The wildlife experience in the deep jungle – visiting the National Reserve of Pacaya Samiria:
Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, located 183 km southwest of Iquitos, is the second largest protected area in Peru and in the Amazon region (after Alto Purus National Park). It covers an area of 20,800 km2 and is rich in biodiversity. The reserve has a triangular shape along the Marañón River in the north and the Ucayali River in the south, just before their junction. Both rivers are the source of the Amazon River. The main purpose of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve is to preserve the ecosystem of the Omagua Natural Area and to promote sustainable development of local towns.
The Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve is the second largest protected nature reserve in Peru and one of the best places for nature lovers and eco-tourists. The reserve protects the ecosystem of the rainforest that contains the great biodiversity of the Amazon River, a natural wonder of the world. The main purpose of the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve is to preserve the resources of flora and fauna and the large number of indigenous tribes that use a small part of the natural resources. The reserve lies in the basins of the Pacaya or Pacaya, Samiria and Yanayaku-Pukate rivers. Most of its territory is occupied by virgin jungle, with various islands and lagoons (cochas). The most visited part of the national park is the famous Eldorado, considered the heart of the reserve and containing the fauna located in the low-lying Yanayaku basin. It is home to the RNPS Tourism Center, a successful example of local Native American entrepreneurship and wildlife conservation cooperation.
The exclusive chance to see wildlife at it’s natural habituate
Cruising the rivers, tourists can see manatees, pink dolphins and several species of monkeys, as well as many species of birds, mammals, snakes and fish.
There are various Hotels and Hostels in the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve and surrounding areas, offering everything from basic amenities to exclusive services. Tourists can also travel by cruise ship and enjoy luxurious views.
There are three main hiking trails in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve:
1. From the Yanayaku-Putsat Basin, from the town of 20 de Enero, near Nauta, to the famous El Dorado Lagoon. This is the area with most of the hotels and campsites located on the river.
2. Low and middle basin of the Samiria River, visiting the lagoons of Yarina, Fortuna and Ungurahua. The itinerary begins in the town of San Martin de Tipiska. Tourists can also visit and interact with the local community of Cucamacucamira, who offer various hiking tours and canoe trips.
3. Low Pacaya Basin. There are many beautiful lagoons here, and the forest remains submerged most of the year.
We provide English/Italian/Russian speaking guides, who will safely accompany you from Tarapoto/Yurimaguas all along the trip.
