Pacaya Samira National Reserve

Pacaya Samira National Reserve: 3-5 Days through a reserve by canoe /2 day travel.

The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is one of the largest protected areas in Peru, spanning over 20,000 square kilometers of pristine Amazon rainforest. It is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including over 500 species of birds, 132 types of mammals, and numerous species of fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Known as the “Jungle of Mirrors,” the reserve’s reflective waterways create stunning visual effects, and its rich ecosystems support iconic Amazon species such as pink dolphins, jaguars, and manatees.
Day 1: Journey to Lagunas

• Morning: Depart from Tarapoto and travel by road to Yurimaguas. The drive is approximately 2-3 hours, taking you through beautiful Amazon landscapes.
• Lunch in Yurimaguas then we can sit in a coffee shop and wait for our boat to Lagunas 5.30pm.
• From Yurimaguas, we take a 6-hour boat journey down the Huallaga River toward Lagunas. As we travel, enjoy the sights of riverside communities and jungle scenery.
• Arrive in Lagunas in the evening. Settle into your lodge for the night and enjoy dinner. Raul, our local guide born in the area, will cook a meal and introduce you to the myths and legends of the region.

Day 2: Exploring the Reserve

• After breakfast, we begin our adventure into the Pacaya Samiria Reserve by canoe. Paddle through the serene rivers surrounded by dense jungle. Along the way, look out for a variety of birds, monkeys, and possibly even pink dolphins.
• Explore the reserve’s flooded forests and spot exotic fish, mammals, and more of the Amazon’s diverse wildlife. We’ll take breaks to relax.
• Dinner at our lodge for the night, you will have your own room with mosquito net.
• After dinner at the lodge, embark on an exciting night tour. With the guidance of Raul, you’ll explore the jungle after dark, where small caimans and other nocturnal creatures come to life. Hear the unique sounds of the Amazon at night and witness the jungle’s mysteries unfold.

Day 3:  For a longer adventure we journey by boat to a second lodge deeper in the reserve for an extra 2 nights.
Deeper into the Reserve and Pink Dolphin Spotting

• After breakfast departure from the lodge to explore deeper into the reserve, traveling further downstream by canoe. Today, you’ll have a greater chance of seeing pink dolphins, as well as other aquatic creatures and birds that thrive in this part of the Amazon.
• Visit another part of the forest to learn more about the flora and fauna that make the Amazon such a special place. You can also learn about the local medicinal plants used by indigenous communities.
• Overnight stay at the cabin.

Day 4: Return to Tarapoto

• Early morning return to Lagunas and prepare for the journey back. We will sleep in a hotel and make our way to Yurimaguas by boat in the early morning.

Day 5: Return to Tarapoto

• Once we arrive at Yurimaguas we will have a coffee and a snack before the journey back to Tarapoto 

This 3-day journey gives you an immersive experience in one of the Amazon’s most biodiverse regions, with opportunities to encounter rare wildlife and learn about local cultures and legends from Raul, your expert guide.