by the lodge’s augmented reality app.

Later, our guide will lead an engaging talk on Amazonian myths and legends, followed by a walk along the Mythological Eco-Trail, where we will discover and visualize five iconic characters from Amazonian mythology.

Overnight at the ecolodge.

After breakfast, we begin the day with a guided interpretive walk through our private reserve, located within a restinga (seasonally flooded forest). Following established wildlife trails, we will explore the natural routes used by primates and other forest animals. This walk offers an immersive introduction to the Amazon’s biodiversity, while our guide explains the traditional and medicinal uses of native plants and trees.

In the afternoon, we will travel to the Nauta Caño sector of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, where we will complete the official registration process and formally enter the reserve.

During our visit, we will navigate nearby waterways in search of pink and gray river dolphins, while remaining in close contact with the extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna that defines this protected area. One of the most striking features of the reserve is its calm, dark waters, which reflect the sky, clouds, surrounding vegetation, and towering trees with remarkable clarity. This unique visual effect creates the sensation of navigating through endless mirrors, giving Pacaya Samiria its well-known nickname: “The Forest of Mirrors.”

We will also take part in an interpretive walk through flooded forest ecosystems, with opportunities to spot primates, sloths, and a wide variety of bird species along the way. The experience is complemented by a demonstration of traditional artisanal fishing, using the same techniques and tools employed by Amazonian communities for subsistence.

After breakfast, we depart toward the Veinte de Enero community, located within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Here, we will learn firsthand about the important work carried out by local residents, who are organized into natural resource management groups dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of the reserve’s wildlife and ecosystems.

During our visit, we will take part in a variety of traditional activities such as aguaje palm climbing, canoeing, and artisanal fishing, all of which reflect the deep connection between Amazonian communities and their natural environment. We then continue our journey toward the Renacal area, where we will set up our campsite. Lunch will be served either aboard the boat or at the camp, depending on conditions.

In the afternoon, the group will organize exploratory excursions in the surrounding area, tailored to the interests of the expedition participants and guided by our local experts.

After dinner, we will head out by boat for a nocturnal wildlife observation excursion, offering a unique opportunity to spot species that are active after dark and experience the Amazon from a completely different perspective.

After breakfast at the campsite, we will set out on a final morning exploration in search of additional wildlife, or alternatively, enjoy a refreshing swim in the calm waters of the Yanayacu. This last immersion in the reserve allows guests to appreciate the tranquility of the Amazon and reflect on the experiences lived deep within the rainforest.

We will then dismantle the camp and prepare for our return journey to the ecolodge. Lunch will be served either at the campsite or aboard the boat, depending on timing and logistics determined by our specialist guide.

Along the route, we will continue to enjoy the surrounding landscapes and may be pleasantly surprised by unexpected wildlife sightings, as nature in the Amazon is never predictable. Upon arrival at the ecolodge, there will be time to rest, take a shower, or relax in the common areas while sharing stories and impressions from the expedition.

In the evening, guests may enjoy free time to relax, listen to the sounds of the jungle, or observe the night sky before concluding another memorable day in the Amazon.

After breakfast, we set out on a boat excursion along the Marañón River toward Cocha Shiriyacu, subject to seasonal conditions and suitability for fishing. This peaceful journey offers opportunities to observe riverine landscapes and local wildlife.

We will then visit the San Jorge Community and the Pua Kamatawara Women Artisans Center, renowned for its handcrafted products made from natural chambira fiber and intricately carved wingo (calabash gourds). This visit provides insight into local traditions, craftsmanship, and community-based initiatives. Afterward, we return to the ecolodge.

At the scheduled time, we will board our boat to the Nauta port. Upon arrival, we continue by road to Iquitos, marking the conclusion of our Amazon experience.