4-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 about 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 location, we will witness the origin of the majestic Amazon River, the longest and most voluminous river on the planet. 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 role during the 17th and 18th centuries as a key hub of evangelical missions led by Samuel Fritz.

At the port of Nauta, we will board a motorized boat to continue our journey along the 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, a descendant of the Kukama Kukamiria people will warmly welcome us with a refreshing drink prepared from seasonal fruits. Guests will then be assigned to their private bungalows.

After lunch, our guide will invite guests to select 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, guests will have the opportunity to explore the Ethnobotanical Eco-Trail, featuring ten species of Amazonian flora, supported by Amana, a virtual guide powered by the lodge’s augmented reality app. Dinner will be served at the lodge.

Following dinner, our guide will host an engaging talk on Amazonian myths and legends, after which we will walk the Mythological Eco-Trail, where five iconic characters from Amazonian mythology are brought to life through interpretation and storytelling.

Overnight at the ecolodge.

After breakfast, our guide will lead a visit to the ecolodge’s private reserve, located within a restinga (seasonally flooded forest). This experience invites guests to put their adventurous spirit to the test while walking along trails rich in biodiversity. We will take part in an interpretive walk focused on flora and fauna, following natural routes used by primates and other wildlife. Throughout the walk, our guide will explain the traditional and medicinal uses of native plants and trees.

During the excursion, guests will also have the opportunity to explore the Fauna Eco-Trail, an interactive experience that provides in-depth knowledge of six local species through the narration of a virtual guide.

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

Once inside, we will navigate nearby waterways in search of pink and gray river dolphins, while remaining immersed in the extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna that characterizes this protected area. One of the first features to capture our attention will be the calm river waters, which reflect the sky, clouds, riverbanks, and towering trees with remarkable clarity. This striking phenomenon creates the sensation of navigating through endless mirrors, earning Pacaya Samiria its renowned nickname, “The Forest of Mirrors.”

During the journey, we will identify a wide variety of bird species and take part in a traditional artisanal fishing demonstration, using the same tools and techniques employed by Amazonian communities for subsistence.

In the evening, we will enjoy a night excursion through the forest surrounding the ecolodge, offering a unique opportunity to observe nocturnal wildlife and experience the rainforest after dark.

Overnight at the ecolodge.

After breakfast, we begin our second full-day excursion into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. We will navigate the Yanayacu River basin, home to the 20 de Enero Community, where we will learn about the important conservation work carried out by local residents. Organized into natural resource management groups, community members play a key role in protecting the reserve’s wildlife and ecosystems.

During this visit, we will observe traditional activities such as aguaje palm climbing and gain insight into the community’s way of life, deeply connected to the rhythms of the Amazon.

We will then continue navigating deeper into the reserve. Along the route, we will identify a wide variety of bird species and take part in a traditional artisanal fishing demonstration, using the same tools and techniques employed by Amazonian communities for subsistence.

In the afternoon, we will return to the ecolodge. Dinner will be served at the lodge, followed by a well-deserved rest.

Overnight at the ecolodge.

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 serene journey offers an opportunity to enjoy the river landscapes and observe local wildlife along the way.

We will then visit the San Jorge Community and the Pua Kamatawara Women Artisans Center, renowned for their handcrafted works made from natural chambira fiber and finely carved wingo (calabash gourds). This visit provides valuable insight into local traditions, artisanal techniques, and community-based initiatives that support sustainable development. 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, followed by transfer to your hotel or directly to the airport, marking the conclusion of our Amazon journey.